Phillip Cornwell honoured in Australia Day Awards
A fitting tribute to a lifelong dedication to service
We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Phillip Cornwell AM, a distinguished former partner of our firm, who has been recognised in the Australia Day 2025 Honours List for his significant service to conservation and the environment, community health and the legal profession.
Phillip's career at Allens spanned over 44 years, with 32 of those years as a partner. He joined the firm in 1979 and became a partner in 1984. Notably, he led the Finance and Tax Department from 1993 to 1995 and helmed the project finance group from 2001 to 2015. Throughout his tenure, Phillip made a significant contribution to the development of infrastructure and energy financing law in Australia, and was widely regarded as one of the world's top project finance and banking and finance lawyers. He advised on major power, infrastructure and resources projects in the Asia Pacific region and played a significant role in private equity-driven leveraged acquisitions.
Just as significant as his legal achievements, however, is Phillip's passion for social justice, pro bono work and environmental sustainability. Phillip joined the Allens Pro Bono Committee soon after commencing work at the firm and eventually became its chair. He was a foundational member of Allens' national sustainability committee and spearheaded a number of initiatives to enhance the firm's commitment to environmental responsibility, foster a culture of sustainability among our people and implement green initiatives that set a benchmark for the industry. For the last 10 years, Phillip also served as Chair of the Australian Pro Bono Centre, the national centre of leadership for pro bono legal services, and currently serves as vice-president of Bush Heritage Australia, one of Allens' long-term pro bono clients, where he's also been a director since 2015.
Phillip's recognition in the Australia Day 2025 Honours List is a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication to service. He has been a passionate advocate for biodiversity conservation, sustainability, social justice, clear thinking, good governance, music, art and cycling. He's also perhaps the world #1 ranked fan of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. We are honoured to have had him as a partner and his legacy at Allens and beyond serves as an enduring inspiration to his peers and successors.