Mark Platteel

Mark Platteel stands as a distinguished partner within Gowling WLG's Toronto office, contributing his vast expertise to the Real Estate and Financial Services Department as well as the Infrastructure and Construction Industry Group. His professional journey is deeply rooted in Canada's infrastructure realm, offering comprehensive advice throughout the entire lifecycle of development projects. Mark's focus is notably sharp on intricate financing deals, public-private partnerships (P3), and crafting large-scale construction agreements. His clientele spans a broad spectrum, including procurement agencies, developers, contractors, and financial institutions, assisting in the realization of pivotal infrastructure ventures across Canada and North America.

Before his current role at Gowling WLG, Mark played a pivotal part as general counsel for a leading global infrastructure developer. His guidance on legal, commercial, and financing facets was crucial for several high-profile transit, bridge, and road projects, enriching his perspective and enhancing his capability to steer clients through complex challenges and strategic decisions.

Mark's earlier career included a decade in the Financial Services Group of another prominent national law firm in Toronto, where he dealt with an array of sophisticated debt financing transactions.

His contributions have not gone unnoticed, with Mark being a finalist for the Osler Purdy Crawford Deal Making Award in 2019, as part of the Canadian General Counsel Awards. That year also saw the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, where Mark served as lead in-house counsel, recognized by Lexpert as the Deal of the Year. Furthermore, under his leadership, his legal department was acclaimed as one of Canada's top in-house legal teams by Legal 500's GC Teams Powerlist. Mark himself was highlighted in the Legal 500 GC Powerlist 2020 for Canada, marking him among the country's leading in-house legal counsels.

In addition to his legal endeavors, Mark chairs the Steering Committee for the Canadian Infrastructure Law Forum, maintaining this role for two years while actively engaging in discussions and writings on Canadian infrastructure development.

Beyond his professional commitments, Mark dedicates himself to community service, coaching youth sports teams in East York and the Beaches community, and mentoring students through the Law in Action within Schools (LAWS) program and the Dare to Dream program, fostering future generations in Toronto.

Mark's areas of practice encapsulate Construction & Engineering, Infrastructure, Real Estate, Project Finance, marking him as a pivotal figure in legal advisory for infrastructure development. His accolades and recognitions, coupled with his active community involvement, underscore a career dedicated not only to legal excellence but also to making a tangible difference in both professional and local communities.