Areas of Expertise

Acquisitions and disposals, Leasing – commercial, industrial and retail, Property development, Land divisions & titling, Corporate real estate

Chris practises in a diverse range of property law, with a strong focus on major commercial acquisitions and leasing as well as renewable energy and infrastructure projects. Regularly engaged to act for vendors, purchasers, landlords, tenants and developers, Chris has expertise in the preparation of numerous property documents with varying levels of complexity including contracts for sale, leases, easements, encumbrances, land divisions and caveats. He also regularly undertakes property related due diligence.

Chris has worked in the property and renewable energy sectors for 15 years.  He has a deep passion for property and relishes the opportunity to learn the key commercial drivers of his client's businesses.  

By doing so, Chris is able to ensure that any transaction for which he is engaged receives the benefit of both his understanding of the client's business and also his knowledge of the industry.  Chris has guest lectured at Flinders University of South Australia and regularly speaks at property seminars for the Property Council of Australia and the Australian Property Institute.

What others say

"Lawyer of the Year - Leasing Law - Adelaide"
Best Lawyers Peer Review 2024
"National Rising Star, Property & Real Estate"
Doyle's Guide 2016, 2017
"Best Lawyer, Leasing Law"
Best Lawyers Peer Review 2019 - 2025
"Recommended, Real Estate"
Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2024

Experience

Calvary Adelaide Hospital

Providing advice on and negotiating the property documentation for Calvary’s new $300 million Calvary Adelaide Hospital (Adelaide’s largest private hospital), since its conception in 2016. Work includes leading negotiations on the Project Deed and Lease documentation, ensuring land rights are secured, providing advice on planning and property issues and negotiating agreements for lease and leases with all subtenants.

1KWS

Negotiating the agreement for lease, lease and signage licence for Suncorp’s tenancy at 1 King William Street (1KWS) – one of the most significant leasing deals in SA in 2018. This was a challenging negotiation due to a complex fitout and design risk, and tight timeframe involved.

Myer Centre Towers

Successfully negotiating the Agreement for Lease and Lease for Technicolour’s new Australian base of operations in Terrace Towers on top of the Myer Centre. Assisting the landlord in achieving its commercial goals and internal KPIs through effective ‘horse trading’ and issue management.

CWP Renewables

Providing ‘whole of life’ property advice and attended to the preparation and negotiation of all property documentation for the Boco Rock Wind Farm (comprising of 67 turbines built in 2012) and the Sapphire Wind Farm (comprising of 75 turbines, built in 2017).

CWP Renewables

Successfully achieving financial close for the 134MW Crudine Ridge Wind Farm project near Mudgee, NSW. This was the third wind farm project for which Chris and his team assisted CWP Renewables to achieve close since 2014. We have since attended to various post-close property items including the implementation of complex lease and sublease structures with landowners and transmission entities.

Wirra Wirra Vineyards

Advising Wirra Wirra on the Agreement for Lease and Lease for its luxury boutique hotel to be constructed in their winery.