K&L Gates has developed a wide real estate practice, with the team advising on matters across mixed-use developments, hospitality and leisure, property finance and BTR. Leading the practice in Sydney, Sandra Steele’s expertise ranges from contract drafting to litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Will Grinter spearheads the practice in Melbourne and is a key contact for clients seeking advice on joint ventures, development agreements, and leasing. Samuel Brown stands out for his work regarding the acquisition and disposal of development and built form assets. The team was bolstered by the addition of Simon Moen, who joined the team from Jackson McDonald in July 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The property team has the depth to be able to respond to our business requirements with the speed and techinical abiity that alllows us to keep our projects on track.’
‘Simon Moen has a commercial understanding of the deals we present that allows him to stucture the advice in a manner that allows us to close the deal.’
‘The group have a very solid understanding of property law, particularly related to the Perth market. The team is led by a very experienced partner and has extremely competent partners.’
‘The team have a strong commercial understanding and appreciation of the key legal outcomes we are trying to achieve.’
‘They are technically excellent, very responsive, easy to deal with.’
‘I've worked with Jennifer McCosker who is amazing. Technically excellent, easy to deal with, practical, commercial and fun also. You can be in a high-pressure deal under high-pressure conditions, and Jen is always calm and cool as a cucumber. A pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
- Farmland Reserve Inc.
- Cabot Partners
- Westpac Banking Corporation
- Centuria Capital Group
- Lendlease Corporation
- Aesop
- Stockland
- Stonepeak
- Macquarie
- Savills Investment Management
- CPB Contractors
- Aliro
Work highlights
Advised Stockland on its successful bid to Homes NSW and subsequent negotiations for the transaction documents for the Waterloo Estate housing project, to comprise a mix of public, affordable and private housing with community facilities.
Acting for Medlog Australia Pty Ltd in relation to a long-term port and container leasing arrangement in respect of part of port land located at Minto, New South Wales to be used as an intermodal terminal.
Advising CPB Contractors on the development and subdivision of the Gadigal Metro subterranean train station and the over-station developments of a commercial office tower and a multi-family tower.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Sandra Steele; Will Grinter
Other key lawyers
Simon Moen; Jennifer McCosker; Chris Wille; Samuel Brown; Paul Lalich