Planning lawyers help with development applications, council appeals and environmental law.
firms
1,182
regions
16
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They advise developers, landowners and objectors on approvals, conditions and appeals, and act in environmental prosecutions and land valuation matters.
Why planning & environment matters
Planning decisions shape what can be built and where. Appeals and objections have strict timeframes.
The Australian context
Planning is controlled by state legislation and local councils, with specialist courts or tribunals such as the NSW Land and Environment Court and VCAT's planning list. Federal approval is required for matters of national environmental significance.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Albert Park, VIC · South East Melbourne
★★★★★★★★★★4.8(111)Google rating from 111 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Turnkey Conveyancing & Matt Behan Legal Services provides conveyancing services in Albert Park, VIC. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Domestic Violence & AVOs and Partner & Family Visas.
Property & Conveyancing+3 moreDomestic Violence & AVOs · Partner & Family Visas · Planning & Environment
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Sydney, NSW · Sydney CBD
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(110)Google rating from 110 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Royer Mace Lawyers provides legal services in Sydney, NSW. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Commercial Property & Leasing and Business & Commercial Law.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Tuggerah, NSW · Central Coast
★★★★★★★★★★4.8(109)Google rating from 109 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Nash Allen Williams & Wotton provides legal services in Tuggerah, NSW. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Property & Conveyancing and Family Law.
Wills & Estates+7 moreProperty & Conveyancing · Family Law · Business & Commercial Law · Probate & Estate Administration · Partner & Family Visas · Powers of Attorney & Guardianship · Planning & Environment
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Sydney, NSW · Sydney CBD
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(109)Google rating from 109 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Sarah Walsh Conveyancing and Leasing Pty Ltd provides conveyancing services in Sydney, NSW. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Commercial Property & Leasing and Wills & Estates.
Property & Conveyancing+7 moreCommercial Property & Leasing · Wills & Estates · Planning & Environment · Estate Planning & Testamentary Trusts · Family Law · Partner & Family Visas · Probate & Estate Administration
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Phillip, ACT · Canberra
★★★★★★★★★★4.5(108)Google rating from 108 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Dickson Legal Barker Trevor,LLB provides legal services in Phillip, ACT. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Family Law and Business & Commercial Law.
Wills & Estates+7 moreFamily Law · Business & Commercial Law · Planning & Environment · Property & Conveyancing · Estate Planning & Testamentary Trusts · Partner & Family Visas · Retirement Villages & Aged Care Contracts
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Melbourne, VIC · Melbourne CBD
★★★★★★★★★★4.8(107)Google rating from 107 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Best Hooper Lawyers provides legal services in Melbourne, VIC. Listed practice areas include Partner & Family Visas, Property & Conveyancing and Planning & Environment.
Partner & Family Visas+6 moreProperty & Conveyancing · Planning & Environment · Litigation & Dispute Resolution · Building & Construction · Administrative & Government Law · Liquor Licensing & Gaming
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Perth, WA · Perth CBD
★★★★★★★★★★4.6(107)Google rating from 107 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Friedman Lurie Singh & D'Angelo provides legal services in Perth, WA. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Personal Injury and Estate Planning & Testamentary Trusts.
Wills & Estates+7 morePersonal Injury · Estate Planning & Testamentary Trusts · Planning & Environment · Powers of Attorney & Guardianship · Public Liability · Product Liability · Professional Negligence
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Parramatta, NSW · Western Sydney
★★★★★★★★★★4.7(107)Google rating from 107 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Matthews Folbigg Lawyers provides legal services in Parramatta, NSW. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Family Law and Debt Recovery.
Property & Conveyancing+7 moreFamily Law · Debt Recovery · Wills & Estates · Business & Commercial Law · Litigation & Dispute Resolution · Insolvency & Restructuring · Planning & Environment
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Maroochydore, QLD · Sunshine Coast
★★★★★★★★★★4.9(107)Google rating from 107 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
MMLaw provides legal services in Maroochydore, QLD. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Property & Conveyancing and Business & Commercial Law.
Wills & Estates+7 moreProperty & Conveyancing · Business & Commercial Law · Probate & Estate Administration · Planning & Environment · Elder Law & Aged Care · Estate Planning & Testamentary Trusts · Powers of Attorney & Guardianship
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Coburg, VIC · Northern Melbourne
★★★★★★★★★★4.8(101)Google rating from 101 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Adami Duque Lawyers provides legal services in Coburg, VIC. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Wills & Estates and Business & Commercial Law.
Property & Conveyancing+5 moreWills & Estates · Business & Commercial Law · Probate & Estate Administration · Family Law · Planning & Environment
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Sydney, NSW · Sydney CBD
★★★★★★★★★★4.5(101)Google rating from 101 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Long Saad Woodbridge provides legal services in Sydney, NSW. Listed practice areas include Planning & Environment, Wills & Estates and Partner & Family Visas.
Planning & Environment+7 moreWills & Estates · Partner & Family Visas · Estate Planning & Testamentary Trusts · Business & Commercial Law · Insolvency & Restructuring · Property & Conveyancing · Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Toongabbie, NSW · Western Sydney
★★★★★★★★★★4.9(101)Google rating from 101 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
MTS Solicitors Pty Ltd provides legal services in Toongabbie, NSW. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Wills & Estates and Business & Commercial Law.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Maroochydore, QLD · Sunshine Coast
★★★★★★★★★★4.8(98)Google rating from 98 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
LEAD Conveyancing Sunshine Coast provides conveyancing services in Maroochydore, QLD. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Strata & Body Corporate and Building & Construction.
Property & Conveyancing+6 moreStrata & Body Corporate · Building & Construction · Fraud & White Collar Crime · Family Law · Planning & Environment · Divorce & Separation
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Ballarat Central, VIC · Ballarat & Central Highlands
★★★★★★★★★★4.9(98)Google rating from 98 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
MNG Lawyers provides legal services in Ballarat Central, VIC. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Wills & Estates and Partner & Family Visas.
Property & Conveyancing+3 moreWills & Estates · Partner & Family Visas · Planning & Environment
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Mawson Lakes, SA · Adelaide Metro
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(97)Google rating from 97 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Conveyancing Solutions SA Pty Ltd provides conveyancing services in Mawson Lakes, SA. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Business & Commercial Law and Banking & Finance.
Property & Conveyancing+7 moreBusiness & Commercial Law · Banking & Finance · Commercial Property & Leasing · Building & Construction · Domestic Violence & AVOs · Planning & Environment · Buying or Selling a Business
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Mornington, VIC · Mornington Peninsula
★★★★★★★★★★4.9(97)Google rating from 97 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Hill Legal provides legal services in Mornington, VIC. Listed practice areas include Business & Commercial Law, Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Wills & Estates.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Brisbane City, QLD · Brisbane CBD
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(95)Google rating from 95 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
YHC Lawyers provides legal services in Brisbane City, QLD. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Planning & Environment and Probate & Estate Administration.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Notting Hill, VIC · South East Melbourne
★★★★★★★★★★4.8(93)Google rating from 93 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
JK Lawyers provides legal services in Notting Hill, VIC. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Family Law and Business & Commercial Law.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Morley, WA · Perth North
★★★★★★★★★★4.3(93)Google rating from 93 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Lynn & Brown Lawyers provides legal services in Morley, WA. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Business & Commercial Law and Property & Conveyancing.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Parramatta, NSW · Western Sydney
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(93)Google rating from 93 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Optimum Lawyers provides legal services in Parramatta, NSW. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Business & Commercial Law and Litigation & Dispute Resolution.
Property & Conveyancing+7 moreBusiness & Commercial Law · Litigation & Dispute Resolution · Wills & Estates · Planning & Environment · Partner & Family Visas · Family Law · Estate Planning & Testamentary Trusts
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Parramatta, NSW · Western Sydney
★★★★★★★★★★4.9(92)Google rating from 92 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
CK Lawyers provides legal services in Parramatta, NSW. Listed practice areas include Business & Commercial Law, Property & Conveyancing and Family Law.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Caloundra West, QLD · Sunshine Coast
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(92)Google rating from 92 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Good Law QLD provides legal services in Caloundra West, QLD. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Planning & Environment and Wills & Estates.
Property & Conveyancing+3 morePlanning & Environment · Wills & Estates · Business & Commercial Law
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Liverpool, NSW · Western Sydney
★★★★★★★★★★4.7(91)Google rating from 91 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Circle Bridge Legal provides legal services in Liverpool, NSW. Listed practice areas include Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Family Law and Wills & Estates.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution+6 moreFamily Law · Wills & Estates · Estate Planning & Testamentary Trusts · Property & Conveyancing · Planning & Environment · Business & Commercial Law
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Miranda, NSW · Southern Sydney
★★★★★★★★★★4.7(91)Google rating from 91 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Willis & Bowring provides legal services in Miranda, NSW. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Wills & Estates and Estate Planning & Testamentary Trusts.
Property & Conveyancing+7 moreWills & Estates · Estate Planning & Testamentary Trusts · Planning & Environment · Probate & Estate Administration · Family Law · Business & Commercial Law · NDIS & Disability Law
Understand the next step
A practical guide to planning & environment
What to discuss at the first meeting
Provide the property address, proposed use and any council or agency decision. Planning advice should identify the actual application, approval or enforcement issue rather than assume all land can be used the same way.
Ask about applicable objection or review dates before relying on informal discussions.
How the engagement may progress
01
Provide the address, parties and current contract or notice. Explain whether anything has been signed and identify every agreed date.
02
Ask which terms, searches and ownership questions will be reviewed. Explain finance, proposed use and any linked transaction.
03
Agree who communicates with agents, lenders and the other side. Confirm how documents are approved and what happens if the matter is delayed or disputed.
Fees and the scope of work
Separate legal fees from searches, registration, taxes and third-party expenses. Complex ownership, negotiations or a dispute may fall outside an advertised conveyancing price.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Dates to raise at first contact
Seek review before signing where possible. Ask about the actual dates in your documents; cooling-off and completion arrangements differ across states and transactions.
Questions to ask a planning & environment adviser
What decision or approval is being assessed?
Is a planner or other expert also needed?
What is included and what counts as extra work?
Have you handled this kind of transaction or dispute?
What must be decided before signing or the next scheduled date?
Directory guidance updated 19 September 2026. General information to help you prepare for a conversation with a professional; not advice about your individual matter. Check current requirements with the relevant authority.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Can I appeal a council refusal?
Usually, yes, to the state planning court or tribunal, within strict time limits.
Lawyer or conveyancer?
For a straightforward residential purchase or sale, a licensed conveyancer is usually enough. Use a solicitor if the property is unusual, the contract has non-standard terms, or there is a dispute or estate involved.
When should I get the contract checked?
Before you sign or bid at auction. Once contracts are exchanged or you've bought at auction, your ability to withdraw is limited.
