Clarity, Integrity, and Transparency are the key pillars of our firm. We strive to provide clear advice, acting honestly and in the best interest of our clients. We keep clients updated each step of their transaction and, to ensure timely responses. We take the time to understand at the outset what a client requires to achieve their desired outcome, which may be different to what they think they need. Taking that time at the beginning to ensure that we are on the same page so that our client’s needs are met.
Vanessa Sciortino started Quartz Legal Qld in 2023 after realising that a healthier work life balance could only be achieved by opening her own practice.
She practices exclusively in property and business law. She represents a wide range of clients, which include bodies corporate, on-site managers, developers, restauranteurs, and other business owners.
After being admitted to practice in January 2006, Vanessa practiced in various law firms, from small suburban firms, boutique firms to national firms where she gained extensive knowledge and experience in the areas she practises, from preparing off the plan and other contract documents, to reviewing agreements, contracts, franchise agreements and leases.
Vanessa grew up in Brisbane where she worked as a pharmacy assistant while in high school and continued for some time after obtaining her law degree. Her background in pharmacy provided her with crucial skills in customer service and problem-solving, that benefit her every day as a lawyer. Vanessa is dedicated to providing the best service to every client and has implemented firm wide polices on providing such service to ensure proper and timely communication with clients.
Vanessa is known for her strong and determined personality and uncompromising standards and ability to think outside the box which is paramount to her successful resolution of transactions. She takes on matters for clients with a can-do attitude and strives to develop solutions to achieve the best results for her client. She enjoys using her skills to help clients resolve their issues and assist clients to the best of her ability. Becoming a trusted adviser to many clients over her career is what ultimately gave Vanessa the confidence to embark on this new chapter.
Vanessa is a proud member of the UDIA Property and Community Management Committee offering input on policy reviews and changes to Property and Body Corporate legislation. Vanessa has a passion for learning and keeps up to date with changes affecting the work she does. She has a passion for sharing her legal knowledge through presentations and speaking engagements.
The body corporate legislation and regulations is a complex area of law and requires an appropriate understanding of specific matters.
Having acted for many bodies corporate across Queensland, our team is able to assist you with the following:
Preparing new and/or reviewing proposed caretaking agreements and advising on term, duties, remuneration, remuneration reviews, termination and assignment provisions;
Variations to caretaking and letting agreements, including variations of the term, duties, remuneration and other changes;
Statutory obligations;
Lot entitlements and/or adjustments to them;
Exclusive use allocations and reallocations;
Reviews and updates to current by-laws;
Assisting bodies corporate negotiating the process of management rights agreements;
Our commitment is to the betterment of the management rights and body corporate industries to educate and empower all stakeholders with the right information for their needs.
Over the past 10 or so years we have seen a resounding number of disputes arise which is generally a result of misinformation and some lawyers unfortunately not acting in the best interest of their clients.
Whether you are a body corporate or an onsite/resident manager, the one thing you both have in common is the building. Individuals will come and go, but the building will always remain. Keeping that in mind, our goal is always to ensure that the parties understand that it's not an “us verse them”, rather a collaborative approach is needed.
When talking to clients, understanding what the real concern is in the best way to ensure the advice they are receiving is the best for their needs and ultimately, the building.
We have extensive experience in acting for managers in most states of Australia. It doesn’t matter where you are located, we are only a phone call away.
We can assist with all facets of your business including:
The sale and purchase of new or existing management rights (permanent or short-term holiday letting);
Variations, renewals and exit strategies;
Preparing and negotiating new agreements;
Preparing due diligence reports;
Advice on the Management Investment Schemes and whether or not this applies to your complex and what that compliance looks like – this is particularly important when considering purchasing any management rights in North Queensland;
Advice on the Code of Conduct and leasebacks;
General advice on all facets of the management rights and legislation affecting caretakers and letting agents;
Dispute resolution, including strategies aimed at minimising costs;
Attending body corporate meetings;
We offer a range of property services including:
Commercial property acquisitions including contract drafting and due diligence reviews;
Drafting or advising on leases, whether retail, commercial or industrial;
Drafting and advising on easements and covenants;
Drafting other title forms for lodgement with the Department of Natural Resourses.
There are many things to consider before you buy or sell a business. Although some might be obvious, there are many others that are not.
Over the years we have represented various business transactions, from motels/hotels (franchised or leasehold), rent rolls, real estate agencies, gymnasiums and restaurants, with each having its own set of circumstances and needs.
We will help you through each step of the process to ensure a smooth completion the least amount of stress for you.
Not only can we help you buy and sell your business, but can also assist with: