Australian corporate law firm Clayton Utz has poached an environment and planning partner who will join its Perth office amid strong demand for lawyers in the Western Australian city.
Lucy Shea, who joins from Australian firm HWL Ebsworth, advises on compliance with environment and planning laws and climate change and sustainability-related matters in sectors including energy and resources, property, infrastructure, food, industrial, agribusiness, and government.
Her hire marks her return to the firm, where she worked as a junior lawyer for three years until 2009.
“Lucy has built a reputation in the market as a go-to adviser in this area of practice, which is increasingly complex and requires an understanding of the intricacies of the law combined with a practical, commercially minded approach,” Claire Smith, national practice group leader for environment and planning, said in a statement.
“Our clients—particularly our [Western Australia]-based clients—will benefit from Lucy’s experience on both projects as well as ‘business as usual’ operational matters. With companies also focusing on their ESG agendas as the world transitions to a zero-carbon economy, Lucy also brings an understanding of sustainability standards and their practical application.”
Shea’s hire is the latest among several lateral partner moves in Perth, where the booming resources sector and border closures during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic have created strong demand for experienced lawyers.
HWL Ebsworth has been contacted for comment.
