This listing details both leading Senior Counsel and Junior Counsel practising within the area of planning and/or environment in the Queensland legal market. It is compiled on the back of feedback from solicitors practising within these areas.
Senior Counsel
Preeminent
Daniel Gore QC – Level 11, Inns of Court
Christopher Hughes QC – Level 16, Quay Central
Leading
Graham Gibson QC – Gerard Brennan Chambers
Mark Hinson QC – Level 29, Santos Place
Recommended
John Gallagher QC – Level 11, Inns of Court
Rodney Litster QC – Level 4, Quay Central
Junior Counsel
Preeminent
Ben Job – Level 14, Quay Central
James Lyons – Level 4, Quay Central
Michael Williamson – Level 4, Quay Central
Leading
Nicole Kefford – Level 4, Quay Central
Errol Morzone – Level 11, Inns of Court
Andrew Skoien – Level 33, 400 George St
Timothy Trotter – Level 16, Inns of Court
Stewart Ure – Level 16, Inns of Court
Recommended
Mitchel Batty – Level 8, Quay Central
Tracy Fantin – Equity Chambers
Stephen Fynes-Clinton – Level 17, Inns of Court
Sarah Holland – Alfred Lutwyche Chambers
James Houston – Level 14, Quay Central
Mark Johnston – 30 West Chambers
Nick Loos – Level 14, Quay Central
Editorial Commentary
Amongst the state’s planning and environment silks Danny Gore QC remains at the top of his game and was noted as “my go to guy” and “unbelievably busy which makes him hard to get but he’s still fantastic”. Chris Hughes “has lifted significantly” and “the unquestioned pick on merits cases” and this year joins Gore QC at the top of our rankings.
Graham Gibson QC was seen as “particularly good on administrative law issues” while John Gallagher QC was “very organised” and “efficient”. Mark Hinson QC “comes in and out of the jurisdiction but is very, very good”.
Veteran Junior Counsel Stewart Ure was praised for his “experience” and “value for money” while the equally seasoned Tim Trotter “cuts to the chase”.
James Lyons recent work drew widespread praise with comments seeing him viewed as “the rising star”, “outstanding” and “extremely hard working”. Ben Job is “just great”, while Nicole Kefford is “incredibly bright”.
The “aggressive” Mitchell Batty drew attention from certain firms and although he remains very junior most saw him as having “strong promise” and “making big strides”.
While he is still too junior to be accurately included in our rankings, former Brisbane City Council lawyer Keith Wylie’s move to the bar was noted by a number of practitioners with all predicting Wylie to feature in future.