Johnston Withers

Kirsty Bennett.

Practice leader: Native title and commercial

Kirsty has over 30 years’ experience in commercial law, including extensive work with Aboriginal corporations nationally on major agreements, governance and post-native title commercial arrangements.

Working on Kaurna lands (Adelaide)

I’m particularly passionate about acting on behalf of Aboriginal organisations in the commercial field. PBC's, as the managers of native title, now need clear, practical commercial advice to negotiate agreements which provide for fair and equitable compensation, protection of heritage and Country and support sustainable economic development.

Talk to Kirsty about

Native Title and Commercial law
Risk and Corporate Governance
Dispute resolution

Kirsty's qualifications

  • Bachelor of Business
  • Bachelor of Laws (Hons)
  • Master of Laws

Kirsty's memberships

Kirsty's experience

Kirsty started her practising life in Western Australia in the 1990s. She rose quickly through the ranks and was appointed a partner of a commercial law firm in 1997. In that role, she led a team of lawyers and represented a wide range of business clients across a broad industry base on commercial transactions, dispute resolution and property law. During this time, she also completed a Master of Laws, with a focus on commercial law issues.

Kirsty's expertise

Since joining Johnston Withers Lawyers in 2016, Kirsty has played a key role in the expansion of the firm's commercial and property law practice. Her primary focus is advising Aboriginal organisations in complex post-native title determination matters. This includes negotiating agreements across sectors such as mining and mineral exploration, renewable energy, carbon farming, offshore resources, aquaculture and intellectual property, as well as advising on Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) governance.

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