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Kate Howson

Special Counsel
About
Kate is an experienced real estate lawyer with a background in the Australian and UK markets. Kate regularly advises both Australian and International clients on the land elements for the development of large scale renewable energy projects, large real estate capital transactions, real estate elements of corporate business sales and major commercial, retail and residential leasing transactions. Her clients include companies in a range of sectors including childcare, energy and natural resources, industrial, technology and banking. 
Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the Supreme Court of QueenslandSolicitor-Advocate in England and Wales

EXPERIENCE

  • Advising a New York based media, entertainment and production company on the proposed purchase of land in Queensland for the purposes of development of an innovative entertainment campus.
  • Advising a Scottish multinational brewery and pub chain on the development and subsequent lease of its new premises in Fortitude Valley, Queensland for the operation of a bar, restaurant and associated activities.
  • Acting for a leading global early education and child care provider on the acquisition of numerous other childcare providers, supporting their expansion strategy across Australia.
  • Advising an Australian renewable energy developer in relation to the acquisition of large areas of required land tenure (plus various other access and usage rights) for the development of various large pumped hydro storage projects across Queensland and Victoria.
  • Advising a leading Southeast Asian utility company in relation to the land elements of the purchase of a large developer and operator of renewable generation assets in Australia.
  • Acting for a leading real estate asset manager in the Asia Pacific region, in relation to its large leasing portfolio of various high scale commercial office building assets throughout Australia.
Languages
  • English
Education
  • College of Law Queensland, PLT, 2016
  • QUT, Bachelor of Laws conversion subjects, 2016
  • BPP Law School London, Legal Practice Course, 2009
  • University of Cambridge, Bachelor of Arts (BA), Law, 2008

Seminars

  • Spoke on webinar at Genie Solutions (a Magentus company) on LGBTI Diversity Networks (June 2023).
  • Facilitated LGBT+ Parenting Panel at DLA Piper Iris International Conference (February 2023).

Prior Experience

  • 2017 – 2023, Senior Associate/Special Counsel, DLA Piper Brisbane office
  • 2016 – 2017, Senior Associate, Brisbane based national law firm
  • 2014 – 2016, Solicitor, Brisbane based international law firm
  • 2010 – 2014, Trainee/Solicitor, London based international law firm

Additional News

  • Kate is the DLA Piper Iris Asia Pacific co-lead and also the International Iris Client Engagement co-lead.
  • Kate is a mentor under the 2023 DLA Piper Law mentoring programme.
  • Kate is a SPEAK Ambassador for DLA Piper.

Memberships and Affiliations

  • Member of the Property Counsil of Australia's 500 Women in Property Program 2024/25
  • Member of the Law Society of England and Wales
  • Member of the Queensland Law Society
  • Member of the Property Council Australia
  • Member of Pride in Diversity
  • Member of the Australian LAW Committee and the Brisbane LAW steering committee

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