Our People

Our team are dedicated and experts within their field with expertise in property, building and construction, commercial and corporate law along with residential and commercial conveyancing matters.

ELIAS FARAH

Principal Partner

Elias has been practising in the area of property, conveyancing and commercial law for more than 19 years, both in commercial and residential matters, and is well attuned to the South Australian real estate market.

His main areas of focus are property acquisitions and disposals (residential and commercial), large and small scale property developments specialising in apartment projects (including mixed use), strata and community title advice, property due diligences, leasing transactions and advice, hotel agreements, business sales and purchases, property related banking and finance transactions and general property advice.

Elias often assists his clients and the property industry through Director and/or Advisory Board appointments, as well as presenting seminars on relevant legal topics very often taking on a practical and direct approach. He has received multiple awards and industry recognition as being a leading Property Lawyer in Adelaide, South Australia and nationally.

Elias graduated from The University of Adelaide holding a Bachelor of Laws (Honors) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major). He currently holds the following memberships and affiliations:

Committee member of the Property Law Committee of the Law Society of South Australia
Honorary member of University of Adelaide Golden Key International Honour Society
Alumni member of the University of Adelaide
Golden member of the Law Society of South Australia

Prior to the founding of Commercial and Legal, Elias worked at some of the most reputable law firms in South Australia and internationally, including Minter Ellison, Finlaysons and Norton Rose (Dubai). Some of the clients Elias has worked with-in Australia and overseas include:

  • The University of Adelaide
  • The University of South Australia
  • Flinders University
  • Greaton
  • Medallion Homes
  • Samaras Group
  • Urban Construct
  • Renewal SA
  • South Australian Housing Trust
  • Colonial First State Investments Ltd
  • National Australia Bank
  • Woolworths Ltd
  • The Shell Company of Australia Ltd
  • Hutchison 3G Australia
  • Vodafone
  • Limitless World (Dubai)
  • Dubai Investment Group
  • Mubadala Development (Abu Dhabi)
  • BNP Paribas Real Estate
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NICHOLAS GRAHAM

Partner

Nicholas is Partner at Commercial & Legal and specialises in dispute resolution and litigation. He has practiced extensively in the conduct of complex disputes in South Australia. Nicholas has broad experience in the litigation of disputes on commercial and residential construction and infrastructure projects, including all aspects of expert determination and adjudication (security of payment). He has acted for individuals, corporate entities and insurers in complex proceedings in both State and Federal Courts.

He has had listings in Doyle’s Guide of Construction & Infrastructure Rising Stars and has built a reputation as a construction and infrastructure lawyer. He draws on the experience he has had acting for homeowners, builders, subcontractors and the professional indemnity insurers of professionals involved in the construction industry, including architects and engineers.

He provides clear and strategic legal advice and representation even during the most trying times to achieve the best possible outcomes. Nicholas is driven to find pragmatic solutions to resolve even the most complex and intractable disputes. He focuses on achieving the best commercial outcomes for his clients by helping them to understand their risk and how to manage it.

Nicholas manages litigation files, appears as counsel and instructs members of the independent bar when the circumstances require.

His experience has proved invaluable as he aims to provide practical construction project management and contract advice to minimise the likelihood and cost of disputes.

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MARK HENDERSON

Partner

Mark is a Partner at Commercial & Legal, working in our property & projects team.

Since 2002 he has advised clients on all aspects of property development in industries including education, community and sporting infrastructure, water delivery, apartment construction and sales, commercial development and leasing.

His work has taken him all around Australia and the UK (during a three year stint working at a global firm based in London), so he brings a wealth of experience and practical understanding to his practice and our team.

He works with his clients to understand their businesses and their commercial objectives so that the advice he provides is right for their circumstances – he has found that one size rarely fits all, and clients appreciate being able to get advice from Mark which meets their needs without having to go back and forth again and again.

Mark also advises clients on all aspects of their commercial activities, bringing experience gained through sitting on industry and not for profit boards, as well as working in a family business and acting as trusted advisor for many clients over the years. He knows that although lawyers are often seen as the ones that find problems, real value for his clients is gained from the fact that he finds the solutions as well.

Clients expect technical expertise and Mark certainly delivers on that, as shown by his inclusion in Doyles Guide as a leading property lawyer, but Mark prides himself on being able to translate complex concepts into language which clients can understand, accompanied by actionable recommendations to help them to achieve their objectives.

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GRAHAM HALL

Special Counsel

Graham is Special Counsel at Commercial & Legal currently practises primarily in the areas of real estate law, business sales and purchases and corporate and commercial law.

Graham has completed a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education at the University of New England and the University of South Australia. He was the Admitted in 2010, and shortly after, joined the team at Commercial & Legal.

Graham has experience in drafting and negotiating a wide range of commercial documents in the areas of commercial leasing, sale and purchase of land contracts, company and shareholder documentation, general commercial agreements and trusts.

Graham is a member of the Law Society of South Australia and the University of New England Golden Key International Honour Society.

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ERIN FREEBAIRN

Senior Associate

Erin is a Senior Associate at Commercial & Legal and brings her experience in residential, retail and commercial property including development and construction.

Erin was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia in September 2015, having graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice from Flinders University.

Erin has established strong relationships within the Property industry in South Australia, including with property owners, developers and agents.

Erin has also been a participant in the Property Council of Australia’s 500 Women in Property program and has a strong interest in large and small scale property developments.

Erin is enthusiastic, pragmatic and responsive in her approach.

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Alistair Flynn

Associate

Alistair Flynn is a highly accomplished disputes and litigation solicitor who brought his extensive legal expertise to our team in 2023. With a passion for delivering top-notch legal solutions, Alistair has significantly impacted our firm and our clients.

 

After completing his law degree at the University of Adelaide, Alistair embarked on his legal journey at small and large-scale private law firms, in-house, and the South Australian Legal Services Commission.

 

Throughout his career, Alistair has acted for a diverse range of clients, showcasing his versatility and proficiency in handling a wide spectrum of matters. He represents both applicants and respondents in construction, property, and other civil disputes.

 

Outside of the office, Alistair volunteers as a member of the Football SA Disciplinary and Appeals Committee. He is an avid sportsman, occasional musician and budding gardener.

 

Alistair is known among colleagues and clients for his unwavering commitment to the highest ethical standards, attention to detail, and analytical mind, allowing him to craft effective and pragmatic legal strategies. His client-centric approach ensures he remains a trusted advocate for those he represents.

 

With a passion for staying updated on the latest legal developments and a reputation for achieving favourable outcomes, Alistair has become an integral part of our team and an indispensable resource for our clients.

 

As we look to the future, Alistair’s presence on our team continues to enhance the firm’s dispute resolution and litigation capabilities.

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MARTON GERVAI

Legal Officer

Marton is a legal officer in the property team of Commercial & Legal. Admitted as a solicitor in Hungary and Spain, he also holds an LL.M. degree in U.S. and Global Business Law from Suffolk University.

In senior positions at leading law firms and multinational companies in Hungary, Marton gained experience in property transactions, development projects and commercial leases. In addition to that, he has an extensive background in business acquisitions and commercial matters across a broad range of industries.

Business-oriented and invested in professional development, Marton is currently completing an MBA & Project Management degree. As an advocate for the Australian Legal Tech Association, he is passionate about leveraging technology to deliver efficient support to all clients.

Marton is fluent in Hungarian and Spanish.

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MELISSA GATT

Solicitor

Melissa is a Solicitor at Commercial & Legal and joined our team in March 2022. Melissa was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia in December 2016 after having completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Adelaide and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at Australian National University.

Melissa is part of our Property team. Prior to joining Commercial & Legal, Melissa held roles at other private legal practices and a conveyancing firm.

Melissa is a dedicated and approachable Solicitor who is committed to building trusting relationships with clients.

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Camilla Wolfe-Barry

Executive Assistant

Camilla is the executive assistant to the principal partner, Elias Farah. She joined our team in mid-2022 having previously worked in media and communications as a content creator and journalist in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

She is currently completing her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Adelaide where she previously completed a double degree in Psychological Science and Criminology with a minor in Anthropological and Forensic Anatomy.

In addition to her role as Elias’ EA, Camilla also serves as managing editor of our quarterly newsletter and assists with copywriting, visual marketing and content for our social media and other publications.

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Vanessa Perry

Senior Paralegal

Vanessa is a valued member of the Commercial and Legal team which she joined in 2023 as a Senior Paralegal.

Vanessa is a qualified legal practitioner admitted to the Supreme Court of South Australia. She has worked in various fields in private and government sectors including dispute resolution, housing, estates and trustee services.

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Alistair Miller

Special Counsel

Alistair has a Bachelor of Laws with Honours Degree from the University of Adelaide and was admitted to practise as a solicitor and barrister in 1999. He has spent the majority of his career in in house legal roles with private corporations.

He has extensive experience in the formulation of general corporate strategy and as well as expertise in the drafting and negotiation of infrastructure, front end construction, joint ventures, framework, construction (including design and construct, construct only, turn key and hybrid arrangements), alliance contracting and project management agreements.

Over his 20+ year career Alistair has gained an acknowledged expertise in several specialist sectors, including electricity and renewable energy, mining, industrial relations, commercial cleaning, accreditation (eg ISO and HACCP) establishment & maintenance and viticulture.

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Jennifer Novak

Solicitor

Jennifer Novak joined our team in 2023 as a Law Clerk, having graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Adelaide. Jennifer was recently promoted to the position of Solicitor following her admission to practice in the Supreme Court of South Australia.

Prior to commencing her career at Commercial & Legal, she gained invaluable experience in commercial contracting in both the public and private sector.

With a commitment to professional growth, Jennifer aims to refine her skills in commercial property and her enthusiasm for learning ensures she remains at the forefront of legal developments.

 

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Conveyancing Team

NIKKI JOHNSTON

Senior Conveyancer

Nikki is one of the Senior Registered Property Conveyancers at Commercial & Legal and prides herself as being an experienced settlement professional.

Nikki is also one of our PEXA specialists and has encouraged our team to adapt with Electronic Conveyancing and establish new procedures to ensure the process is done effectively and efficiently.

Nikki continues to retain her accreditation of being a Certified Practising Conveyancer (CPC) through Professional Development Seminars. With vast experience in all aspects of Conveyancing, Nikki is dedicated to quality customer service and is regarded highly by peers and clients in the industry.

Since the year 2000, Nikki has gained extensive working knowledge in many areas of property, delving into and specialising in land divisions including complex Property Development and Community Titled divisions contemporaneously with apartment settlements.

Nikki’s specialised areas include:-

Residential and Commercial settlements
Matrimonial, family and deceased estates
Community and Torrens Titled Divisions
Contract and Form 1 advice and preparation
Mortgages and Caveats
Nikki prides herself on ensuring her client a smooth transaction and will leave no stone unturned for her clients best interest.

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CARA LOMBARDOZZI

Senior Conveyancer

Cara is our Senior Registered Conveyancer, she holds a Bachelor of Business in Property, and has over 20 years experience in a significant range of areas within the Property Industry.

Cara provides specialist conveyancing services to our clients. She strives for excellence, and she has a genuine interest in reaching the best outcome for every client. She has a friendly and approachable manner, and values a mutually rewarding business relationship with all of her clients.

Cara is particularly experienced and specialises in the following areas:

  • Commercial Sale/Purchase Settlements
  • Residential Sale/Purchase Settlements
  • Private Sale Contracts, including drafting Special Conditions
  • Form 1 Disclosure Statements
  • Torrens and Community Title Divisions/Developments
  • Self-Managed Superfund Purchases/Transfers
  • Matrimonial and Family Transfers
  • Deceased Estates
  • Caveats

Cara is highly valued by her longstanding clients, and her extensive experience provides an ability to add value to any transaction. She is also valued for her ability to co-ordinate all aspects of a development project from start to finish.

Cara can assist builders and developers, real estate agents, financiers, investors and home vendors/purchasers in meeting all of their property needs.

Cara works with a variety of clients, some of them include:

  • Medallion Homes
  • Hincks Partners
  • McGees
  • CBRE
  • Raine & Horne Commercial
  • Harris Real Estate
  • Belle Property
  • Bank SA
  • Aussie Home Loans
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JOANNA MOUTZOURIS

Senior Conveyancer

Joanna is a registered conveyancer specialising in residential conveyancing with over 25 years’ experience in the industry.

Conveyancing is her business and she is passionate about it. But it’s not just passion that brings most of her clients back; it’s the fact that she handles their business accurately, reliably and with minimal problems.

She understands that buying and selling property is a major life event. Most people are unaware of the legal requirements involved in the settlement process. Her satisfaction comes from taking the worry and stress out of the settlement process for her clients.

She has the support and is equipped to provide the full range of commercial and residential conveyancing services required by individuals and real estate agencies, whether in Adelaide or throughout the state.

Joanna can also provide specialised services in:

  • Contract & Form 1 preparation
  • Early access licenses
  • Waiver of cooling off rights
  • Private sales and purchasers
  • Addendums to contracts
  • Complex sales and special conditions
  • In-house business matters
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RENEE SLATTERY

Conveyancing Assistant

Renee is one of our conveyancing assistants, who joined the Conveyancing Team at Commercial & Legal in 2016 with 3 years’ prior experience working in the Building Industry, including South Australia’s largest residential builders, Renee is well attuned to the property development market.

Renee’s friendly nature and professional attitude, combined with her knowledge of conveyancing, are just some of her qualities, enabling her to provide first-class quality service to all clients.

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SOPHIE HARIDAS

Conveyancer

Sophie is a conveyancer who joined our team from Melbourne after completing an Advanced Diploma in Business (Legal Practice) and working in multiple renowned firms.

In 2010, Sophie moved to Adelaide and continued her legal career working in prominent local law firms. With a particular interest in property and conveyancing, Sophie undertook further studies and completed an Advanced Diploma in Conveyancing.

Sophie’s years of real estate, property development and conveyancing experience, paired with her enthusiasm, drive and initiative provide invaluable support to our growing conveyancing and legal teams.

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Helen Davenport

Senior Conveyancer

Helen Davenport is a senior conveyancer with over 15 years of experience in the legal industry. Throughout her career, Helen has developed a reputation for providing exceptional service to her clients, and she is known for her attention to detail, efficiency, and dedication to achieving successful outcomes.

Helen’s expertise lies in residential and commercial property transactions, including sales, purchases, leases, and refinancing. She has worked with a wide range of clients, including individuals, families, and businesses, and has a thorough understanding of the legal complexities involved in property transactions.

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Kimberley Garcia

Junior Conveyancer

Kimberley joined the Commercial & Legal team as a Junior Conveyancer in 2023 to meet the needs of the firm’s growing conveyancing practice. She has more than four years of experience in the property industry and a conveyancer and file manager and is currently completing her advanced diploma in conveyancing at TAFE SA.

With experience in residential and commercial conveyancing, acting primarily for property developers and first-home buyers, Kimberley prides herself on forging meaningful professional relationships and delivering exceptional service to all her clients. At Commercial & Legal, she aims to continue developing her proficiency in complex conveyancing matters and expanding her areas of expertise within the legal profession.

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Admin & Finance Team

YVONNE GIBBON

Practice Manager

Yvonne joined the Commercial and Legal team in November 2017 as Senior Finance Manager.

Yvonne has extensive finance experience and has worked in various industries with the vast majority being in the legal sector, having held finance roles in small to large legal practices. Her accumulated experience is supported by a Bachelor of Accounting.

This experience and knowledge will be utilised to ensure the financial hygiene of Commercial and Legal and client satisfaction are maintained to a high level.

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CLAUDIA FERNANDEZ

Finance Manager

Claudia joined the Commercial and Legal team in January 2022 as Finance Manager of our Legal and Conveyancing Services.

Claudia is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) with over 25 years’ experience. She has spent her career in the legal sector, having held finance management and practice management roles in small to large legal practices in South Australia. At Commercial and Legal, Claudia’s responsibilities include management of the financial aspects of the firm, and trust accounting. She has the experience, skills and knowledge to ensure that the financial hygiene of Commercial and Legal and client trust monies are maintained to a high level.

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Marie McCarthy

Office Manager

Marie joined our team in October of 2022 as our Office Manager.

She has an extensive history in administrative services within the legal profession, commencing as an Executive Assistant and progressing to the management level as a result of her vast knowledge and range of capabilities.

At Commercial & Legal, Marie oversees the day-to-day operation of the office, including IT maintenance, onboarding new team members, managing our clerkship program and handling a wide variety of tasks as they arise, ensuring our team has the ability to operate with maximum efficiency. Marie also assists with Business Development and Marketing, forging meaningful relationships with National and local industry bodies, coordinating promotional and networking events and contributing to our social media platforms and digital publications.

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Suzanne Telford

Senior Legal Assistant

Suzanne Telford is an experienced Senior Legal Assistant with a track record of success in providing high-quality legal support to legal staff and clients alike. With over 20 years of experience in the legal field, Suzanne has developed a deep understanding of the legal system and has honed her skills in legal research, document drafting, and case management.

Suzanne is highly organized and detail-oriented, ensuring that all aspects of a matter are thoroughly researched and documented. She is a skilled communicator and collaborator, adept at working with all relevant parties to achieve successful outcomes.

Suzanne has completed extensive training in legal research and writing and is responsible for training and mentoring junior admin staff in addition to supporting legal staff in all aspects of their work. Her dedication to her work and her clients makes her an invaluable asset to our team.

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ZENA FARAH

Asset Manager

Zena has worked in the South Australian commercial property industry for more than 9 years and in Dubai for 1 year, and specializes in Commercial and Retail Leasing and Negotiation. She has undertaken leasing for and represented various high profile landlords and developers, including the Makris Group, Taplin Real Estate and other high net worth individuals.

Zena’s real life commercial property experience is an asset for C+L’s property law focus, and helps with our legal Support and Administration functions.

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Karyn Ryan

Legal Assistant

Karyn is a Legal Assistant at Commercial and Legal and a recent addition to the team.

Karyn has worked in various law firms during her career spanning over almost two decades, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team.

 

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Tamara Siemering

Senior Legal Assistant

Tamara Siemering is a highly skilled and experienced senior legal assistant with a diverse background in various areas of legal practice. With a career spanning many years, Tamara has built her expertise from the ground up, starting as a rounds clerk and junior administrative assistant, and progressing through different roles to become a valuable asset in the legal field.

Over the years, Tamara has served in various capacities, including administrative assistant, legal assistant, and paralegal. Her well-rounded background allows her to effectively handle administrative responsibilities, ensure smooth operations within the legal office, and provide financial support as needed. Her meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills have greatly contributed to the success of the legal teams she has been a part of.

Tamara joined Commercial & Legal in 2023 as a member of the property & commercial law team.

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Shadab Qane Azizi

Finance Assistant

Shadab joined Commercial and Legal in March 2023 as Finance Assistant.

Shadab has worked in a wide range of administration roles throughout her career, giving her an all-round and diverse skill set. Before moving to Australia, she worked at a Diplomatic Mission in Vienna, Austria as an Administration and Finance Assistant. Prior to that she worked as a migration counsellor with an international organisation.

 

 

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