With 23 years of broad experience in commercial real estate law (including as partners in two leading national law firms) and a diverse practice encompassing all aspects of real estate, Iris brings significant expertise and in-depth knowledge. She combines excellent 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, construction and development of commercial, industrial, multi-unit residential, retail, office and hospitality properties. Capitalizing on the unique combination of her senior-level in-house and law firm experience, Iris 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 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 was Senior Counsel and practised commercial real estate law with Metrolinx, an agency of the Government of Ontario responsible for undertaking 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 hundreds of expropriations in support of the construction and operation of major transportation 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 Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (formerly the Ontario Municipal Board).
