Global firm Gowling WLG channels the bench strength of its 7 national locations to advise multinational development companies, financial institutions, national retailers, Canadian and international pension funds, First Nations, Crown corporations, REITs, private utilities and health care institutions, on a diverse span of matters across the practice area. They range from real estate acquisitions and dispositions, master planned community developments (an area in which the firm shows particular expertise), joint ventures and the leasing of commercial, retail, industrial and hotel properties to construction, land-use planning and large-scale industrial, airport, and shopping centre redevelopments. The practice is led by Joel Camley, who brings extensive experience in multi-unit mixed use, office tower, hotel and airport projects. Murray Braaten provides expertise to developers and lending institutions in major commercial, real estate and resort investment and development matters, along with Paulina Kam, who, additionally, handles site acquisition, land assemblies rezoning and subdivision and servicing requirements. Pamela Green departed in May 2023. All lawyers mentioned work in the Vancouver office.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team at Gowling is great to work with. They are very knowledgeable, able to quickly simplify complex problems into clear points.’
‘Paulina Kam is fantastic to work with. She is knowledgeable, always delivers what is discussed, and takes initiative to ensure that the things are done in the client's best interest.'
‘Experienced and efficient teams with good attention to detail and timely service and responses.’
‘This team is highly responsive, detail-oriented and client-focused.’
‘Syll Kushner is an incredibly knowledgeable partner, and is dedicated to his clients.'
‘Paulina Kam is exceptionally compassionate and responsive. Working with Paulina is a pleasure.’
‘Excellent service and advice.’
‘Robert Farmer has always gone above and beyond. He collaborates efficiently and effectively and is always available to answer any questions.'

Key clients

SHAPE Properties Corp.
Oris Development Group
British Pacific Properties
InterRent Real Estate Investment Trust and Crestpoint Real Estate Investments Ltd.
Seville Management and Leasing Ltd.
Precision NanoSystems
Montane Developments
Maker Pizza Inc.
Minto Group
Toronto Community Housing Corporation
Diva International (DIVACUP)
Campus Developments (Global) Inc.
Royal Bank of Canada

Work highlights

Acting as counsel to SHAPE Properties Corp with respect to all acquisitions, financing and development matters, including all work related to the adoption of master plans for the redevelopment of communities, including, but not limited to, 'the Amazing Brentwood' and 'the City of Lougheed'.
Advising Campus Developments (Global) Inc. in the acquisition, financing and real estate development matters for The Revalie (Ottawa), a 1410 bed mixed-use student housing development.
Acting for InterRent Real Estate Investment Trust which, together with Crestpoint Real Estate Investments Ltd., acquired a portfolio of 15 multi-family residential properties in Metro Vancouver for a combined purchase price of $292.5m.