Devry Smith Frank LLP

Can a lender freeze or call a credit facility based on a “material adverse change”? MAC clauses can have serious consequences for borrowers, but their scope and enforceability are not always clear.

Learn how MAC clauses work, what “material” means, and key steps borrowers can take to protect their interests:

When Can a Lender Pull the Plug on a Credit Agreement? Material Adverse Change Clauses Explained | Devry Smith Frank LLP What is a Material Adverse Change (MAC) clause? Learn how these provisions affect borrowers, when lenders can invoke them, and how to manage risk.

Devry Smith Frank LLP was proud to sponsor the Association of Chinese Canadian Builders and Contractors Awards Ceremony Gala, one of the most prominent events in Canada’s Chinese construction community.

DSF partner Kelli Preston presented an award and attended the gala alongside associate Jason Corry and wills & estates lawyer Vanessa Romanino. As a firm that represents businesses, developers, and property owners, we value opportunities to connect with industry leaders and support the continued success of the construction sector.

We were honoured to support this event and congratulate all award recipients on their achievements.

Planning ahead is one of the most meaningful steps you can take for your family, your assets, and your legacy.

On Wednesday, June 10, Kelli Preston, Partner at Devry Smith Frank LLP, will be speaking at The Power of Planning: Protecting Your Family, Assets, and Legacy, a free community event hosted by Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery in Whitby.

The session will cover how thoughtful planning can help bring peace of mind and set families up for success. Kelli will be joined by Neil McBride of Edward Jones and Robert Elias of Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery.

Event details:
Wednesday, June 10
4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery
21 Garrard Road, Whitby

Limited seats are available. To RSVP, call 905-665-0600 or scan the QR code on the event poster.

When a relationship ends, the way property is held can have significant legal and financial consequences.

Joint tenancy and tenancy in common are often overlooked after a property purchase, but upon separation, the distinction can affect ownership rights, estate planning, and litigation strategy.

Read our latest blog to learn why reviewing title ownership is an important step during separation: https://durhamlawyer.ca/joint-tenancy-vs-tenancy-in-common-why-it-matters-during-a-separation/

Easements can have a major impact on how land is accessed, used, and developed, but many property owners don’t fully understand them until issues arise.

Our latest blog breaks down the basics of easements, including rights of way, implied easements, and how these interests can affect property value and future development: https://durhamlawyer.ca/easements-101-understanding-non-possessory-interests-in-land/

Devry Smith Frank LLP is pleased to welcome Joe Wahba as a lawyer in our commercial litigation department.

Joe represents large financial institutions and corporations in a broad range of commercial disputes, appearing at all levels of court in Ontario as well as before regulatory and administrative tribunals.

He works closely with clients to develop strategies tailored to the specific demands of each file, whether that means pursuing aggressive recovery, managing risk, or finding an efficient path to resolution.

Joe received his J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2017. He is a member of the Ontario Bar Association, the Canadian Bar Association, the Law Society of Ontario, and the Toronto Lawyers Association.

Devry Smith Frank LLP is excited to welcome Evan L. Cappe as a lawyer in our commercial litigation department.

Evan brings nearly two decades of experience to a wide range of civil and commercial disputes. Called to the Ontario Bar in 2007, Evan represents corporations, financial institutions, businesses, and individuals at all levels of court in Ontario, including the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court, and the Court of Appeal.

Evan's practice encompasses commercial litigation, financial fraud recovery, lender liability, tracing claims, employee theft and defalcation, construction lien disputes, professional negligence, contract disputes, and collection matters. He provides practical advice and manages files with efficiency and care.

Evan is a member of the Ontario Bar Association and holds a J.D. from the University of Toronto.

Devry Smith Frank LLP is pleased to welcome commercial litigation lawyer Ron Aisenberg to our firm.

Ron is an experienced courtroom advocate, regularly appearing before all levels of Ontario courts in a broad range of commercial matters.

Ron assists clients from the earliest stages of a dispute through to resolution, advising on litigation strategy, drafting and arguing motions, conducting examinations for discovery, and pursuing enforcement of judgments and court orders. He brings a practical, business-minded perspective to every file, with a focus on achieving efficient and effective outcomes for his clients.

Ron earned an LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School and is a member of the Law Society of Ontario.

Devry Smith Frank LLP is excited to welcome our 2026 summer law students.

Erik Mayer joins our Toronto office as a 2L summer student and a JD candidate at Queen’s University. He earned a BSc with distinction in Life Sciences from McMaster and co-authored research on autoimmune disorders with specialists at Johns Hopkins. At Queen’s, he worked at the Business Law Clinic supporting not-for-profits and startups and later served as a Group Lead mentor. He is also a Vice President of the Corporate Law Club, a moot competitor, and a top performer in Trial Advocacy. In his free time, Erik enjoys golf, basketball, and following the Chicago Bears and Toronto Raptors.

Isabelle Park joins our Toronto office as a 2L summer student working toward her JD at Osgoode Hall Law School. She holds an Honours BSc in Cognitive Science and Psychology from the University of Toronto. At Osgoode, she has advised businesses through the IP Innovation Clinic, served as President of the Intellectual Property Society, and earned a 3rd place factum award in the Harold G. Fox Moot. She also works as a research assistant focusing on international tax treaties and volunteers with the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers and the Korean Legal Clinic. Outside of work, Isabelle enjoys playing the violin, attending live music events, and searching for Toronto’s best cafés.

Trevor Herr joins our Whitby office as a summer law student and JD candidate at Western Law. He earned a BComm (High Distinction) in Finance and Economics from the University of Toronto and previously worked as a Finance Officer with the National Research Council of Canada. At Western, he is active in mooting, including participation in the Bora Laskin Constitutional and Administrative Law Moot as French Oralist. Outside of work, Trevor enjoys travelling, reading, and hiking with his dog, and is a dedicated Montreal Canadiens fan.

We are pleased to have Erik, Isabelle, and Trevor join the firm and look forward to supporting their continued growth this summer.

Last week, the head of DSF's immigration practice, Asher Frankel, and immigration lawyer Benjamin Grubner C.S., attended the 2026 J2J Expo as sponsors.

Hosted by the Toronto Jewish Network, the event brings together Jewish professionals, businesses, entrepreneurs, and institutions under one roof to build opportunity and long-term communal strength.

It was a valuable opportunity to connect with peers and support the continued growth of the community.