Gary Yaffe

At Owen Bird, Gary stands out as a pivotal shareholder, renowned for steering his clients through the intricacies of transactions with unmatched expertise. His integrity and commitment to client service, coupled with extensive experience, render his counsel crucial in architecting robust loan and real estate deals. Gary's analytical prowess and clear communication foster trust among his clientele, who rely on his guidance to navigate the complex transactional terrain. He excels at devising innovative, practical solutions to thorny issues, much to his professional fulfillment.

Gary represents a diverse clientele within the lending and real estate arenas, including financial institutions, private lenders, government agencies, and property owners. He specializes in negotiating and finalizing complex transactions across various sectors such as commercial, industrial, hospitality, recreational, and residential properties. His portfolio includes the secured financing and purchase of multifaceted properties like apartment buildings, strata title projects, hotels, private hospitals, and care facilities, showcasing his versatility in the field.

An esteemed thought leader, Gary has contributed to the knowledge base of his field through authoring papers, delivering seminars, and teaching courses, particularly for the Law Society of British Columbia’s Professional Legal Training Course. His commitment to community service is evident in his active participation on the boards of various charitable organizations.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Gary leads a fulfilling personal life. He shares his life with his wife, their two daughters, and a dog, indulging in hobbies such as golfing, skiing, hiking, reading, and traveling that enrich his family life.

Gary's academic credentials further underscore his expertise. He was called to the British Columbia Bar in 1994 and the Ontario Bar in 1993, after earning a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto in 1991. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from McGill University in 1987, laying the foundation for his distinguished career in financial services and real estate transactions, including commercial tenancies.