PARTNER

Jonathan.green@realgatelegal.com.au

Jonathan has a special passion for both the real estate industry and the legal industry.

Jonathan has been a lawyer for 13 years having headed up his own medium sized firm, as well as having worked for a large national firm as a commercial and property lawyer, and from 2018-2021, he took a break from full-time lawyering, during which time Jonathan was a partner and Director of a busy Victorian real estate agency. As a former Licensed Real Estate Agent who has been on the ground with the same challenges his clients face, Jonathan brings rare, real-world insight into every matter he handles.⁠

After having sold a large portion of his real estate business in late 2021, Jonathan moved back into full-time legal practice blending his love of the real estate and legal industries.

Jonathan has wide experience in commercial law, including asset sales and purchases such as rent roll transactions, business and personal succession planning, and property related matters such as commercial leasing, residential and commercial property developments and conveyancing matters. During his time running his own agency, Jonathan looked after all aspects of the business, but with a special focus on managing the commercial property portfolio of the agency.

Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Laws from La Trobe University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is a current Victorian Licensed Estate Agent. He enjoys using his skills to help his local community, and currently sits on two pubic boards, one in Victoria and one in New South Wales.

Jonathan loves to travel with his wife and family, spending time with his kids, watching the footy and cricket, going scuba diving, walking his sausage dogs and hitting the gym.

PARTNER

Kristen.porter@realgatelegal.com.au

Kristen Porter is dedicated to finding better ways of doing things in the legal industry. Having started her legal career almost 15 years ago, Kristen has practiced in private firms, headed up in-house real estate and development legal teams, and worked beside real estate agencies in the trenches. Breaking away to start her own firm, she vowed to find a better way of delivering legal services and adding value to her clients.

Born into the real estate industry as a third generation she has a passion for it that no other lawyer has. Kristen is genuinely dedicated to providing innovative, tailored, and all-encompassing legal services to real estate agencies. Unlike other lawyers who get stuck on risk management, Kristen harnesses opportunities to help agents expand faster. She excels at helping agencies grow through strategic acquisitions of rent rolls, sales, and shares in companies. She has a proven track record of heading up privacy crisis response teams and successfully guiding them through their privacy breaches whilst protecting their brands in the process. Kristen was also the General Counsel for several real estate and property-based businesses and enjoys being intricately involved with her clients.

Kristen is an expert in business and privacy law for the real estate industry. She is also regularly helping agencies buy and sell rent rolls and getting them ready for sale. Kristen assists with shareholder agreements, especially when clients want to offer equity to employees. She also works with clients on matters regarding their employment law needs, commission arrangements, profit shares, franchising, and all things business and privacy.

Kristen holds a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce from University of New England.

Kristen is also enthusiastic about the moving world of communication and has no problem talking for hours on end about digital marketing. She is also always striving to continue her learning as a person, lawyer, and as a business owner. She believes that without learning there can be no growth. In pursuit of this, Kristen aims to help others just like her through business coaching/mentoring.

Outside of work, Kristen is a keen traveller wanting to see the world and is a self-proclaimed crazy chicken lady hatching chickens and collecting eggs. Kristen has also spent most of her life, and continues to be, involved with Fleece to Fashion, a community based not-for-profit dedicated to celebrating Australian Merino wool.

PARTNER

Luke.shumack@realgatelegal.com.au

Luke Shumack is an Associate at Realgate Legal with a focus on real estate agency law, mergers and acquisitions, compliance advice, real estate agency licensing, contractor arrangements, franchising and privacy compliance. He works closely with agency owners across Australia, helping them navigate complex legal issues with practical, plain English advice that supports growth while reducing risk.

Luke leads Realgate Legal’s mergers and acquisitions team and is involved in multiple rent roll and share purchase transactions each week, giving him a strong understanding of the legal and commercial realities facing agency owners. He is particularly passionate about helping businesses implement practical systems and processes around compliance, privacy and operational risk management in an increasingly regulated environment.

Known for his approachable and solutions focused style, Luke enjoys breaking down complex legal requirements into clear, workable strategies for clients. He also has a strong interest in technology and innovation within the legal industry, particularly where it improves efficiency and client experience.

Outside of work, Luke enjoys weightlifting, running, reading military history and keeping up with the latest developments in technology and AI.

LAWYER

Nathan.mcnamara@realgatelegal.com.au

Nathan has a genuine passion for property and the real estate industry, backed by over a decade of hands on experience inside agencies and development projects.

Having worked closely with residential and commercial property transactions, as well as minor developments ranging from 3 to 14 dwellings, Nathan understands the commercial realities behind every deal. He has dealt directly with compliance requirements, planning issues and regulators, giving him practical insight into the challenges his clients face.

Nathan has a strong interest in property and real estate law, along with commercial transactions including business to business dealings, contracts, the buying and selling of businesses and business assets, and compliance matters. He enjoys working with engaged and proactive clients who value collaboration and trust professional guidance. Nathan believes the best outcomes are achieved through long term relationships built on clarity, trust and shared expectations.

Nathan holds a Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) from Monash University and a Bachelor of Arts from La Trobe University. He also holds an Agents’ Representative Certificate from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.

During his time in the industry, Nathan received multiple five star reviews on realestate.com.au and ratemyagent.com.au and was the 2022 Residential Marketing Award winner with the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.

Outside of work, Nathan enjoys spending time with his two daughters, heading to the beach in Sorrento, playing golf, following the Collingwood Football Club, and hosting backyard BBQs with friends and family.

PRACTICE MANAGER

Gwyneth.green@realgatelegal.com.au

LEGAL ASSISTANT

Melissa.gilfuis@realgatelegal.com.au

Melissa is currently pursuing a law degree and is passionate about applying her knowledge in practical, real-world settings. She is motivated by the opportunity to translate her studies into meaningful outcomes and to continuously develop her skills. She enjoys taking on challenges, learning new concepts, and finding ways to apply her knowledge in ways that make a real difference.

Previously, Melissa owned and operated a construction company alongside an interior design business, where she managed quoting, invoicing, client communications, and day-to-day administrative operations while overseeing projects. Balancing these responsibilities while raising three young children strengthened her organisational and time management skills, as well as her ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.

She brings a client-focused approach, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality, along with a dedication to building client trust. She values delivering quality outcomes, fostering trusted client relationships, and consistently achieving results. Her background has instilled in her a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing a personalised and personable service.

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys reading, gardening, and cooking, as well as cherishing time with her children, supporting their sports, and watching them grow into wonderful individuals. She also loves sharing good food and laughter with her partner and friends, appreciating the simple things in life.

PARALEGAL

Jane.whinray@realgatelegal.com.au

Jane holds a Diploma in Legal Studies and has a strong interest in property and real estate law. With experience working in legal practice, she is passionate about supporting clients and helping achieve positive outcomes through professional and genuine service.

Jane is committed to creating a welcoming experience for clients and building strong relationships through approachable communication and attention to detail.

Outside of work, Jane enjoys spending quality time with her partner, family and friends, travelling, attending live music concerts and cheering on her favourite AFL teams.