Sean Kelly is a lawyer and director at Kelly Legal, leading the firm’s Commercial and Property Department. He established the firm’s predecessor, MS Kelly and Co, in 2004 and brings over 32 years of legal experience to his practice.
Sean’s expertise is recognised within the property development sector, where he advises on all stages of project planning, development, implementation, and dispute resolution. His broader business law experience includes mining and rural services, estate and succession planning, corporate governance, and revenue law. He holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Taxation Law.
Committed to delivering meaningful outcomes, Sean prioritises long-term client relationships and strategic advice that supports business growth and project success. He is particularly driven by tackling complex legal challenges and assisting clients navigating intricate opportunities.
Throughout his career, Sean has managed numerous significant matters, including acting for landowners in contested resumption and compensation cases, achieving favourable outcomes in Planning and Environment Court appeals, and providing advice on complex contractual issues. His litigation experience spans appearances in superior Courts such as the Queensland Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the Federal Court, and the High Court of Australia.
Sean’s involvement in landmark developments includes Queensland’s first mixed-use development, the first master-planned suburb and low-rise development in the Mackay region, as well as various high-rise, medium-density, volumetric, and community title projects. He has also contributed to island tourism developments, commercial projects including shopping centres, and the preparation of comprehensive local laws for Local Government entities.
His commercial practice covers innovative contract structuring for house and land and unit developments, holistic structuring for partnerships, companies, trusts, and shareholders, as well as advising on mergers, acquisitions, franchising, landlord and tenant matters, and revenue law matters including stamp duty advice and representation.
Sean is highly regarded within the professional and local communities. He is a Fellow of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), has served on the Queensland Law Society Revenue Law Committee, and is a past president of the Mackay Whitsunday UDIA. He is a director of ReNew Mackay Limited, which plays a pivotal role in revitalising the Mackay CBD and Waterfront precincts.
Beyond his legal career, Sean supports local sport as a sponsor and director of the Mackay Cutters Rugby League club. He previously represented Mackay and North Queensland in a distinguished rugby league career.
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