Meet the Team

Michael Clouse is a Managing Partner at Property Law Firm CB LLP, one of Canada’s premier residential real estate law firms, based in Oakville, Ontario. His practice is focused on residential real estate and estates, combining deep legal knowledge with a client-first approach.

Michael earned his Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Western Ontario, and holds a Joint Honours Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Ottawa, as well as a Master of Arts from McMaster University. His academic background reflects a lifelong interest in people, policy, and problem-solving.

Passionate about elevating the experience of transacting in real estate, Michael advocates for stronger client protections and improved access to quality legal advice across the industry. In his estates practice, he takes pride in offering practical guidance tailored to each client’s life-stage to help clients make informed decisions with confidence.

Outside the office, Michael is a proud husband and father of two young children. A lover of sports, he particularly enjoys hockey, golf, baseball, snowboarding, and hiking. He also never passes up the chance for a board game night with friends or family.

As Chief Operating Officer at Property Law CB LLP, Crispin Hoggarth plays a central role in driving the firm’s strategy, operations, and service delivery—helping shape its reputation as a leading force in Canadian real estate law. With over a decade of experience across real estate, operations, and legal technology, Crispin brings a unique blend of industry knowledge and technical expertise to the leadership team.

Crispin has led high-performing teams through rapid growth, overseen one of Alberta’s most successful purpose-built real estate law firms, and developed award-winning legal software now used widely across the province. His focus lies in building scalable, seamless systems that support exceptional service—empowering lawyers, staff, and partners to deliver consistent, high-quality results while ensuring every client experiences a smoother, more confident closing.

Recognized for his clarity, pragmatism, and high standards, Crispin is a champion of accountability, collaboration, and innovation. His leadership reflects the firm’s core values: forward-thinking, deeply human, and relentlessly excellent.

Outside of the office, Crispin finds balance in the Rockies—cycling, climbing, and embracing life as a new father. That combination of grit, curiosity, and grounded perspective is evident in everything he builds.

Eric Langille is a results-oriented leader with a proven track record in driving revenue growth and leading high-performing marketing and business development teams. Based in Toronto, Eric brings a wealth of cross-sector experience spanning insurance, publishing, and technology—where he has successfully launched new products, built strategic partnerships, and turned underperforming portfolios into strong revenue contributors.

As Director of Marketing & Business Development, Eric leads the firm’s national growth initiatives with a focus on elevating brand visibility, strengthening client relationships, and supporting business expansion. His strategic yet execution-focused approach is grounded in data, creativity, and collaboration.

Eric holds Bachelor of Arts degrees from St. Francis Xavier University and the University of Calgary, as well as a Master of Public Administration from Dalhousie University. This diverse academic background supports his thoughtful, analytical leadership style.

Known for his drive, adaptability, and big-picture thinking, Eric is committed to helping the firm reach new heights through innovative marketing and impactful business development strategies.

Rubaina is a passionate People & Culture Leader who brings warmth, strategy, and a deep commitment to building inclusive, empowering workplace environments. With a background in human resources, organizational operations, and team development, she champions a culture where people feel supported, heard, and inspired to grow.

Her professional journey is grounded in a diverse educational foundation. Rubaina holds a Human Resources Management Certification from Sheridan College and an Office Administration Certification – Law Firm Profile from Humber College. This unique blend of education has shaped her holistic and human-centered leadership style.

Throughout her career, Rubaina has led initiatives in talent development, DEI, performance management, and employee engagement—always with an emphasis on authenticity, empathy, and impact. She is known for fostering environments where collaboration thrives, and where both people and culture are treated as vital drivers of organizational success.

Outside of work, Rubaina is an adventurer at heart. A passionate traveler and self-proclaimed foodie, she finds joy in exploring new places and cuisines. Her love for the water runs deep, she feels most alive surrounded by nature. With a background in competitive and synchronized swimming, the water has always felt like a second home.

She’s also a lifelong horse lover, music and art enthusiast, and fashion devotee—drawn to the way personal style can tell a story. But above all, Rubaina’s favorite and most cherished role is being a mum. It’s the journey that grounds her, fuels her joy, and inspires everything she does.

Gary Bernard is the Director of Accounting and Finance at Property Law, bringing over two decades of financial leadership experience across multiple industries. With a strong foundation in both strategic and operational finance, Gary plays a pivotal role in driving the firm’s financial performance, growth planning, and long-term sustainability.

A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Certified Credit Professional (CCP), Professional Logistician (P.Log), and Advanced Financial Modeller (AFM), Gary combines deep technical expertise with practical business insight. His career spans 20+ years in the consumer-packaged goods industry and over a decade managing the financial operations of a boutique family law practice.

Gary has led M&A operational execution projects, supported business valuation efforts, and contributed to commercial multi-family real estate assessments. His ability to navigate financial planning, analysis, and cross-functional alignment has been instrumental in helping businesses through growth, restructuring, and realignment phases.

In his role at Property Law, Gary ensures that financial systems are robust, scalable, and aligned with the firm’s vision of innovation and service excellence.

Sanjay Soni is a Partner and the firm’s Business Innovation Lawyer at Property Law Firm CB LLP. With a unique blend of legal knowledge and a strong background in business and technology, Sanjay leads the firm’s efforts to modernize legal service delivery and drive operational excellence.

Before joining Property Law, Sanjay founded Nexera Law Group, combining his legal acumen with entrepreneurial vision. He later became the Chief Executive Officer of Nexera Legal Technologies Inc., a legal software company that now powers file processing at Property Law—underscoring his commitment to transforming the way legal services are delivered.

Sanjay holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Windsor and earned his MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University, where he focused on strategy and innovation. His dual credentials allow him to bridge legal practice with business efficiency, making him a trusted advisor to clients and colleagues alike.

In his spare time, Sanjay enjoys traveling and finding new ways to combine technology, law, and business to build a better future for the legal profession.

Nathaniel Brettle is the partner in charge of Private Lending and Wills & Estates at Property Law Firm CB LLP. His practice is grounded in thoughtful legal counsel and decades of service to families and individuals across Ontario. Nathaniel's law office, Malo Pilley Lehman Brettle, joined Property Law in 2022, continuing a proud legacy of over fifty years serving Toronto’s West End.

Before entering private practice, Nathaniel served as a staff lawyer with Legal Aid Ontario, advocating for clients in communities across Kenora, Ottawa, Niagara, and Kitchener-Waterloo. His work spanned criminal, family, and poverty law, deepening his commitment to accessible, client-focused service.

Nathaniel earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa’s Fauteux Hall in 2013 and has been an active member of the Law Society of Ontario’s Coach and Advisor Network since 2023, mentoring new lawyers and giving back to the profession.

Outside the office, Nathaniel is passionate about the arts and the outdoors. He supports local theatre in both Toronto and Niagara, and spends his free time backcountry camping, open water swimming, and, when possible, indulging in a well-deserved second breakfast.

Edward brings significant expertise in both residential and commercial mortgage and real estate transactions. He has acted for a wide range of clients including property owners, builders, investors, borrowers, and financial institutions. His practice focuses on all aspects of lending and financing involving commercial and residential properties, as well as the acquisition and disposition of real estate assets. Edward holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Guelph and earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Birmingham in¹ the United Kingdom. Outside of the office, Edward has a passion for soccer and snowboarding. As an adolescent he wanted to be a formula one driver, but that didn't go so well with his parents - he's now a lawyer of course. He also has an interest for travel, particularly to destinations with beaches and oceans

Loni McDonough is a partner at Property Law, where she has been practicing for nearly a decade. Her practice is focused exclusively on residential real estate, and she is known for her attentive, client-centered approach and her ability to guide clients through every stage of a real estate transaction with clarity and confidence.

Loni earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta in 2015, following a Bachelor of Science from the University of Calgary in 2011, where she majored in Primatology and minored in Archaeology. Her diverse academic background reflects her curiosity and attention to detail—qualities that continue to inform her legal practice.

As a trusted advisor and dedicated advocate, Loni takes pride in making the legal aspects of buying or selling a home as seamless as possible.

Outside of work, Loni enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, and board game nights with friends and family.

Iryna Romanova is a lawyer with a focus on delivering thoughtful, client-centered legal services. She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa, where she specialized in Dispute Resolution and Professionalism, and a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Law and Society from York University.

Iryna is fluent in Ukrainian and Russian and brings a culturally sensitive approach to her practice. She is known for her professionalism, clear communication, and commitment to helping clients navigate legal matters with confidence and care.

Outside of the office, Iryna enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, traveling and exploring new places with her husband, and relaxing through gardening. She brings the same calm and steady presence to her legal work that she does to her personal life.

Daniel Zeljic is a real estate lawyer at Property Law, with a practice focused on residential and commercial real estate transactions, including purchases, sales, refinances, and private lending across Alberta. He is dedicated to delivering practical, client-focused legal solutions.

Before joining Property, Daniel gained experience in a broad range of legal areas, including family law, personal injury, and civil litigation. He also developed strong courtroom skills during his articles at a criminal law firm in Calgary, where he appeared regularly in court.

Daniel holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Saskatchewan (2019) and a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from the University of Calgary (2013). He is fluent in both English and Serbo-Croatian and has a strong foundation in legal research.

Daniel is committed to providing high-quality legal services with a focus on professionalism, efficiency, and client satisfaction.

Miriam Kim is a practicing lawyer in Ontario with a focus on real estate law and Wills & Estates. She is dedicated to helping her clients navigate important life transitions—whether they’re purchasing a home or planning for the future—with clarity, confidence, and care.

Miriam holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from York University and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. She brings a thoughtful and detail-oriented approach to her practice, combining legal knowledge with a strong commitment to client service.

Outside the office, Miriam enjoys staying active and can often be found on the softball field, golf course, or snowboarding in the winter months. Her friendly, down-to-earth personality helps clients feel at ease throughout the legal process.

Sam Cowan is a real estate lawyer at Property Law, focusing on residential real estate conveyancing. Born and raised in Calgary, Sam brings both local insight and a deep understanding of the city’s real estate landscape to every client interaction. Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, Sam is known for providing clear, responsive, and personable legal support.

Sam earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Calgary in 2017, after completing a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Western Ontario. He is a member of the Law Society of Alberta and has built a strong reputation among clients for his practical advice and approachable style—evident in the many positive testimonials he’s received.

An avid skier, runner, golfer, and hiker, Sam enjoys spending time outdoors and takes every opportunity to explore Alberta’s natural beauty. His connection to the Calgary community runs deep, and he is proud to serve the city he calls home.

Ya-En is a multi-jurisdictional lawyer licensed to practice in Ontario, British Columbia, New York State, and Taiwan (not currently practicing in New York or Taiwan). She brings a global perspective and diverse legal background to her practice, with a particular interest in supporting clients with cross-border and multicultural needs.

Ya-En earned her Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2022 and holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from both New York University and National Taiwan University, where she also completed her undergraduate studies in Political Science. She articled at Vanguard Law Group in Vancouver, BC, and previously practiced at a boutique firm in Taiwan specializing in banking and finance law.

Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese, Ya-En is known for her thoughtful, detail-oriented approach and her commitment to accessible, client-centered service. During her legal studies, she volunteered in a variety of community-focused initiatives, including legal clinics supporting small business development, intellectual property, consumer protection, and accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities.

Outside of her legal work, Ya-En is passionate about animal welfare and has volunteered with dog rescue organizations. She brings empathy, dedication, and a global mindset to everything she does.

Mahdi Al-Toum is a lawyer at Property Law, bringing a strong academic foundation and a multidisciplinary perspective to his legal practice. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University with a focus in accounting, as well as a JD/MBA from Queen’s University—equipping him with both legal insight and strategic business acumen.

During his time at Queen’s, Mahdi was actively involved in consulting and entrepreneurship initiatives, including leading a team management project for a startup working toward Series A funding and developing an individual business plan to help launch a new business. These experiences honed his skills in problem-solving, communication, and client service—skills he now applies in the dynamic field of real estate law.

Outside of work, Mahdi is a dedicated musician and a member of the Hamilton Concert Band. He enjoys playing the flute in both small and large ensembles and can often be found hiking trails around the GTA in his free time.