David Blackburn
Partner
"We are used to going up against the big teams from other firms on transactions and our clients are delighted that they receive top quality advice without these large numbers of lawyers – it means value for them."
David does not believe that all client needs are all the same, nor are they necessarily similar. Therefore he does not approach each client with a pre-prepared answer to their problems. Rather he invests time examining the real issues that require attention, building a sound understanding of the client’s business, providing focus on what needs to be fixed and adopting a fresh way of looking at each project.
Also, clients are sure that they will not be swamped with teams of lawyers when they come to Addisons – we handle major client matters with small, highly skilled teams resulting in better value and lower cost for our clients. David’s experience and expertise for example is across all of the issues that may affect a commercial property project, including elements like stamp duty, financing or Foreign Investment Review Board approval – his clients readily access the full range of skills necessary to help them.
The results that we deliver to clients are always innovative, driven by the commercial objectives of the client, not simply a legal solution.
These have been David’s philosophies in advising clients since he was admitted as a solicitor in 1985, when he first joined Addisons. He was subsequently admitted to partnership here in 1991.
Merivale — acquisition of the Newport Arms, Coogee Pavilion, Tennyson Hotel, Collaroy Hotel, Vic On The Park, Royal Bondi, Centennial Hotel and 3 Weeds Rozelle. The Newport Arms and Coogee Pavilion transactions were defining transactions in the Sydney “pub” market. Merivale's acquisition of 312-318 George Street, Sydney.
Macquarie Group — acquisition of major portfolio of livestock and cropping properties across Australia from the Qatar Investment Authority – this was the largest agricultural transaction in Australia since 2016.
Mulpha — various property related projects including the development of Sydney Opera House Carpark (the first PPP in NSW) (long term leasehold), the acquisition (and development) of Sanctuary Cove, Qld (Australia’s leading resort style master plan gated community), the disposal of Novotel Darling Harbour, NSW (long term leasehold) and the sale of premium ultra high-end residences on Hayman Island (complicated structuring required due to Crown leasehold title).
Abacus — $48 million sale of an Epping office park.
Atlassian — 5,500sqm lease of 363 George Street, Sydney.
Colgate — sale of 22.16ha industrial site at Captain Cook Drive, Arundel, Qld.
Fairfax — sale of “Elaine” at Double Bay for a national household price record of more than $70 million
Harvey-Norman — $30 million sale of Falcon Street, North Sydney.
Investec — $14 million acquisition of Potts Point.
InvoCare (Australia’s largest funeral provider) — all of the property related matters in connection with its property portfolio including acquisitions, disposals and leasing of property throughout Australia.
Macquarie University — $39 million acquisition of 3 Innovation Road, Macquarie Park and $80 million sale of “Parklands”, 137-143 Herring Road, Macquarie Park.
Mapp Group — 15% acquisition of the Entertainment Quarter in Sydney.
Moss — $116 million sale of 458-472 George Street, Sydney.
Paraway Pastoral Company — $74 million acquisition of “Newstead” and “Paradise” in New England region, New South Wales.
Recognition
Best Lawyers in Australia™ — Corporate Law — 2022 - 2024
Doyle's Guide — Leading Property & Real Estate Lawyers — NSW — 2023
Industries
Property
Education
Entertainment
Hospitality
Leasing
Property and Commercial Development
Real Estate
Retail
Retirement Village
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts/Laws, Macquarie University