Jonathan Freeman

Partner

 | Toronto

Jonathan Freeman* is a partner at Cassels, serving as Chair of the Real Estate & Development Group and as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Jonathan’s practice focuses on all aspects of commercial real estate law, including real estate lending transactions and acquisitions and dispositions of commercial properties. He routinely represents traditional bank and non-bank lenders in complex real estate financing transactions, including those relating to term, acquisition, mezzanine and construction loan facilities. Jonathan also has extensive experience with CMHC insured loans, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other types of securitized debt. He has financed all real estate asset classes, including many of Canada’s largest seniors housing projects, hotels, office buildings, shopping centres and multi-family residential apartment complexes. Jonathan also advises issuers and underwriters in capital market offerings, as well as some of Canada’s largest REITs, private equity funds, developers and real estate investment companies on mergers and acquisitions, cross border real estate transactions, joint venture structuring, asset management and insolvency related matters.

Jonathan is recognized as a leader in his field by such authorities as the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and Chambers Canada, which lauds his “pragmatic approach and business savvy.” In recognition of his outstanding performance relative to his peers, Jonathan was selected as one of Lexpert’s Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40 in 2017.

*denotes Professional Corporation

  • Best Lawyers in Canada (Real Estate Law)
  • Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (Banking & Financial Institutions, Property Development)
  • Chambers Canada (Real Estate)
  • Lexpert, Rising Star Award (2017)
  • Euromoney Legal Media Groups’ Expert Guide, Rising Star (2015)
  • “Jonathan’s responsiveness, ability to adapt and creativity makes him a special attorney.” – Chambers Canada (Real Estate)
  • “His ability to solve problems is excellent. His best skill may be working with the other side’s lawyers to complete the transaction and come up with a solution that works for all.” – Chambers Canada (Real Estate)
  • “Jonathan is an excellent lawyer who can always be counted on to deliver a strong, professional opinion in a timely manner. He is wonderful to work with and someone who adds great value to his clients.” – Chambers Canada (Real Estate)
  • Jonathan is excellent at being flexible with deal timing, understanding all of the concepts and needs for each and every transaction.” – Chambers Canada (Real Estate)
  • “A truly excellent lawyer recognised for his pragmatic approach and business savvy.” – Chambers Canada (Real Estate)
  • Orchestra Toronto, Former Board of Directors
  • LL.B., Dalhousie University, 2004
  • B.A., McGill University, 2001
  • Ontario, 2005
  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Ontario Bar Association