Laura Rosati Laura Rosati joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) in 2019 as an associate in our Barrie real estate group. Laura graduated with merit from York University, majoring in Psychology and earned her Law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School. Laura’s practice focuses on all aspects of real estate law, including residential and commercial transactions, mortgages, refinances and transfers. Laura is a board member of both the Barrie Real Estate Lawyers Association (BRELA) and the Child Advocacy Centre Simcoe/Muskoka. She is also a member of the Business & Professional Women (BPW) of Barrie and Women’s Art Council, McMichael Canadian Art Collection and is a passionate supporter of The Olive Branch for Children, which is a charity based in Tanzania, Africa, supporting children living with HIV/Aids. In her spare time, Laura spends time with her two daughters, Sophia and Elise, and their dog Bella. TESTIMONIALS “Worked with my solicitor Laura Rosati to close a real estate transaction. My closing was organized and seamless. She took care of all the details and all I had to do was sign, sign, sign and DONE. I definitely would recommend her when buying or selling any real estate transaction!”. – Sat Singh “Our experience with Laura Rosati was very positive, her attention to detail and explaining the real estate process was very helpful for us to understand. We would most definitely use her again. Thanks, Laura!”. – Valerie Bitten By Justin DominicMay 28, 2020November 5, 2020 No comments yet
George Messih George Messih joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) in 2019 as an associate in our real estate, corporate, and estates groups. Prior to joining DSF, George worked at a boutique law firm in Toronto, and his practice focused on commercial and residential real estate, business acquisitions, and estate planning and administration. With a client-centred approach and the ability to anticipate issues before they arise, George is a reference point to clients who rely on him for timely advice and the smooth carriage of their files. George obtained his Bachelor`s degree in economics from McMaster University. He later travelled to the UK to study law at the University of South Wales, where he received his LL.B. During this time, he volunteered at the student legal aid clinic where he worked closely with lawyers from leading UK law firms in assisting members of the community with contract, tenancy, and various advisory matters. A firm believer in life-long learning, George continued his professional development at Osgoode Hall Law School, where he completed the Intensive Program in Wills & Estates in April, 2018. George will also be completing the Osgoode Certificate in Health Law in April, 2020 in order to better assist his corporate clients in the health care industry. TESTIMONIALS “George Messih was very helpful and showed great dedication to every detail regarding our recent legal issues. He listened to our needs and walked us through each step of the process”. – Freida Linke “George is knowledgeable and professional. His availability and flexibility made for a great buying experience”. – Ian Loney “George Messih was very helpful to us for our legal needs. I highly recommend him and this law firm because he was very knowledgeable, responsive, accommodating to our needs, and was really on the ball for all the deadlines and requirements we needed to meet. He really didn’t miss a beat! In addition to his reasonable fees, level of professionalism, hard work and expertise, we were extremely happy with our decision to work with George and Devry Smith Frank LLP”. – Martina Bekhit By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 27, 2020November 5, 2020 No comments yet
Lorne Shapiro Lorne graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies and obtained his law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1977. He was called to the Ontario bar in 1979. Lorne strives to get to know his clients’ businesses, enabling him to take big picture client issues into consideration and provide prompt, practical and creative advice to obtain the most effective solutions available. In addition to acting for clients in leasing, mortgage refinancing and the purchase and sale of apartment buildings, plazas and commercial property. Lorne spends much of his time working in condominium development issues and co-ordinating the mass sales of condominium units. In recent transactions, Lorne has acted with respect to: The acquisition, redevelopment, refinancing and registration of condominium status for standard and common elements condominiums and industrial/commercial condominiums throughout Southern Ontario. The sale of Canada’s second-largest trailer park portfolio to a subsidiary of a U.S. REIT The financing of the acquisition of 28 acres of environmentally contaminated land in downtown Toronto for a large scale redevelopment The acquisition by a sovereign wealth fund of equity in a Canadian solar energy company The purchase from 17 vendors of all of the shares of a major Canadian customs broker The sale of shares of a large nursing services corporation The conversion of three adjoining apartment buildings in central Toronto to condominium status The conversion of older multi-unit industrial buildings to condominium status The sale of a $50 million apartment portfolio The institutional financing of large condominium sites and environmentally sensitive properties in Downtown Toronto Lorne is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and a former member of the executive of the Real Estate Section of the Canadian Bar Association (Ontario). By Justin DominicMay 27, 2020November 5, 2020 No comments yet
William J. Smith William (Bill) Smith was called to the bar in 1980 after receiving a Bachelor Of Arts degree from Glendon College, and his LL.B. from the University of Toronto Law School. Bill has practiced corporate and commercial law with the firm since then., Bill’s experience is varied and extensive. He has had a broad exposure to virtually every aspect of corporate and commercial practice including incorporations, partnerships, joint venture agreements, shareholders’ and creditors’ rights and remedies, as well as business mergers, acquisitions, financing and debt restructuring. Bill’s skills include structuring, negotiating, and the preparation of required documentation, as well as liaising among directors, shareholders, financial advisors and institutions. As an experienced corporate and commercial practitioner, Bill is often involved in litigation matters on behalf of his clients. His depth of experience enables him to combine expert legal advice with sensitivity to the firm’s clients’ business needs and environment and to meet client’s specific needs in the most expeditious and cost-efficient manner. Bill advises clients on employer and employee rights, termination and wrongful dismissal matters, fiduciary duties and non-competition issues. Bill works closely with other professional advisors including accountants and tax and financial advisors in assisting his clients to minimize their tax exposure and is familiar with vehicles such as tax-free rollovers, co-tenancies, trusts and estate freezes. Bill takes an active role in co-ordinating all aspects of his clients’ legal service needs by ensuring that, when necessary, appropriate specialized expertise is obtained, either from within the firm or through an established referral network, in areas such as securities law, intellectual property, labour law, income, commodity or other taxes, or international business transactions. Bill is a member of the ADR Institute of Ontario. By Justin DominicMay 27, 2020November 5, 2020 No comments yet
Eric C. Taves Eric Taves graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School and has practiced law in the City of Barrie since 1976. He moved his practice to Devry Smith Frank LLP (“DSF”) in September of 2016 where he continues to provide legal services to his clients. His practice focus is corporate/commercial, commercial and residential real estate and estate planning. Eric’s corporate law concentration includes legal support for numerous professional practices including legal, medical, dental and veterinary practices, the educational sector and numerous manufacturing, service and construction industries. Eric utilizes a team-centred approach to his law practice that includes longstanding relationships with the banking and accounting communities in Barrie. Eric is a committed volunteer supporting many charitable organizations in Barrie and has served as board chair of both the Simcoe-Muskoka YMCA and the MacLaren Art Centre. By Justin DominicMay 26, 2020November 5, 2020 No comments yet
Louis A. Gasbarre Louis Gasbarre joined the Toronto commercial and residential real estate group at Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) in January 2019. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 2016, graduated from the University of Leicester Law School and obtained his Masters of Law with a concentration in Business Law at Osgoode Hall Law School. Before joining DSF, Louis practiced as an Associate with a boutique firm in Vaughan with emphasis on commercial and residential real estate transactions. Louis’ practice encompasses a variety of real estate and land development matters with particular emphasis on condominium and subdivision development, commercial and residential builder sales, construction and development financing and commercial and residential purchase and sale transactions. Louis understands that dealing with real property can seem overwhelming and cumbersome, but his attention to detail and no-nonsense approach allows him to simplify complex situations to ensure an efficient closing of the transaction. By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 20, 2020November 2, 2020 No comments yet
Justin M. Cooper Justin was called to the bar of Ontario in 2009. Justin joined Devry Smith Frank LLP in 2019 as an associate in our Commercial Real Estate Group in Toronto, where his practice focuses on the acquisition, disposition, financing, and development of commercial real estate. He regularly drafts and negotiates a wide range of real estate related agreements and documents on behalf of purchasers, vendors, lenders, and borrowers, including agreements of purchase and sale, and loan and security documents. Justin also assists his clients with various development matters, including Committee of Adjustment applications, Land Titles applications, land assemblies, development agreements, restrictive covenant agreements, and the registration of subdivision plans. By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 19, 2020November 2, 2020 No comments yet
Oren Chaimovitch Toronto lawyer Oren Chaimovitch received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Toronto, graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School, and was called to the bar in 1994. Before joining Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF), he spent two years practising law as a sole practitioner and eighteen years with a boutique Toronto firm. His experience spans the areas of debt recovery, secured lending including commercial mortgage lending, bankruptcy and insolvency, commercial litigation, business law, commercial and residential real estate, wills, estate planning and estate administration. Oren’s clients include individuals, entrepreneurs, small- and medium-sized businesses, and major Canadian banks. He has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, including the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Divisional Court, and various administrative tribunals. Oren prides himself on his practical, common sense approach, dealing with matters and resolving disputes in the most efficient, economical way possible. Oren recognizes that his clients want timely responses to their questions, regular updates, and practical, clear advice. He values the personal relationships he has with his clients, whether they are individuals or large institutions. When Oren is not practising law, he spends time with his family, travels, and fishes. By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 19, 2020October 28, 2020 No comments yet
Robert P. Adourian Bob is a graduate of the University of Windsor Law School and was called to the Bar in 1980. He joined the firm as part of the merger of Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) and Adourian Law Office. Bob practices in the areas of real estate, wills, estate planning, estate administration, and mediation. He frequently speaks to community groups on topics such as “Buying Your First Home” and “Why You Should Make A Will.” Bob Adourian is an active member of the Armenian Bar Association, a world-wide organization of Armenian lawyers and has served on the association’s Board of Governors. He currently serves as a corporation member of the Yonge Street Mission and as a board member of his local church. Bob has also served as legal counsel to candidates in federal and provincial elections. Bob’s clients have many great things to say about him: “Robert Adourian has been assisting my clients with their legal needs for the past 20 years. Robert’s knowledge & his outstanding service to our mutual clients has been invaluable to me. Most real estate transactions run smoothly but occasionally issues can arise. Robert’s skill in dealing with issues is second to none and his genuine compassion and caring is always appreciated by our clients. Robert is a lawyer that I highly recommend to my clients, family and friends!” — Heather Griffiths, Sales Representative, RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd. By G63tEGnX1EApril 28, 2020November 7, 2020 No comments yet