Merv is a versatile commercial real estate attorney who draws on his extensive in-house and private practice experience to advise clients on a wide range of real estate matters.
Merv has acted for clients on many complex acquisitions, dispositions and leasing transactions. He represents landlords, tenants, entrepreneurs, pension funds, banks, universities, developers, joint ventures, franchisors, and franchisees. Merv is also frequently called on to advise on specialty leasing matters, draft franchising disclosure documents, and provide guidance on the leasing and subleasing of space in the franchising context.
Prior to joining Mintz, Mervyn was the Co-chair of the Commercial Real Estate Group and Chair of the Commercial Leasing Practice at a prominent Canadian business law firm. Earlier, he held progressively senior positions as in-house counsel to a global quick-service restaurant operator, an international developer, owner, and manager of commercial real estate and to one of Canada's largest grocery retailers.
In addition to his practice, Mervyn regularly speaks and writes on topics involving commercial real estate and franchising. He has also taught securities law in Osgoode Hall Law Schools’ continuing education program "From IP to IPO."
News & Press
Ten Mintz Attorneys Ranked as Leaders by Best Lawyers Canada 2025
September 03, 2024
Mintz is pleased to announce that ten Toronto Partners have been recognized as leaders by Best Lawyers® in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada©.
TORONTO- Mintz is pleased to announce the recognition of several attorneys in the Canadian Lawyer’s 2024 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory.
Mintz Announces Record Member Growth in 2023
December 22, 2023
Mintz proudly announced the election of 13 attorneys to Members and the addition of a record-setting 22 new lateral Members in 2023, with 11 Partners in the newly opened Toronto office. This diverse group strengthens Mintz’s core areas, spanning Commercial and IP Litigation, Life Sciences, Tech, Private Equity, and Energy & Sustainability. The elevated Members and new lateral additions bring invaluable expertise to help clients navigate complex legal landscapes.
New Partner Helps Mintz Offer RE Services In Canada
December 21, 2023
High-Profile Toronto Real Estate Attorney Joins Mintz
December 18, 2023
TORONTO – Mintz continues its expansion in Toronto with the addition of Mervyn Allen who joins as a Partner and will launch the firm’s Real Estate practice in Canada.
Events & Speaking
Best Practices - Making Sure Your Guarantee, Indemnity and Suretyship Agreements Work the Way You Want
ICSC + Canadian Law
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Publications
- Co-author: “Vaccine Mandates by Commercial Landlords: Are They Permitted and What are the Risks?,” Ontario Real Estate Law Developments (February 2022)
- Co-author: “How To Deal with Fixturing Periods/Late Delivery Penalties”
- Co-author: “Guarantees and Indemnities in Commercial Leases”
- Author: “Industrial Leasing: What Is Unique From A Landlord’s Perspective”
Recognition & Awards
The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Repeatedly recommended, Property Leasing (2023 - 2024)
Best Lawyers in Canada: Commercial Leasing Law (2022 – 2025)
Best Lawyers in Canada: Commercial Real Estate (2023 – 2025)
Involvement
- Pro Bono Counsel, Operation Smile
- Member: Law Society of Ontario
- Member: Ontario Bar Association
- Member: International Council of Shopping Centres
- Member: Canadian Association of Black Lawyers
- Board Member: Athletics Canada
- Canadian Advisory Board Member: Right To Play