budget. Henry Prokuda was reliable and had good people skills. DibbsBarker’s Brisbane office had quite a significant property practice, with Keith Carl, Scott Guthrie, Lex Orange and Matthew Rollason regarded as the top experts. Boutique firm Tobin King Lateef was seen acting on central business district property matters. Bede King, the ‘king’ of leasing work, left his clients with an impression that boutique firms have as good a chance at getting the work as larger firms do. Nicholsons Solicitors was increasingly seen acting in the property space. Paul Baynes provided the right advice and completed quality work on whatever he came across. Specialist firm Stubbs Barbeler’s Freeda Stevenson was easy to work with and gave quality advice on various complex matters. Sparke Helmore’s Mark Downie, and DLA Phillips Fox’s Chris O’Shea and Ron Eames were well regarded. Among the national top tiers Minters dominated the Brisbane market. The firm’s national scope, but strong Queensland presence made it the client’s choice, even for panel work. ALB leading lawyer Robin Lyons was diligent, practical, sensible, and not afraid to tell clients when they were not being commercial enough. David Stevens was able to meet “tough” deadlines and was very knowledgeable. Cameron Charlton was seen acting on major projects. Mallesons’ David Bell pleased clients with his property, leasing, divestment and project work. He had a very hands-on, practical, logical, and commercial approach. Freehills was frequently chosen because it had a good history with clients. Luke Simpson had his fair share of leasing matters, Michael Back was chosen for his ‘strong reputation’ in the Queensland market, while Kerry Heilbronn was seen acting on property acquisitions. Clients say the property team at Blakes never disappoints. Jonathan Shaw was commended as “fantastic, knowledgeable and useful” for any property matter. Clayton Utz was recognised as another top tier player.
ADELAIDE At the top of the order was Thomson Playford Cutlers, which clients www.legalbusinessonline.com
recognised for its national capability and equally “valuable local focus”. ALB leading lawyer Tony Saint was generally picked because he was effective, knowledgeable, offered “high-level service”, and “cut to the chase”. Clients thought that Finlaysons was on par with most national top tier firms, in terms of expertise and offering. ALB leading lawyer Anthony Floreani was widely recognised for his hands-on industry experience in construction and property development. David Martin was responsive, knowledgeable, and provided a high level of service. Kelly & Co’s Lachlan Andrews was noted for land matters and due diligence, while boutique firm Ryan Lawyers acted for real estate and tourism clients. Minters’ Kristina McGeehanHall was praised for never failing to produce a good and commercial end-product. Alf Macolino of Lynch Meyer was also recommended.
PERTH Jackson McDonald was Perth’s pre-eminent firm for general property and acquisition matters. ALB leading lawyer Graham Goerke was favoured the most by clients for his thorough approach, commercial legal knowledge, and cost-competitive pricing. Corrs Chambers Westgarth was popular among major national-level clients, and had a knack for general property and considerably sized deals. Alan Churley and Philip Wilson were favourites, among government clients. The property team at Lavan Legal has rapidly been recognised for its “second-to-none service” and support for complex issues, including acquisitions. ALB leading lawyer Peter Beekink was increasingly chosen because he was analytical, focused, time-conscious and deadline-driven. Paul McQueen was “pre-eminent” in acting for developers on planning issues, while Sol Majteles drew on his 30 years-plus experience, as both an in-house and private practice lawyer, when he advised on all types of real estate matters. Pye & Quartermaine’s Graham Quartermaine was seen acting for some of the biggest property groups in Perth, while Young & Connell’s
leading lawyers MURRAY DEARBERG Firm: Freehills Location: Sydney • Practice areas: property, leasing, property development, property fund, infrastructure, project, M&A • Acted for property developers, institutions, trusts on developments, leasing, M&A, CBD major property issues • Previous deals acted on: development and sale of Darling Park Sydney that included one of Australia’s largest ever commercial leases; redevelopment of Aurora Place Sydney; JV development of Fox Studios Australia; JV developments with ComLand, Lensworth and General Property Trust
PAUL DESCHAMPS Firm: Herbert Geer Location: Sydney • Practice areas: property development, construction, project, dispute resolution • Acted for government, statutory corporations, principals, contractors, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors on documentation, procurement and tender processes, project administration, claims • Prepared project documents for high-profile construction projects, including airport infrastructure, railways, recycling facilities, commercial, residential developments
ANDREW ERIKSON Firm: Mallesons Stephen Jaques Location: Melbourne • Practice areas: commercial property, structured real property finance • Acted on Chatswood Chase Shopping Centre acquisition (A$472m), the acquisition and Melbourne redevelopment of Myer property holdings (A$1bn+), Gandel Retail Trust-Colonial First State retail trusts merger • Clients: Record Realty, Grollo Group, DB RREEF Funds Management, APN Development and Delivery, Walker Corporation, Silverton, Rodamco N.V., Carlton Hotel Group, Gandel Group, Christie Group, CFS Retail Trust
ANTHONY FLOREANI Firm: Finlaysons Location: Adelaide • Practice areas: property, construction, infrastructure • More than 25 years’ experience in development and construction industries, more recently as former corporate counsel of Urban Construct, and 15 years’ experience as a lawyer • Memberships: Law Society of South Australia, Urban Development Institute of Australia, Property Council of Australia, Real Estate Institute of South Australia
GRAHAM GOERKE Firm: Jackson McDonald Location: Perth • Chairman of partners since 2001 • Practice areas: property, transactions, development, leasing, planning, environment • Substantial experience in commercial office/retail/industrial developments, obtaining land tenure for mining & resources projects, contamination, Aboriginal heritage & native title matters
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