- September 10, 2025
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Strategy in Arbitration Disputes: A Practical Look at Tactics, Timing & Risks
Strategic decision-making is critical to success in arbitration disputes, even well before they are commenced. From seat and tribunal selection, through to procedural tactics and enforcement planning, each choice, and its timing, can impact the success of an arbitration.
Join us for an engaging panel discussion in Melbourne with leading practitioners as they unpack the strategic considerations that matter most in practice. The conversation will draw on real-world experience across domestic and international disputes, offering practical insights into early-stage planning, managing risks, and aligning legal strategy with commercial goals.
This event is ideal for dispute resolution lawyers, in-house counsel, and other professionals regularly involved in arbitration disputes.
Robert Heath KC
Robert is a distinguished Barrister at the Victorian Bar and an Associate Member of Bankside Chambers, Singapore and Auckland, with more than 25 years’ experience in legal practice. He has had involvement in ad-hoc and institutional arbitrations, including under the ACICA, UNCITRAL and SIAC Rules. In recent years, he was appointed to a panel of arbitrators in an arbitration under the ACICA Rules between joint venture partners working on an infrastructure project in Sydney, and sat as the sole arbitrator in an arbitration under the ACICA Rules between joint venture partners working on a major transport project in Melbourne.
Chris Horsfall
Chris is the Legal Manager for Dispute Resolution at CPB Contractors. He has extensive experience in the area of construction dispute resolution across a wide range of major infrastructure and engineering projects. Chris has brought his expertise and experience as a mechanical engineer to his legal work, having previously had design involvement in construction projects across the Australia-Pacific region and Europe before entering law.
Pip Murphy
Pip is the Director and Founder of Link Legal Advisory. Pip has experience as external in-house counsel for a number of large corporate clients, as well as managing and advising on corporate and commercial matters, commercial disputes including arbitration, corporate compliance and legal finance. Pip is the current CEO of the Association of Litigation Funders of Australia.
Ryan Cable
Ryan is a Senior Associate at Clayton Utz, Brisbane, and is a Regional Representative for APAC for the LCIA's Young International Arbitration Group. Since returning to Australia in 2023, after 7 years practising in London, Ryan has been recognised as one of Australia's leading arbitration lawyers by Doyle's Guide in 2023, 2024, and 2025 and has also been listed as a Future Leader in Arbitration by Lexology Index (2025). Ryan specialises in commercial arbitration with a focus on contractual, financing, and joint venture disputes arising within the oil & gas, mining, energy and resources sectors. Ryan is also experienced in acting in investor-state disputes under the ICSID Rules and arbitration-related proceedings before the English and Australian courts. Ryan will moderate the panel discussion
Fred Hawke (Consultant, Disputes, Clayton Utz)
Fred has a 40-year trajectory in insurance law, half of which was within the insurance sector, negotiating and settling disputes involving some of Australia’s largest liability losses. Since joining Clayton Utz, he has focussed on insurance and reinsurance law, notably regulatory issues and various strategic and innovative insurance arrangements. Fred is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
William Hettrick (Lawyer, Projects (Construction), Clayton Utz).
William is a lawyer specialising in construction projects, including contract administration, claims management and disputes. He is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, chairs CIArb Australia's Editorial Committee for the Resources Hub, and is a member of the ACICA45 Steering Committee.
*Note, this event will follow the CIArb Australia branch’s in-person course: Introduction to International Arbitration
This event is free of charge for CIArb Members. Registrations are essential and places are strictly limited. Non-Members $35.
Date: Wednesday, 10 September 2025
Time:
5.30 pm: Registration
6.00 pm – 6.45 pm: Panel
6.45 pm – 8.00 pm: Networking drinks and canapés
Venue:
Clayton Utz
Level 18, 333 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Google Map
RSVP: By no later than Wednesday, 3 September 2025
Enquiries:
Gianna Totaro
CEO, CIArb Australia
Mob: 0438 337 328
info@ciarb.net.au
Proudly sponsored by:
About the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Since 1915 the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators exists for the global promotion, facilitation and development of all forms of private dispute resolution. In addition to providing education, training and accreditation for arbitrators, mediators and adjudicators, Ciarb acts as an international centre for practitioners, policymakers, academics and the business community. Our international membership of over 19,000 professionals spans more than 150 jurisdictions, connected by over 40 active Ciarb Branches worldwide. We support our members with learning and networking opportunities, qualifications, mentorship, research and resources, events and best practice guidance via our global branch network.
Ciarb Australia Branch, formed in 1995, provides tailored support for its membership and is involved in legislative policy and the development of legal principle. Branch membership comprises eminent and experienced professionals with globally recognised qualifications, resolving disputes in a wide range of sectors including major infrastructure and construction, transport, energy and resources, maritime, sport, finance, IT, the arts, media and government schemes.
