Greens' Mt Coot-tha candidate goes from courtroom to political arena

Lawyer Michael Berkman has been involved in a slew of court fights against the likes of Adani and next faces a political clash against Labor's Steven Miles

One of Queensland's leading exponents of what miners and conservative politicians brand environmental "lawfare" has been thrust into the role of trying to win what the Greens consider their most winnable seat at the next state election.

Michael Berkman - a lawyer at the Environmental Defenders Office Queensland who has played a key role in a slew of court battles against Adani, Gina Rinehart's Alpha Coal and New Acland Coal - will be the Greens candidate for the inner Brisbane seat of Mount Coot-tha.