A lawyer in Dickinson Wright’s Toronto office, Richard Schuett is well-versed in the intricacies of the real estate industry. His practice is centered around commercial real estate, focusing on strategic acquisitions and dispositions, real estate finance, property development, franchise law. Richard also has extensive experience in commercial leasing, representing both landlords and tenants alike. Richard’s dedication to delivering meticulous guidance and fostering strong client relationships underscores his commitment to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of real estate law.
Having joined the firm’s Toronto office as a summer student in 2018 and returning as an articling student in 2019 and 2020, Richard has honed his skills in real estate law. During his time at law school, Richard significantly contributed as a research assistant for the Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy, displaying his commitment to academic excellence and legal research. His broader experiences include offering strategic counsel in the office of a Canadian Member of Parliament, where his research and advisory role encompassed privacy and pharmaceutical matters.
Education & Credentials
Education
University of Ottawa
J.D., 2019Western University
M.A., 2016Western University
B.A., 2015Bar Admission
Prominent Assignments
- Represented multiple major lenders in the re-financings of major hotel brands across multiple jurisdictions in Canada and the United States.
- Represented a lender in its enforcement of a loan and subsequent major re-development of a property, including one of the largest re-development projects in Ontario.
- Assisted a major United States franchise system to prepare for their expansion into Canada and preparing their Canadian franchise disclosure document package for Canada-wide compliance.
- Retained by a Quebec hotelier to handle the purchase of two hotels and a conference center.
- Represented a franchise system, to professionalize the company, and assist them in preparing statutorily compliant franchise disclosure document and franchise agreements.
- Represented a client to help them expand their global business by providing legal assistance in numerous subject areas, including corporate, tax, construction, and licensing of their extensive IP assets, including trademarks and patents.
- Retained to complete the sale of multiple farm businesses and its operations that was under significant financial distress, including negotiating with major lenders and creditors on loans in default.
- Assisted in the re-financing of a distressed farm business and its assets, including negotiating multiple rounds of forbearance agreements with major lenders and creditors.
- Retained by an art gallery to complete the sale of thousands of photographs and pieces by a famous artist. After an over six-year-long negotiation and public procurement process, the collection was purchased by the artist's origin country's government for a large figure and displayed prominently in its national art gallery as a major exhibition.
- Assisted a major computer and consumer electronics retailers in multiple successful re-financings of various properties and stores.
- Represented Canada’s top landlords and tenants in various lease negotiations, terminations, renewals, assignments, and extensions.
- Assisted a Canadian company with their first investment as a family office with the purchase of a stake in a rapidly growing Canadian sports nutrition company that owns popular brands in the United States and Canada.
Professional Involvement
- Member, International Council of Shopping Center
- Ontario Bar, 2020
Publications/Presentations
- Co-Author, "Key Franchising Considerations: Overview (Canada)," Thomson Reuters Practical Law Commercial, December 2024
- Co-Author, "Options for Growing a Franchise System,” Canadian Franchising Magazine, April 2023
- Author, "Toronto’s New Vacant Home Tax – Deadline Fast Approaching,” Dickinson Wright All Things Canada Blog, January 2023