Michael Stannard

Michael Stannard is a Partner in Mellor Olsson’s Property team. His practice focuses on major property transactions and development projects across South Australia.

Michael advises on the acquisition, disposal, development and leasing of commercial, industrial, residential and agricultural property. He has particular strength in high‑value and strategically significant matters, including major development and construction projects, infrastructure and renewable energy developments, and complex leasing transactions.

He acts for developers, investors, asset owners, property funds, commercial entities, landlords and tenants, community and strata corporations, and high‑net‑worth individuals. Michael is known for providing practical, commercially focused advice, particularly on transactions where structuring, risk allocation and timely delivery are critical.

Michael regularly leads significant and complex property acquisitions and divestments, including development sites and income‑producing portfolios. He advises across the full transaction lifecycle, with a focus on due diligence, transaction structuring, negotiated risk allocation and contract negotiation.

He has particular depth in leasing and advises on high‑value and large‑scale portfolio transactions across commercial, industrial and agricultural assets. Michael also has extensive experience in infrastructure and renewable energy projects, advising on land access arrangements, lease structuring, easements and associated documentation for large‑scale wind, solar, battery and telecommunications projects.

Michael is a member of the Property Council of Australia and the Urban Development Institute of Australia, sits on the Property Council’s Tax and Economic Trends Committee and the Law Society of South Australia’s Property Committee, and regularly presents to industry and professional audiences on property and development matters. He has been recognised as a Rising Star by Doyle’s Guide and Australasian Lawyer.