Best Planning and Environmental Lawyers in Australia

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...

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...

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...

Michael Astill is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Construction / Infrastructure Law, Government Practice, Litigation, Planning and Environmental Law and Real Property Law. Michael practices law in Sydney, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Michael Astill since 2008. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Michael Asti...

Megan Hawley is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Land Use and Zoning Law and Planning and Environmental Law. Megan practices law in Sydney, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Megan Hawley since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Megan Hawley is held by other lawyers.

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...

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.

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...

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...

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 ...

Gemma Chadwick is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Land Use and Zoning Law and Planning and Environmental Law. Gemma practices law in Brisbane, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Gemma Chadwick since 2022. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Gemma Chadwick is held by other lawyers.

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...

16 years of experience at the Bar, and a total of 27 years as a specialist in environmental, planning, mining and associated areas of property law. Listed as either a leading or recommended barrister in the environmental and planning area in the “Doyle’s Guide” for the past nine years. He has also been listed on the Best Lawyers list in the areas on environmental, property and water law, including for the current year 2023- 2024. Complementing his specialist practice in envi...

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...

Lindsay Taylor is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Land Use and Zoning Law and Planning and Environmental Law. Lindsay practices law in Sydney, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Lindsay Taylor since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Lindsay Taylor is held by other lawyers.

Robyn Lamb is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Land Use and Zoning Law and Planning and Environmental Law. Robyn practices law in Brisbane, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Robyn Lamb since 2022. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Robyn Lamb is held by other lawyers.