Known for advising a number of government agencies, the team at Ashurst, primarily based in Melbourne, maintains a stellar track record in environmental litigation, and excels in advising on significant infrastructure, mining, resource, and renewables projects. In Sydney, Tony Hill is known for his long-standing experience in contamination disputes, environmental accidents and major resource and urban redevelopment projects. Jane Hall handles numerous city-shaping projects involving environmental, heritage and water law issues, while Paul Wilson in Brisbane is experienced in advising on incident management matters, in addition to rail and port developments. Other key members of the team include John Briggs and Robert Jamieson.

The predominantly Sydney based team at Clayton Utz continues to handle significant domestic infrastructure projects, often acting in planning litigation. Practice head Claire Smith is a climate change, planning, and environment specialist, while Brendan Bateman is noted for his depth expertise in advising on air and water quality, biodiversity conservation, and waste management. Brisbane's Karen Trainor is well-versed in energy transition matters, and Damien Gardiner in Melbourne has ample knowledge of environmental incident responses and investigations. John Clayton regularly assists private developers, and Alison Packham is particularly knowledgeable of the state and federal environmental planning laws governing infrastructure projects. Lauren Smith assists numerous energy and resource clients, and utility providers with development strategies and approvals. Wendy Evans joined the Brisbane team in February 2023, contributing her deep knowledge of statutory planning issues.

Leveraging support from the firm’s litigation, risk advisory, regulatory compliance and investigation experts, the team at Norton Rose Fulbright is well-equipped to advise both public and private clients on the full gamut of issues affecting projects. The team boasts expertise in climate risk and litigation, environmental legislation as well as planning appeals. Elizabeth Wild leads the team, which is primarily based in Sydney, specialising in contaminated land issues and remediation law, while Tamara Brezzi in Melbourne regularly appears before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in planning appeals. Anneliese Korber advises the New South Wales government on planning matters concerning major projects, and Krista MacPherson exhibits broad knowledge of environmental impact assessments and pollution control.

Assisting both the public and private sector clients, the team at Allens acts for numerous significant Australian corporations in matters concerning the criminal aspects of environment and planning, including enforcement actions and investigations. In Brisbane, co-head Bill McCredie maintains a broad practice which encompasses project development assessments and approvals. In Melbourne, co-head Jillian Button and Naomi Bergman are noted for their expertise in environmental law compliance, while Felicity Rourke has a great deal of expertise in handling challenges to statutory approvals.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth is well-regarded for advising on social infrastructure projects in the hospital, health, and social and affordable housing spaces. Practice head Louise Camenzuli has expansive knowledge of government light, rail, road and telecoms projects. Christine Covington acts for numerous energy and resources, and industrial clients in climate change and sustainability matters. Brisbane-based Anna White’s caseload encompasses contamination response and management issues, and environmental assessments. Max Newman regularly appears before the Land and Environment Court of NSW in appeals and judicial reviews. All mentioned individuals are located in Sydney, unless stated otherwise.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is known for handling contentious environmental mandates and regulatory investigations. The team has a great deal of expertise in advising on hydrogen and pumped hydro projects, and the development of wind and solar farms. Peter Briggs leads the team, assisting clients with obtaining environment, planning and regulatory approvals for energy, resources, infrastructure, and urban development projects. Melbourne's Heidi Asten is particularly adept at advising international companies on sustainability disclosures, while Perth's Naomi Hutchings has deep knowledge of new policies and regulations concerning the transition to a lower carbon economy. In Brisbane, Kathryn Pacey advises numerous government and private sector clients on environmental compliance, infrastructure projects and regulatory issues.

King & Wood Mallesons’ caseload consists of a broad range of issues, including emissions reduction and sustainability commitment mandates. Brisbane based practice head Matthew Austin has deep knowledge of PFAS contamination issues, and has expansive experience in advising blue chip clients and government bodies. Melbourne's Mark Beaufoy  has broad knowledge of greenfield and infrastructure development planning approvals. In Sydney, Michael Causer is well-regarded for his expertise in contaminated land, hazardous substances and dangerous goods, and pollution law; and Michelle Astridge frequently advises clients on liability arising from non-compliance with environmental legislation. Anna Vella departed the team to join Baker McKenzie in November 2022.

Acting for a diverse client base of government bodies, energy providers, and water authorities, the Sydney based team at Maddocks is adept at handling the full spectrum of environment and planning matters. Michael Winram co-leads the team and often advises energy companies, and developers, while co-head Maria Marshall works out of the Melbourne office, and has deep knowledge of Environmental Effects Statement related matters, and VCAT cases. Patrick Ibbotson is known for his experience in handling development and environmental law issues, while Breellen Warry assists clients with biodiversity conservation, contamination, and waste regulation matters. Joshua Same is well-versed in infrastructure and redevelopment project related mandates.

The environment and planning department at Minter Ellison advises a litany of blue-chip clients on the environmental and planning aspects of mixed use, residential and retail developments. The practice often assists clients with projects across the infrastructure, mining, and urban renewal sectors, in addition to advising on regulatory compliance relating to land use, planning law. In Sydney, Simon Ball leads the group has experience in administrative law, while Luke Walker is noted for his knowledge of resource recovery law. In Brisbane, Tim Hanmore is known for handling a range of compliance, development, and operational issues.

Headed by ESG and sustainability specialist Tim Power, the Melbourne based practice at White & Case exhibits deep expertise in renewable energy projects, namely, battery, solar and wind farms. The group is known for handling a broad range of issues relating to mining and critical minerals, transport, and land contamination. Michelle Keen and Fiona Curl are particularly active in the renewable energy sector while the latter also specialises in road projects.

The team at Colin Biggers & Paisley is adept in advising on the planning and development aspects of major residential community and resource projects. Other areas of expertise include environmental compliance, licensing, and enforcement. In Brisbane, practice head Ian Wright is noted for his work advising public sector clients on environment and infrastructure mandates, and Ben Caldwell is a key contact for corporations on planning developments. Sydney's Todd Neal has a great deal of experience in advising on compulsory acquisitions. David Passarella in Melbourne acts for corporations in the healthcare, industrial and retail sectors.

Gilbert + Tobin's Sydney based practice is skilled in handling environmental impact assessments, and the remediation and development of contaminated land. The group has a great deal of expertise in compulsory acquisitions, pollution related issues, and renewable energy projects. Ben Fuller leads the team, and often advises on land access rights, and waste regulatory frameworks. Ilona Millar has expansive experience in the development of carbon contracts and natural sinks, and Ben Hayward is a key contact for corporate and government clients.

Acting for a varied client roster of utility and social infrastructure providers, public and private stakeholders, as well as government bodies, Hall & Wilcox is known for advising on compensation claims for land acquisition and financial loss. Primarily based in Melbourne, the team has deep knowledge surrounding the development, investigation, remediation of contaminated land. Meg Lee acts for clients in environmental approvals and appeals, while Rory O’Connor focuses on development and infrastructure projects. Brisbane's Brendan Tobin frequently handles climate change litigation and greenfield project approvals, while Stan Kondilios, who leads the Sydney group, assists clients with development proposals, ensuring they are environmentally sustainable. Natalie Bannister is skilled in handling environmental disputes, and Luke Denham frequently advises on land compensation.

In Sydney, the environment and planning department at Addisons is particularly experienced in advising on urban development project approvals, acting for a number of public sector clients. Practice co-head Penny Murray frequently advises landowners on compensation claims for government resumptions of land, while co-head Harshane Kahagalle is proficient in securing development approvals. Lee Cone is particularly adept at advising on commercial, mixed use and residential developments.

Baker McKenzie is particularly adept at assisting clients with the contamination, environmental and planning aspects of major projects, including airports, education facilities, and means of transport. Samuel Allam’s practice involves advice on due diligence transactions, energy and infrastructure projects as well as land and environmental litigation. Brisbane-based Anna Vella joined the team from King & Wood Mallesons in November 2022 and is noted for her capabilities in planning litigation proceedings and renewable energy projects. Ex-practice head Ruth Dawes has since left the firm.

Clyde & Co LLP handles the full-spectrum of environmental law matters, including climate change related issues, and crisis management. Jacinta Studdert leads the Sydney based team, and is noted for her broad expertise in acting in cases concerning infrastructure, project and property development. Matthew Thornton-Dibb and Valencia Govender specialise in incident and pollution responses. Nicola Irwin-Faulks is another key member of the team.

Biodiversity, cultural heritage and waste, environmental approvals and compliance remain key areas of focus for the Sydney based practice at Johnson Winter Slattery. The team frequently assists clients with sustainability considerations and corporate supply chains. Samatha Daly leads the group and is skilled in acting in environment and planning litigation, in addition to advising on environmental incidents and investigations. Angus Hanna is active across the mining, resources, and waste sectors.

Pinsent Masons LLP handles a broad range of issues relating to projects in the energy and renewables, infrastructure, and industrial sectors. Other areas of expertise for the Sydney based team include crisis management and incident response related matters, and issues concerning pollution and contamination. Hailed by clients as a 'leading partner in the field', practice head Kirstie Richards has vast experience in handling land access matters and environmental and planning litigation, while Alec Kibblewhite regularly advises on mining projects.

The team at Piper Alderman, primarily based in Adelaide, exhibits broad expertise in due diligence, environmental enforcement, and regulatory aspects of major projects, with particular emphasis on environmental compliance requirements. Ashley Watson is a key contact for government authorities, while Kathryn Walker has deep knowledge of carbon capture and storage related issues, planning approvals, and water infrastructure matters. Sydney's Paul Vergotis is experienced in advising clients on procedural matters falling under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation.