In a career spanning 40 years Tim L’Estrange represented companies, boards and individuals in some of Australia’s highest profile domestic and cross-border corporate legal disputes and regulatory investigations.
He has held senior executive positions in law and banking in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He was Managing Partner of Allen Allen & Hemsley (now Allens) and the Partner in Charge of two offices of global law firm Jones Day.
He was Associate to Federal Court Judge the late Honourable Justice John Lockhart AO QC, and joined Allen Allen and Hemsley in 1980, becoming Managing Partner in 1993.
In 2001, Tim became National Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution and a Board Member of Allens Arthur Robinson (as it then was named). In 2003 he was appointed Group General Counsel and Company Secretary at ANZ Banking Group, and taking a chance for a change in career direction, was appointed in 2007 as Managing Director for Europe and America and in 2010 as Group General Manager, Governance of the bank.
Over his career, Tim acted in significant matters for clients, often in “bet the company” style matters that impact personal or corporate reputations. Those matters covered a range of industries and legal areas, particularly in banking and financial services, mining and resources, casinos & gambling, oil and gas, maritime, aviation, family office, and sport, both in courts, arbitration and mediation. Many matters had an insolvency context.
Tim joined Jones Day in 2013, as a Partner in the global disputes and regulatory investigations practice. with an emphasis on corporate insolvency and banking and financial markets.
During his career spanning 12 years with Jones Day, he became the Partner in Charge of both Sydney and then Melbourne offices of the firm.
Tim was the Honorary Permanent Secretary of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, (CAS) (Oceania Division) from 1995 to 2003 and he acted as the Tribunal Secretary in many arbitral hearings over his time with CAS, including during the CAS Ad Hoc Panel established for the Sydney Olympics in 2000. He also participated ex officio in meetings of the International Counsel of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS) in Lausanne.
In 2024 Tim joined Newmansrow, a set of arbitral chambers in London established by Sir Bernard Eder.
Tim is now an independent arbitrator, mediator and adviser.
What/Who inspired your interest in arbitration?
I was very fortunate to be asked by the then AOC President, Mr John Coates AO, if Allens could establish CAS in Oceania, and subsequently to be asked if, on a pro bono basis, I could act as the Honorary Secretary of CAS. The opportunity introduced me to the world of international arbitration, particularly through attending ICAS meetings in Lausanne, and the ad hoc panel established for the Sydney Olympics. That panel was Chaired by a former Chief Justice of India, and included amongst others, leading arbitrators, Jan Paulsson and Michael Beloff QC. While we were very busy, we still managed to attend many of the events. Who can forget Cathy Freeman’s 400m win!
What traits make a good arbitrator?
I think that CAS always displayed great flexibility in logistics surrounding the hearings, accommodating athlete’s schedules where possible, but foremost for all the arbitrators was a very strong legal analysis, a thorough understanding of the underlying factual context, impeccable integrity and a commitment to ensure timely delivery of awards. More generally, ensuring that an arbitrator listens carefully and pays due respect to submissions advanced by the parties.
Refer to an historical conflict you wish you could have participated in and why?
I have always thought that geo-political conflicts or major catastrophes would benefit from early intervention of an independent neutral party. One only has to survey the current global landscape to see where the absence of intervention plays out in theatres of war or courtrooms.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A lunch at home with family or friends, enjoying outstanding food and quality wines!
What is your greatest fear?
A tough one- if I said not succeeding in things to which I commit, I would be close. That, however, does not explain my mediocrity in most sports that I still enjoy and pursue.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Expedition travel- I always shudder at the cost, but forget it entirely once at the destination.
What is your favourite journey?
Again tough, from exploring the Kimberley region, its geography and art, the colours of the Atacama Desert, the ruggedness of the Dolomites to the serenity of the Antarctica. I think the expedition to Antarctica wins.
What is your favourite piece of music?
I am equally as happy listening to the Flower Duet from Lakme, which I first heard in a 14th Century Church at a wedding in Norfolk. I confess I was not particularly well versed in Opera (and that remains true), but the memory has stayed with me for decades. Tchaikovsky is also a favourite but deep down, I probably most enjoy more contemporary music. A live recording of Chris Martin performing Viva La Vita is always uplifting and Amy Winehouse’s Valerie soulful. It depends on the mood and the company!
What is your favourite piece of literature?
I wish I had more time to read for pleasure. I tend to enjoy biographies or historical novels, currently Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari.
What is your favourite film?
I enjoy films and particular actors, but over time, my memories of the films I once held in the highest regard has diminished. I recently saw Lawrence of Arabia, and my expectations were dashed- perhaps better to just keep the memories from the first time I saw it. There are classics, like Schindler’s List, but a little more off-beat I recently I saw Sean Penn and Dakota Johnson in Daddio, an excellent movie. Watch the directors approach to capturing Penn’s face and eyes. Captivating.
What credo/maxim/motto inspires you?
Citius, Altius, Fortius– the Olympic motto which has motivated so many people over so many decades to perform at the very highest levels.