Julius Skinner

Julius Skinner: Leading Planning and Environment Lawyer in Western Australia

Julius Skinner is recognized as one of Western Australia’s foremost legal experts in planning and environmental law. With over 20 years of dedicated experience, he provides comprehensive legal counsel to clients across all sectors – from major corporations and developers to local governments – guiding them through every stage of complex planning approvals, environmental permits, and regulatory compliance. Mr. Skinner’s deep understanding of Western Australia’s legal landscape, combined with his extensive courtroom experience, makes him a trusted advisor and a formidable advocate for his clients.

His expertise extends beyond simply navigating the legal requirements; he possesses a strategic approach, focusing on achieving favorable outcomes while minimizing risk and ensuring alignment with his clients’ long-term objectives. He consistently delivers exceptional results, frequently appearing before the State Administrative Tribunal and the Supreme Court, where he has a proven track record of success in complex planning and environment litigation.

Mr. Skinner’s unique advantage lies in his unparalleled experience advising local governments. This perspective, honed over two decades, provides invaluable insights for both public and private sector clients involved in significant development projects. He skillfully bridges the gap between regulatory requirements and practical considerations, offering solutions tailored to the specific needs of each stakeholder.

Key Areas of Expertise:

Mr. Skinner’s practice encompasses a broad range of planning and environmental law matters, including:

• Planning & Subdivision Approvals: Expert guidance through the entire planning process, from initial concept to final approval, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations.
• Environmental Permits: Strategic advice and representation in securing necessary environmental approvals for a diverse range of projects.
• Works Approvals & Licenses: Management of applications and appeals for approvals related to construction and infrastructure projects.
• Land Acquisition & Compensation: Negotiation and representation in land acquisition disputes, including the complex process of calculating and securing fair compensation for landowners.
• Heritage: Specialized knowledge and advocacy in heritage matters, including challenging heritage listings and advising on heritage conservation strategies.
• Contaminated Sites: Expert advice on the assessment, remediation, and management of contaminated sites, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Comprehensive support in navigating the various regulatory frameworks governing planning and environmental activities.

Notable Cases & Experience:

• CBD Redevelopment (Local Government): Successfully advised a Local Government on the conditional land sale provisions for a strategic CBD landholding, integrating redevelopment plans while meticulously ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and a major land transaction.
• Waste Industry Landfill (Environmental Approval): Represented a major waste industry operator in obtaining an extension of development approval for a controversial landfill proposal, skillfully managing the process despite significant changes to the planning framework and successfully navigating complex environmental considerations.
• Public Works Compensation (Highway Projects): Provided expert legal counsel to landowners and acquiring authorities in relation to the taking of land for public works projects, including the Perth-Bunbury Highway, Great Eastern Highway, and Northlink WA, facilitating the negotiation and settlement of numerous compensation claims.
• Supreme Court Judicial Review (Heritage Listing): Represented a Local Government in a landmark Supreme Court case challenging the heritage listing of a significant residential property on the Swan River foreshore, successfully arguing against the listing based on procedural irregularities and the Local Government's justifications.
• Aged Care Provider Exemptions (State Administrative Tribunal & Supreme Court): Provided critical legal support to several not-for-profit aged care providers, representing them in proceedings before both the State Administrative Tribunal and the Supreme Court concerning exemptions from local government rating, examining the legal status of financing models and their impact on charitable status.

Recognition & Credentials:

• Lawyer of the Year: Planning and Environmental Law (Perth, Australia) – 2026, 2021, 2016
• Recognized: Government Practice, Recognized: Land Use and Zoning Law, Recognized: Planning and Environmental Law, Recognized: Real Property Law – Doyle’s Guide (Preeminent & Leading Lawyer – 2021, 2010-2020)
• Recognized Since: Best Attorney USA (since 2014)

Bar Admissions: Western Australia (Admitted 1998)

Contact: To discuss your planning or environmental legal needs with Mr. Skinner, please contact his office to schedule a consultation. He is committed to providing strategic, effective, and results-driven legal counsel.