Dr Hardiman has extensive knowledge of planning and environmental law with a particular focus on strategic infrastructure development and renewable energy projects.

A qualified barrister and having practised for some years, she moved in-house as lead planning lawyer in the then Railway Procurement Agency (now Transport Infrastructure Ireland) where planning authorisation for Luas Citywest, Luas CrossCity and Metro North was successfully obtained during her term.

Later, while managing a busy consultancy practice, Dr Hardiman designed and completed a research Masters in Trinity College Dublin on ‘The Law of Strategic Infrastructure Development in Ireland’.

She subsequently undertook a PhD in University College Cork that was sponsored by EirGrid on ‘Reconciling the Objectives of Environmental Protection and Climate Mitigation in EU Law: The Problem of Renewable Energy Project Authorisation’ and was successfully awarded this in March 2024.

In 2022, she was appointed as a member of the Major Projects Advisory Group (MPAG) under the Department of Public Enterprise and Reform (DPER) through a competitive process and will continue to work within this valued role.

Philip Lee partner Alice Whittaker said: “Alison joining the team solidifies our first-tier position in the Irish business law market. Our now four-partner female-led team reinforces us as one of the leading and largest environmental and planning teams in Ireland.”

Dr Hardiman added: “I am delighted to join the partnership and look forward to working with this highest calibre team, providing first-class strategic advice to our clients with the goal of delivering project authorisation for important climate mitigating infrastructure in Ireland.”