Real Estate: Mainly Mid-Market
Canada Guide 2025 : Ontario
Band 1
About
Provided by Torkin Manes LLP
Our Commercial Real Estate Group is steeped in the business of real estate, bringing lengthy industry experience to bear on our clients’ real estate issues. While most firms can conduct a real estate transaction, we also analyse the business issues involved and help clients develop business strategies for buying, financing, developing, selling, and leasing property. We integrate our real estate expertise with business law, planning law, tax law, mortgage and financing law, creditor and debtor law, partnership and syndication law, landlord and tenant law and litigation—all as they relate to real estate transactions.
Our reputation is reflected in the fact that Torkin Manes is counsel to LawPRO, the Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company, providing opinions and strategy on the standard of practice for real estate lawyers in Ontario. We also have special expertise in title repair, frequently acting as counsel for other lawyers and title insurers in solving difficult transactions and title problems.
How we do what we do is equally important. Our clients know us to be creative thinkers about their real estate matters: if a path is closed, we will find an alternative solution. We are seasoned contract negotiators, business strategists and client advisors. Should a dispute arise, we know when to mediate and when to litigate. Above all, we are mindful of our clients’ money: we look for the most practical, cost-effective solutions that will meet our clients’ objectives.
Chambers Review
Torkin Manes is a respected mid-market law firm acting on the full range of commercial real estate matters. The team is well regarded for its activity in the retail and shopping centre arena, further acting on transactions in the multi-residential and senior living spaces. It is well versed in purchases, dispositions, joint venture transactions and developments. Leasing is another area of expertise for the group, as is advising on real estate financing.
Work Highlights
- Torkin Manes advised Amstar Systems on the sale of an industrial property.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Torkin Manes is always on the cusp of current precedents and applies them in its legal recommendations for quick resolutions."
"Torkin Manes has a great team of real estate practitioners and has the bench strength to do the complex deals."
"The team has a great ability to simplify complex issues and focus on key points."
"It is a detailed-oriented and smart team that is able to problem-solve well."
"Should atypical issues come up, there is always someone at Torkin who can provide guidance."
"Torkin Manes is always on the cusp of current precedents and applies them in its legal recommendations for quick resolutions."
"Torkin Manes has a great team of real estate practitioners and has the bench strength to do the complex deals."
"The team has a great ability to simplify complex issues and focus on key points."
"It is a detailed-oriented and smart team that is able to problem-solve well."
"Should atypical issues come up, there is always someone at Torkin who can provide guidance."
Notable Practitioners
Leonard Rodness is known for his involvement in corporate real estate transactions. He also assists with leasing and mortgage financing.
"Leonard Rodness does a wonderful job of providing sophisticated, coherent and practical advice in a very timely manner."
"He is a very thoughtful and practical lawyer as he does a great job for his clients and he wants to make sure things get done."
"We are extremely satisfied with Leonard Rodness' service, and we continue to go to him for all real estate legal needs."
"Leonard Rodness is very knowledgeable and experienced. He has a keen understanding of the transactions we deal with and provides great direction to those working on his team."
"He has a great sense of humour which is important when dealing with complex transactions."
Aaron English chairs the firm's commercial real estate group and offers particular expertise in condominium law. He often assists clients with the sale of real estate assets, as well as advising on real estate financing and development projects.
"Aaron English able to solve complex problems."
"Aaron English is extremely knowledgeable and an excellent lawyer."
"Aaron English is excellent in all matters of client engagement, content expertise and deliveries. I highly recommend him."
Kenneth Beallor enters the rankings this year on the back of his strong activity in the field of lease negotiations.
"Kenneth Beallor is very knowledgeable and communicates well."
"When complications come up, Kenneth Beallor has the knowledge and experience to solve them."
"He is an experienced practitioner with excellent judgement."
Seth Zuk enjoys a growing profile for his expertise in commercial real estate matters, with notable expertise in property acquisitions and real estate financing.
"Seth Zuk is thoughtful in the advice and feedback provided. He is a very smart partner with good business sense."
"He has good communication skills and always kept us up to date. Overall, we had a great experience."
"Seth Zuk is a top lawyer with in-depth knowledge of the law and an ability to apply it practically to real-world transactional situations to achieve the client's desired outcome."
"I cannot recommend Seth's work highly enough - he is practical, timely and his insights and expertise are unequalled."
"I couldn't be more satisfied with how he ran the file. It was sophisticated, pragmatic, efficient and pleasant. We will certainly work with him again in the near future."
Stephanie Eiley's commercial real estate practice consists of corporate transactions and financings, with further experience in leasing and rental agreements.
"Stephanie Eiley has been a pleasure to work with and she also adds significant value to our transactions and partnerships."
Ranked Lawyers at
Torkin Manes LLP
Ontario
Members
Provided by Torkin Manes LLP
Head of Department
Aaron English
Anthony D'Angelo
Kenneth Beallor
Noorin Manji
Seth Zuk
Stephanie Eiley