Praised for its ‘unique’ expertise in traditional owner work, the team at Arnold Bloch Leibler works with native title holders and Indigenous holders of land on land use agreements, native title determination applications, and development negotiations, particularly for new renewable energy projects as well as internal issues relating to employment, tax, and governance for Aboriginal corporations. The ‘superb’ team, led from Melbourne by Peter Seidel and supported by special counsel Bridgid Cowling, is also noted for its work on broad legislative developments and thought leadership, including advising governmental entities and businesses on responses to the Jukaan Gorge inquiry and the Indigenous Voice referendum, as well as negotiating partnerships between Indigenous groups and state governments, most notably the Government of Victoria.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'ABL have extensive experience and knowledge in working with complex issues and rights for First Nations (Indigenous Australians). Their legal capabilities across taxation, financial services, property and land rights matched with the experience in working with First Nations organisations is unique and market leading.'
- 'Bridgid Cowling has understanding and knowledge of both charities law and Indigenous native title and related practice.'
Key clients
- Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation
- Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation
Work highlights
- Advising YMAC in relation to large-scale renewable energy agreements on native title land, conducting due diligence and advising in relation to best practice for such agreements in the native title context.
- Advising Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation in relation to its application to be formally recognised as the Traditional Owners of the mid Murray region of Northern Victoria under the Traditional Owners’ Settlement Act.