Karsten Lee

Named “Lawyer of the Year” for Commercial Leasing Law in Toronto in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in Canada, Karsten is widely recognized by his peers and clients for his depth of experience, practical approach, and commitment to delivering strong results.

Karsten has extensive experience drafting and negotiating commercial leases and all ancillary documentation for a broad range of clients, including large national tenants, landlords, developers, property managers, lenders, franchisors, and franchisees, across retail, office, industrial, and mixed-use properties. His thorough understanding of both the landlord and tenant perspective allows him to anticipate negotiation challenges and craft practical, commercially sound solutions that move deals forward efficiently. Karsten regularly advises on redevelopments, real estate acquisitions and dispositions, defaults, termination, and leasing-related due diligence matters.

Karsten is an active contributor to the commercial leasing profession. He has served as Co-Chair of the Law Society of Ontario’s “The Eight-Minute Commercial Leasing Lawyer” program since 2021 and is a frequent speaker at the ICSC Canadian Law Conference, the Canadian Bar Association, and other industry events on topics ranging from competition law impacts on commercial leases to the evolution of shopping centre lands and redevelopment considerations.

Karsten is consistently recognized as a leading lawyer in commercial leasing by Chambers Canada Guide, the Best Lawyers in Canada (Commercial Leasing Law; Real Estate Law), and the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory.