Lesley is highly regarded as a technically astute lawyer who enjoys trusted relationships with long-standing clients. She advises high-wealth commercial property developers and investors and corporate agricultural and business owners. Clients include a milk factory processor and corporate dairy farm operator, a national egg supplier to major supermarkets, corporate and high wealth family investors in commercial and agricultural property.

Lesley's clients describe her as approachable, astute, honest and diligent.

Recent highlights include:

• Acquisition of a milk production plant and advice in relation to Dairy Code of Conduct compliant milk supply agreement.
• Advising in relation to the Foreign Investment Review Board requirements for Agribusiness and agricultural land acquisitions in Australia.
• Disposition of multi-tenanted commercial/retail development in Melbourne's fashion precinct.
• Dispositions of:
  • an almond plantation in North Western Victoria to a listed asset management corporation.
  • a vineyard and winery in the Yarra Ranges.
  • a stone fruit orchard and packaging facility in Northern Victoria.
  • advising farming families about options for intergenerational transfer of land and farm assets.

She has been a principal of the firm for 16 years prior to stepping into her current role.

Career History:

• 2015 - present - Dawes & Vary Riordan (Shepparton)
• 2004 - 2015 - Dawes & Vary (Shepparton)
• 1998 - 2003 - Riordan Legal (Shepparton)
• 1994 - 1998 - Mallesons Stephen Jacques (ACT)
• 1991 - 1992 - Shepstone & Wylie Tomlinson (South Africa)
• 1989 - 1991 - Livingstone Leandy (South Africa)

Professional Qualifications & Admissions:

• 2018 - Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
• 1999 - 2015 - LIV Accredited Commercial Tenancy Law Specialist
• 1993 - Graduate Diploma In Legal Practice - College of Law (Sydney)
• 1992 - Graduate Diploma In Legal Practice - University of Technology Sydney (NSW)
• 1989 - LL.B - University of Natal (South Africa)
• 1986 - B.A. - University of Natal (South Africa)