Property Law Consortium was founded in 1998 by two Gatineau-born lawyers who shared a conviction that property law services in the Outaouais region could be more accessible, more transparent, and more client-centred. At the time, most property transactions in the area were handled by large, generalist firms in Ottawa or Montréal, leaving local homeowners and small businesses without a dedicated advocate who truly understood the Quebec Civil Code's unique approach to immovable property.
From a modest two-person office on Boulevard de la Gappe, the firm grew steadily through word-of-mouth referrals and a reputation for meticulous work. By 2005, we had expanded to five lawyers and relocated to our current heritage building on Isom Wells, where exposed brick walls and tall windows create a welcoming atmosphere for clients navigating what is often the most significant financial decision of their lives.
Today, our team includes nine legal professionals — lawyers, notaries, and paralegals — supported by experienced administrative staff. We handle hundreds of property matters each year, from straightforward residential closings to multi-million-dollar expropriation disputes, always with the same foundational commitment: clear communication, fair pricing, and exceptional legal craftsmanship.
Our mission is simple: to protect and advance the property rights of every client we serve, with integrity, expertise, and genuine care. Everything we do is guided by five core values that have remained constant since our founding.
We provide honest assessments, even when the news is not what a client wants to hear. Our advice is grounded in law and fact, never in what might generate the highest fee. If a matter can be resolved without litigation, we say so. If a claim lacks merit, we explain why. This candour has earned us the trust of clients, notaries, and judges alike.
We practise property law exclusively. This singular focus means our lawyers encounter the same issues — servitudes, hypothecs, co-ownership disputes, zoning variances — day after day, building a depth of knowledge that generalist firms cannot match. When a novel question arises, we have the jurisprudential library and the practical experience to address it swiftly.
Legal jargon can be intimidating. We explain every step in plain language, provide written summaries after key meetings, and respond to enquiries within one business day. Our clients never feel left in the dark about their own property matter. We believe informed clients make better decisions.
We are proud members of the Gatineau business community. Our lawyers volunteer with Éducaloi to provide free legal-literacy workshops, sponsor local youth sports teams, and sit on the boards of neighbourhood housing cooperatives. We believe that a strong community and strong property rights go hand in hand.
We offer fixed fees for standard conveyancing transactions and provide detailed fee estimates before any engagement begins. For litigation matters, we discuss billing structures openly and offer flexible payment arrangements when appropriate. There are no hidden charges and no surprise invoices.
Our lawyers and notaries bring diverse backgrounds and complementary strengths to every file. What unites them is a passion for property law and a genuine commitment to client service.
Co-founder and managing partner. Hélène has practised property law for 28 years, with particular expertise in expropriation defence and land-use planning. She holds a B.C.L. and LL.B. from McGill University and is a frequent speaker at Barreau du Québec continuing-education seminars. Hélène has argued cases before the Superior Court of Quebec, the Court of Appeal, and the Administrative Tribunal.
Co-founder and senior counsel. Philippe specialises in residential and commercial conveyancing, having personally overseen more than 3,000 property transactions during his career. He is a member of the Chambre des notaires du Québec and serves as an adjunct lecturer in property law at the Université du Québec en Outaouais. Philippe is known for his calm demeanour and his ability to simplify complex transactions.
Associate lawyer. Amara joined the firm in 2019 after completing her articles at a major Montréal firm. She focuses on condominium law and co-ownership disputes, and has successfully represented syndicates and individual unit owners in over 40 contested matters. Amara is bilingual in French and English and holds a certificate in mediation from the Institut de médiation et d'arbitrage du Québec.
Associate lawyer. Étienne handles title disputes, boundary conflicts, and servitude litigation. Before joining Property Law Consortium in 2021, he spent five years as a land-title examiner at the Registre foncier du Québec, giving him an insider's understanding of the registration system. Étienne also advises clients on environmental due diligence for property acquisitions and is a member of the Canadian Bar Association's environmental law section.
Key milestones that have shaped Property Law Consortium into the firm it is today.
Hélène Chartrand and Philippe Larose open a two-person property law practice on Boulevard de la Gappe, filling a gap in dedicated property legal services in the Outaouais region.
The firm completes its 500th property transaction and begins offering commercial leasing services in response to growing demand from local businesses.
We relocate to our current heritage building at 86207 Isom Wells, providing a larger, fully accessible space with dedicated client meeting rooms and an in-house legal library.
Hélène Chartrand establishes a dedicated expropriation defence practice after successfully challenging a municipal expropriation that resulted in a landmark compensation award.
Amara Diallo and Étienne Moreau join the firm, bringing fresh expertise in condominium law and title examination. The team grows to nine legal professionals.
We surpass 1,200 completed property transactions and maintain a 98% client satisfaction rate, reinforcing our position as the Outaouais region's leading property law firm.
Whether you are buying, selling, leasing, or defending your property rights, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a complimentary initial consultation.
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