Leighton Smith

Leighton Smith acts for clients carrying out significant real estate acquisitions, disposals, and projects in Queensland and across Australia.

He has handled multibillion dollar transactions involving the sale, purchase, lease, and development of residential, mixed-used, rural, farming, commercial, and industrial properties. He adds value to transactions by achieving first-class outcomes based on a clear understanding of clients' business and commercial requirements and by completing transactions in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Prior to joining Jones Day in 2025, Leighton acted on many noteworthy property transactions across Australia, including the sale of one of the most significant properties in Sydney's Circular Quay precinct in what was one of the largest single-lot sales in Australia's history; the sale of an industrial property portfolio on behalf of a major global private equity firm in Australia's most valuable in-line property transaction at the time; the acquisition of medical facilities and hospitals for a global investment bank; acting for carbon offsetting providers in relation to the investigation and acquisition of key rural properties across Queensland and New South Wales for the establishment of carbon projects; and advising the Queensland government on tenure and property-related issues for construction of Queensland's first wind farm.

He has also advised on the acquisition of a large residential development valued at more than $1 billion; numerous wind farm, solar farm, and BESS (battery energy storage system) projects; pipeline and airport infrastructure projects; development of a significant commercial office tower; acquisition of a student housing/accommodation business and associated CBD (central business district) property portfolio; and retail and shopping malls.