Real Estate
Real Estate
Overview
Experience
People
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The complexity and uniqueness of the commercial and residential real estate markets, especially in Alberta, require a collaborative, goal-oriented approach to projects. At Field Law, we partner with you to find practical and effective legal solutions for your entire project or any phase of it.

For more than 100 years, lawyers at Field Law have been providing strategic advice and counsel to many of the country's largest real estate developers, investors, lenders, owners and managers. As a recognized market leader with a long history and intimate knowledge of this constantly evolving area of law, we have guided our clients to their goals in a wide variety of significant real estate projects in western Canada.

Our goal is to get your project to completion in an efficient, practical and cost-effective way. We pride ourselves on the clarity and practical nature of our advice and services in the following areas:

(She/Her)
Paralegal + Team Lead, Real Estate Services
VCARD
Calgary
sadams@fieldlaw.com
Paralegal + Team Lead, Real Estate Services
VCARD
Edmonton
sfleury@fieldlaw.com
(She/Her)
Paralegal, Real Estate Services
VCARD
Edmonton
tclarke@fieldlaw.com
(She/Her)
Paralegal, Real Estate Services
VCARD
Calgary
astuart@fieldlaw.com
R. v. Mckay, 2021, Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench
Malmberg v Boyd, 2020 ABQB 326
Malmberg v Boyd, 2020 ABQB 80
Alvas v Barrett, 2018 ABQB 651
Toronto-Dominion Bank v. Suitel Canada Executive Suites Corporation, 2012 ABQB 699
September 13, 2024
People, Pets + Parking: Accessibility + Inclusivity in Condos
Q+A Session
Join Erin Berney and John Gilbert for a complimentary webinar series designed for Condominium Boards and Managers based on the challenges seen most frequently: people, pets and parking.Have a legal question? Want to learn what other issues are plaguing...
August 2024
The Best Lawyers™ in Canada 2025
Field Law is pleased to announce that 50 of our lawyers are recognized in their respective practice areas in the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Canada. Recognition in Best Lawyers™ is based on peer reviews of ...
May 10, 2024
People, Pets + Parking: Sustainable Practices in Condo Management
Q+A Session
Join Erin Berney and John Gilbert for a complimentary webinar series designed for Condominium Boards and Managers based on the challenges seen most frequently: people, pets and parking.Have a legal question? Want to learn what other issues are plaguing...
March 15, 2024
People, Pets + Parking: Balancing Reserve Funds + Repair Responsibilities
Q+A Session
Join Erin Berney and John Gilbert for a complimentary webinar series designed for Condominium Boards and Managers based on the challenges seen most frequently: people, pets and parking. Have a legal question? Want to learn what other issues are plaguin...
December 8, 2023
Navigating Mental Health Challenges in Multi-Housing Communities
Webinar
Given the increasing mental health challenges facing our communities, it is essential for property managers and condominium boards and to be equipped with the right knowledge and strategies to handle these sensitive situations.Join Field Law's Erin...
November 17, 2023
People, Pets + Parking: A Potpourri Q+A Session for Property Managers
Q+A Session
Join Erin Berney and John Gilbert for a complimentary webinar series designed for Property Managers based on the challenges seen most frequently: people, pets and parking. Have a legal question? Want to learn what other issues are plaguing property man...
October 2023 - 2 min read
Canada's Underused Housing Tax: Implications for Foreign + Canadian Property Owners
Underused Housing Tax (“UHT”) is an annual federal tax payable by registered owners of vacant or underused housing in Canada, that took effect on January 1, 2022.  The purpose of the UHT is to tax non-Canadians who own residential prop...
October 2023
Top 10 Influential Northern Canada and Arctic Business Law Lawyers 2023
Business Today
September 15, 2023
People, Pets + Parking: Board Member Duties + Dealing with Dysfunction
Q+A Session
Join Erin Berney and John Gilbert for a complimentary webinar series designed for condominium managers, board members and unit owners based on the challenges seen most frequently: people, pets and parking. Have a legal question? Want to learn what othe...
August 2023
The Best Lawyers™ in Canada 2024
42 Lawyers Recognized  
Field Law is pleased to announce that 42 of our lawyers are recognized in their respective practice areas in the 18th edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Canada. Recognition in Best Lawyers™ is based on peer reviews of ...
May 12, 2023
People, Pets + Parking: Understanding Condo Bylaws vs. Condo Rules
Q+A Session
Join Erin Berney and John Gilbert for a complimentary webinar series designed for Property Managers based on the challenges seen most frequently: people, pets and parking. Have a legal question? Want to learn what other issues are plaguing property man...
March 17, 2023
People, Pets + Parking: Aging Condominiums - Repair or Terminate?
Q+A Session
Join Erin Berney and John Gilbert for a complimentary webinar series designed for Property Managers based on the challenges seen most frequently: people, pets and parking. Have a legal question? Want to learn what other issues are plaguing property man...
March 2023 - 3 min read
Strict Disclosure Requirements for Purchasing Condominiums
The Court found that a condominium developer's failure to provide a separate "occupancy date statement" was grounds for the purchaser to rescind her purchase agreement and have her deposits returned to her.  ...
January 2023
Meet Our Newest Partner
Field Law welcomes Erin Berney to its partnership.Field Law is pleased to welcome Erin Berney as a firm partner, starting January 1, 2023.“Erin has done a remarkable job establishing her vibrant law practice and we are happy she has accepted our ...
December 2, 2022
Legal Obligations of Condo Board Members: Financial Update
Webinar
With the recent dramatic rise in interest rates, it has grown increasingly challenging for condominium corporation boards to understand the implication on their financial obligations.Join Field Law's Erin Berney and Nationa...
November 18, 2022
People, Pets + Parking: A Potpourri Q+A Session for Property Managers
Q+A Session
Join Erin Berney and John Gilbert for a complimentary webinar series designed for Property Managers based on the challenges seen most frequently: people, pets and parking. Have a legal question? Want to learn what other issues are plaguing property man...
September 16, 2022
People, Pets + Parking: Your Condo Building Insurance Questions Answered
Q+A Session
Join Erin Berney and John Gilbert for a complimentary webinar series designed for Property Managers based on the challenges seen most frequently: people, pets and parking. Have a legal question? Want to learn what other issues are plaguing property man...
August 2022
The Best Lawyers™ in Canada 2023
38 Lawyers Recognized
Field Law is pleased to announce that 38 of our lawyers are recognized in their respective practice areas in the 17th edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Canada. Recognition in Best Lawyers™ is based on peer review...
June 23, 2022
People, Pets + Parking: How to Avoid + Address Pet Problems
Q+A Session
Join Erin Berney and John Gilbert for a complimentary webinar series designed for Property Managers based on the challenges seen most frequently: people, pets and parking. Have a legal question? Want to learn what other issues are plaguing property man...
April 8, 2022
Financial Responsibilities of Condo Corporations
With all the legislation changes in recent years, it has grown increasingly challenging for condominium corporation boards to understand their financial responsibilities. How can board members ensure they have the right resources in place to manage the...
March 2022 - 10 min read
In Good Faith: Seven Cases Impacting Your Contracts
In 2020 and 2021, two significant Supreme Court of Canada cases, Callow Inc. v. Zollinger and Wastech Services Ltd. v Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District, clarified and confirmed the duty of good faith and honest contra...
February 2022 - 2 min read
Are Commercial Tenants Required to Pay Back Missed Rent During COVID-19?
COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on businesses across Canada, and many commercial tenants have faced enormous revenue shortfalls. Some of them are wondering whether COVID and its business destruction are legitimate reasons to not pay rent. Are they?Well folk...
December 2021
Power of Attorney and Probate
Alberta Real Estate Association - Podcast Episode 40
In this episode, Lisa Statt Foy helps to clear up some of the misconceptions associated with the topic on the probate process, Power of Attorney, and enduring power of attorney relating to real estate. As these issues affect REALTORS®...
November 19, 2021
People, Pets + Parking: How to Avoid + Address Parking Issues
Q+A Session
Join Erin Berney and John Gilbert for a complimentary webinar series designed for Property Managers based on the challenges seen most frequently: people, pets and parking. Have a legal question? Want to learn what other issues are plaguing pr...
November 2021
2021 Reader's Choice Awards
Edmonton Sun + Edmonton Journal
Congratulations to Barry McGuire, who won Gold in the category of Edmonton's Best Real Estate Lawyer in the 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. Since 2014, the Edmonton Sun and Edmonton Journal have asked their readers to vote for their favourite...
November 2021 - 5 min read
How Long It Takes to Buy a Foreclosed Property
In Canada (and jurisdictions with similar laws), foreclosure is when someone defaults on their mortgage payments, and the lender takes control of the property. Lenders will try to sell the property to recuperate the mortgage money. Foreclosures are reg...
October 2021
Interesting Insights on Intellectual Property
Alberta Real Estate Association - Podcast Episode 38
In this episode, Lisa Statt Foy, brings her wealth of legal knowledge to our discussion to help REALTORS® understand the potential pitfalls and best practices related to the use of images, trademarks, copyrighting, and more. With the expl...
October 15, 2021
People, Pets + Parking: A Property Manager's Guide to HOAs
Q+A Session
Join Erin Berney and John Gilbert for a special edition of People, Pets + Parking! As it becomes more and more common for condominium Property Managers to also manage Homeowners' Associations (HOAs), it's important to be aware of the simil...
September 17, 2021
People, Pets + Parking: Condo Manager Regulation
Q+A Session
Join Erin Berney and Niall Burke for a complimentary webinar series designed for Property Managers based on the challenges seen most frequently: people, pets and parking. Have a legal question? Want to learn what other issues are plaguing property mana...
August 2021
The Best Lawyers™ in Canada 2022
38 Field Lawyers Recognized
Field Law is pleased to announce that 38 of our lawyers are recognized in their respective practice areas in the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Canada. Recognition in Best Lawyers™ is based on peer reviews of ...
July 9, 2021
People, Pets + Parking: Pandemic Problems - Part 2
Q+A Session
Join Erin Berney and Niall Burke for the second installment of our complimentary webinar series designed for Property Managers based on the challenges seen most frequently: people, pets and parking. Have a legal question? Want to learn what other issue...
April 30, 2021
People, Pets + Parking: Pandemic Problems - Part 1
Q+A Session
Join Erin Berney and Niall Burke for a complimentary new webinar series designed for Property Managers based on the challenges seen most frequently: people, pets and parking. Have a legal question? Want to learn what other issues are plaguing property ...
February 2021 - 7 min read
Understanding Board Member Duties: When Condo Boards Fail
Real Estate Blog
Boards of directors for condominium corporations are typically comprised of volunteers. Depending on the eligibility requirements in the corporation’s bylaws, these are more often than not members of the corporation, that is, unit owners. For res...
January 2021
Field Law Announces Five New Partners
The Firm welcomes Anthony Burden, Jason Kully, Lisa Statt Foy, Britt Tetz, and Matthew Turzansky to its partnership.Field Law is pleased to welcome Anthony Burden, Jason Kully, Lisa Statt Foy, Britt Tetz, and Matthew Turzansky as partners of the Firm. ...
October 30, 2020
How to Purchase a Foreclosure
Presentations
Mogul Mastermind
October 30, 2020
Creative Real Estate Deals & AFS Strategies
Presentations
Mogul Mastermind
September 16, 2020
Privacy for Condo Corporations: Understanding + Complying with PIPA
Webinar
Condominiums in Alberta are defined as organizations which are subject to the requirements of the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). This means that condo corporations must develop and adhere to policies and practices that comply with PIPA whe...
August 2020
The Best Lawyers™ in Canada 2021
37 Fielders Recognized
Field Law is pleased to announce that 37 of our lawyers are recognized in their respective practice areas in the 15th edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Canada. Recognition in Best Lawyers™ is based on peer review...
July 2020 - 38 mins
Is Your Condo Safe + Secure?
Presentations
CCI Webinar
June 10, 2020
Condominium Quicksand
Presentations
Edmonton Real Estate Investors Assoc - ZOOM Series
June 2020
Condo Corporations Now Permitted to Access Reserve Funds in “Emergencies”
Real Estate Blog
In a significant move for Alberta condominiums, on June 1, 2020 the Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta, the Honourable Lois Mitchell, approved an Order in Council to amend the Condominium Property Regulation, AR 168/2000. Among other slight changes to docu...
February 2020
Regulation of Short-Term Rentals Still To Be Decided
Real Estate Blog
An update on the City of Edmonton’s attempts to better regulate Airbnb-style short-term rentals.This week, the Urban Planning Committee (UPC) met to revisit the issue of short-term rentals, and consider recommendations from City Administration on...
August 2019
City Moves to License AirBnBs and Other Short-Term Rentals
The Urban Planning Committee voted on Tuesday, August 20, 2019, to recommend the adoption of a new Business Licence Bylaw, in an effort to begin regulating short-term rental accommodations in the City of Edmonton. Often described simply as “short...
May 2019
Use of Restrictive Covenants in Residential Developments
Newsletter
Restrictive covenants operate outside of – and in addition to – municipal zoning bylaws. The obligations associated with restrictive covenants “run with the land” and are binding on any future buyer of the property.Historically,...

Being an advocate and a driver for a big real estate development

Our client: A real estate developer with a set of agreements involving the city government and other developers regarding the financing of infrastructure for a project.
Where we began: According to Rick Pabst, "the city authority is often changing the financing model in order to get developers to pay more. So, there were several novel agreements to negotiate and put in place, relating to financing sewers, water and other public works. We needed to help our client work through three or four major agreements…sorting out when and who was responsible for what."
Our approach: Rick negotiated and documented agreements to secure payments from one developer to another and to provide temporary access. "These were contentious negotiations…not public until the end. Developers are competitive, and I have a sophisticated client. I negotiated the main points initially and then again during drafting."
The result: The parties reached agreement, and the agreements were put in place. "The agreements worked well, and the infrastructure construction has begun. They are now looking at zoning and subdivision permissions." Rick notes that a lot of what drives a deal involves financial or engineering issues. "I'm comfortable with other consultants and able to see their perspectives and issues. I can step back and avoid getting overly focused on the legal."

Helping a client keep their business running despite Calgary's 2013 Flood

In June 2013, Calgary had a significant flood, with five deaths, 100,000 people displaced and $5 billion in damages. Downtown Calgary was closed off to the public, seriously disrupting work and life for the region's 1.1 million residents. Meanwhile, a client of Kevin Schouten, ­ a residential builder, ­was ready to close on over 25 deals. This client had customers who wanted to move into their homes, and the client demanded a plan to handle these closings. Kevin quickly came up with a solution. In about an hour, he and four paralegals set up a temporary, fully functioning remote office, with all of the files, faxing and computer capacity he and his client needed. "For five days, we didn't miss a single closing. It was business as usual for us. My client said, 'That's when we knew we had a partner."