Damien van der Toorn is a distinguished Partner and co-founder of Lexbridge, recognised for his proficiency in developing intricate agreements and legislation. With a focus on conducting high-stakes negotiations and managing comprehensive government legal reforms, Damien's work spans key sectors such as defence and security, trade and investment, maritime and aviation, as well as environmental and climate change initiatives. He has provided counsel on multi-billion-dollar defence capability programs across land, air, and sea, and has been instrumental in crafting security frameworks within the Asia-Pacific region. His advisory roles have extended to significant international agreements, including contributions to the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement on climate change, pivotal free trade agreements with nations such as China, Korea, and Japan, alongside the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Damien's experience is underpinned by his tenure as a Principal Lawyer at the Attorney-General's Department in Australia, having contributed to critical reforms in Australia's maritime enforcement and supported global initiatives like the ban on cluster munitions. His expertise encompasses military deployments in conflict zones such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Timor Leste, underscoring his depth of knowledge in international law and governmental operations. Holding a Master of Laws in Public International Law from The London School of Economics and Political Science, and dual honours degrees in International Relations and Law from The University of Queensland, Damien's educational background complements his extensive professional journey. His early career included roles at prominent law firms such as Picton Howell in London and Allens Arthur Robinson in Brisbane. Damien began his legal career as a Judge's Associate at the Supreme Court of Queensland, setting the foundation for his impressive legal trajectory.
Partner
Lexbridge Lawyers
Jan 2015 - Present • 11 years 10 months
Principal Lawyer
Department of Climate Change, Australia
Sep 2012 - Oct 2013 • 1 year 1 month
Principal Lawyer
Attorney-General's Department, Australia
Aug 2005 - Jan 2015 • 9 years 5 months
Lawyer
Picton Howell
Aug 2003 - Jan 2005 • 1 year 5 months
Lawyer
Allens Arthur Robinson
Jan 2001 - Jul 2003 • 2 years 6 months
Judge's Associate
Supreme Court of Queensland
Jan 2000 - Jan 2001 • 1 year
Master of Laws (LLM), Public International Law
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
2003 - 2004
Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) (BA) and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Hons)
The University of Queensland
1995 - 1999
Senior Certificate
Brisbane Boys' College
1990 - 1994
Last checked: 8 Sept 2026 • Checked with ACT Law Society
