Siim Vahtrus: Head of environment and planning
As of 9 March, Siim Vahtrus leads the environment and planning practice at Ellex in Estonia. Siim is a counsel who is one of Estonia’s most respected experts in environmental and planning law.
Siim has been a key member of our regulatory group since November 2025. Stepping into a leadership role is a natural next step in a field where decisions are both business‑critical and of broad public significance. His strengths lie in clear argumentation, strategic thinking and the ability to stay several steps ahead – giving clients confidence that every matter will reach a solid, well‑grounded outcome.
Experience that shapes decisions and the environment around them
Over 15 years, Siim has advised companies, the public sector and other clients on large‑scale projects that form the foundation of Estonia’s economy, spatial development and green transition:
- major infrastructure (high‑voltage lines, railways),
- renewable energy developments,
- mining and waste management,
- residential and commercial real estate planning.
His work also covers the stages following spatial planning – design conditions, building permits and use permits – enabling Siim to support clients throughout the entire lifecycle of development projects, from concept to execution.
Siim is also an experienced litigator with several significant victories in the Supreme Court, and a strong partner in regulatory matters where both investment and public interest are at stake.
Expertise that drives development
Siim is the co‑author of several key legal publications, including:
- commentary to the general part of the Environmental Code Act,
- the strategic environmental assessment guidelines,
- the green network planning guidelines,
- and he was one of the authors of the draft of the Industrial Emissions Act.
His background as a trainer in argumentation and negotiation gives him a clear advantage in situations that require both substantive accuracy and the ability to bring different stakeholders to a shared understanding.
International perspective and high standards
Siim graduated cum laude from the University of Tartu, having also spent a year at the University of Konstanz in Germany, where he gained professional proficiency in German. Before joining Ellex, he worked at the Estonian Environmental Law Centre and in two leading Estonian law firm. Experience that has given him a balanced and comprehensive view of the intersection between law and spatial development.
Siim summarises his work philosophy in three principles: passion for the field, objectivity in every situation, and awareness of one’s limits – both recognising them and working to exceed them. And yes, he believes humour has its place even in the most technical matters.
Welcome to the new role, Siim. Together, we see further.
