Department profile
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Real Estate

Canada Guide 2027 : British Columbia

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Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Our Real Estate group in B.C. has substantial experience advising clients on the development, purchase, sale, leasing and financing of major commercial real estate and infrastructure projects.

We represent clients on commercial real estate transactions, including development (rezoning, subdivision, and mixed-use projects), construction financing, joint ventures, acquisitions, commercial leasing, real property, commercial and corporate matters and Aboriginal land issues.

We advise Canadian pension funds on the regulatory and tax regimes governing their real estate investments. We act for some of Canada’s largest pension fund advisors and their pension fund clients on real estate projects across Canada. We also represent many pension funds directly.

Our Real Estate group has a leading development and construction financing practice acting for local and national developers and construction lenders. We act in Canada and internationally on significant infrastructure projects and public-private partnerships including the development of schools, hospitals, highways, bridges, wind and hydroelectric power projects, sporting venues, and water and wastewater systems.

We have expertise in the resort and resource industries. Our lawyers work regularly with provincial crown lands officials on tenure issues for large resort operations and for power and mining industrial projects.

We are frequently engaged on matters relating to the financing and development of cannabis projects.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate - British Columbia

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

This well-respected national law firm has a strong presence in the BC real estate market. Blake, Cassels & Graydon represents pension funds, banks and institutional investors in construction financing and real estate development transactions, as well as advising on related regulatory and zoning matters. The firm is also acknowledged for its handling of co-ownership, purchase and sale agreements. The commercial real estate group often acts on transactions relating to retail and office space, as well as senior housing and resort operations. Its notable client base also includes infrastructure developers and renewable energy companies.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Blakes has a sophisticated understanding of the commercial landscape in Canada, particularly in British Columbia.

    Real Estate respondentCanada

  • There is a precision and excellence to which Blakes approaches every task. The team provides excellent client service and their attention to detail is amazing.

    Real Estate respondentCanada

  • Blakes has the ability to combine deep technical expertise with a practical understanding of our industry and business objectives. They don’t just provide legal advice in isolation, they deliver integrated, strategic counsel.

    Real Estate respondentCanada

  • The Blakes team is detailed, thorough and produces practical work product. They understand our business and help us achieve our goals in an efficient manner.

    Real Estate respondentCanada

  • Blakes are strong lawyers with deep intelligence.

    Real Estate respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Jeffrey Merrick
    Jeffrey Merrick

    Jeffrey Merrick

    Jeffrey Merrick is the managing partner of the firm's Vancouver office, and boasts an impressive stable of clients, including pension and private equity funds. He displays comprehensive knowledge of real estate matters concerning infrastructure developments. His market-leading practice also comprises transactions, financings and leasing of all manner of real estate projects.

    • He is recognised as an excellent lawyer, with experience on large transactions.

      Real Estate respondentCanada
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  • Greg Umbach
    Greg Umbach

    Greg Umbach

    Greg Umbach capably assists with transactions across residential, commercial, industrial and hospitality developments in BC. His client roster comprises lenders, borrowers and developers. He also has knowledge of subdivisions and municipal approval processes.

    • He is a seasoned lawyer with broad experience, who is thoughtful, reliable and brings strong judgement to every engagement.

      Real Estate respondentCanada

    • Greg is highly knowledgeable in his field and trusted with complex matters that require deep understanding of the underlying business.

      Real Estate respondentCanada

    • Greg is a terrific lawyer and provides excellent advice.

      Real Estate respondentCanada
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  • Graham Fulton
    Graham Fulton

    Graham Fulton

    Graham Fulton adeptly advises on real estate transactions and financings, including acquisitions and joint ventures, notably in relation to industrial, logistics and residential assets.

    • Graham brings strong expertise, sound judgement and a solution-oriented approach.

      Real Estate respondentCanada

    • Graham is an excellent lawyer that provides timely and practical advice, while considering and anticipating the overall business objectives.

      Real Estate respondentCanada

    • Graham excels at navigating complex real property matters.

      Real Estate respondentCanada
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Ranked Individuals at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (3)

British Columbia

Members

Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

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