Best Lawyers in Australia for Government Practice

Tom Brennan SC specialises in conducting major disputes. Recent disputes conducted by him include: concerning claims to foreign state immunity in civil aviation regulatory, commercial, insurance and leasing disputes; disputes with Australian federal government regulatory agencies including the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine...

Michael Astill is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction / Infrastructure Law, Government Practice, Litigation, Planning and Environmental Law and Real Property Law. Michael, who practices law in Sydney, Australia, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Nicola Johnson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Practice and Public Law. Nicola, who practices law in Sydney, Australia, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nicola is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robert is a government procurement, probity and ethics specialist experienced in advising on high value, complex and sensitive projects, including the acquisition of assets and services, such as complex Defence assets, technology and communication assets, and logistics services. He also has experience in advising private sector clients on tendering strategies. What he does Robert advises on all aspects of major projects and commercial transactions, including procurement strategies, tender and...

Natalie has close to 20 years’ experience in property, planning and environment law and has been recognised as a leading Australian lawyer in this area in Doyle's Guide to the Australian Legal Profession. She has also been recognised in the The Best Lawyers in Australia in Real Property Law every year since 2017 and was a Finalist at the 2016 Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards in real estate and for Partner of the Year at the 2014 Australian Law Awards . Natalie acts primarily fo...

Neil Williams SC is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Practice, Litigation and Public Law. Neil, who practices law in Sydney, Australia, has been recognized since 2011. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Neil is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Georgina Adams is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Law, Corporate / Governance Practice, Government Practice, Information Technology Law, Outsourcing Law, Public Law and Telecommunications Law. Georgina, who practices law in Canberra, Australia, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Georgina is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal pr...

Adrian Wong is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Practice and Labour and Employment Law. Adrian, who practices law in Melbourne, Australia, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Adrian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steve McKinney is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Aviation Law, Commercial Law, Corporate Law and Government Practice. Steve, who practices law in Canberra, Australia, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steve is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Nicholas Seddon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Law and Government Practice. Nicholas, who practices law in Canberra, Australia, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nicholas is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Hume SC is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Practice and Tax Law. David, who practices law in Sydney, Australia, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Melanie McKean is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Government Practice, Insurance Law, Litigation and Public Law. Melanie, who practices law in Canberra, Australia, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Melanie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Philip has over 30 years' experience practicing in business, commercial, and corporate law. Philip's range of industry experience includes agribusiness (private sector and public sector), mining services, large commercial and residential property development projects, acquisitions and sales, manufacturing, food service, medical practices, wills, and estates. Philip's areas of expertise are: Corporate acquisitions - company and business acquisitions, mergers, buy outs, and joint ventures. Corp...

Jeremy's practice spans work with a range of government and corporate clients. He has acted in claims before the High Court, Federal Court, various Supreme Courts and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Jeremy's administrative and regulatory law experience includes: advising Commonwealth agencies in relation to regulatory proceedings, including in relation to options and evidence required for declaratory, civil penalty and injunctive relief in accordance with the Regulatory Powers (Standard ...

James Ireland is a lawyer based in Brisbane with HopgoodGanim, where he focuses on government practice, land use and zoning law and planning and environmental law. He advises public and private sector clients on statutory planning frameworks, development approvals and the interaction between government decision-making and property rights. His work regularly involves navigating complex regulatory environments and responding to evolving planning policy. James is known for assisting clients thro...

About Sharon Sharon is a trusted and experienced contracting and procurement lawyer, with a focus on intellectual property. What she does Sharon advises clients on contracting and procurement projects, including drafting and negotiating contracts, and advising on contract breaches and disputes. She also advises on intellectual property matters, including commercialisation and licensing. Sharon regularly provides tailored legal training to clients, usually on contracting and intellectual prope...