The Property and Development team at Arnold Bloch Leibler plays a pivotal role in transforming complex legal challenges into tangible results. From high-value acquisitions to intricate development projects, the team’s work is as dynamic as it is rewarding.
In this Q&A, partner Gia Cari and lawyer Dylan Feltham share their experiences navigating the multifaceted world of property law, highlighting the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and the unique opportunities available within the team. Their insights offer a compelling glimpse into the expertise and culture that define ABL’s Property and Development practice.
What does it mean to be a commercial property lawyer, and how does it differ from the academic study of property law?
Gia: Property law in practice is quite different from what you learn in textbooks. While the theory is underpinned by black-letter law concepts, the day-to-day work of a property lawyer involves much more. At Arnold Bloch Leibler, we deal with tangible outcomes - real estate you can see and touch. This includes work involving everything from acquisitions and disposals to leasing rights and development projects, such as shopping centres, office buildings, and subdivisions.
Our work regularly overlaps with and depends on skills in other teams within the firm, including Banking & Finance, Commercial, and Tax. That synergy reflects the collaborative nature of our property practice, which is often referred to as the "engine room" of the firm due to its dynamic and integral role in major transactions.
As a junior lawyer, what has your experience been like working across the different areas of property law?
Dylan: It’s been incredibly diverse. There are four main streams of work: leasing, sales and acquisitions, development, and due diligence. As a junior lawyer, I’ve been involved in all of these areas, which means I’m not siloed into one specialisation. Instead, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with different teams across the firm, including the Commercial and Litigation teams, depending on the transaction’s needs.
What’s unique at ABL is the access we have to multiple partners in the Property team, each with their own style and approach. This has allowed me to learn directly from experienced practitioners like Gia and other leaders in the team, while also developing my own skills as a junior lawyer.
"What’s unique at ABL is the access we have to multiple partners in the Property team, each with their own style and approach."
How do you manage competing priorities when working with multiple partners and practice areas?
Dylan: Managing priorities is something I had to learn quickly since I was a graduate. One of the great things about ABL is that the partners take responsibility for balancing the workflow. If things get too busy, they will redistribute tasks among the team. This has created a supportive environment where I can focus on learning and contributing without feeling overwhelmed.
That said, the Property team is always busy, which means there’s plenty of work to go around. Staying organised and communicating openly with partners and colleagues has been key to managing priorities effectively.
Gia, you’ve been with ABL since you were a graduate and became a partner in just over a decade. What has your journey been like?
Gia: My time at ABL has been defined by incredible mentorship and opportunities for growth. Early in my career, I worked closely with Ken Gray, who was not only an exceptional lawyer but also a generous mentor. He taught me the importance of getting things right, and when I didn’t, he helped me learn from those experiences.
The firm has always emphasised on-the-job learning, which has been critical to my development. The collaborative culture at ABL has been a key factor in my decision to stay and grow with the firm.
Explore our Property & Development expertise or learn more about legal careers at Arnold Bloch Leibler.
Quick fire questions
Most rewarding part of being a property lawyer?
Gia: Seeing tangible results - buildings and spaces that people live in and use - come to life.
Dylan: Helping clients achieve their goals, especially when the deal involves unexpected challenges.
What’s your proudest achievement or outcome for a client?
Gia: Building long-lasting client relationships that go beyond any single transaction.
Dylan: Being part of a $1.2 billion hospital portfolio sale as a junior lawyer.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Gia: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Enjoy the process, talk to people, and soak up as much as you can.
Dylan: Mistakes happen. Focus on learning from them and developing your skills.
