Real Estate
Canada Guide 2025 : Ontario
Band 3
About
Provided by Dentons Canada LLP
Dentons Canada draws on the expertise of one of the largest national real estate teams in Canada, with specialized sub-groups in acquisitions and dispositions, condominium development and sales, financing, commercial leasing and municipal and property development to meet the individual needs of our clients. Whether structuring a complex land assembly deal for a large pension fund, working out environmental issues in a property sale or acquiring an extensive real estate portfolio across Canada, we provide strategic advice that focuses on the future of our clients’ businesses.
Our lawyers have expertise across the full range of real estate law, including commercial leasing, project finance, acquisition and disposition, development, construction, investment, joint venturing, and other areas. We represent a broad range of leading clients, including developers, investors, and owners.
We serve all real estate sectors across Canada with recognized expertise in project development and project finance, pension plans and their advisors, retailers, government entities, construction, commercial leasing, multi-family, and condominium development, and municipal land use and planning and financing for affordable housing. We have a wide range of clients not only in corporate but also in the charitable and non-profit sectors. Known for our commitment to an integrated approach, we give our clients the comfort of a global presence with a deep understanding of the local real estate terrain.
Chambers Review
The Ontario arm of global firm Dentons is able to draw on the firm's vast international network to service clients requiring cross-border real estate expertise. The firm also acts on large local transactions, notably acquisitions, financings and commercial leasings, from its Ottawa and Toronto offices. The group is involved in a number of development projects, advising on partnership structures and lending.
Work Highlights
- Dentons advised the Royal Bank of Canada and Caisse Desjardins Ontario Credit Union on setting up a syndicated construction facility.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Dentons bring a huge repertoire of experience, practical knowledge and business logic to us."
"Dentons maintains a strategic and pragmatic approach while thinking outside of the box."
"Dentons has a variety of experience with different educational backgrounds that bring different perspectives to the discussions that permit complex situations to be well handled."
"We have full confidence in the team's knowledge of the subject matter. The lawyers were able to present their complex recommendations in a manner that was understandable to the client."
"Dentons offers top-quality individuals to undertake tasks. They have an excellent understanding of the business and always propose good solutions."
"Dentons bring a huge repertoire of experience, practical knowledge and business logic to us."
"Dentons maintains a strategic and pragmatic approach while thinking outside of the box."
"Dentons has a variety of experience with different educational backgrounds that bring different perspectives to the discussions that permit complex situations to be well handled."
"We have full confidence in the team's knowledge of the subject matter. The lawyers were able to present their complex recommendations in a manner that was understandable to the client."
"Dentons offers top-quality individuals to undertake tasks. They have an excellent understanding of the business and always propose good solutions."
Notable Practitioners
Jillian Shortt leads the national real estate practice at the firm. Her expertise covers purchases and sales, particularly transactions involving industrial sites.
"Jillian Shortt is excellent."
Jules Mikelberg earns recognition for his prevalence in development projects and real estate transactions, as well as condominium matters.
"Jules Mikelberg is patient and thoughtful in his informed responses and an incredible resource when we are making decisions."
"Jules Mikelberg is very experienced."
"We feel confident about his work and excellent advice."
Katarzyna Sliwa is co-lead of the firm's real estate practice and often represents clients before the OLT. Her broad practice includes assisting with re-zoning applications and official plan amendments.
"Katarzyna Sliwa is extremely intelligent, reliable, calm, composed and confident."
"Katarzyna Sliwa provides strong support on a variety of complex matters."
"She is well spoken, knowledgeable, organised, well informed and has a good demeanour even when faced with difficult situations."
"Katarzyna Sliwa is a very sophisticated and intelligent lawyer who deals with all of our complex issues related to land use and real estate."
"Katarzyna Sliwa thinks outside the box and understands the situation from different perspectives."
Philip Rimer has extensive experience advising on real estate financing matters and transactions, including forward sales.
Sonja Homenuck is held in high esteem for her in-depth expertise in commercial leasing matters, as part of a broad real estate practice which also includes strengths in construction and financing matters.
"Sonja Homenuck has been an excellent resource for our team."
Ranked Lawyers at
Dentons Canada LLP
Ontario
Members
Provided by Dentons Canada LLP