Adam Seton
Adam Seton | Partner | Accredited Specialist - Local Government & Planning
With more than 40 years’ experience in local government, planning and environmental law, Adam brings exceptional knowledge, advocacy experience and practical insight to complex planning and development matters.
As Partner leading the Local Government, Planning and Environmental Law Section at Marsdens Law Group, Adam has built a distinguished practice advising councils, developers, community groups and private clients across New South Wales. He joined Marsdens in 1985 and became a Partner in 1995.
An Accredited Specialist in Local Government and Planning Law, Adam has appeared as an advocate in more than 1,000 matters before the Land and Environment Court, as well as proceedings before the Administrative Decisions Tribunal, ICAC, the NSW Court of Appeal and Commissions of Inquiry.
Preeminent Town Planning & Development Lawyer for 2026
Adam Seton has been named one of New South Wales’ Preeminent Town Planning & Development Lawyers for 2026 by Doyle’s Guide, an independent ranking that recognises Australia’s top legal professionals for their expertise, reputation, and results. Adam has been identified by clients and peers for his expertise and abilities within the areas of town planning, development approvals & appeals as well as local government matters in the NSW legal market.
Local Government, Planning and Environmental Law Expertise
Adam advises on the full range of local government, planning and development matters, drawing on decades of experience working at the intersection of law, planning policy, development and government decision-making.
He represents more than 60 local councils and has also acted for numerous property developers, community groups and private clients. This breadth of experience gives Adam a unique understanding of the different interests and competing considerations that can arise in planning and development matters.
His extensive advocacy experience is a particular strength. Having appeared in more than 1,000 cases in the Land and Environment Court, Adam understands not only the technical requirements of planning law, but also how to effectively present and resolve complex disputes.
Whether advising a local council on a planning decision, assisting a developer through the approvals process or representing a client in a contested matter, Adam provides clear, strategic and commercially practical advice focused on achieving the best possible outcome.
Experience in Complex Planning and Development Matters
Adam’s experience extends across some of the most challenging areas of local government and planning law.
His practice involves development approvals and appeals, planning disputes, local government decision-making and broader planning and environmental issues. He has represented clients in matters involving significant development proposals and complex issues requiring careful consideration of planning legislation, policy and community interests.
Adam’s long-standing involvement with local government also gives him a detailed understanding of the practical realities facing councils and their communities. He is able to combine legal analysis with an appreciation of the broader planning, political and community considerations that can influence a matter.
For clients, that means advice that goes beyond simply identifying the legal position. Adam works to understand the objectives of the client, anticipate potential obstacles and develop a practical strategy for moving a matter forward.
Recognition and Leadership
Adam is recognised as a leading practitioner in his field. He has been a member of the NSW Law Society Advisory Committee for Specialist Accreditation in Local Government and Planning Law since its inception in 1998, reflecting his longstanding contribution and expertise in the profession.
Adam is also listed by Doyle’s Guide as a Preeminent Town Planning & Development Lawyer in NSW, with his recognition reflecting feedback from clients and peers regarding his expertise, reputation and ability in town planning, development approvals and appeals, and local government matters.
His leadership extends beyond his legal practice. Adam is currently Chairperson of the Inner West Council Local Planning Panel, having previously chaired several other Local Planning Panels and served as a member of a Regional Planning Panel.
He is also Deputy Chair of the Kids of Macarthur Health Foundation Ltd, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the local community.
A Practical and Experienced Advocate
With decades of experience appearing before courts and tribunals, advising local government and working with developers and private clients, Adam brings a depth of knowledge that is difficult to replicate.
His approach is practical and strategic — understand the planning and legal issues, consider the broader objectives of the client, identify the potential obstacles and develop a clear path forward.
For councils, developers, community groups and private clients dealing with complex planning or local government issues, Adam offers the benefit of extensive experience, strong advocacy and a deep understanding of how planning and development matters work in practice.
Adam’s experience, expertise and practical approach provide clients with confidence when navigating complex planning, development and local government matters.
