Department profile
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Real Estate

Canada Guide 2027 : Ontario

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Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Osler’s Real Estate practice in Ontario is best known for advising on complex commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions, investments, and syndications and financings in connection with real property of virtually every type (office properties, retail and mixed-use commercial centres, industrial and manufacturing sites, renewable energy installations, pipeline development projects, retirement living facilities, multi-family residential properties, and other hospitality/leisure properties and developments).

The core of Osler’s stand-alone practice involves advising real estate companies and clients with real estate assets critical to their businesses. The team is sought-after by major domestic and foreign-based clients for their business acumen, attention to risk, and ability to provide strategic advice, as evidenced by their role in several of the most complex real estate transactions that have taken place in Canada over the last 10 years.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate - Ontario

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt has a well-established real estate practice in Ontario capable of providing the full spectrum of services to an enviable client base. The group is recognised for its experience of financings and joint venture developments, as well as advising on traditional acquisitions and dispositions. It often acts for REITs and clients from the retail and senior housing sectors. The team is also well placed to provide related tax and environmental law advice, as well as handling the real estate aspects of significant insolvencies. The firm demonstrates a growing ability to service clients seeking land use planning and municipal advice.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP advised Chartwell Retirement Residences on its CAD432 million acquisition of southern Ontario seniors’ housing properties from Sifton Properties Limited.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • It is a highly skilled team with comprehensive expertise spanning multiple asset classes.

    Real Estate respondentCanada

  • Even where the matter is complex, the Osler team's advice is practical. The firm has deep bench strength with expertise in all areas.

    Real Estate respondentCanada

  • The real estate team at Osler provides excellent commercially-oriented advice that is insightful and user-friendly.

    Real Estate respondentCanada

  • The firm balances practicality and production, with thoughtful and deep analysis and advice. It brings insightful business and strategic counsel to the table.

    Real Estate respondentCanada

  • Osler is an excellent real estate department that is very well informed about new developments in the industry.

    Real Estate respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Chris Barnett
    Chris Barnett

    Chris Barnett

    Chris Barnett regularly handles municipal law matters, advising public and private entities on obtaining planning and development approvals. He also possesses notable experience representing clients before the OLT and other tribunals, as well as appearing before municipal councils and the courts.

    • He is a great partner; practical and a real champion on what we need.

      Real Estate respondentCanada
    • Chris is a skilled advocate and a formidable opponent.
      Real Estate respondentCanada

    • Chris is a very knowledgeable, thoughtful lawyer.

      Real Estate respondentCanada

    • Chris is a leading lawyer in the planning and municipal field.

      Real Estate respondentCanada
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  • Paul Morassutti
    Paul Morassutti

    Paul Morassutti

    Paul Morassutti is chair of the firm's commercial real estate group. His practice spans the negotiation of leasing and master service agreements, as well as sales and acquisitions involving industrial and retail premises.

    • He is responsive in providing timely and valuable advice on complex real estate transactions.

      Real Estate respondentCanada

    • He is an excellent lawyer who provides excellent service.

      Real Estate respondentCanada
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  • Rod Davidge
    Rod Davidge

    Rod Davidge

    Rod Davidge is especially prominent in real estate financings, where he often acts for lenders. His practice also includes expertise in property purchases and sales.

    • He demonstrates advanced legal and structural expertise and effectively balances commercial priorities to facilitate successful and timely deal execution.

      Real Estate respondentCanada

    • Rod provides a very strong level of service, acting both effectively and efficiently.

      Real Estate respondentCanada

    • He is highly effective and an expert in the field.

      Real Estate respondentCanada
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  • Ryan Nielsen
    Ryan Nielsen

    Ryan Nielsen

    Ryan Nielsen is developing a solid reputation for his able handling of commercial real estate transactions and financing mandates. Nielsen's clients include REITs and other investors.

    • Ryan is truly excellent counsel. His advice is commercial, practical and adds great value.

      Real Estate respondentCanada
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  • Savvas Kotsopoulos
    Savvas Kotsopoulos

    Savvas Kotsopoulos

    Savvas Kotsopoulos is a well-regarded commercial real estate lawyer based out of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt's Toronto office. He handles an array of residential, retail and industrial property transactions for a number of investors.

    • He is my go-to lawyer on real estate.

      Real Estate respondentCanada

    • He brings tremendous experience and creativity to the table. He is also a practical and pragmatic problem solver, negotiating effectively and working collegially with opposing counsel as the situation demands.

      Real Estate respondentCanada

    • He has really good breadth and is very proactive.

      Real Estate respondentCanada
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Ranked Individuals at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (5)

Ontario

Members

Provided by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP has rankings in the following guides

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