Ira Barkin

Ira Barkin, a leading figure and partner at Goodmans, heads the Real Estate Group with distinction. His extensive involvement in significant acquisition, financing, development, restructuring, and securitization transactions marks him as a prominent figure in the field. Ira's deep experience spans various sectors, including seniors housing, commercial leasing, clean energy development, and telecommunications financing, showcasing his versatile expertise.

Clients, ranging from major corporations and pension funds to government entities, seek Ira's counsel for his strategic insights into real estate joint ventures, mixed-use developments, and capital market transactions. His accolades from esteemed legal directories like Best Lawyers in Canada and The Legal 500 Canada attest to his standing as a top lawyer in real estate and commercial leasing law.

Ira's work is characterized by notable projects and collaborations. He has been instrumental in facilitating joint ventures for seniors housing leaders like Welltower Inc. and Revera Inc., and played a pivotal role in Brookfield's strategic moves in the energy sector. His guidance to the Province of Ontario on the restructuring of major steel companies and to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation underlines his influence in government and infrastructure projects.

Among the array of public companies he has advised, notable examples include Mettrum Health Corp.'s sale to Canopy Growth Corporation and Canadian Tire Corporation's strategic acquisition of the Forzani Group, demonstrating his proficiency in handling high-profile transactions.

Recognition for Ira's contributions includes listings in The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for project finance and property development, underlining his expertise in these critical areas of real estate law.

Beyond his client work, Ira is committed to sharing knowledge, evidenced by his publications and lectures at notable forums like the Annual Seniors Housing Forum and the Ontario Solar Summit. His contributions to The Canadian REIT Handbook and active participation in community initiatives like the Out of the Cold Program showcase his dedication to both the legal profession and societal contributions.

With a legal education from Queen's University and a foundational degree from the University of Toronto, Ira's academic background complements his professional achievements. His membership in the Law Society of Ontario, alongside other professional affiliations, underscores his active engagement in the legal community.

Ira's insights into the evolving real estate landscape, particularly regarding new regulations on foreign property purchases in Canada, reflect his commitment to keeping clients and the broader community informed.

As Goodmans continues to be recognized for excellence in legal services, Ira Barkin stands out for his leadership, expertise, and the profound impact of his work across the real estate sector.