New partner bolsters environment team at DLA Phillips Fox

Leading law firm DLA Phillips Fox is pleased to announce that Charmian Barton has joined the firm as a partner in its Sydney office, strengthening the firm's environment practice.

Charmian joins DLA Phillips Fox from Cutler, Hughes & Harris, bringing with her senior associate Paul Vergotis and solicitor Alicia Chryssochoides.

Charmian advises on all aspects of environmental law and has significant experience in contaminated land management, pollution control, biodiversity, heritage and environmental impact assessment.

Her past experience includes managing a portfolio of contaminated sites for an international oil company, providing advice on the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act for major health care providers and conducting environmental due diligence in commercial transactions and land acquisitions.

Charmian has also acted in judicial review proceedings before the Land and Environment Court of NSW and High Court of Australia.

Charmian said she was attracted to DLA Phillips Fox partly because of its exclusive alliance with global legal services organisation DLA Piper.

"Environmental law issues often cross national boundaries, especially in the climate change area, and the alliance with DLA Piper means DLA Phillips Fox is able to draw on legal knowledge from around the world on this issue of international significance," she said.

Chris Edquist, Property and Infrastructure Development practice group leader at DLA Phillips Fox welcomed Charmian to the firm saying:

"Charmian's appointment is in direct response to the growing demand for legal advice in the relatively new and evolving area of environment law including climate change. DLA Phillips Fox is strategically growing its practice in this area and we are delighted to have Charmian join us, bringing with her significant expertise."

Charmian, who completed her Masters of Law at Harvard Law School in 1998, is a member of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand, the Australian Environment Business Network and the National Association of Women in Construction, and is widely published on issues relating to water pollution, sustainability and land conservation.

Charmian was previously a lawyer with Mallesons Stephen Jaques in Perth and Sydney.

For further information please contact:

Clare Buttner
Media Relations Consultant
Direct Tel: +61 2 9286 8400
Mobile: 0415 932 936
Email: clare.buttner@dlaphillipsfox.com