Since 2006, Anthony Arquin has dedicated his legal career to matters pertaining to the commercial real estate and mergers & acquisitions practice areas. Currently, Arquin serves as partner at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP in Montréal, QC. Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada™ since 2011 for Real Estate Law, Arquin is currently being honored as “Lawyer of the Year” for the same practice area in Montréal for 2024.
Of his legal career and recent recognition, Arquin stated: “I represented Habitations Trigone in the sale of its interest in a stabilized residential portfolio in metropolitan Montréal to Centurion Apartment REIT. The portfolio comprised 30 newly constructed multi-residential properties totalling 3,678 rental units located throughout the Greater Montréal Area. This sale represented the largest single multi-family transaction ever in Québec. I also acted for Ivanhoé Cambridge Inc., the real estate arm of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, to negotiate the sale of an undivided 50% interest and the creation of a joint venture with developer Douville, Moffet & Associés in respect of Laurier Québec. These transactions are representative of Davies’ expertise in high-stakes real estate purchases and sales, joint ventures and mixed-use, multi-phase redevelopments, which I believe heavily contributed to my current recognition.
“Real estate joint ventures require creative solutions to bridge the gap between each partner’s objectives so as to protect our clients’ interests while also safeguarding a harmonious relationship between the parties. I especially enjoy how most of my work on these transactions involves providing business-oriented, strategic advice. Moreover, the key in mixed-use, multi-phase development projects is to anticipate the long-term interactions between the various uses and end-users.”
Additionally, Arquin assists clients through the commercial real estate sales and purchasing process, development projects and joint ventures for public and private corporations both domestically and internationally. From site developers and managers to pension funds and major real estate companies, Arquin regularly collaborates on many different facets of the real estate practice area. With that, Arquin is also an active member of the board of directors for the Urban Development Institute of Québec and the Montreal Real Estate Foundation For Kids.
“To be an effective real estate attorney, one must develop the ability to listen not only to one’s own clients but also to opposing parties and their counsel. Emotional intelligence is also key. I try to demonstrate these skills consistently. Aside from legal and negotiation skills, a lawyer must understand the business intricacies of their field of practice. I read extensively about urban planning, architecture and real estate development to stay abreast of the practical challenges and industry trends real estate stakeholders face. Finally, it is of utmost importance to be an attentive and sincere leader who cares deeply about the success, training and well-being of all members of their team, including lawyers, paralegals and other professionals. Talent and harmonious teamwork are key to the success of a law firm,” concluded Arquin.
