Don Christie, Principal at Astuto Lawyers, brings a wealth of experience acquired over decades in both legal practice and corporate leadership. His career began at Wisewould Schilling, where he honed his skills in general commercial matters. He then transitioned to the National Companies and Securities Commission, specialising in mergers, acquisitions, and administrative law, and further developed his investigative expertise at the Tricontinental Royal Commission. At the Australian Securities Commission, Don advised on takeovers and mergers, deepening his knowledge of administrative law. His journey then led him to Equity Trustees Limited, where he served as Managing Director. During this tenure, he was responsible for commercial and private trusts, wills, estates, and played a pivotal role as a Responsible Entity in funds management. Don's corporate experience extended to serving as Chairman and Director for several publicly listed companies, including Mariner Corporation Limited and India Equities Fund Limited, where he provided leadership in business acquisitions, dispositions, corporate governance, and general management. In 2015, Don acquired the Astuto Practice, focusing on commercial, property, and estate matters. His legal acumen is complemented by his educational background, holding a Master of Tax and an LLM from Monash University, alongside a Graduate Diploma in Share Market from the Securities Institute of Australia. His multifaceted career and leadership roles in both the legal and corporate spheres continue to inform his practice, making him a valuable asset to clients seeking expertise in property sales, commercial transactions, business acquisitions, and capital raising.
Principal
Astuto Lawyers
Oct 2015 - Present • 11 years 1 month
Principal
Don Christie and Associates
Jul 2013 - Present • 13 years 4 months
Director
Stanfield Funds Management Ltd
Sep 2012 - Nov 2013 • 1 year 2 months
Chairman
Mariner Corporation Limited
Nov 2010 - Jul 2014 • 3 years 8 months
Chairman
India Equities Fund Limited
Sep 2006 - Nov 2010 • 4 years 2 months
Director
Australian Public Trustees Ltd
Jun 2005 - Jul 2013 • 8 years 1 month
Managing Director
Equity Trustees Limited
Feb 1993 - Mar 2003 • 10 years 1 month
Senior Legal Officer
Australian Securities Commission
Jan 1992 - Jan 1993 • 1 year
Investigator
Tricontinental Royal Commission
Jan 1990 - Jun 1992 • 2 years 5 months
Legal Officer
National Companies and Securities Commission
Mar 1988 - Dec 1989 • 1 year 9 months
Associate
Wisewould Schilling Solicitors
Nov 1985 - Jun 1988 • 2 years 7 months
Masters of Tax
Monash University
1995 - 1996
LLM, Law
Monash University
1994 - 1996
Graduate Diploma, Share Market
Securities Institute of Australia
1989 - 1991
LLB
University of Tasmania
1980 - 1996
Last checked: 18 Jun 2026 • Checked with Victorian Legal Services Board
