Andrew Chalk

Andrew Chalk founded Andrew Chalk Associates in 1996, which has evolved into the current firm, Chalk & Behrendt. Before establishing his own practice, Andrew gained valuable experience working within the administrative law and environmental law teams at a prominent national firm, as well as with the NSW Aboriginal Legal Service. With more than 30 years of legal practice behind him, Andrew retired from his role as a practising lawyer and legal director in June 2023. However, he continues to contribute his extensive expertise to Chalk & Behrendt as a strategic consultant and serves as an honorary director on the firm’s board. Andrew has an established record of contributing to the development of environmental and planning law, administrative law, cultural heritage protection, land rights, and native title. He played a significant role representing Indigenous organisations during key legislative developments, including the enactment and amendment of the Native Title Act in the 1990s. Over the years, Andrew has acted on numerous successful Aboriginal land claim appeals in New South Wales, has been involved in native title claims in Queensland's lower Gulf of Carpentaria region, and has provided ongoing advice to Aboriginal Land Councils and representative bodies across Australia. Beyond his legal work, Andrew has demonstrated a strong commitment to community and public interest initiatives. He was the founding Chair of Gawad Kalinga Australia Limited, the Australian branch of an international community development organisation. He also served as Chair of the Environmental Defender’s Office Ltd, was a director of the Mark Tonga Relief Fund, held the position of Secretary for the NSW Chapter of the Australian Institute of Administrative Law, and chaired the NSW Law Society’s Public Law Committee.