Real Estate
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Australia
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+61 2 9225 5000Chambers Review
Herbert Smith Freehills offers end-to-end real estate services to leading property companies across Australia. Its real estate team possesses depth and quality of expertise in mixed-use, commercial and residential property matters in addition to corporate, tax and finance expertise. The team is experienced in handling many of Australia's largest real estate deals. Its clients include major players in the domestic real estate market, including leading funds, real estate and development companies, and significant global investors operating throughout the country.
Work Highlights
- Herbert Smith Freehills advised Pacific Equity Partners on its acquisition of land lease operator, Serenitas, in a joint venture with Mirvac and Tasman Capital.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"It's been fantastic to work with the firm, as it understands our business and commercial objectives and so tailors its advice to our company and goals."
"The team provides us with expert, technical, and timely legal advice on complex and strategic real estate transactions and projects, with a focus on understanding our key commercial drivers."
"Herbert Smith Freehills' deep knowledge of local laws provides the practice with an ability to make complex issues simple and gives clients confidence in the outcomes."
"It's been fantastic to work with the firm, as it understands our business and commercial objectives and so tailors its advice to our company and goals."
"The team provides us with expert, technical, and timely legal advice on complex and strategic real estate transactions and projects, with a focus on understanding our key commercial drivers."
"Herbert Smith Freehills' deep knowledge of local laws provides the practice with an ability to make complex issues simple and gives clients confidence in the outcomes."
Notable Practitioners
Michael Back is a highly experienced practitioner who frequently acts on property acquisitions. His clients include REITs and major real estate groups.
"Michael's market and up to date regulatory knowledge is valuable."
David Sinn is widely respected as a leading real estate lawyer. He frequently acts for major property groups in relation to acquisitions and developments and is particularly noted for his work on matters involving real estate trusts.
"He's very good at looking after his clients."
"David is excellent: super smart and savvy."
Julie Couch is a well-established figure in the market and is noted for her experience acting on leasings and major urban developments.
"Julie is great at knowing what we want and brings a level of calmness to the deals."
"Julie is a superb lawyer and a great partner to work with. She is commercially astute, responsive and attentive to the detail."
Frank Poeta has a strong reputation for his expertise in property matters and is widely regarded as one of the top real estate practitioners in Western Australia. He often acts on commercial and mixed-use developments.
"Frank is an excellent property lawyer with a deep knowledge of the relevant laws and a commercial and pragmatic approach to providing advice."
Jane Hodder is an experienced figure who is well respected for her expertise with regard to property developments and transactions. Her clients include developers, property groups and funds.
Luke Simpson is a well-respected figure who assists clients on property acquisitions and commercial developments.
"Luke is an excellent commercial lawyer - no-nonsense and direct."
"Luke Simpson has the unique capacity to be across a huge number of issues at any given time."
Nicholas Cowie counts real estate groups and property developers among his clientele. An established figure in the market, he often acts on residential developments and property acquisitions.