Best Lawyers in Australia for Planning and Environmental Law

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...

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.

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...

Sarah is a Partner in our Planning and Environment practice and offers extensive experience in the areas of planning approvals, litigation and dispute resolution, together with many years of experience and a keen interest in environmental legislation and policy. Sarah provides front end advisory services, including project scoping, strategic planning advice and due diligence, through to representing stakeholders in planning and environment litigation, and assisting clients with environmental ...

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...

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.

Tom has expertise across the firm’s practice areas of property development, town planning, infrastructure and projects, pollution licensing and environmental approvals, water and natural resources, land valuation and compensation for compulsory acquisition, liquor licensing, real property and local government and administrative law. Having spent nearly 15 years practicing exclusively in these areas, Tom is widely recognised as a leader in the field. He has advised on a vast spectrum of ...

Julius Skinner is one of Western Australia’s leading planning and environment lawyers, advising clients throughout all stages of the planning and environmental approval processes. He has acted for clients across all industry sectors in respect of planning & subdivision approvals, environmental permits, Works Approvals & Licences, land acquisition & compensation, heritage, contaminated sites and all forms of regulatory compliance. He has conducted numerous State Administrativ...

Kate is a Principal at Harwood Andrews in the Planning, Environment and Local Government team. She recently joined Harwood Andrews from a national law firm where she was a Senior Associate in the Public Law Group, specialising in planning and environment law. She was admitted to legal practice in 2003 and holds a Bachelor of Arts/Law from Deakin University. Kate acts for both government and private clients in metropolitan and regional Victoria. She regularly appears in a variety of planning m...

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.

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.

Gemma Chadwick is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Planning and Environmental Law. Gemma, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gemma is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.