Planning and Environment specialist Patrick Doyle has joined the Victorian Government Solicitor's Office. Doyle has moved from Maddocks Lawyers and will head up the planning and environment team.

His previous experience includes holding senior in-house legal roles with the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, and the Department of Planning and Community Development.

Doyle's advises on state and Federal environmental legislation, compulsory acquisition and planning and heritage laws. He has a particular interest in environmental impact assessment and the management of native vegetation, as well as the interplay between planning and property law.

He appears frequently as an advocate before the Victorian Civil and Administrative tribunal, planning panels and the Victorian Magistrates' Court.