Samuel Brown
K&L GatesK&L Gates’ key strengths lie in BTR, hospitality and leisure, as well as mixed-use development projects. In Melbourne, Will Grinter is proficient in urban redevelopments, and he co-leads the team with Sydney-based Sandra Steele. Also working out of Sydney, Samuel Brown is well-versed in infrastructure transactions, while Brisbane-based Chris Wille advises clients on lease backs. Paul Lalich, Andrew Scully, and Madeleine Ryan arrived to the practice from HWL Ebsworth Lawyers in August 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They show a strong commitment to understanding and meeting our needs. They understand the complexities of our business and offer innovative solutions. The team is very knowledgeable and lean on other practice areas of the firm to ensure our interests are properly protected.'
- 'K&L Gates has a significant international presence, which allows us as their client to cooperate with them across continents. Through their local partners and practices, clients get an international reach and relevant local advice at the same time. Especially for cross-border real estate transactions, K&L Gates is a very experienced and helpful partner.'
- 'The key reason we continue to use KLG for all our legal requirements is our relationship with Will Grinter.'
- 'Will Grinter understands our business, our projects, and our commercial drivers in detail, such that his advice is always commercial and strategic. We do not make any key decisions or strategic moves without seeking Will's counsel first. He is more than a lawyer, he is a trusted business adviser and wise sounding board.'
- 'Chris Wille and the team are professional, approachable, and understanding. Chris always makes himself available to answer queries and gives support to ensure a transaction is completed efficiently and smoothly.'
- 'Samuel Brown does an excellent job, his knowledge in the real estate sector is outstanding. He is very experienced but also knows his limits, which is very reassuring in times when specialist knowledge in other areas is required.'
- 'Samuel Brown and his real estate team in Sydney are good lawyers in the property and development space. He is experienced in complex transactions and has a good project management mindset, allowing him to manage client and external stakeholders in an effective and timely manner.'
Key clients
- Lendlease Corporation
- NSW Ports
- Sydney Fish Markets Pty Ltd
- Hamton Property Group
- Bensons Property Group
- Springfield City Group
- Brisbane Airport Corporation
- Minor Hotels
- Kurraba Property Group
- Savills Investment Management
- JQZ
- Aesop
- L'Oreal Australia
- Real I.S.
- Opal Aged Care
- Outline Projects
Work highlights
- Acted for Orica on the divestment of Orica's 130 hectare industrial, logistics, and commercial development site at Deer Park, Victoria.
- Acting on the multibillion-dollar Moonee Valley Park development, one of Melbourne's largest and most significant multi-stage urban renewal projects.
- Advised Westpac Banking Corporation on the development of its new multi-level head office premises.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Sandra Steele, Will Grinter