Michael Mjanes large

Michael Mjanes

Partner
Managing Partner, Vancouver Office
Vancouver
About

Michael Mjanes is a trusted advisor to clients across the real estate, construction, and corporate ‎commercial sectors, providing practical, business-focused legal counsel tailored to each client’s goals.‎

Michael's real estate and construction practice covers acquisitions and dispositions, commercial leasing, ‎project development, financing, and joint ventures.  Michael also represents developers, investors, non-‎profit housing providers, and businesses in various stages of complex development and construction ‎projects.‎

In his corporate and commercial practice, Michael advises clients across sectors such as forestry, mining, ‎telecommunications, healthcare, mini-storage, food and beverage, and emerging technology. His work ‎includes mergers and acquisitions, secured lending, shareholder agreements, corporate reorganizations, ‎and day-to-day legal matters. ‎

Recognized for his clear, solution-oriented advice and judgment, Michael is a long-term advisor to many of ‎his clients, helping them manage legal complexity while advancing their strategic priorities.‎

Michael is recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada (2027) for Real Estate Law in Vancouver and in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for his expertise in property development. He regularly presents on real estate and commercial law topics and contributes to continuing legal education publications.

Areas of FocusCorporateReal EstateDevelopment, Land Use and Zoning Construction and EngineeringLeasing and Asset ManagementReal Estate Finance
Bar admissionsBritish Columbia, 2008

EXPERIENCE

Real Property and Construction
  • Advised Deka Immobilien Investment GmbH in its 2024 acquisition of two Class AAA office towers in ‎downtown Vancouver — a landmark transaction for the Canadian office market.‎
  • Represented a developer in the development of a major purpose-built rental project in Nanaimo, BC.‎
  • Acted for a non-profit housing provider on a joint venture mixed-use development in Port Moody, BC, ‎integrating housing, office, and commercial space.‎
  • Represented a third-party logistics and agricultural supply company in the negotiation of a 245,646-‎square-foot warehouse lease in British Columbia.‎
  • Advised an ownership group on the redevelopment of a landmark heritage property and the construction ‎of an adjacent 28-storey residential tower in downtown Vancouver.‎
  • Counsel to the Simon Fraser Student Society on the financing, construction, and leasing of a new ‎student union building at SFU’s Burnaby campus.‎
  • Advised a major forestry company on the strategic acquisition of sawmills and associated forest ‎tenures in British Columbia.‎
  • Negotiated ground lease and project agreements for a biomass energy producer’s major production and ‎shipping facility in British Columbia.‎
     

Corporate/M&A
  • Acted for Kobel Manufacturing Co. Ltd. in its strategic acquisition by Twin Disc, Inc., a leading U.S.-‎based manufacturer.‎
  • Represented Carnival Corporation in the USD $290 million acquisition of the White Pass & Yukon Route ‎railroad and port assets from TWC Enterprises Ltd.‎
  • Advised one of Canada’s leading mini-storage operators on multiple strategic asset acquisitions across ‎British Columbia.‎
  • Advised shareholder group on the phased sale of a leading food distribution company in British ‎Columbia to a strategic buyer.‎
  • Acted for a US-based private equity firm in its investment in a major Canadian management software ‎provider.‎
  • Represented sellers in transactions involving businesses across diverse sectors, including dairy ‎manufacturing, construction and restoration services, automotive dealerships, marine glass ‎manufacturing, and civil engineering.‎
  • Advised emerging energy company on financing rounds, including the negotiation of subscription ‎agreements, shareholders’ agreements, and debenture issuances.‎
     

Languages
  • English

Awards

  • Lexpert Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40 in Canada, 2016
  • The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (Property Development), 2017
  • Recognized, Vancouver Real Estate Law, Best Lawyers in Canada, 2027
Education
  • LL.B., University of British Columbia, 2007
  • B.A., Political Science, University of British Columbia, 1999

Speaking Engagements

  • ‎Contributor, CLEBC Buying and Selling a Business: Annotated Precedents
     

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

  • Volunteer, Access Pro Bono
  • Former director, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation
     

Memberships And Affiliations

  • Member, Law Society of British Columbia
  • Member, Canadian Bar Association (Real Estate Section)
  • Member, Canadian Bar Association (Business Law Section)

My latest insights

News

DLA Piper announces new office leadership

11 February 2026

News

DLA Piper Canada advised Deka Immobilien in purchase of top-tier properties in downtown...

14 August 2024 .2 minute read

News

DLA Piper Canada advised Townline Homes on sale of interest in Victoria and Coquitlam...

12 September 2023 .2 minute read

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Phone

+1 604 643 6495
(Work, Vancouver)