Scott Stewart, DWF’s National Head of Property, Planning and Construction (Australia), comments on the appointments: “I’m very pleased to have Andrea and Richard add their unique knowledge and insights to our broad capabilities across all aspects of real estate, planning, environment and construction.
“The firm’s ability to attract senior practitioners of their calibre is testament to the strength of our emerging brand in the Australian market.
"Commercially-minded lawyers frustrated by slow-moving, traditional firms are liking what they see at DWF - a chance to make their mark as rapidly as their talent and ambition allows.
"By partnering with local experts such as Richard and Andrea, we are well positioned to provide a full-service offering for clients old and new in eastern seaboard real estate law."
Most recently a Special Counsel at Arnold Bloch Liebler, Andrea Towson is a planning and development specialist. Andrea's unique skill set means that she takes a “whole of project” approach to development projects. Andrea has experience in complex property due diligence, planning and environment law matters, owners' corporation disputes and compulsory acquisition claims. She was involved in a pro-bono basis on the Collingwood Arts Precinct redevelopment, provides pro bono advice to the Robin Boyd Foundation, and was a 2019 participant in the Property Council of Australia’s 500 Women in Property program.
A former partner at Holding Redlich, Richard Skopal was the lead partner in the acquisition and ongoing development of the GMH site at Fisherman’s Bend and other key assets for the Victorian State Government. His focus is commercial property transactions, development projects and leasing work for both landlords and tenants. Richard acts for a variety of clients, from individuals to publicly listed companies, he specialises in providing practical and commercial legal advice to assist clients.
