Sonia Kalia
Having attended York University, I earned a B.A. Degree, with a focus on Law and Society/Sociology, followed by my law degree (LL.B.) at the University of Western Ontario.
I started my career in corporate defense litigation, subscribing to the Bay Street life, and embarking on a journey to save enough money to purchase my own first home. I finally found a condo near my office in 2003, it was an assignment. I was ecstatic – everything I had worked so hard for, all my dreams, all my parents’ dreams, were coming true.
On the day of my closing, I delightedly called my lawyer to ask when I would get the keys; he didn’t even know I was closing that day. He demanded I meet him at a local Starbucks to deliver funds and sign documents immediately. I was not aware of the funds required until that moment – I was unprepared – he never told me. I rushed to the bank and for the first time ever, took a cash advance on my credit card. I desperately rushed to meet the lawyer, signed, and gave him the money. He said he would “let me know” when I can get into my new place. He called at 4:30 saying your keys are in Richmond Hill and the lawyer’s office closes at 5 pm. “Good luck”. I rushed – again. Suffice it to say, it was a horrible first time home- buying experience.
I was in a relationship at the time, with the love of my life, David, who I met on the first day of law school. He lived this experience with me – our first foray into real estate. He knew that as a client, I deserved better. David started the kind of real estate firm that we would have wanted – one that prepares and educates clients about the real estate process, and empowers them to transact in real estate. After years in corporate litigation, I made the decision to join David, my now husband and father of our 3 beautiful daughters, in creating a real estate law firm that delivers.
When I purchased by assignment 20 years ago it was unheard of. There was little governance for that kind of deal. When I joined the WEARELAW team, I focused my energies on learning everything about assignment transactions. Since then, I have spoken with realtors at the Ontario Real Estate Association and at real estate agencies to offer education on real estate transactions, with an emphasis on assignments. I love educating others about what to expect with regard to every aspect of real estate closings. We think about everything from the perspective of YOU, the client.