With 24 years of broad experience in commercial real estate law and a diverse practice encompassing all aspects of real estate, Iris brings significant legal acumen and in-depth knowledge to matters for her clients. She combines exceptional analytical, drafting and negotiation skills with a proven ability to effectively engage and work with business leaders and partners in delivering results and creating value on major complex projects in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Iris is a partner in Fasken’s Real Estate Practice Group, with extensive experience in the acquisition, disposition, financing, leasing, construction and development of commercial, industrial, data centre, multi-unit residential, retail, office and hospitality properties. Her practice focuses on REITs, joint ventures, co-ownerships and limited partnerships.
Capitalizing on the unique combination of her senior-level in-house and law firm experience, Iris is described by clients as “a trusted advisor” and provides a distinct perspective which forms the basis for her innovative and unique solutions to the most complicated legal and business issues when representing property owners, tenants, lenders, borrowers and developers in commercial real estate matters. Iris is a problem-solver known for her thoughtful and practical advice and strategies to manage and mitigate risks.
Prior to returning to private practice, Iris practised commercial real estate law with Metrolinx whose mandate is to undertake the largest infrastructure investment in the Province’s history. As lead real estate counsel, Iris played an integral role in a number of notable capital projects which constitute Canada’s largest infrastructure projects. As part of her role, Iris was responsible for overseeing and managing many hundreds of real property acquisitions and expropriations in support of the construction and operation of major infrastructure projects, and worked in close collaboration with governmental authorities, municipalities, utilities and telecommunication companies. Additionally, Iris was versed in managing real estate litigation matters (including judicial review applications and settlements) before the Ontario Superior Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Ontario Land Tribunal (formerly the Ontario Municipal Board).
