Clayton Utz houses one of Australia’s leading environment and planning practices, renowned for handling the full range of complex and high-profile projects. The team also has extensive litigation expertise and is a key point of contact for emerging environmental and climate regulatory issues. Practice leader Claire Smith specialises in energy transition and climate litigation. Brendan Bateman is highly experienced in the assessment, approval, and delivery of major infrastructure projects. Alongside her work in environmental litigation, Karen Trainor often advises on energy transition projects. John Clayton routinely acts for government bodies and private developers, while Alison Packham has deep knowledge of the impact of environmental and planning laws on major projects.

Norton Rose Fulbright boasts a large and dedicated environmental planning practice; the team is especially renowned for its work on large-scale greenfield and brownfield developments, as well as compulsory land acquisitions. Team head Elizabeth Wild has longstanding experience in contaminated land and remediation law. Anneliese Korber, a seasoned litigator, frequently acts in compulsory acquisitions on behalf of government clients. Krista MacPherson’s deep knowledge of environmental law makes her a key contact for major public and private sector clients. Both Elisa de Wit and Rebecca Hoare are highly-regarded for their expertise in climate change law.

Allens often advises public and private sector clients on litigation and high-profile energy and decarbonisation projects, regularly guiding projects from planning and approval through to delivery. Bill McCredie’s wide-ranging practice focuses on major project development, environmental compliance, and regulatory approvals. Felicity Rourke has substantial courtroom experience, handling planning appeals, statutory approval challenges, and land acquisition compensation claims. Eve Lynch handles both transactional work and environmental litigation, while Naomi Bergman plays a key role in advancing major energy, infrastructure, and real estate projects by securing planning and environmental approvals. Jillian Button, a specialist in environmental law, heads the firm’s climate change and ESG practice.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth combines its expertise in contamination and pollution with its ability to advance large-scale infrastructure projects. Christine Covington’s diverse client base includes property developers, trusts, industrial corporates, charities, and government agencies. Louise Camenzuli is well-placed to advise on significant infrastructure projects, and Anna White’s practice increasingly focuses on climate-related financial disclosure standards, carbon credits, and approval pathways. Brent Lillywhite enhances the team with his experience in environmental and planning litigation. Michael Leong remains a key contact for development and infrastructure initiatives.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is widely recognised for its work on cutting-edge energy transition projects, spanning traditional renewables like offshore wind to emerging technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS). The team provides extensive support on land and statutory approvals throughout the project lifecycle, while expertly handling appeals and challenges as needed. With her deep regulatory knowledge and strategic insight, Melanie Debenham assists both private and government clients with complex environmental and planning matters. Peter Briggs is a renowned litigator who has experience across all levels of the Australian judicial system. Kathryn Pacey’s significant role in policy and legislation development attests to her leading position in the field.

King & Wood Mallesons routinely acts for both domestic and international clients in complex transactional and contentious matters. Matthew Austin is a recognised expert on emerging environmental and planning risks. Mark Beaufoy predominantly advises blue-chip corporates and has been involved in significant brownfield development projects. Sally Audeyev's workload consists of high-profile industrial, residential, and corporate developments. Michael Causer specialises in advisory work at the nexus of real estate and infrastructure. Alongside handling a vast transactional portfolio, Michelle Astridge frequently represents clients in Australian courts in cases concerning development projects, prosecutions, and judicial reviews.

Maddocks’ client roster features a diverse array of state government departments, agencies, and authorities. Urban renewal and contaminated land management are core elements of this active practice, which is supported by a strong team of experienced litigators. Michael Winram has extensive experience in representing major utilities clients, energy companies, and developers. Maria Marshall is a key contact for government authorities, handling environmental disputes, approval processes, and compulsory acquisition matters. Breellen Warry has wide-ranging expertise in planning and environmental law, encompassing approval processes, waste regulation, biodiversity conservation, and heritage concerns.

The team at Minter Ellison focuses on three core areas: planning, environment, and compliance. In addition to its work with government clients, the group regularly advises major corporates on residential and mixed-use developments, with a strong track record in high-profile planning approvals. Simon Ball is highly-skilled in handling complex planning, native title, mining, and administrative law issues. Luke Walker is well-equipped to advise clients on infrastructure, residential, and waste processing projects. Tim Hanmore offers deep expertise in the mining and resources sectors, while Joshua Dellios is a key name for renewable energy matters. John Whitehouse leverages his governmental experience in his versatile planning practice.

Energy transition is a cornerstone of White & Case's environment and planning practice. The team is particularly noted for its involvement in major offshore wind projects, both in Australia and internationally. Beyond renewable energy, the group is active across the transport and mining sectors and is recognised for its expertise in land contamination. Practice head Tim Power leads on a variety of high-profile infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Michelle Keen is well-known for her expertise in the renewable energy space. Fiona Curl’s extensive infrastructure knowledge is showcased through her work on the AUD 50 billion Suburban Rail Loop East project.

Colin Biggers & Paisley is well-equipped to advise on major development and infrastructure projects. Ian Wright brings extensive expertise in planning and development matters. Ben Caldwell continues to oversee high-profile matters for government and city council clients, while Todd Neal frequently advises on large-scale urban development projects. David Passarella remains a key contact for residential and mixed-use developments.

Gilbert + Tobin’s strong expertise in environment and planning enables the firm to advise on major projects across a range of critical industries. The team also has in-depth knowledge of litigation and investigations, acting for a variety of domestic and multinational corporate clients. Led by Ben Fuller, the group continues to handle a broad spectrum of high-profile environment, planning, and climate change matters. Ilona Millar offers specialist expertise in climate law and finance, providing innovative solutions to sustainability challenges.

Hall & Wilcox is recommended for its work with state and local governments, as well as utility providers; this specialised expertise has also attracted clients from the circular economy and fossil fuel sectors. Meg Lee is a key contact for both government bodies and private sector clients, renowned for her exceptional environment and planning expertise. Rory O’Connor focuses on large-scale development and infrastructure projects, compulsory land acquisition, and prosecutions. Brendan Tobin frequently assists with greenfield projects, mining lease processes, and native title. Stan Kondilios and Natalie Bannister are also key members of the team.

Piper Alderman’s specialised team regularly advises on planning disputes, native title, regulatory issues, and emerging ESG concerns. The team is increasingly involved in major renewable energy projects. Paul Vergotis‘ broad practice is strengthened by his deep expertise in town planning and environmental compliance. Ashley Watson provides comprehensive advice on environmental law compliance and breaches. Katie Winterbourne often advises clients across the resources, energy, and infrastructure sectors.

Addisons is known for providing the full spectrum of project-related advice, from due diligence and planning through to approvals, acquisitions, and disposals. Penny Murray frequently advises notable corporate clients and represents landowners in compensation claims. Harshane Kahagalle is well-versed in handling high-value projects and environmental litigation. Key team members Natalie Rodwell and Lee Cone further strengthen the firm’s expertise.

Johnson Winter Slattery is experienced in matters concerning environmental crime, biodiversity, native title, and regulatory compliance. The team also assists various clients with their energy transition projects, including plant redevelopments and decarbonisation measures. Samantha Daly is integral to the firm’s work regarding energy transition and ESG considerations. William Oxby has longstanding experience with land access negotiations and litigious work.

Pinsent Masons LLP's growing environment and planning practice is recognised for its expertise in renewable energy and infrastructure projects. The team regularly advises on environmental regulation, impact assessments, and biodiversity offsets. Kirstie Richards is noted for her work on large-scale energy projects. Florence Riviere joined the practice from PwC in August 2023, bringing in-depth expertise in energy transition.