Stephen is a Partner in our Corporate & Commercial Team with more than three decades of experience advising clients across commercial law, property transactions and dispute resolution. He is recognised for his pragmatic approach and for developing solutions to complex legal problems.
Experience & expertise
Stephen is a well-regarded Cairns solicitor with broad legal experience across a range of practice areas, focussing on the legal requirements and issues facing businesses, property owners and Indigenous organisations.
He has acted for a diverse range of clients including significant corporate enterprises, Indigenous organisations, government entities, Indigenous local governments, land trusts, CATSI corporations, Registered Native Title Body Corporates, not-for-profit organisations and insolvency practitioners. He also has significant litigation experience, having acted in matters before QCAT and in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts of Queensland, and the Queensland Court of Appeal.
Stephen is known for his commercial perspective, providing clients with practical advice focused on achieving effective outcomes. He is adept at navigating legislative and regulatory frameworks and developing real and meaningful relationships with clients and other stakeholders
Prior to joining Moray & Agnew Stephen was the principal of a boutique commercial law firm which he founded and led for over fifteen years.
Stephen is a strong supporter of the local community and has sat on many community boards. He is currently the Deputy Chair of the Northern Pride Rugby League Football Club, an affiliated feeder club to the North Queensland Cowboys.
Work highlights
Examples of matters Stephen has advised and acted in include:
- Acting in purchase and sale of various hospitality assets including hotels, motels, backpackers and resorts
- Acting in purchase and sale of retail shopping centres
- Acting in the development of a privately owned motel in a Cape York Aboriginal Community
- Acting in the purchase and sale of significant businesses including by asset sale and by share sale
- Acting for external administrators including liquidators, voluntary administrators and receivers in asset sales
- Advocating for an Aboriginal Land Trust to secure leasing (and income) opportunity.
Professional background
