Specialists in Planning & Environment Law
Today’s rapid pace of urban development and the growing focus on sustainability make expert legal guidance indispensable.
Merc Law Group is a modern, progressive law firm dedicated to providing bespoke planning and environmental legal advice, helping clients navigate complex regulations and achieve successful, sustainable project outcomes for their unique situations. We provide specialised legal services in environment and planning matters to corporations, individuals, community groups, and government agencies.
Our team advises on all aspects of planning and environmental law, from obtaining development consents and regulatory approvals to managing compliance issues, land acquisitions, and environmental disputes. Whether you need help securing planning approval for a project, addressing contamination or heritage issues, or defending a case in court, Merc Law Group has the expertise to guide you every step of the way.
Our lawyers are seasoned litigators in environmental and planning disputes, with a strong track record in the Land and Environment Court of NSW (L&E Court) and other jurisdictions. We develop cost-effective, robust litigation strategies and, where possible, pursue alternative dispute resolution to resolve matters efficiently taking into consideration both time and money. For every matter, we take a strategic, commercial and practical approach, first understanding your goals, then working swiftly to achieve your desired outcome.
We also set clear goals and deadlines with you from the start, giving you transparency and control over how much time and money is spent on your legal matter. The result is timely, effective solutions that align with your objectives and budget.
Our Expertise
Merc Law Group offers a comprehensive range of planning and environmental legal services. Our expertise includes:
Planning Approvals & Development – Guiding clients through development applications, rezonings, planning permits and appeals, while ensuring compliance with all planning instruments and regulations.
We handle everything from initial development proposals to appeals in the Land and Environment Court, making sure your project meets the requirements of laws like the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.
Environmental Compliance & Enforcement – Advising on environmental regulatory obligations and defending clients in enforcement actions. We assist with issues such as pollution incidents, environmental protection notices, and prosecutions for unauthorized development, helping clients remain compliant with state and federal environmental laws.
Our team also guides you through environmental impact assessment processes to minimize risk.
Land & Environment Court Litigation – Providing expert representation in the L&E Court and other courts for planning and environmental disputes. Our lawyers regularly act in development consent appeals, judicial reviews, compulsory acquisition compensation claims, and environmental offence prosecutions
We are highly experienced in courtroom advocacy and dispute resolution, achieving positive outcomes even in complex or high, stakes cases.
Local Government & Regulatory Advice – Assisting local councils, public agencies, and businesses with local government law and governance matters. We advise on council regulatory powers, development contributions, and probity issues, and have experience representing clients in inquiries and tribunals (such as ICAC or NCAT) on matters like government transparency and information access.
Our firm is proud to partner with government and private sector clients alike, leveraging deep knowledge of the local government framework.
Heritage, Native Title & Biodiversity – Navigating the special laws that protect cultural and natural heritage. We help developers and landowners address heritage conservation requirements, Aboriginal heritage and native title claims, and biodiversity conservation obligations as part of the planning process.
Our lawyers can negotiate Planning Agreements and manage approvals to ensure that heritage issues or tree preservation laws (such as the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006) are properly handled.
Compulsory Acquisition & Land Valuation – Protecting property owners’ rights when land is acquired by government. We have expertise in the compulsory acquisition of land, assisting clients with claims for just compensation and appeals under relevant legislation.
From the initial notice through to L&E Court proceedings, we fight to maximize compensation and fair outcomes for landowners. We also handle land valuation disputes and rating appeals, ensuring that clients are not overburdened by incorrect valuations.
Renewable Energy & Sustainable Development – Supporting projects in the renewable energy and infrastructure space with our legal know-how. Our team advises on planning approvals for solar, wind and other renewable energy projects, guiding clients through the evolving regulatory landscape around climate change and sustainable development.
We help developers obtain the necessary environmental and planning authorisations and manage any environmental risks or community challenges that arise, aligning projects with both legal requirements and ESG best practices.
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Understanding Your Goals: From the outset, we take the time to understand your objectives – whether it is obtaining a development approval, avoiding a penalty, or resolving a dispute. This allows us to tailor our strategy to what success means for you.
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Strategic & Practical Solutions: Our lawyers combine deep legal knowledge with practical industry insight. We provide strategic, commercially sound advice to overcome regulatory hurdles and keep your project on track. You can expect candid guidance and innovative solutions that serve your long-term interests.
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Efficiency & Cost-Effectiveness: We set defined timelines and budgets for each matter to give you control and certainty. By planning ahead, and leveraging our experience, we resolve issues as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible, without compromising on quality. Where appropriate, we utilize negotiation or mediation to save you the time and expense of protracted litigation.
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Communication & Clarity: Legal jargon can be overwhelming. Our team breaks down the process in plain language, keeping you informed at every step.We believe that informed clients can make better decisions, so we ensure you clearly understand your options, risks, and progress as your matter advances.
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Partnering with Clients: We view our relationship with clients as a partnership. Whether you are a developer, a council, a business owner or a community group, we work alongside you as a trusted advisor. Our lawyers are approachable and responsive, always ready to answer questions and provide updates, so you feel supported throughout the legal journey.
Why Choose Merc Law Group?
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Experienced Team
Our lawyers bring decades of combined experience in planning, environmental and local government law. We have advised on some of the largest and most complex development projects in Australia, giving us insight to handle matters of any scale.
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Proven Results
We are highly successful litigators, especially in L&E Court cases. Merc Law Group has a strong track record of resolving disputes favourably, backed by robust case strategies and skilled advocacy. Clients trust us to defend their interests and secure outcomes that stand the test of time.
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Comprehensive Service
From initial advice on planning approvals and due diligence, through to compliance management and court appeals, we are your one-stop shop for planning and environment law. Our multidisciplinary expertise means we can address every facet of your matter, avoiding the need to juggle multiple law firms.
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Client-Focused Approach
We pride ourselves on being responsive and client-focused. Expect personalized attention and strategies tailored to your unique needs. By setting clear expectations on timelines and costs upfront, we ensure transparency and build trust, so you can move forward with confidence.
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Modern & Progressive Outlook
Merc Law Group stays at the forefront of emerging trends in environmental law. We understand the importance of sustainability, climate change considerations, and new regulatory developments in our field.
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Future driven
Our team brings a forward-thinking perspective – from navigating renewable energy regulations to leveraging technology for efficiency – all aimed at delivering innovative solutions for our clients. We look forward to partnering with you to achieve your goals in planning and environment law. Let our experience and dedication work for you.