The Team

David Mitchell

Principle

David has been the principal of Mitchell & Shorten Lawyers since 2016. David’s experience and qualifications include:

  • Advising owners and builders on all aspects of building law with a particular focus on residential claims and dispute resolution. He has also practiced as solicitor in the construction division of a national law firm and working as a project manager in the construction and property development industry.
  • Representing and advising clients (both employers and employees) in a variety of employment matters including working as a solicitor for an accredited specialist in employment and industrial law.
  • Advising individuals and firms alike on tax structuring and compliance whilst employed as a tax manager at Ernst &Young in Australia and New York.
  • Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Sydney, a Bachelor of Planning and Design (Building) degree from The University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Notre Dame. He is also a former Chartered Accountant.
  • Member of the HIA and sits on the NSW Industrial Relations & Legal Services Committee
Kelvin Keanne

Special counsel

Kelvin brings a unique blend of hands-on building knowledge and legal expertise, having qualified and worked as a carpenter and builder prior to admission as a solicitor in 2011. Kelvin’s experience and qualifications include:

  • Acting for and advising owners and builders in all areas of building law, with particular knowledge in the areas of home warranty insurance, licencing applications, and insurance disputes relating to building damage.
  • Operating his own business in residential construction as a NSW licenced builder. Kelvin still holds a NSW builder’s licence.
  • Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Wollongong, and a Masters in Construction Law from the University of Melbourne.
  • Member of the HIA.
Charlotte McVicar

Solicitor

Charlotte brings an international perspective to Mitchell & Shorten Lawyers. Charlotte’s experience and qualifications include:

  • Working as a solicitor in New Zealand and at the UK silver circle firm SJ Berwin as an associate in the corporate real estate/funds team.
  • Admitted as a solicitor and barrister in New Zealand. Qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales.
  • Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Otago New Zealand.