Mr Whealy (pictured) was previously head of the Sydney land development and environmental law practice at Gadens.

He is a NSW Law Society-accredited local government and planning specialist with experience in securing planning and environmental approvals for his developer client base, often in the Land and Environment Court.

His other areas of expertise include planning disputes, rezonings, environmental compliance, land tax appeals, negotiating planning agreements, and contaminated land litigation.

Mr Gadiel is also an accredited local government and planning specialist with experience in both greenfield and infill development, including the residential, retail, commercial and industrial sectors. He regularly appears in the Land and Environment Court.

“For the first time, we are able to offer the full suite of planning and environment, construction and property services in the Sydney market,” Mills Oakley CEO John Nerurker said.

“These three practice areas are highly complementary and will ensure that we are well placed to help developers take their projects from concept to conveyance or completion.”

The three other lawyers who made the move to Mills Oakley are senior associate Matthew Sonter, and lawyers Kate Marginson and Sarah Orbell.

Mills Oakley has also appointed associate Ashleigh Cowper from DLA Piper and lawyer Alexander McDonald from Sparke Helmore.

The firm recently appointed two commercial disputes partners in Sydney: Matt Roser in Canberra and Peter Hodges.

Property partner Andrew Johnson recently left Mills Oakley after five and a half years with the firm to pursue a property development and commercial venture.