De Grandpré Chait LLP

27 Best Lawyers awards

De Grandpré Chait LLP logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Commercial Leasing Law Real Estate Law

Biography

Fredric L. Carsley, a passionate Quebec real estate law practitioner.

With over 45 years of experience in commercial real estate acquisition, development, financing and leasing, Fred Carsley has won the admiration and loyalty of many renowned players in the retail, office, industrial and multi-residential sectors. Identified by various national and international directories as a leading law practitioner in the fields of real estate development and property leasing, Fred Carsley is often referred to as “the go-to person in Quebec” by out-of-province clients and referring colleagues. He is particularly recognized for his way of simplifying the differences between Common Law and Quebec civil law.

Clients praise him for his expertise, dedication and responsiveness and appreciate the fact that he handles every case as if he had a vested interest in its outcome. Fred Carsley is thorough and effective, driving results by proposing practical solutions that are beneficial for all parties.

Since 1978, Fred Carsley has been a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), where he has served in a number of roles. On behalf of the ICSC, he has lobbied the Quebec and British Columbia governments against a tax on parking spaces, which earned him the ICSC’s Trustees Distinguished Service Award, the highest award bestowed by the global retail real estate industry. Always willing to give back to the industry, he currently serves as an ICSC Ambassador and as a next generation mentor.

As ICSC Canadian Division Government Relations Chair, Fred Carsley lobbied the Federal Government to change the Canada Interest Act in order to facilitate long-term mortgage lending. This effort was central to his admission as a Fellow of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys, where he currently serves on the Title Insurance and Membership Admission Committees.

De Grandpré Chait LLP

27 Best Lawyers awards

De Grandpré Chait LLP logo

Overview

  • English
  • French

  • McGill University, LL.B., graduated 1975
  • McGill University, B.C.L., graduated 1974

  • Quebec, 1976

  • American College of Mortgage Attorneys - Quebec Provincial Chair and Canadian Co-Chair, Member of The Title Insurance Committee
  • Barreau du Québec - Member
  • Center of International Legal Studies - Honorary member of the Association of Fellows and Legal Scholars
  • Georgetown University Law Center, Advanced Commercial Leasing Program - Former Board and faculty member
  • International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) - Member of the State/Provincial Government Relations Advisory Group, Judge (ICSC Foundation JTR Scholarship), Ambassador - Canada Division
  • Urban Development Institute of Quebec - Member
  • English
  • French
  • Quebec, 1976
  • American College of Mortgage Attorneys - Quebec Provincial Chair and Canadian Co-Chair, Member of The Title Insurance Committee
  • Barreau du Québec - Member
  • Center of International Legal Studies - Honorary member of the Association of Fellows and Legal Scholars
  • Georgetown University Law Center, Advanced Commercial Leasing Program - Former Board and faculty member
  • International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) - Member of the State/Provincial Government Relations Advisory Group, Judge (ICSC Foundation JTR Scholarship), Ambassador - Canada Division
  • Urban Development Institute of Quebec - Member
  • McGill University, LL.B., graduated 1975
  • McGill University, B.C.L., graduated 1974

Client Testimonials

Mr. Carsley puts the client first in the truest sense. Mr. Carsley (Fred) has repeatedly assisted Whiterock in avoiding potential pitfalls of the Quebec legal systems. His intimate knowledge of law is joined with extensive knowledge of the real estate industry providing useful insight in structuring deals, leases, and financings. He is readily available for inquiries; responds immediately, and can always meet the shortest of deadlines. He is without a doubt one of the top real estate attorneys in Quebec and probably all of Canada.

Jason Underwood (Whiterock REIT)

Toronto, ON

Awards & Focus

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2026 for work in:
  • Commercial Leasing Law
  • Real Estate Law
Special Focus:
  • Transactional
Awards:
  • Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory
  • Chambers Global in Real Estate - Leaders in their field
  • Martindale Hubbell AV since 1999
  • The International Who's Who of Real Estate Lawyers - World's leading Real Estate Lawyers (2012)
  • Who's Who Canadian
  • Lexpert® Guide to the 500 Leading Lawyers in Canada (2012)
  • Best Lawyers in Canada® - Real Estate Law
  • Chambers Canada Guide - Real Estate Law
  • Who's Who Leagl Canada, The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers

Additional Information

  • Practice Areas
  • Commercial Leases and Rentals
  • Condominium and Co-Ownership Properties
  • Real Estate Development
  • Real Estate Financing and Title Examination
  • Real Estate Law
  • Real Estate Transactions

Your browser is not fully compatible with our automatic printer friendly formatting.

Please use the print button to print this profile page.

Spinning circle Big letter B