Presenters

Gary Newton, Partner, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers
Gary Newton has been practicing law for over 43 years after studying law at Sydney University and is a Partner of the Property and Development Group HWLE Lawyers Sydney. Gary is an Accredited Specialist in Property Law since 1992. In 2023/2024/2025/2026 Gary awarded best lawyer of the year for property law and for leasing law in NSW for AFR and Best Lawyers and also currently listed in Doyles Guide as 2026 Leading Leasing Lawyer in NSW. Gary is the author of the LexisNexis Conveyancing Service NSW and the current drop out Book just released 2025- 2026 edition. Gary has written 13 books on property law including the student case book he has just finished that came at the end of 2025 "Real Property Law Case Summaries" Newton's 5th edition. Gary cowrote Land Acquisition throughout Australia 7th Edition 2017. Gary is the Honorary Secretary of NSW Rostrum since 2005 and is involved in the Voice of Youth. Gary is a long serving member of the Property Law Committee of the Law Society of NSW and the current NSW Chairman of the Australia Property Law Group of the Law Council of Australia, General Practice Section.


Leanne Walker, Partner, Colin Biggers & Paisley
Leanne Walker is a highly regarded commercial litigator, who handles disputes across a variety of industries. She is currently leading our Property Disputes and Advisory team. Leanne has a particular emphasis on property and leasing based disputes, land contract disputes, strata issues and access to land issues. Leanne has experience in alternative dispute resolution, including expert determination and mediation. Leanne has a particular expertise in developing strategies and systems to reduce, manage or resolve disputes. If litigation is necessary, Leanne is experienced in dealing with complex disputes and leads a team of lawyers specialising in dispute resolution. Leanne represents small businesses, landowners, owners corporations, developers and corporate clients in complex business and property disputes.