British Columbia’s real estate market is one of the busiest in North America. This high level of activity means that the demand for experienced and competent real estate lawyers is significant. We have compiled a list of a few notable real estate lawyers practising in BC. They have each garnered a unique reputation for their understanding and expertise of the province’s real estate industry, supporting clients across residential, commercial, industrial, and hospitality developments.
These lawyers prove helpful to clients with a wide range of needs, including those involving acquisition, development, financings, leasing transactions, and municipal approval processes among others. They offer solid counsel by answering to clients’ legal needs while also providing strategic advice on real estate transactions.
Taking into consideration client feedback and overall industry reputation, we’ve gathered descriptions of these lawyers along with their respective legal firms. Let’s delve into who these real estate powerhouses are, how they’ve earned their stellar reputations, and how they could be of value to your future real estate dealings.
Greg Umbach
Greg Umbach of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP assists with transactions in residential, commercial, industrial, and hospitality real estate across BC. His client base comprises lenders, borrowers, and developers. He is also conversant with subdivisions and municipal approval processes. Clients commend Greg for his ability to handle all issues adeptly, offering thoughtful and comprehensive responses.
Murray Braaten
Murray Braaten operates out of Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP. He has a busy real estate practice involving the development of master-planned communities in BC. Colleagues and clients alike hold him in high regard, testifying to his experience and proficiency as a lawyer.
Catherine Gibson
At the heart of Vancouver is Catherine Gibson from DLA Piper (Canada) LLP. She handles acquisitions, development, and leasing transactions. Her forte is dealing with matters concerning mixed-use developments. Clients vouch for her proficiency, practical approach, and excellent service delivery, emphasizing her timely response.
Conrad Rego
Conrad Rego, practising with McCarthy Tétrault LLP, focuses on the financing of developments in BC, with a broad transactional expertise rounding out his commercial real estate practice. He advises big local companies as well as large institutional players in the market. Clients highlight his responsive nature, intelligence, knowledge depth, and sound advice.
Mark Baron
Mark Baron of Richards Buell Sutton LLP is prized for his commercial real estate practice, particularly his experience in financings and acquisitions. He serves notable life insurance companies and banks, and is recognized for his detailed, prompt, and satisfactory service coupled with clear and practical advice.
Edward L. Wilson
Edward Wilson practices with Lawson Lundell LLP. He is acclaimed for real estate development in BC, with significant expertise in strata wind-ups. Beyond industrial, commercial, and condo developments, he also has experience with air space parcels. Clients consider Edward a top choice for development work.
Patrick J. Julian
Patrick Julian works with Koffman Kalef LLP. Highly regarded in the BC real estate market, Julian demonstrates extensive commercial expertise. He advises tenants, landlords, and developers on transactions, financings, and leasing. Clients appreciate Julian’s diverse expertise, describing him as savvy and business-minded.
Gregory Plater
Gregory Plater is active across Western Canada, dividing his time between the firm’s Calgary and Vancouver offices. Even without a dedicated firm website, Plater is well-known. Plater’s expertise includes assisting with development and transactional matters and helping municipalities with their real estate transactions. Clients praise Plater for his thoughtful and respectful communication style, strategic thinking, and attention to detail.
Darren Donnelly
Darren Donnelly chairs the commercial real estate group at Clark Wilson LLP. He is skilled in real estate transactions and development matters, offering specific knowledge of senior housing developments. Clients regard Donnelly highly, applauding his sharp business acumen and understanding of key issues.
Russell Benson
Finally, Russell Benson is the founding partner of the Terra Law Corporation, another firm without a dedicated website. Renowned in the provincial real estate market, Benson has a comprehensive development practice. He is wise in matters of acquisitions, dispositions, airspace subdivisions, ownership structures, and residential, mixed-use and resort developments, commanding respect in the industry.
Be it residential or commercial, the real estate market in BC is thriving and these lawyers are central players. Their upstanding reputations and dedication to their craft help move transactions smoothly, contributing to a more secure and robust future for BC’s real estate industry.
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