Thomson Geer welcomes leading planning and development lawyer Harshane Kahagalle as Partner

Thomson Geer is pleased to announce the appointment of Harshane Kahagalle as a Partner in its national Property and Construction team, based in Sydney.

Harshane brings extensive experience advising on major urban renewal and infrastructure projects across New South Wales, including Barangaroo, Crown Sydney, the International Convention & Exhibition Centre, The Star, Sydney Airport, Western Sydney Airport master plans and WestConnex M4 East. These projects, each involving complex planning and stakeholder environments, demonstrate his strength in managing approvals for high-profile and technically challenging developments.

Dual-qualified in architecture and law, Harshane offers a practical and design-informed perspective on approvals strategy. He advises large developers, REITs and private developers, as well as investment groups, alternative asset managers and strata managers. While his primary focus is on securing planning and development approvals for major projects, his litigation experience includes test cases and bet-the-company disputes.

Chambers & Partners ranks him for Environment & Planning (2020–2026), and Best Lawyers lists him for Environment & Planning (2014, 2022–2026). He was also recognised by AI Magazine as the Leading Property & Infrastructure Development Lawyer of the Year (2019).

Thomson Geer Chief Executive Partner Adrian Tembel said: “Harshane’s appointment adds further depth to our national Property and Construction practice. His combination of legal acumen, architectural training and experience across landmark developments will enhance our ability to deliver sophisticated, commercially focused advice to clients operating in complex planning and regulatory environments.”

Harshane said: “I am delighted to be joining Thomson Geer. The firm’s national platform, collaborative culture and commitment to technical excellence provide the ideal foundation to support clients in achieving successful outcomes on transformative development projects.”

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