Simon passed away on the weekend from a suspected heart attack.

Simon was a highly accomplished Special Counsel specialising in complex multiparty transactional property funds deals involving landmark property such as Mid-city Centre, 420 George Street, Circular Quay Tower and Barangaroo Towers. Simon built strong relationships with many of our firm's clients including a secondment to Lendlease last year.

A true champion of diversity, Simon played a leading role in progressing and representing the LGBTI+ community in the firm and the broader community.

"Simon was a founder and a passionate and inspiring leader of MinterEllison's PRiME Committee. He believed in taking a stand for what is right and worked incredibly hard to lift awareness and build understanding about the importance of LGBTI+ inclusion, to eliminate discrimination and build a firm and a world where difference is embraced and celebrated," said Gordon Williams, MinterEllison Partner.

"Simon made a real difference and challenged us to become a much more inclusive firm. He will be sorely missed and PRiME is determined to continue its work in his memory."

Simon was also a leader of InterBuild, a Property Industry LGBTI+ Leadership Group which he helped establish, which supports LGBTI+ inclusion in the construction and property industry. He also led the firm's longstanding partnership with the Sydney Mardi Gras.

His contributions were key to the firm being recognised this year as a Gold Employer for LGBTI Inclusion by the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI).

“There was so much to Simon. You could rely on his quick wit, intelligence, humour, passion, fearlessness, warmth," said Victoria Allen, MinterEllison Partner. "He brought energy, enthusiasm and excitement to MinterEllison and revelled in the joy of meeting new people and doing great work.”

"He was an extremely talented, highly accomplished, well respected and accordingly very busy lawyer," said Ms Allen. "Simon sought to deliver his absolute best to every matter - he was the kind of lawyer you wanted beside you."

Simon was a respected member of the legal community and a passionate advocate for human rights.