PEOPLE
Birdsong Legal recognises that its team members are most effective in surroundings which suit their personality and adapt to their lifestyle; this allows them to be healthy, happy and engaged in the work they undertake. We facilitate a supportive and flexible environment to ensure our people perform at their best.
David Krolikowski
Director
M: 0412 003 211
E: david@birdsonglegal.com.au
David on LinkedIn
David heads Birdsong Legal with over two decades’ experience working in the commercial property industry. He created Birdsong Legal to service clients in a more thoughtful and accessible manner, with an appreciation that ways of doing business are changing and require a greater need for flexibility.
David specialises in development and leasing in the retail and logistics context, acting on behalf of developers and tenants. He also applies his extensive property expertise to navigate intricate issues associated with property investments. He understands that parties to property transactions are motivated to reach agreement. Familiarity with the drivers of each party to a transaction means he can navigate solutions in a forthright manner to meet the needs of all quickly and effectively.
David’s deep involvement in the sector allows him to rapidly understand issues and identify balanced responses to risks, which is particularly relevant in a post-COVID world.
David has been repeatedly recognised in the list of Best Lawyers in Australia for Real Property Law, for the past seven consecutive years, including for 2024. In addition, he has also been recommended in Doyles Guide in the Leading Property & Real Estate Lawyers category (Victoria, 2018) and Leading Leasing Lawyers category (Victoria, 2023).
He has been heavily involved with the Large Format Retail Association for some years - writing articles, supporting the board, joining international study tours, and regularly attending and participating in forums. He represents a range of clients in the large format retail sector.
In more recent times, David has taken a lead role in advising a diverse set of private clients in respect of significant land acquisitions and dispositions, including transactions involving complex consortium arrangements, key multi-tenanted development sites and land being acquired by institutional investors.
Marianne Graham
Special Counsel
M: 0410 485 130
E: marianne@birdsonglegal.com.au
Marianne on LinkedIn
Marianne has two decades experience practicing in the real estate industry, advising on large property portfolios for landlords, tenants, developers and property managers. She prides herself in delivering clear and down-to-earth communications, so that clients feel empowered to make informed decisions about their legal needs and budget.
‘My aim is to react quickly and strategically on all transactions – whether a complex long-term contract or day to day management issue – I want the experience to feel seamless and natural.’
Marianne’s practice focuses on retail and commercial leasing across a wide range of industries, including clients such as Craveable Brands, Country Road Group, McDonalds, Woolworths, KFC, Dan Murphy, Hugo Boss and Bloomberg.
Marianne also has significant experience advising on general commercial property matters and lease disputes.
James Lainas
Senior Associate
M: 0422 744 057
E: james@birdsonglegal.com.au
James on LinkedIn
James has comprehensive experience in commercial, industrial and retail property transactions, including development land sales and acquisitions, due diligence, and complex leasing.
He has acted for Australian and international retailers and property developers.
His transactional experience includes sales and acquisitions of large scale retail, supermarket and hotel assets, development of mixed use assets and complex leasing transactions across Australian-wide property portfolios.
James is excellent at connecting with clients and providing thoughtful and considered advice.
Danii Candido
Paralegal
M: 0468 920 724
E: danii@birdsonglegal.com.au
Danii is a senior paralegal at Birdsong Legal and has worked in commercial property for over 20 years, 16 of those directly with David. She is integral in our client relationships, providing invaluable support to the Birdsong team.
Danii’s highly organised nature ensures that transactions are managed smoothly and efficiently. Her attention to detail and knowledge is highly valued and often remarked upon by clients. She has a strong understanding of client drivers and is responsive and enthusiastic.
Danii was a finalist in the Legal Support Professional of the Year category of the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards for 2017.
“Danii is a key part of the success of my practice. Her file management talents and client relationships ensure work is appropriately monitored and prioritised and clients are kept well informed about the progress of their transactions.” – David
Melissa Ellard
Paralegal
M: 0403 772 200
E: melissa@birdsonglegal.com.au
Melissa commencing working with Birdsong Legal in June 2023.
Having spent most of her career working in property law, Melissa has experience in supporting roles as well as having carriage of conveyancing matters, including commercial, residential and mortgagee files.
With a genuine interest in property law, Melissa thrives on matters that present an opportunity to learn more about the intricacies of applicable laws and the transaction at hand, while exceeding expected outcomes with minimal fuss.
Organised and efficient by nature, Melissa is well placed to keep on top of time sensitive transactions and administrative tasks.
Melissa is excited to be a part of the Birdsong Legal team and extend her knowledge and skills to grow with the expanding needs of the team and clientele.
Others
Birdsong Legal has access to and links with solicitors in a range of sectors to provide resourcing, support and experience where required.
Our network allows us to facilitate appropriate professional assistance, irrespective of the complexity of the issues you face.
