Asha Keaney

Senior Associate

Asha is an experienced litigator with a background in non-profit and private practice, working across jurisdictions.

She has advised and acted for clients on a broad range of matters, including in corporate, competition and consumer law. Her experience includes running preeminent greenwashing litigation, regulatory engagement and law reform to strengthen corporate climate accountability and transparency.

Asha takes inspiration from her clients and is committed to advancing public participation and access to justice.

Asha holds Bachelors of Laws and Arts from the University of Sydney. She is also the author of the Civil Procedure and Climate Litigation chapter of Becoming a Climate Conscious Lawyer.

Past Experience

  • 2023-2024

    • Advised on policy regarding environment, climate, planning and heritage, including the development and implementation of the landmark Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 (NSW), NSW Net Zero Commission and Environment Protection Authority reforms.

  • 2023 (parental leave cover)

    • Acted for a Commonwealth government client in a pre-Proposed Acquisition Notice Class 3 matter.

    • Acted for a health services provider on a State significant development application.

  • 2022-2023

    • Led a team of five lawyers advising on climate change law in multiple Australian jurisdictions.

    • Recognised in the 2023 Best Lawyers in Australia Guide for Climate Change Law.

    • Awarded the Law Council of Australia's Mahla Pearlman AO Award for 2022 Australian Young Environmental Lawyer of the Year.

    • Awarded the Legal and Professional Category Winner of the 2022 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian Awards.

  • 2018-2021

    • Acted for a community client in the landmark Australian climate litigation, Gloucester Resources Ltd v Minister for Planning [2019] NSWLEC 7.

    • Acted for a community client in the first Australian climate statutory duties mandamus case, Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action Incorporated v Environment Protection Authority [2021] NSWLEC 92. 

  • 2017-2018

    • Acted for a State government client on land acquisition matters.

    • Acted for a resources company on water matters.

    • Acted for an Asian investment management firm on regionally significant developments.

  • 2016-2017

    • Advised on reforms to Victoria's integrity and accountability bodies, including the Auditor-General, Ombudsman, and Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, and reforms to State environmental legislation and the public sector.

  • 2014-2016

    • Acted for governments and private companies on major infrastructure and transport projects in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

    • Acted for the State government on the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Village urban renewal project.

    • Acted for a developer in judicial review litigation.

  • 2013

    • Assisted the Judge with the administration of Court hearings in civil, criminal and appellate jurisdictions.