Johanna Shapira

Johanna
Shapira

Partner

  • Bio

Effective at keeping her clients ahead of the quickly changing development industry, Johanna is valued by colleagues and clients for her strategic approach to legal matters. As a partner with Wood Bull LLP, Johanna applies her knowledge in land-use planning and municipal law to provide comprehensive support to her clients.

Johanna has significant experience in the preparation of approval applications, regularly working with multi-disciplinary teams of consultants to ensure the most effective application possible. Her experience extends across a broad range of land development approvals, including official plan and rezoning approvals, subdivision approvals, severance approvals, minor variance approvals and green energy approvals, including review and appeal matters. She also supports her clients by working with municipal staff, assisting with and making representations before municipal committees and councils, and providing general strategic advice.

With her diverse work background, including experience in civil and commercial litigation, Johanna is also situated to provide real estate and litigation support. She regularly appears before municipal committees and councils, the Ontario Land Tribunal (formerly the Ontario Municipal Board and Local Planning Appeal Tribunal), amongst other administrative tribunals, and the Ontario Superior Court.

Johanna understands that her job is about more than just legal strategies; it is about building strong relationships with both her clients and those in the industry. Clients trust Johanna to listen to their matters and apply strategies that support their long-term legal and business goals. She successfully advocates on her client's behalf, leveraging her relationships in the public and private sectors and with consultants and legal professionals.

Outside of her busy practice, Johanna has delivered lectures on land use approvals in Ontario and is a respected legal industry professional. Prior to joining Wood Bull LLP, Johanna practiced commercial and civil litigation at another downtown Toronto firm. 

Bar Admissions

  • Ontario (2004)

Education

  • University of Toronto, J.D.
  • McGill University, B.A.