Our People
Frank Back
T: 02 9167 2680
Frank is a partner at BSV Property & Commercial which is now part of the Archer Scott Lawyers group. He has practiced continuously as a property and commercial lawyer since 1979. He advises regularly on real estate and related matters including sales and purchases of properties of all types (including freehold and leasehold licensed hotels and businesses and taking lead roles in property development acquisitions and off-the-plan sales), financing through both traditional bank and alternative institutional and other lenders and the leasing of commercial and industrial property for both landlords and tenants.
Andrew Dawson
T: 02 9167 2680
Andrew is an experienced property and commercial lawyer who has been advising individuals, families and businesses for almost 30 years. He provides practical, commercially focused advice across a broad range of property, business and succession matters.
His expertise includes the sale and purchase of residential, commercial and industrial property, business acquisitions and sales, share transactions, off-the-plan developments, commercial leasing, and wills and estate planning. Clients value Andrew's pragmatic approach, attention to detail and ability to guide transactions from start to finish with confidence.
Andrew graduated from the University of Sydney and was admitted as a solicitor in 1995. He has practised exclusively in property and commercial law throughout his career.
Scott Colvin
M: 0450 688 400
Scott is an award-winning M&A lawyer who has advised on some of Australia’s most significant transactions. He has worked with founders, corporates, private funds, investment managers and others in a number of segments, including tech, large-scale distribution and agriculture. Scott joined Archer Scott as a partner from Ashurst, where he was a senior associate leading multi-billion dollar transactions, having previously had roles at leading international and national firms Dentons, Holding Redlich and Mills Oakley.
Scott is passionate about working with businesses for the full life cycle of their growth, from capital raising, board and governance, commercial arrangements with key suppliers, and exits (particularly founder exits).
Scott’s qualifications:
Certificate in Applied Corporate Finance, University of Cambridge 2024
Juris Doctor, University of Melbourne 2016
Bachelor of Music with Honours (First Class, Dux), University of Otago 2011
Admitted in Victoria
Admitted in the High Court of Australia
Admitted in the High Court of New Zealand
Warren Scott
M: 0438 190 474
Warren is an internationally recognised expert in corporate, franchising and transactional law. He is widely sought after for his strategic, commercially driven approach and the depth of his national and global network.
Over the course of his career, Warren has held senior leadership roles in major commercial law practices including Dentons, Norton Rose Fulbright (formerly Deacons), Mills Oakley and Holding Redlich, where he led corporate teams on significant domestic and cross-border transactions across Australia. His work has included advising high-growth companies, established corporates and international brands on complex mergers, acquisitions, restructures and market expansion strategies. Warren’s leadership has been central to delivering high-value outcomes on deals spanning multiple industries, jurisdictions and stakeholder groups.
Warren is focused on achieving the client’s ultimate objective, whether that means executing a swift, efficient transaction or designing a long-term growth strategy. Rather than concentrating on billing by the 6-minute unit, he prioritises activities that create genuine value through innovation, strategy, and the intelligent use of his extensive network. His forward-thinking approach, combined with decades of transactional experience, positions him as a trusted advisor to businesses at all stages of their commercial lifecycle.
Warren’s qualifications:
Masters of Commercial Law, Melbourne University 2010
Bachelor of Laws, Monash University 1998
Bachelor of Science, Monash University 1998
Admitted in Victoria
Admitted in the High Court of Australia
Simon Jaque
03 8777 2221
Simon Jaques is an experienced solicitor with more than 45 years in legal practice, advising clients across property, commercial and succession law.
Admitted to practice in 1975, Simon began his career with Corr & Corr, now Corrs Chambers Westgarth, where he developed his early experience in property and finance transactions. After working in-house on property and hotel transactions, he established Simon Jaques & Co, Solicitors in East Melbourne in 1981.
Simon has particular experience in commercial property transactions and leasing, the sale and purchase of businesses, broadacre and apartment subdivisions and sales, and residential conveyancing.
After more than four decades leading his own practice, Simon brings extensive practical experience and long-standing client relationships to Archer Scott.
Karen Smith
03 8777 2221
Karen has more than 40 years’ experience in the legal industry, with a particular focus on residential conveyancing, probate, and wills and estates.
She has worked with a broad range of clients, from first-home buyers and families to property developers. She brings extensive practical experience to guiding clients through property transactions and estate matters.
Karen is known for her professional and approachable manner, clear communication and commitment to helping clients navigate legal processes with confidence.
Areas of experience
Residential conveyancing | Probate | Wills and