Commercial Real Estate Lawyer

Q: Do I need a lawyer to review a commercial lease?

We strongly recommend it, whether you are the landlord or the tenant. A commercial lease is typically a long term financial commitment, and clauses dealing with rent escalation, additional rent, assignment, repair obligations, and termination rights can have a material impact on the economics of your tenancy or your investment.

Q: What does due diligence involve in a commercial real estate transaction?

At a minimum, due diligence in an Ontario commercial transaction involves title and off title searches, zoning and land use review, and review of any leases affecting the property. Depending on the deal, it may also involve environmental review, estoppel certificates from tenants, review of operating contracts, and review of survey and building condition reports.

Q: Can you act for a private lender on a commercial mortgage?

Yes. We act for institutional lenders, credit unions, and private lenders on commercial mortgage transactions across Ontario, including the preparation of security documents, registration on title, and the issuance of required legal opinions.

Q: What is an estoppel certificate?

An estoppel certificate is a document signed by a tenant confirming the status of their lease, including the rent, the term, and any defaults. Buyers and lenders rely on estoppel certificates to confirm that the rent roll for an income property is accurate.

Q: Do you act on vacant land and development transactions?

Yes. We act on vacant land purchases and sales, development land assemblies, and transactions tied to future severance, rezoning, or site plan approval. These deals often require careful drafting of conditions and tailored due diligence.

Strategic Counsel for Commercial Real Estate

Whether you are acquiring an investment property, refinancing a property, or negotiating a long term lease, we protect your interests from the letter of intent through closing and beyond.

Our Commercial Real Estate Services

We act for purchasers, vendors, landlords, tenants, lenders, and borrowers on the full range of commercial real estate matters in Ontario.

Commercial Purchase and Sale Transactions

We represent buyers and sellers on commercial purchase and sale transactions of every size, from a single retail unit to multi property portfolio acquisitions. Our role spans the entire deal lifecycle, from offer review through closing and post closing follow up.

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Commercial Refinances & Mortgage Transactions

We act on commercial mortgage refinances and new commercial mortgage transactions across Ontario, coordinating with institutional lenders, credit unions, and private lenders to register the security, discharge prior charges, and satisfy every condition of funding.

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Commercial Leasing

We act for landlords, tenants, and clients on both sides of complex arrangements. Our commercial leasing work covers retail leases, office leases, industrial leases, and mixed use lease structures across Ontario.

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Drafting and Reviewing Commercial APS

A commercial Agreement of Purchase and Sale is a heavily negotiated document. We draft, review, and negotiate commercial APS agreements with attention to representations, warranties, conditions, adjustments, and survival of obligations.

Commercial Mortgage & Private Lending

We act for institutional lenders, private lenders, and borrowers on commercial mortgage transactions across Ontario. We prepare the security, register on title, and issue required legal opinions.

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Estoppel Certificates & Tenant Matters

For income producing properties, we prepare and review estoppel certificates, subordination and non disturbance agreements, and assignments of leases and rents to preserve the value of an income property.

Property Types We Act On

We have experience across the full spectrum of commercial property types in Ontario.

Office

Single tenant and multi tenant office buildings, professional and medical office space, and office condominium units.

Retail

Plaza units, single tenant retail buildings, restaurants and food service properties, and anchor tenant retail acquisitions.

Industrial

Warehouse and distribution properties, manufacturing facilities, and industrial condominium units across southern and central Ontario.

Mixed Use

Buildings combining retail at grade with residential or office space above, including transactions involving condominium conversion or severance.

Multi Residential

Apartment buildings, purpose built rental properties, and small to mid size multi unit residential investments.

Vacant Land

Raw land acquisitions and dispositions, development land assemblies, and transactions tied to severance, rezoning, or future site plan approval.

Comprehensive Commercial Real Estate Due Diligence

Most commercial real estate problems can be identified before closing, provided the right questions are asked at the right time. Our due diligence process is designed to surface issues while you still have time to renegotiate, walk away, or build a fix into the deal.

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Title and off title searches, including writs, executions, and bankruptcy searches
Zoning compliance letters and review of permitted uses
Review of Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments
Review of existing leases, rent rolls, and tenant estoppel certificates
Review of operating agreements, reciprocal easements, and service contracts
Review of building condition reports and capital expenditure obligations
Confirmation of municipal taxes, utilities, and outstanding work orders
Review of pending or threatened litigation affecting the property
Coordination with surveyors, environmental consultants, and accountants

Words From Our Clients

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   Kendra Robertson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Paige was so lovely! Paige was patient, friendly, super helpful and knowledgeable. Paige helped me settle my fathers estate - would highly recommend to anyone!!
  
 
 
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   Mary Hutton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I cannot say enough about Jonathan and Rachel.   It was a very tough journey and although we did not arrive to actual litigation, the team helped me with not only poa matters but had expertise and knowledge about other areas of law that was greatly appreciated!!!   Do not hesitate to use them in future for your estate needs. Second to none ! M
  
 
 
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   Owen Quilty 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I engaged Friedman to assist me to help settle and finalize a 10-year old estate for which I was the estate trustee. I dealt with Cassandra (and her assistant) and she was excellent and she was able to resolve all the issues in a timely manner for a very reasonable cost.  Before Cassandra became involved, I was "spinning my wheels" dealing with lawyers of the different beneficiaries.  She was immediately able to determine a plan to get the parties to settle this complicated scenario.  She was inventive, direct, knowledgeable about case law and responded promptly via email or telephone to my queries.  Thank you for your assistance and I would definitely recommend this firm.
  
 
 
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   Sherry Molema 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  My case was very complicated and lengthy. The team at Friedman dealt with it with complete ease-and clarity, investigating all angles. Johnathon and James navigated through the case, always kept me informed. I am very happy with the outcome
  
 
 
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   Jeff Edmonds 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Jonathan was incredible. You won’t find better in Barrie or the GTA. He set expectations early in the process and was able exceed those promises. Super happy with the outcome. Hopefully I never have to go through something like that again But they helped make it as easy as possible.
  
 
 
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   M Trott 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We had an outstanding experience working with Friedman Estate Litigation, and we are especially grateful for the way James handled our case. We were dealing with a difficult lawsuit involving negligent workmanship at our new home, and the stress was overwhelming. From our first meeting, James approached the situation with a combination of professionalism, expertise, and genuine compassion. He took the time to understand every detail of our case, kept us informed throughout the process, and always made us feel supported. James fought diligently on our behalf and made sure our concerns were taken seriously. His calm, thoughtful manner and deep knowledge of the legal system gave us confidence when we needed it most. We’re truly thankful for the care and commitment he showed from start to finish. Highly recommended to anyone seeking honest, effective, and compassionate legal representation.
  
 
 
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   Tony G 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Casandra, whose knowledge, empathy, and tireless efforts have been nothing short of extraordinary. Her ability to navigate legal intricacies with clarity and compassion has been a true gift. Casandra is not only an exceptional lawyer but a genuinely kind and thoughtful person, and her support has meant more to me than I can fully express.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Steve 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We just wanted to share a bit about our experience with Friedman Estate Litigation.  From the moment we engaged with Cassandra Martino our lawyer of record, and her assistant Molly Proulx, we knew they would represent us with sound legal advice. Throughout the past 4 months, we have always felt like we were their first priority.  Phone calls and emails were responded to immediately, and our input was always respected.  Every step of our particular file was obviously well-thought-out, and executed professionally. The results of Cassandra's and Molly's efforts could not have turned out better.  We were rewarded with an exception to probate by two of Canada’s top 5 banks.  This is a very difficult outcome to achieve. In closing, we would not hesitate to recommend Friedman Estate Litigation.  During our initial scope of legal needs, we were so impressed we concurrently had Cassandra's fellow lawyer associate Kristina Kalergis prepare our Wills and POA's.  Kristina will also assist us when the estate's property is sold.  Finally, we would also like to acknowledge office administrator Julie Tennant for all the behind the scene work she organized for us.  Job well done to all...thank you!!
  
 
 
  
 
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Serving Barrie, Simcoe County, and Commercial Clients Across Ontario

From our office in Barrie, we regularly act on commercial real estate matters across Simcoe County and throughout the province, including the Greater Toronto Area corridor. Wherever your property is located in Ontario, we can act for you.

Why Choose Friedman for Your Residential Real Estate Transaction

Experienced Commercial Real Estate Counsel

Our team has acted on commercial purchase and sale, refinancing, and leasing transactions across Ontario, for clients ranging from individual investors to established businesses and lenders.

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Strategic, Not Just Procedural

Commercial deals turn on the terms, not just the paperwork. We approach every file with an eye toward your commercial objectives, not just the legal mechanics.

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Senior Lawyer Attention

You will work directly with a senior lawyer who is engaged with your file from start to finish, not handed off after the initial call.

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Lender, Landlord, and Tenant Perspectives

We have acted on every side of the commercial real estate table. That perspective shapes how we negotiate, draft, and advise on your file.

Practical Risk Allocation

Every commercial deal involves risk. We help you understand where the risks sit, which ones matter, and how to allocate them between the parties.

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Reliable Closings

Commercial closings are time sensitive and document heavy. Our process is built for files that need to close on time, with every condition satisfied and every document in place.