Umar returns after a stint at Norton Rose Fulbright while Kershaw comes from McCarthy Tétrault
Dentons has boosted its real estate practice with the addition of Michael Kershaw and Kamil Umar.
Kershaw spent nearly a dozen years at McCarthy Tétrault, where he was a partner in its real property and planning practice group in Toronto. Umar is a returning talent, having first joined the firm in May 2015 as a senior associate per LinkedIn.
Michael Kershaw
Kershaw has tackled matters involving complex financing structures, project and construction financings, commercial mortgage lending, and property development. He has also worked on issues related to multifamily housing, condo construction, industrial and residential subdivisions, self-storage, hospitality properties, office, and commercial properties.
He has represented lenders on mortgages insured by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. He has guided lenders and borrowers on the regulatory aspects of CMHC-insured financing.
Kershaw’s clients have included Canadian Chartered Bank, for whom he acted as lender’s counsel in several hundred million-dollar transactions. He also advised lending syndicates on the SkyTower, The Prestige, Artistry Condos and UC Towers developments.
Prior to his tenure with McCarthy Tétrault, he was an associate with Bennett Jones LLP. He also brings in-house experience from his time as an assistant general counsel at Skyline Real Estate Investment Trust in 2014.
Moreover, Kershaw was an associate city solicitor at the City of Guelph from June 2013 to May 2014.
“What sets Michael apart is that he doesn't just understand real estate transactions—he understands the institutions, organizations and municipalities that shape them. That perspective aligns directly with what our clients are navigating and strengthens our ability to support them,” said Clark Kassian, national leader of Dentons’ real estate group, in a statement.
Lexpert ranked Kershaw as a leading lawyer in the real estate - property development category. He operates from the firm’s Toronto office.
Kamil Umar
Umar comes back to Dentons Calgary in what he described as an easy decision.
“The connections I maintained with Dentons colleagues over the years made the decision to return an easy one. The firm’s global reach, collaborative culture, and depth across key sectors create a strong foundation for serving clients in Calgary, across Canada and the world,” he said in a statement.
Umar has worked on major public infrastructure and development projects. He has handled matters involving property acquisitions and dispositions, land development and land use planning, condominium and strata development, and leasing and financing.
His clients have included residential, commercial and industrial developers, privately and publicly held companies, pension funds, institutional investors, and real estate brokers. He has also worked with participants in water licensing and the development of storm water infrastructure.
When Umar first departed Dentons in October 2018, he joined Bishop & McKenzie LLP as a counsel, eventually making partner in January 2020. In May 2023, he jumped to the partnership at Norton Rose Fulbright.
“Real estate is one of the most dynamic sectors in Canada right now. Kamil is an exceptional lawyer who brings the calibre of expertise and market insight clients are looking for as they pursue their most ambitious goals,” Kassian said.
Dentons Calgary managing partner John Cusano added that Umar’s return “reflects the strength of the team we have built here.”
“Having previously developed his practice at the firm, Kamil is widely recognized in the Calgary market, and his track record advising on some of the province’s most significant projects positions him exceptionally well to support clients as real estate activity continues to evolve,” Cusano said.
