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Partner profile: Rhett Oliver
We ask a law firm partner a series of rapid-fire questions about their career. This time: Rhett Oliver from CBP Lawyers.
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Which firm are you with?
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CBP Lawyers.
When did you join the firm?
I joined the firm in November 2013 when CBP Lawyers merged with Hemming+Hart Lawyers.
Which firm were you at most recently?
Prior to the merger, I was a partner with Hemming+Hart Lawyers and had been with them for more than 10 years.
What practice group are you with?
I am a Brisbane partner in the property and development practice group. My practice focuses on acting for developers in all forms of property development, from small lot subdivisions to master plan projects. I also act for a number of producing and exploration mining clients and advise them on a variety of matters related to compliance, land access and tenure in their current operations and their mine development and expansion projects.
What has been the most significant change to your practice area during your career?
I became the partner of a property practice immediately after the GFC – cracking timing. To see the property development activity that was occurring in 2006 and 2007 come to a grinding halt was huge, especially for a new partner trying to build a property practice. In my view, the most significant change to my practice area has been the need to stay relevant. For me, good marketing, upskilling and specialisation have been key to achieving this.
Major career highlight?
Last year was a pretty good year. Highlights included advising on a major mixed-use project on the fringe of the CBD, coordinating the property aspects of Queensland’s largest non-resource related IPO and advising one of the top coal producers on their mine expansion projects in the Surat and Bowen basins. Another major highlight for me has been co-founding and running the successful Brisbane Property Think Tank events over the last two years.
What do you find challenging?
Balancing work, marketing and everything else – which I expect is the same for every young partner.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Spending time with my wife on our horse property at Highvale. I also enjoy training and competing with my team of show jumping horses.
