James A. Proskurniak Jim is an experienced Toronto lawyer who joined the business law group of Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) early in 2014. In his previous years of practice, Jim was a senior business law partner in the Toronto office of a well respected national Canadian law firm. With DSF, Jim looks forward to continuing to offer client-focused and cost-effective legal services and solutions as a trusted advisor to business owners, corporations, institutions and organizations. All clients benefit from Jim’s extensive experience in advising domestic and foreign clients in all aspects of Canadian corporate and commercial law including loans secured by personal and real property, business formation and corporate law and business succession planning. In his commercial lending practice with DSF, Jim will continue to provide personalized and value-added services to a broad range of lenders including banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, private lenders, institutional and other specialty lenders and governmental financing agencies. He is also well versed in providing commercial law support to restructuring and insolvency practitioners in connection with loan realization and work-out transactions. His financial services clients benefit from his extensive experience in advising domestic and foreign lenders in all aspects of Canadian commercial lending law including syndicated and single lender loan documents, security documentation collateralizing both personal and real property, inter-creditor and subordination agreements, cross-border issues, specialized security over investment property, transactional legal opinions, banking services and products and the regulatory aspects of foreign lenders operating in the Canadian market. He also provides expert advice with respect to the application and interpretation of the Ontario Personal Property Security Act and Securities Transfer Act, 2006. Jim’s business law practice with DSF will accentuate his personalized and value-added services to small and medium-sized Canadian businesses and subsidiaries of foreign multinational corporations and to the institutions and organizations that serve and interact with those types of businesses. Business owners will benefit from his broad experience in structuring and implementing business succession planning transactions. Jim’s industry experience includes automotive, aerospace, agriculture, financial services, investment advisory, financial planning, technology, manufacturing, sports franchises, pension funds, distributors, transportation, infrastructure, cooperatives, marketing, brand advisory and commercial real estate. He enhances his legal practice through involvement in various business and legal professional organizations, and he gives back to the legal community through writing, teaching and participation in law reform committees. In his spare time, Jim likes to spend time with close friends and family. He enjoys a good movie and has been known to attend popular music concerts by both classic and upcoming performers, at venues large and small. Summer often finds him assisting happily with gardening and landscaping projects around the house. By Justin DominicMay 28, 2020November 26, 2020 No comments yet
Michael E. Reed Michael Reed has practiced in Barrie since 1972, building a large clientele base consisting of second and third-generation individuals. An extensive portion of his practice involves residential real estate covering new homes, condominiums, re-sales and refinancing, as well as commercial real estate and leasing. Michael also practices in the area of wills, powers of attorney, estate planning for disabled individuals (Henson Trusts), and the utilization of trusts, estate planning, and administration of estates. The corporate portion of Michael’s practice consists of some 400 companies, including some of Simcoe County’s largest private corporations and farming enterprises. Included in this area of law are acquisitions, mergers, re-organizations, amalgamations of businesses, purchase and sale of businesses by way of asset transactions and/or sale share transactions, and partnership agreements. Other projects include subdivision development and severances for corporate and individual clients. Having obtained his Master of Laws in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Osgoode Hall Law School, Michael has conducted several mediation sessions to resolve commercial disputes. Michael has been a highly active member of the community through his involvement with Simcoe Community Services, Junior Achievement, masons, Shriners, Minor Baseball Association, and Barrie Integrated Baseball Association. By Justin DominicMay 28, 2020November 11, 2020 No comments yet
Cayley A. Rodd Cayley is a trusted legal advisor to business owners and their families and she values the opportunities she’s had to work with multiple generations of business owners, assisting in the ongoing success of their ventures. Cayley’s clients trust her legal and business insights and are confident in the quality of her legal services. They value her responsive attention to their ongoing needs. Cayley works with all types of business owners including doctors, dentists, veterinarians, farmers, car dealerships, and manufacturers. She assists in all aspects of their businesses, including buying and selling assets or companies, commercial financing, commercial leasing and maintaining corporate records. She also helps business owners with their commercial real estate needs and their wills and estate planning, including succession planning for their businesses. Cayley is an experienced commercial lending lawyer with expertise in commercial lending, real estate financing and construction financing. Cayley also represents public institutions in a general advisory capacity and helps not for profit and charitable organizations with incorporations, applications for charitable status, and on-going corporate maintenance. Since moving to Simcoe County in January 2018, Cayley has enjoyed the opportunity of working alongside senior Barrie business lawyers, Eric Taves and Michael Reed. Prior to joining the firm Cayley practiced with Pavey Law LLP in Cambridge and with Torys LLP in Toronto. Cayley has presented at seminars hosted by local Real Estate Boards and Chambers of Commerce as well as to smaller groups organized by local banking institutions, other organizations, and stroke survivor organizations and welcomes the opportunity to speak to other groups. Cayley is currently a director of the Rotary Club of Barrie, having previously been the president and treasurer of the Rotary Club of Cambridge (Preston-Hespeler). Cayley is past-Chair of the Board of Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. Outside of the office, she enjoys reading all varieties of books, has very eclectic tastes in music and stays active by curling, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and exploring the County’s highways by bicycle. By Justin DominicMay 28, 2020April 30, 2021 No comments yet
Dan Rothberg Dan received his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Manitoba in 1989 and his LL.B. from the University of British Columbia in 1993. Dan also completed courses in International Finance and Econometrics at Harvard University. Dan represents both privately held and publicly traded companies in corporate finance and securities, M&A, and general corporate and commercial law matters. Dan has acted for companies in a variety of industries, including mining, financial services, clean-technology, medical technology, information technology, retail, manufacturing, and hospitality. Dan’s extensive public company experience includes initial public offerings, reverse take-overs, CPC formation and qualifying transactions and private placement transactions with a particular focus on resource and technology companies listed or seeking a listing on the TSX Venture Exchange or the Canadian Securities Exchange. Dan also represents start-up, growth stage and mature privately held companies as well as angel investors, venture capital providers, and private equity firms with financing transactions, restructurings and M&A transactions. Dan serves as one of the primary contacts at the firm in connection with its membership in the Geneva Group International (GGi) worldwide affiliation of professional firms. Through its participation in GGi, Dan has gained extensive experience with cross-border M&A and other transactions and often assists foreign companies wishing to establish a presence in Canada. Before joining Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF), Dan had been a partner at a respected mid-sized law firm and a large national law firm, each known for their business law expertise. Dan is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, the Law Society of British Columbia, the Canadian Bar Association, the Canadian Venture Capital Association, and serves on the board of the Association for Corporate Growth. In his spare time, Dan plays guitar, is an avid golfer and enjoys travelling with his wife and son. By Justin DominicMay 27, 2020March 17, 2021 No comments yet
Tracey Rynard Tracey joined Devry Smith Frank’s Barrie office on October 16th, 2017. Prior to joining DSF, Tracey achieved her B.A. in Psychology from McMaster University, B.A. in Political Science from the University of Toronto and J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School. She was called to the Bar in 2004 and practised law at a Bay Street law firm prior to moving to a large regional firm in Barrie where she worked for 7 years before opening a boutique law firm where she has worked for the last 4 years. Tracey brings exceptional wills, trusts and estate planning, estate litigation, consent and capacity law, not-for-profit and charity law, and general corporate law expertise to DSF. Tracey spends her limited free time outside of the office being both a hockey mom and a swim mom for her two daughters. Occasionally, she has interests of her own such as reading, running and hockey. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the North Simcoe Girls Hockey Association and participates in pro bono work in the area of elder abuse. By Justin DominicMay 27, 2020February 26, 2021 No comments yet
James M. Satin James Satin is a commercial litigator. Effective, efficient, results-oriented, cost-conscious and professional are adjectives used by James’ clients to describe him. James practices with and helps manage our litigation group in the areas of debt recovery and bankruptcy and insolvency. He is a partner of the firm. James acts primarily as counsel for Canadian chartered banks and other financial institutions on hundreds of recovery matters. James has expertise in the most effective, and cost-efficient methods for recovering debts, both prior to and following judgment. James works with trustees, receivers, property managers and other professionals to secure the timely realization of secured assets, and to maximize recovery on collection matters. James has had considerable success in resolving collection proceedings on an expedited basis, thereby reducing the expense to his clients and speeding up the recovery process. James also has expertise in commercial litigation. He has acted for clients in matters including contract disputes, real estate litigation, product liability, employment litigation and wrongful dismissal, estate litigation, defamation and fraud actions. He has acted for clients ranging from multinational corporations and global professional services organizations to small and medium-sized businesses, as well as for individuals. He has experience with all facets of the litigation process, including interim and permanent injunctions including Mareva injunctions and other motions for the preservation of property, interlocutory motions, Court ordered and private receiverships, motions for summary judgment, examinations in aid of execution, seizure and sale of assets, Sheriff’s sales of both real and personal property, contempt proceedings and mandatory and private mediations. James’ practical, no-nonsense approach to litigation has resulted in excellent results at trial and on appeal. He frequently appears before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and has appeared before the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Ontario Divisional Court. James has spoken at numerous seminars on topics relating to debt collection. James is a graduate of McGill University (B.A. in Psychology, 1996) and the University of Western Ontario (LL.B, 1999). He holds a Certificate in Mediation from the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre at the University of Western Ontario. James was called to the Bar in 2001. For further information or assistance with debt recovery and bankruptcy, insolvency or commercial litigation please contact Toronto Lawyer James M. Satin. By Justin DominicMay 27, 2020December 16, 2020 No comments yet
George Messih George Messih joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) in 2019 as an associate in our real estate, corporate, and estates groups. Prior to joining DSF, George worked at a boutique law firm in Toronto, and his practice focused on commercial and residential real estate, business acquisitions, and estate planning and administration. With a client-centred approach and the ability to anticipate issues before they arise, George is a reference point to clients who rely on him for timely advice and the smooth carriage of their files. George obtained his Bachelor`s degree in economics from McMaster University. He later travelled to the UK to study law at the University of South Wales, where he received his LL.B. During this time, he volunteered at the student legal aid clinic where he worked closely with lawyers from leading UK law firms in assisting members of the community with contract, tenancy, and various advisory matters. A firm believer in life-long learning, George continued his professional development at Osgoode Hall Law School, where he completed the Intensive Program in Wills & Estates in April, 2018. George will also be completing the Osgoode Certificate in Health Law in April, 2020 in order to better assist his corporate clients in the health care industry. TESTIMONIALS “George Messih was very helpful and showed great dedication to every detail regarding our recent legal issues. He listened to our needs and walked us through each step of the process”. – Freida Linke “George is knowledgeable and professional. His availability and flexibility made for a great buying experience”. – Ian Loney “George Messih was very helpful to us for our legal needs. I highly recommend him and this law firm because he was very knowledgeable, responsive, accommodating to our needs, and was really on the ball for all the deadlines and requirements we needed to meet. He really didn’t miss a beat! In addition to his reasonable fees, level of professionalism, hard work and expertise, we were extremely happy with our decision to work with George and Devry Smith Frank LLP”. – Martina Bekhit By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 27, 2020April 30, 2021 No comments yet
Lorne Shapiro Lorne graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies and obtained his law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1977. He was called to the Ontario bar in 1979. Lorne strives to get to know his clients’ businesses, enabling him to take big picture client issues into consideration and provide prompt, practical and creative advice to obtain the most effective solutions available. In addition to acting for clients in leasing, mortgage refinancing and the purchase and sale of apartment buildings, plazas and commercial property. Lorne spends much of his time working in condominium development issues and co-ordinating the mass sales of condominium units. In recent transactions, Lorne has acted with respect to: The acquisition, redevelopment, refinancing and registration of condominium status for standard and common elements condominiums and industrial/commercial condominiums throughout Southern Ontario. The sale of Canada’s second-largest trailer park portfolio to a subsidiary of a U.S. REIT The financing of the acquisition of 28 acres of environmentally contaminated land in downtown Toronto for a large scale redevelopment The acquisition by a sovereign wealth fund of equity in a Canadian solar energy company The purchase from 17 vendors of all of the shares of a major Canadian customs broker The sale of shares of a large nursing services corporation The conversion of three adjoining apartment buildings in central Toronto to condominium status The conversion of older multi-unit industrial buildings to condominium status The sale of a $50 million apartment portfolio The institutional financing of large condominium sites and environmentally sensitive properties in Downtown Toronto Lorne is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and a former member of the executive of the Real Estate Section of the Canadian Bar Association (Ontario). By Justin DominicMay 27, 2020April 30, 2021 No comments yet
Frank Shostack Frank Shostack is an experienced Toronto lawyer who joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (“DSF”) in April of 2016. He received his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the University of Toronto and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1970. Frank subsequently obtained his Master of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. Frank has been practising law for more than 50 years and still enjoys the relationship with his clients and the personal satisfaction that comes with being an adviser, assisting clients with their business matters. Frank practices in the areas of Business and Corporate Law, Tax Law, Estate Planning and Trusts, advising clients on matters pertaining to corporate finance, corporate tax planning, acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, divestitures, intellectual property, licensing and other contract negotiations, shareholder and business disputes, and corporate governance. Frank also has significant experience in operations management, which he has used to assist clients with their strategic planning efforts, as they build and grow their businesses. Frank’s extensive training and experience in alternative resolution and his strategic business expertise enable him to apply a collaborative and solution oriented approach to resolve competing business interests that often arise during complex multi-party transactions. Through his commitment to quality and his dedication to his clients, Frank has established many long-standing client relationships and solidified his reputation as a practical legal and business adviser. By Justin DominicMay 27, 2020January 12, 2021 No comments yet
William J. Smith William (Bill) Smith was called to the bar in 1980 after receiving a Bachelor Of Arts degree from Glendon College, and his LL.B. from the University of Toronto Law School. Bill has practiced corporate and commercial law with the firm since then., Bill’s experience is varied and extensive. He has had a broad exposure to virtually every aspect of corporate and commercial practice including incorporations, partnerships, joint venture agreements, shareholders’ and creditors’ rights and remedies, as well as business mergers, acquisitions, financing and debt restructuring. Bill’s skills include structuring, negotiating, and the preparation of required documentation, as well as liaising among directors, shareholders, financial advisors and institutions. As an experienced corporate and commercial practitioner, Bill is often involved in litigation matters on behalf of his clients. His depth of experience enables him to combine expert legal advice with sensitivity to the firm’s clients’ business needs and environment and to meet client’s specific needs in the most expeditious and cost-efficient manner. Bill advises clients on employer and employee rights, termination and wrongful dismissal matters, fiduciary duties and non-competition issues. Bill works closely with other professional advisors including accountants and tax and financial advisors in assisting his clients to minimize their tax exposure and is familiar with vehicles such as tax-free rollovers, co-tenancies, trusts and estate freezes. Bill takes an active role in co-ordinating all aspects of his clients’ legal service needs by ensuring that, when necessary, appropriate specialized expertise is obtained, either from within the firm or through an established referral network, in areas such as securities law, intellectual property, labour law, income, commodity or other taxes, or international business transactions. Bill is a member of the ADR Institute of Ontario. By Justin DominicMay 27, 2020November 5, 2020 No comments yet
