Launch of a joint effort to develop Australia as a leader in International Arbitration

July 11th, 2018

Left to Right: Caroline Kenny QC, The Hon Chief Justice James Allsop of the Federal Court of Australia and Patrick O’Sullivan QC, Chairman of the International Committee of the Australian Bar Association)

The Australian Bar Association (ABA) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Australia) are delighted to announce the launch of a memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing arbitration and mediation work opportunities for Australian counsel internationally as well as developing a more unified local dispute resolution profession.

The MoU encourages the joint promotion and advancement of international arbitration, mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods by Australian counsel to the global market. Their ability to provide early advice, first class advocacy and negotiation skills and their expert knowledge of the Australian and regional legal systems place them in a unique position of being able to conduct all forms of domestic and international arbitrations as well as other dispute resolution methods.

The MoU was launched by the Hon. James Allsop AO, Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia at the Federal Court in Melbourne, who expressed that the agreement is a significant step in a strategic alliance to promote the dispute resolution services of these organisations to the global market.

President of the ABA, Mr Noel Hutley SC said: “The ABA is committed to identifying and promoting opportunities for the involvement of Australian counsel in international jurisdictions. That process is not limited to Australian counsel working abroad, whether it be as counsel, arbitrators or mediators, but extends to promoting internationally, the undoubted skills and competence of Australian counsel and the Australian judiciary.”

Noting the ABA is delighted to partner with the CIArb Australia, Mr Hutley said: “The CIArb rightly prides itself on being a truly global network, with over 16,000 members working in sectors as diverse as finance, construction, oil and gas and agriculture in over 130 countries worldwide.”

“In addition to providing education, training and accreditation for arbitrators, mediators and adjudicators, the CIArb acts as an international centre for practitioners, policymakers, academics and business executives.”

“Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the ABA looks forward to working with CIArb Australia to advance arbitration work opportunities for Australian barristers.”

Caroline Kenny QC, President of CIArb Australia said “CIArb is very pleased to partner with the Australian Bar Association, the peak body of Australian barristers. In signing this agreement we both recognise the importance of developing opportunities for our members in the ADR space, especially in the growing arbitration hubs of Asia.”

“CIArb brings to the partnership over 100 years experience in providing the gold standard in training a global accreditation of international arbitrators and a worldwide membership.”

For further details, contact:

Cindy Penrose, Chief Executive Officer
Australian Bar Association
E: ceo@austabr.asn.au
M: 0420 309 42

Gianna Totaro, Chief Executive Officer
CIArb Australia
E: info@ciarb.net.au
M: 0438 337 328