K&L Gates Adds Leading Real Estate Partner to Melbourne Office

Melbourne - Global law firm K&L Gates has appointed leading real estate lawyer Randall Gerkens as a partner in its Melbourne office. Gerkens joins K&L Gates from Corrs Chambers Westgarth, where he led the Melbourne real estate practice.

With a depth of experience on major complex projects, Gerkens has been involved in many high-profile transactions. He has recently acted on some of the largest head office accommodation and development projects in Melbourne, including having served as lead advisor to the developers of the largest precincts in Docklands. Gerkens also represents government and private sector clients on a range of major mixed use projects.

“I am very excited to be joining a firm with such impressive national and international credentials,” stated Gerkens. “I was immediately impressed with the strategy, vision and, most of all, the collegiate, global approach of K&L Gates’ people. Continuing in a purely domestic environment after being exposed to this seemed hard to justify. I look forward to the opportunity to build upon the firm’s already strong real estate offering, and to be part of one of the few firms with a truly global presence.”

Nick Nichola, K&L Gates’ Managing Partner, Australia, commented: “Randall’s considerable experience will add to the strength and depth of our national and international real estate practice, one that typifies the K&L Gates approach of outstanding local capabilities and market relevance combined with the capacity to draw on global best practices to benefit our clients. I am delighted that our clients will have access to his experience, knowledge, and skills.”

Prior to his time at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Gerkens served as head of the Melbourne real estate practice for King & Wood Mallesons legacy firm Mallesons Stephen Jacques.