This step-by-step guide to conveyancing will see you handle your next conveyancing transaction with ease. From the latest updates to contract formation to pre-purchase due diligence, the exchange of contracts, and to avoiding common errors post settlement. Walk away with practical solutions to real conveyancing problems. Join us for a valuable practice and procedure walkthrough.

Presenters

Simon LaBlack, Director, LaBlack Lawyers Pty Ltd
Simon LaBlack Simon practises exclusively in Property Law in Queensland. In 2017, he became one of now 25 Accredited Specialists in Queensland Property Law. Simon assists organisations and private clients in all property law related matters including property acquisitions and disposals, commercial property matters including leases, developments, transactions and disputes, subdivisions and compulsory acquisition matters. Simon is a member of the Queensland Law Society Property Law Specialist Accreditation Advisory Committee, he is a member of the PEXA Member Advisory Council, he acts as a Court-Appointed Statutory Trustee for Sale and as a specialist consultant to the profession and he is a contributing author for LexisNexis in their practical guidance materials.


Peter Brennan, Senior Associate, Allens
Peter is a Senior Associate in the Allens Real Estate and Development team and has significant experience advising on the development, sale, acquisition and leasing of property and the procurement and development of major property projects across the private and public sectors.


Despina Priala, Director and Legal Practitioner, Priala Legal Pty Ltd
Despina Priala has practised in property and commercial law on the Gold Coast for over 28 years and has extensive experience in this area having been appointed the legal counsel for prominent Gold Coast property developer, Sunland Group from 2004 to 2006. At this time Sunland was in a period of rapid growth with its extensions into the Middle East being established, which included the second Palazzo Versace Hotel in Dubai, as well as undertaking marquee developments such as Q1. Despina was substantially involved with, and supervised the settlement of Q1 - The World’s Tallest Residential Tower, Palazzo Versace, as well as many other noteworthy projects. Despina holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Bond University. She is an Inaugural Law Graduate of Bond University from the Class of 1989 and maintains ties with the Alumni Bond University Association. Despina is also an original Alumni Graduate from Somerset College, the Class of 1987, a very prestigious and reputable school on the Gold Coast. Despina was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1994 and is also admitted to the High Court of Australia. In 2021 Despina was recognised as reaching the milestone achievement of 25 years of membership with the QLD Law Society. Reaching a quarter of a century in a professional career is, by any measure, a considerable and notable achievement. In recognition of her dedication and loyalty to the profession and the Society, in 2021 Despina was presented with a 25-year pin at a recent QLS celebration event. In 2022, Despina was given the honorary role of becoming a member of the Qld Law Society's Property and Development Law Committee. Despina sees this as an opportunity to contribute her years of knowledge and experience in property and development to this committee and to provide recommendations and comments on law reform that will undoubtedly have an impact on the property and development market in Qld, including the Gold Coast. This position of committee member is an honorary role. In 2023 Despina was invited to become an author for LexisNexis in relation to the Qld Property Modules and best practice. Despina has accepted such a role and has contributed to the LexisNexis Property Modules for 2023 and 2024.


James Harding, Legal Practice Director, Harding Property Law
Starting his own practice Harding Property Law in 2022, James stands out in the Queensland property and development sector with his unique blend of entrepreneurial experience and legal expertise. His firm, established to provide strategic advice on a wide array of complex property-related issues, quickly became known for its practical solutions catering to both corporate and private clients. James's journey in the legal field is underpinned by his background as a small business owner and employer, bringing a rare combination of commercial insights and legal acumen to his practice. This blend proves invaluable in navigating the intricate landscape of property law and commercial transactions. Earlier in his career, while with a national firm, James represented a diverse range of clients including State Government bodies, national statutory organizations, and charitable institutions, skilfully managing their property transactional needs in Queensland. His responsibilities encompassed the acquisition and sale of businesses, corporate restructuring, and providing intricate titling and structuring advice. James's expertise also extends to handling COVID-19 related leasing issues, where he advised national shopping centre operators. His proficiency in Foreign Investment Review Board Approval, compliance, enforcement responses, and advisory on Duties and Australian Foreign Acquirer Duty, further solidifies his reputation as a leader in property law. With his team at Harding Property Law, James continues to deliver tailored and strategic legal solutions, demonstrating a deep understanding of both the legal intricacies and the commercial realities of property transactions.


Matthew Russell, Principal, McInnes Wilson Lawyers
Matthew is a dedicated, knowledgeable and reliable partner at McInnes Wilson Lawyers. He specialises in Residential Real Estate and Projects, Commercial Real Estate and Projects, as well as commercial and retail leasing, management rights and body corporate law. With over 15 years of experience, Matthew brings extensive expertise to his practice. Having obtained a Bachelor of Laws and Journalism (LL.B B.Journ) from Queensland University of Technology, along with a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Matthew was admitted as a lawyer in 2007. Matthew is well-regarded for his professional and friendly approach, fostering strong relationships with the his clients. His particular interests lie in property development, leasing and strata law. He excels in various areas, including flat land subdivisions, property acquisitions, management rights transactions, retail and commercial leases, complex property transactions, easements and covenants, body corporate disputes, resumption claims, and business contracts. Matthew consistently goes above and beyond to ensure his clients’ best interests are secured, valuing the importance of exceptional outcomes. With his dedicated work ethic and extensive legal knowledge, Matthew is an invaluable asset to McInnes Wilson Lawyers, offering the highest quality of legal services to both private clients and businesses.