Lauren Shave

Special Counsel
Perth

Biography

Lauren is a special counsel in our Disputes and Investigations group.

Focusing on the mining and energy sectors, her practice includes complex commercial disputes, resources, mine safety, native title and administrative law. Lauren regularly appears in the Supreme Court of Western Australia, the Federal Court of Australia and before the Mining Warden. 

Lauren has considerable experience in challenges to administrative decisions in mining, planning and environmental matters. She regularly advises on issues relating to native title and Aboriginal cultural heritage and acts in litigious native title matters. Her mine safety experience includes attending sites in the wake of an incident, assisting clients in responding to any resulting investigation and acting as counsel in proceedings brought under safety legislation.

Lauren is also the immediate past President of the WA Branch of the Energy & Resources Law Association (formerly AMPLA) and sits on the Editorial Board of the Australian Resources and Energy Law Journal.

Experience

Lauren’s experience includes:

  • All types of disputes under the Mining Act 1978 (WA), including tenement applications and objections, exemption and forfeiture proceedings, as well as judicial review of decisions of the Mining Warden and the Minister for Mines.

  • Assisting mine operators and service providers in relation to mine safety incidents and investigations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA), including appearing as counsel where a prosecution is brought.

  • Advising ACEN Renewables on native title issues in the negotiation of its landmark partnership with the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation for the development, ownership and operation of large-scale renewable energy projects valued at over $1bn.

  • Assisting project proponents and Traditional Owners in relation to water rights and protection.

  • Acting in defence of allegations of breach of a reasonable endeavours obligation in Gillett v Menzies Hold Co 4 Pty Ltd [2024] WASC 78;  

  • A judgement for CITIC Pacific Mining Management Pty Ltd to the effect that an agreement with a deregistered native title claim group was not enforceable.

  • Acting for Kidman Resources Limited in its successful defence of an allegation of breach of contract regarding a lithium project that was valued at $200 million.

  • Acting for Onslow Salt Pty Ltd in Federal Court proceedings commenced by the Buurabalayji Thalanyji Aboriginal Corporation in relation to a native title agreement.

Awards

  • The Best Lawyers in Australia 2026

    Litigation, Natural Resources Law

  • The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2025

    Recognised as a Next Generation Partner for Native Title

  • Doyle’s Guide 2023

    Rising Star in Energy and Resources Law and Native Title Leading Administrative & Public Lawyer (Western Australia)

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