Stewart is a highly accomplished lawyer with a distinguished career that spans various law firms, including boutique practices comparable in size and reputation to Davis Lawyers, as well as a major national firm. His primary focus throughout his career has been in the field of property law. Notably, Stewart holds the esteemed accreditation of a Specialist in Property Law by the Law Institute of Victoria.
With an exceptional track record, Stewart has provided counsel to some of Victoria’s most prominent business entities, including the Bertocchi Small Goods Group and the Lastrada Investment Group. His expertise extends to representing high net worth individuals in property transactions exceeding 10 million dollars. Stewart’s specialised interests encompass commercial leasing, advising on State Revenue Office duty exemption applications and resolving property-related disputes. His clients appreciate his pragmatic and business-oriented approach, as well as his knack for delivering timely and effective communication.
Stewart’s extensive experience encompasses a diverse range of legal services, including:
- Negotiating commercial, industrial, and retail leasing agreements, involving the skilful drafting and negotiation of additional provisions for both landlords and tenants.
- Acting on behalf of developers in projects spanning from small-scale developments of three lots to substantial endeavours involving more than 100 lots.
- Facilitating commercial property acquisitions and dispositions, representing both buyers and sellers.
- Preparing expert opinions regarding Adverse Possession Claims.
- Drafting comprehensive stratum title contracts of sale and vendor’s statements, which included specialised clauses to adhere to the Corporations Act.
- Establishing limited recourse borrowing arrangements with a focus on bare trustees, necessitating collaboration with superannuation lawyers and accountants to establish trust structures and facilitate electronic transfers.
- Providing legal services for loan agreements, including the lodging of mortgages on PEXA, and issuing solicitor’s certificates.
- Handling high-value residential conveyancing and commercial conveyancing, particularly for sales exceeding $10 million.
- Offering expert advice and conducting conveyancing for retirement village contracts, along with the drafting of relevant advisory letters.
- Successfully managing State Revenue Office duty exemption applications for multiple developer clients.
- Advising Owner’s Corporations regarding their obligations in the Owner’s Corporation Act and the Water Act.
- Expertly reviewing and drafting various commercial contracts and offering legal counsel in this domain.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Stewart maintains a balanced lifestyle. He enjoys staying fit, cycling, and supporting the Carlton Football Club.
Stewart’s dedication, expertise, and diverse skill set make him an invaluable asset to any legal team, and his accreditation as a Specialist in Property Law by the Law Institute of Victoria further underscores his exceptional standing in the field.