Senior Commercial Real Estate Lawyer

Aplin; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Autonomy and ownership over files

Mentorship opportunities

Business development opportunities

collegial team environment

Job summary

Aplin Ottawa is seeking a Senior Commercial Real Estate Lawyer to lead sophisticated commercial real estate transactions and manage key client relationships. The role emphasizes autonomy, mentoring junior lawyers, and contributing to the growth of an established practice in the Ottawa market.

The successful candidate will independently handle complex files, advise on title and zoning matters, and collaborate with lenders, developers, and brokers to advance high‑quality real estate work.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in commercial real estate law.
• Ability to independently manage complex transactions.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Excellent client relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Manage commercial real estate transactions from inception to completion.
• Draft, review, and negotiate purchase agreements, leases, and related docs.
• Advise on title, zoning, and due diligence issues.
• Develop client relationships and contribute to business development.

Skills

Commercial real estate law

Negotiation

Legal drafting

Job description

An established Ottawa law firm is seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Real Estate Lawyer to join its growing practice. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned legal professional to take ownership of sophisticated commercial real estate transactions, build strong client relationships, and play an active role in the continued growth of an established practice.

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established law firm with a strong presence in the Ottawa legal market. The firm provides a range of legal services to business and commercial clients, offering practical, strategic legal advice and a client-focused approach. With a collegial and collaborative working environment, the firm values professional development, strong client relationships, and delivering high-quality legal services.

About The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior-level lawyer to join an established commercial real estate practice and take on a meaningful role in managing complex transactions and advising a diverse client base.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to independently manage sophisticated files, develop and maintain key client relationships, and contribute to the continued expansion of the firm’s real estate offering. This position also provides the opportunity to mentor junior team members, participate in business development initiatives, and further establish their professional reputation within the Ottawa market.

About The Position

Reporting within the firm’s real estate practice, the Senior Commercial Real Estate Lawyer will manage commercial real estate matters from inception through completion. The role involves working closely with business clients, lenders, developers, brokers, opposing counsel, and internal stakeholders to provide strategic advice and ensure transactions progress efficiently.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, financing, leasing, and development matters.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, commercial leases, subleases, assignments, loan and security documentation, easements, rights-of-way, and related agreements.
• Advising clients on title matters, due diligence, zoning, land use considerations, and transaction-related risks.
• Managing client relationships and providing practical, commercially focused legal advice.
• Collaborating with lenders, developers, brokers, opposing counsel, and other stakeholders.
• Providing guidance and mentorship to junior lawyers and clerks.
• Supporting business development activities and contributing to the growth of the firm’s commercial real estate practice.

The Requirements

• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario, or eligible to transfer and practise in Ontario.
• Typically 8+ years of experience in commercial real estate law, with flexibility based on the candidate’s depth of experience.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing complex commercial real estate transactions.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Experience with acquisitions, dispositions, commercial leasing, financing, and development matters.
• Strong knowledge of title due diligence, zoning, land use, and risk management.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and client relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience advising corporate clients, lenders, developers, and institutional stakeholders is an asset.
• Previous experience mentoring junior lawyers or clerks is an asset.
• Business development and networking experience is an asset.
• Bilingualism in English and French is considered an asset.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to work on sophisticated, high-quality commercial real estate matters.
• Collegial and collaborative team environment.
• Meaningful autonomy and ownership over files and client relationships.
• Opportunity to develop a practice and contribute to the growth of an established firm.
• Professional growth and mentorship opportunities.

Accommodation is available upon request throughout all stages of the recruitment process.