Department profile
Ashurst Perkins Coie – London, New York, Seattle, Sydney

Environment & Planning

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Australia


Ashurst Perkins Coie – London, New York, Seattle, Sydney

Rankings

About

Provided by Ashurst Perkins Coie – London, New York, Seattle, Sydney

Ashurst Perkins Coie has one of the largest and oldest dedicated environmental law practices in Australia. We are consistently viewed by clients as trusted advisors and market leaders.

  • Infrastructure and development projects: Our planning law practice is particularly well known and highly regarded as being a key adviser on some of the largest infrastructure and development projects currently being progressed in Australia.
  • Environmental litigation: In the past few years our team has been involved in virtually all of the largest environmental litigation in Australia and with success that has built upon its already stellar track record. For example, over the past 20 years we have represented mining companies in more than 50% of all cases in the Federal Court commenced by environmental NGOs and others seeking to overturn federal government approvals of mining projects and we have maintained our 100% success rate throughout.
  • Mining projects: Advising on issues to do with the operation and development of major new mining projects across Australia. Our team has also consolidated its leading reputation in mine rehabilitation which is a subject of ever-increasing regulatory and community focus. Regulatory compliance of the mining and gas sectors in Australia continues to be a significant issue and our team has assisted various clients in relation to investigations and enforcement action taken by regulators.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Environment & Planning - Australia

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Ashurst Perkins Coie's formidable expertise is applied on behalf of both public and private sector clients in obtaining planning and environmental approvals for infrastructure projects, as well as regulatory approvals for mining and renewable energy projects. The team frequently advises clients on litigation, particularly defending contamination prosecutions and challenges to mining project approvals. The law firm is also active in major inquiries and regulatory investigations at both the national and state levels, and able to draw on its global network for jurisdiction-specific expertise as required. Ashurst Perkins Coie regularly advises government entities as well as major international corporates in the energy, resources and mining sectors.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Ashurst acted for the Secretary to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in relation to litigation in the Federal Court brought by a community group regarding the maintenance and renewal of fuel breaks in Victoria.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • What I believe sets Ashurst apart is their desire to understand our business and personalities and to tailor their advice so that it is practical and palatable.

    Environment & Planning respondentAsia-Pacific
  • The team at Ashurst possesses a deep understanding of the renewable energy industry and of planning and environmental legislation across Australian jurisdictions.

    Environment & Planning respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Tony Hill
    Band 1Tony Hill

    Tony Hill

    Tony Hill is a highly respected Sydney-based practitioner, noted for his work advising clients on environment and planning issues relating to infrastructure projects. He acts regularly for New South Wales government agencies as well as leading private sector players.
    • Tony is very approachable and tackles litigation in a practical way. He explains legal issues simply and clearly, and always keeps us up to speed with a fast-moving case.

      Environment & Planning respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 3Rebecca Dixon
    Band 3Rebecca Dixon

    Rebecca Dixon

    Rebecca Dixon is based in Sydney and maintains a comprehensive practice, regularly advising clients in relation to environmental compliance, approvals and disputes.
    • Rebecca has been really fantastic. She is very approachable and pragmatic.

      Environment & Planning respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 4Jane Hall
    Band 4Jane Hall

    Jane Hall

    Jane Hall advises across environmental and planning matters in the energy, water and manufacturing sectors. She has particular experience handling contaminated land and compulsory acquisition matters.
    • Jane Hall provided a very high level of service and responsiveness.

      Environment & Planning respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Jane is an exceptional planning and environment lawyer. Her client commitment is unmatched.

      Environment & Planning respondentAsia-Pacific

Ranked Individuals at Ashurst Perkins Coie – London, New York, Seattle, Sydney (3)

Australia

Members

Provided by Ashurst Perkins Coie – London, New York, Seattle, Sydney

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