Presenters

Chris Kelly, Partner, Thomson Geer
Chris practises in a diverse range of property law, with a strong focus on leasing and major commercial acquisitions as well as renewable energy and infrastructure projects. Chris regularly acts for vendors, purchasers, landlords, tenants and developers. He 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 been recognised by his peers as one of the Best Lawyers in Australia in the area of Leasing law (2020 and 2021). Chris has also been recognised by Doyle's Guide in 2019 and 2020 as a recommended Property and Real Estate Lawyer. He was also recommended by Doyle’s Guide in Health and Aged Care in 2019 and previously as a National Rising Star in the Property & Real Estate space in both 2016 and 2017. In 2019 Chris was a finalist in the Property Council of SA's Young Property Professional of the Year awards. 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. He holds a commerce degree with a major in accounting and currently sits on the SA Property Council's Diversity Committee.


Michael Stannard, Partner, Mellor Olsson Lawyers
Michael is a Partner in Mellor Olsson’s property team and has over ten years’ experience in commercial property law. Michael’s practice focuses on acquisitions, disposals, and leasing of property; development, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects; community and strata titles; and property due diligence. Michael is a member of the Property Council of Australia and the Urban Development Institute of Australia. He sits on the Property Council's Tax and Economic Trends Committee and UDIA’s Urban Renewal and Liveability Committee. He is a past member of the UDIA’s Developer Finance, Tax and Regulation Committee. He regularly presents workshops and seminars on property law to professional services firms and industry bodies. Michael was recognised as a Rising Star by Doyle's Guide (2023) and Australasian Lawyer (2024).