Best Lawyers in Australia for Planning and Environmental Law

Megan Hawley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Planning and Environmental Law. Megan, who practices law in Sydney, Australia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Megan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lindsay Taylor is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Planning and Environmental Law. Lindsay, who practices law in Sydney, Australia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lindsay is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Julius is a Partner in the National Property and Development team, based in Perth. He acts for property developers, resources and mining companies, waste and recycling operators, retailers, tourism operators and local governments across Western Australia on planning, environmental and local government matters. His practice spans planning and subdivision approvals, environmental permits, Works Approvals and Licences, land acquisition and compensation, heritage, contaminated sites and regulator...

Sarah Macoun is a Brisbane-based lawyer with HopgoodGanim, where she focuses on government practice, land use and zoning law, and planning and environmental law. She works with clients navigating the regulatory frameworks that shape development and infrastructure across Queensland, offering practical guidance grounded in an understanding of how policy and planning intersect. Her work regularly involves advising on development approvals, planning schemes and environmental assessments, as well ...

Olivia Williamson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Practice, Land Use and Zoning Law and Planning and Environmental Law. Olivia, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Olivia is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Adrian’s practice is focused on and specialises in causes of action in the Land and Environment Court. Adrian also appears in the Supreme Court and other Courts and Tribunals in New South Wales, Tasmania and the ACT in Land Law causes of action, and also in the New South Wales Court of Appeal in Land Law appeals. A significant component of work undertaken in the Land and Environment Court is in the Administrative Law jurisdiction (Class 4 judicial review). Adrian is regularly briefed in...

Stuart Simington is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Planning and Environmental Law. Stuart, who practices law in Sydney, Australia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stuart is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Wendy brings more than 25 years of experience in the development industry, first as a town planner and later as a planning and environment lawyer. She advises developers, government agencies and resource sector clients on complex planning and infrastructure matters, with expertise spanning planning litigation, statutory and strategic planning, infrastructure planning and agreements, and cultural heritage. Wendy is recognised for her ability to deliver exceptional planning outcomes through str...

Rory has over 10 years’ experience in planning and environmental law and was recognised in 2016 as a “Rising Star” in Planning and Environment, and again in 2018 as a Recommended Town Planning & Development Lawyer in the Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession . Rory has a focus on major projects and infrastructure and large scale infill and growth area development projects. He has experience in development approvals across a broad scale, compulsory land a...

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...

Brendan is an experienced major projects lawyer working in the area of planning, environment, mining and renewable energy. Brendan has acted for a range of resource clients, advising them on matters ranging from approvals for greenfield projects, climate change litigation, mining lease processes, native title and water licensing. Brendan’s practice covers energy and resources projects in both New South Wales and Queensland where he is currently acting in groundbreaking climate change li...

Elaine is a leading landowner advocate and environment and climate lawyer with over 18 years post admission practice experience. She has extensive experience advising and representing landowners and communities in relation to disputes with the resources industry, and on the development of legal strategies for a safe climate and healthy environment. Elaine works in pursuit of a rapid and just transition to a low carbon economy, where the rights and interests of people and nature are upheld.

Meg is a Partner in the Hall & Wilcox Property and Projects team, specialising in planning and environment law. She has over 20 years’ experience advising clients in the government, retail, residential, health, industrial, water and energy sectors. She advises on environmental and planning approvals, liabilities, and statutory regulation for major infrastructure, property developments and commercial transactions. A significant component of her practice involves working with clients ...

Craig is a planning and environment Partner in our National Property and Development team. He is experienced in all areas of planning, development, environment, contaminated land, heritage, water, pollution, waste, compulsory acquisition, and workplace health and safety law. Craig is also experienced in the preparation and conduct of litigation in the NSW Land & Environment Court and other specialist Courts and Tribunals across Australia. In addition, Craig has significant expertise in AF...

Greg Tobin is a Principal at Harwood Andrews, and practice group leader in the area of Planning, Environment and Local Government. Greg acts for local government, developers and private clients advising on a broad range of commercial, residential and infrastructure projects. Greg’s focus is on the provision of practical and commercial advice concerning the statutory and strategic planning processes. He regularly appears on behalf of his clients before the Planning and Environment List o...