Torys Calgary Expands with New Partner Paul Logan, Counsel Larissa Svekla, Associate Alina Kaiser

Why It Matters

The hires deepen Torys' capabilities in Canada’s booming commercial real‑estate sector, positioning the firm to capture more institutional and infrastructure work in Western Canada.

Key Takeaways

• Paul Logan led Fasken’s Calgary real‑estate group
• Logan advised pension funds and institutional lenders on energy projects
• Larissa Svekla handles cross‑border real‑estate and PPP transactions
• Svekla’s portfolio includes data‑centre and transit infrastructure deals
• Alina Kaiser brings award‑winning litigation and financing experience

Pulse Analysis

Canada’s commercial real‑estate market is undergoing rapid growth, driven by rising demand for industrial space, data‑centre facilities, and renewable‑energy infrastructure. Calgary, as the energy hub of the West, attracts both domestic and international investors seeking stable, long‑term assets. In this competitive landscape, law firms vie for the advisory mandates that accompany multi‑billion‑dollar deals, making talent acquisition a critical differentiator for firms like Torys.

The new hires bring complementary strengths that broaden Torys’ service offering. Paul Logan, a former leader of Fasken’s Calgary real‑estate group, has a track record of structuring complex acquisitions, dispositions, and financing for pension funds, insurers and institutional lenders, including power‑plant and renewable‑energy projects. Larissa Svekla adds depth in cross‑border transactions, high‑value leasing, and public‑private partnerships such as light‑rail and wastewater‑treatment facilities. Alina Kaiser, an award‑winning lawyer, enhances the firm’s capabilities in property financing and securities regulation, serving developers, asset managers and energy companies.

For clients, the expanded team signals a one‑stop shop for end‑to‑end real‑estate counsel, from land acquisition to infrastructure financing and lease negotiations. Torys can now leverage this expertise to attract larger, more diversified mandates, especially as Alberta’s economy diversifies beyond oil and gas into renewable energy and tech‑driven data centres. The strategic move also strengthens Torys’ brand in Western Canada, positioning it to compete with national rivals and capture a larger share of the province’s projected $30 billion commercial real‑estate pipeline over the next five years.