Ashleigh Best

Profile

Ashleigh practises in public and commercial law. Published decisions in which she has appeared as counsel are listed on her VicBar profile.

Ashleigh has particular interest and expertise in—

• environment and planning law,
• medical and health law,
• human rights,
• regulatory law,
• equity and trusts, and
• property law.

Ashleigh welcomes briefs both to appear and advise. 

As counsel, Ashleigh has appeared in various Federal Courts (High Court, Federal Court, and Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia) and Victorian State Courts and Tribunals (Supreme Court, Coroners Court, Magistrates' Court of Victoria, and VCAT). She is also regularly briefed to appear in the Supreme Court of Tasmania, and the Magistrates' Court of Tasmania, and she has also acted in matters before TASCAT. Ashleigh's advisory practice is broad: she advises commercial clients, government, non-government organisations, and individuals. 

Ashleigh maintains an active pro bono practice, particularly in environmental law, animal law, and migration law. She is a member of the Student Engagement Committee of the Victorian Bar.

Previously, Ashleigh was a solicitor at Allens in Sydney, where she practised across commercial litigation and environment and planning. After this, she worked in the legislation and advice team at the NSW Environment Protection Authority. She was formerly a Teaching Fellow at Melbourne Law School, and is now an Honorary Fellow there. 

Ashleigh holds a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours and University Medal) from the University of Technology Sydney, where she graduated first in her class and won a number of academic prizes. She received the top result in several individual subjects, including evidence law, equity and trusts, environmental law, and international human rights law. She also holds a PhD in Law from the University of Melbourne and Melbourne Law School's Centre for Environmental Law, for which she was awarded numerous international, regional, and national prizes and scholarships. Additionally, Ashleigh holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Social Inquiry), and post-graduate qualifications in legal practice and tertiary teaching.

Ashleigh read with Gabi Crafti SC and her senior mentor is Emrys Nekvapil SC.