Sophie Lloyd
Partner, Sydney
I am a public and administrative law specialist, with over a decade of experience in advising and representing government clients. I advise in relation to all types of government decision making, from first instance decisions to merits and judicial review proceedings, as well as commissions of inquiry, legislative reform and statutory interpretation.

Together with Tom Galvin, I co-lead MinterEllison's national public law practice, working in a large and vibrant national team of experts, advising State and Commonwealth clients. Clients seek my clear, practical and risk-based advice that often involves complex legislative regimes, highly sensitive material and far-reaching policy and reputational implications.

I regularly appear as a solicitor advocate for government clients in proceedings before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and Federal Court of Australia. I am known for my efficient management of matters and the fair and reasonable presentation of my clients' positions.

Career highlights

  • Acting for State and Commonwealth government clients in merits and judicial review proceedings, including for the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs before the AAT and Commonwealth Courts. This includes overseeing litigation strategy, managing ‘cohorts’ of affected cases, appearing as a solicitor advocate and managing costs recovery. I was responsible for a successful Ministerial appeal to the High Court of Australia: Minister for Immigration and Border Protection v CED16 [2020] HCA 24.
  • Appearing in merits review proceedings challenging licensing decisions.
  • Making applications for public interest immunity and protective orders over sensitive information contained in Coronial briefs of evidence and seeking judicial review of resulting decisions before the Supreme Court of NSW.
  • Advising in relation to information law issues, including FOI investigations and complaints and applications under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.
  • Acting in statutory applications, such as successfully resisting an application to the District Court of NSW seeking return of seized property and acting in an appeal to the Supreme Court from the Children’s Court in relation to forensic procedure orders.