AS the property law sector welcomes a raft of legislative changes, many would see the development of a specialist real estate law department as a significant challenge.
But for Michael Byrom it’s an opportunity.
He has practised as a property lawyer in Queensland for many years, developing expertise in sales and acquisitions, leasing, property development, planning and titling, and environment advice.
His appointment at Bennett & Philp is a significant coup for the firm, determined to transform its bevy of lawyers who deal with property-related matters into one specialist team.
He says there are two aspects to his vision for the team.
“The other is to expand the real estate transactions base of the practice in terms of service opportunities to the existing clients as well as attracting new clients.
The property market is still cautious, but Byrom says there are signs of revival and it will be interesting to see how far reaching proposed legislative changes will be.
“There are plans to streamline and modernise all of the laws relating to property transactions.
“The government has said that it wants to make more certain how transactions will occur and so that there’s a transparency. Those laws are aimed principally on consumer orientation.
He says the dynamic nature of the industry means specialisation is increasingly becoming a necessity.
“It’s better to know everything about one thing, than a little about everything.”
As well as Byrom and Oates, the real estate team will include the firm’s current personnel Shane Jones (special counsel), David Chung (lawyer), Liz Nowlan (paralegal) and Catherine Kocsis (paralegal).
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