Sharona Coutts

Sharona Coutts is an associate in the Environmental Markets team at Baker McKenzie, with a focus on climate change law and policy. Based in Sydney, Sharona advises governments and corporations within Australia and around the world on legal issues relating to climate change, including policy, legislation, as well as legal risks and how to manage them. This includes advice with respect to sustainable finance, such as green bonds, green loans, and the relevant international, regional and domestic laws and regulations. Sharona also advises clients on all aspects of carbon markets, including carbon abatement and sequestration projects in Australia and internationally. More recently, Sharona has developed an expertise with respect to laws and policies relating to hydrogen, along with energy laws and policies more generally.

Prior to joining Baker McKenzie, Sharona spent nearly two decades as an investigative reporter, editor and executive, based mostly in New York City and Los Angeles. Her work spurred criminal investigations, legal reforms, and was recognised through professional accolades. She also managed a diverse team across the United States, and participated in board meetings. She brings that experience to her legal work, providing clients with accurate, actionable products that are written in crisp language that is easy to grasp and use, and which is delivered with a real-world appreciation of the environment – legal, financial and political – in which organisations operate.

She served as Associate to Justice Michael McHugh QC, AC at the High Court of Australia in 2005. From July 2020 until January 2021, she is serving as Communications Consultant for the Australian Firm.