The most widely read magazine for Canadian lawyers
Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/50805
O'Sullivan Estate Lawyers Professional Corp. (Toronto) This firm stands out for its focus on bespoke estate plan- ning, estate administration, and estate dispute resolution on behalf of high-net-worth individuals and high-value estates. Margaret O'Sullivan established her boutique in 1998 after spending 12 years at Stikeman Elliott LLP. She has added to her stellar reputation by serving as a founding member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners Canada, and as a chairwoman of the trusts and estates section of the OBA. She has amassed an impressive client list that includes some of Canada's wealthiest individuals and families. Bogart Robertson & Chu (Toronto) With an emphasis on pension funds' commercial real estate investments and dispositions, one voter said this firm's lawyers "punch way above their weight" thanks to an ability to provide top-quality work in an efficient manner. It was established in 1991 when John Bogart, George Robertson, and Brian Chu left full-service firm Shibley Righton. Their enviable client list includes the pension funds of Canada Post, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., DuPont, Hospitals of Ontario, Telus Corp., and lenders such as ACM Advisors Ltd., CIBC Mortgages Inc., and the Toronto Dominion Bank. The firm helped Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT acquire and finance 36 retirement and nursing homes in five provinces. Underwood Gilholme (Calgary) This relatively young, six-lawyer firm sprouted up just five years ago, but its stature within the trusts and estates industry has grown quickly. That's got a lot to do with the experience of founding partners Cliff Underwood and Terry Gilholme. Underwood, a former chairman of the Canadian Bar Association's wills and estates section, started out with Fraser Milner Casgrain before spend- ing about 15 years leading his own wills and estates shop. Gilholme learned the ropes at Macleod Dixon LLP before serving as in-house counsel at Canada Trust and Royal Trust Corp. THE LAW OF SUBDIVISION CONTROL IN ONTARIO, THIRD EDITION SIDNEY H. TROISTER, LSM Harris Sheaffer LLP (Toronto) One large-firm lawyer praised Harris Sheaffer as the "best condo shop in the city." Another commented that the firm is "very well-connected and respected." The shift by it and other real estate boutiques to specializa- tion in condo law has made sense based on the Ontario government's intensification plans for development through high-rise construction, due in part to scarcity of land in urban centres. This firm is cashing in on the shift by representing developers involved in the luxury Trump International Hotel and Tower and Shangri-La hotel and condominium developments in Toronto. It also acts for the likes of Cadillac Fairview Corp. Ltd., Lakeview Homes, and Monarch Corp. Written by leading expert Sidney Troister, this text has become known as "THE" Planning Act resource since its original publication in 1988. This indispensable and practical text helps you analyze and assess the validity of title and address any problems that may arise. This new third edition updates the law and practice and includes: updated case law and commentary updated legislation new commentary on the effect of land titles conversion and the automation and parcellization of title a detailed section on the validation of title ...and more! Visit canadalawbook.ca or call 1.800.565.6967 for a 30-day no-risk evaluation CANADA LAW BOOK® www.CANADIAN Lawyermag.com A PRIL 2011 45 ntitled-3 1 2/10/11 4:58:45 PM willsandestates.ca osullivanlaw.com brclaw.com harris-sheaffer .com Top TRUSTS & ESTATES 5 BOUTIQUES Top COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE 5 BOUTIQUES