Merv is a versatile commercial real estate attorney who draws on his extensive in-house and private practice experience to advise clients on a wide range of real estate matters.
Merv has acted for clients on many complex acquisitions, dispositions and leasing transactions. He represents landlords, tenants, entrepreneurs, pension funds, banks, universities, developers, joint ventures, franchisors, and franchisees. Merv is also frequently called on to advise on specialty leasing matters, draft franchising disclosure documents, and provide guidance on the leasing and subleasing of space in the franchising context.
Prior to joining Mintz, Mervyn was the Co-chair of the Commercial Real Estate Group and Chair of the Commercial Leasing Practice at a prominent Canadian business law firm. Earlier, he held progressively senior positions as in-house counsel to a global quick-service restaurant operator, an international developer, owner, and manager of commercial real estate and to one of Canada's largest grocery retailers.
In addition to his practice, Mervyn regularly speaks and writes on topics involving commercial real estate and franchising. He has also taught securities law in Osgoode Hall Law Schools’ continuing education program "From IP to IPO."
News & Press
Mintz Announces Record Member Growth in 2023
December 22, 2023
New Partner Helps Mintz Offer RE Services In Canada
December 21, 2023
High-Profile Toronto Real Estate Attorney Joins Mintz
December 18, 2023
Events & Speaking
Best Practices - Making Sure Your Guarantee, Indemnity and Suretyship Agreements Work the Way You Want
ICSC + Canadian Law
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Publications
- Co-author: “Vaccine Mandates by Commercial Landlords: Are They Permitted and What are the Risks?,” Ontario Real Estate Law Developments (February 2022)
- Co-author: “How To Deal with Fixturing Periods/Late Delivery Penalties”
- Co-author: “Guarantees and Indemnities in Commercial Leases”
- Author: “Industrial Leasing: What Is Unique From A Landlord’s Perspective”
Recognition & Awards
The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Repeatedly recommended, Property Leasing (2023 - 2024)
Best Lawyers in Canada: Commercial Leasing Law (2022 – 2023)
Best Lawyers in Canada: Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Leasing Law (2023 – 2024)
Involvement
- Pro Bono Counsel, Operation Smile
- Member: Law Society of Ontario
- Member: Ontario Bar Association
- Member: International Council of Shopping Centres
- Member: Canadian Association of Black Lawyers
- Board Member: Athletics Canada
- Canadian Advisory Board Member: Right To Play