Description

Commercial Leasing & Enforcement Legal Series

Two Sessions. Practical Legal Insights. Stronger Property Management Decisions.

BOMA Edmonton + North, in partnership with Witten LLP, is pleased to present a two-part legal education series designed to help commercial property owners, managers, leasing professionals, and administrators navigate the complexities of commercial lease enforcement, tenant defaults, and civil enforcement procedures.

Led by experienced commercial litigation lawyers from Witten LLP, this series will provide practical guidance on landlords' legal rights, available remedies, and the strategic considerations involved in managing challenging commercial tenancy situations.

Session 1 focuses on understanding landlords' remedies, lease defaults, and tenant insolvency.

Session 2 builds on these foundations by exploring civil enforcement procedures, practical enforcement strategies, and common legal pitfalls.

Participants may register for either session individually or attend both for a more comprehensive understanding of commercial lease enforcement.

Please note: When checking out, if you register the full Legal Series, you do not need to register separately for Session 2 on February 18. Our team will automatically register you for the second session, and a separate registration confirmation will be sent to you.

Session 1 (February 4, 2027): Landlords' Remedies & Tenant Insolvency Issues

Understanding Your Rights, Remedies & Legal Obligations

When a commercial tenant defaults on their lease or faces insolvency, property owners and managers must make important decisions about protecting their interests while navigating their legal rights and responsibilities.

This session will explore the legal remedies available to commercial landlords, including three important lease enforcement tools, when and why landlords may choose particular remedies, and the implications of tenant insolvency.

What You'll Learn

- Commercial Lease Defaults: Understand landlords' rights and responsibilities when tenants fail to meet lease obligations.

- Landlord Enforcement Remedies: Explore three important enforcement tools available to commercial landlords.

- Selecting the Right Remedy: Examine when to pursue individual enforcement options or combine available remedies.

- Tenant Insolvency: Understand how insolvency proceedings can impact a landlord's rights and obligations.

- Risk Management: Identify legal considerations that can help protect property owners and support informed decision-making.

Featured Presenter Session 1: Howard J. Sniderman, K.C.

Senior Litigation Partner | Witten LLP

Howard brings more than four decades of legal experience, specializing in commercial landlord-tenant litigation, bankruptcy and insolvency, security enforcement, and construction litigation.

A former Chair of the Canadian Bar Association's Commercial Leasing Section and longtime University of Alberta Faculty of Law lecturer, Howard has presented extensively to legal and commercial real estate audiences, including BOMA.

His professional recognition includes the 2023 Distinguished Service Award and being named Best Lawyers' 2026 Lawyer of the Year in Edmonton for Commercial Leasing Law.

Session 2 (February 18, 2027): Civil Enforcement – Strategies for Effective Leverage

From Legal Remedies to Practical Enforcement

Building on the legal foundations explored in Session 1, this session examines how commercial landlords can effectively navigate civil enforcement procedures when dealing with tenant defaults and lease termination.

Participants will gain practical insights into enforcement strategies, working with civil enforcement agencies, managing tenant property, and avoiding common mistakes that can create additional legal or operational risks.

What You'll Learn

- Distraint vs. Termination: Understand the strategic differences between distraining for rent and terminating a commercial lease.

- Civil Enforcement Procedures: Learn how and when to engage civil enforcement agencies.

- Seizures & Property Access: Explore soft seizures, changing locks, and the legal considerations surrounding tenant property.

- Court Orders & Enforcement: Understand when court intervention may be necessary.

- Post-Termination Obligations: Learn how to manage abandoned goods and property following lease termination.

- Common Enforcement Mistakes: Identify practical strategies to reduce legal exposure and operational disruption.

Featured Presenter: Liam C. Kelly

Partner | Witten LLP

Liam is an experienced commercial litigator whose practice includes commercial lease enforcement, real estate litigation, and general civil litigation.

Admitted to the Alberta Bar in 2007, Liam has appeared before all levels of court in Alberta and numerous quasi-judicial tribunals.

He is a regular presenter on commercial lease enforcement for BOMA audiences and has co-taught Advocacy 608 at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law since 2018.

*Please note that payments made by credit card are subject to a processing fee.
*For more information about event cancellations, refunds and credits, please see our policy here.

*Disclaimer: By registering for this event, you acknowledge that the information you provide is accurate and absolve BOMA Edmonton and North of any liability for inaccuracies. Your registration also implies consent to be contacted by BOMA Edmonton. Furthermore, the ideas and views expressed by any speakers are their own and are not endorsed by BOMA Edmonton and North.