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New push to increase arbitration work for Aus barristers
The Australian Bar Association (ABA) and Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Australia (CIArb) have signed a memorandum of understanding designed to advance arbitration and mediation opportunities for Australian counsel internationally and develop a more unified local dispute resolution network.
Jerome Doraisamy
Australian barristers are in a unique position to be able to conduct all forms of domestic and international arbitration, as well as other dispute resolution methods, the ABA and CIArb Australia noted in a statement, in light of abilities to provide early advice, expert advocacy and negotiation skills.
As such, the two representative groups have seen fit to launch and sign a MoU encouraging the joint promotion and advancement of international arbitration, mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods by Australian counsel to the global market.
The MoU was launched by Federal Court of Australia Chief Justice, The Honourable James Allsop, at a ceremony in Melbourne.
His Honour remarked at that event that the agreement was a “significant step in a strategic alliance” in promoting the dispute resolution services of the ABA and CIArb Australia to the global marketplace.
ABA president Noel Hutley SC said his association was looking forward to working with CIArb Australia to advance arbitration work opportunities for Australian barristers.
“The ABA is committed to identifying and promoting opportunities for the involvement [of] Australian counsel in international jurisdictions,” he said.
“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.”
CIArb Australia president Caroline Kenny QC supported Mr Hutley’s remarks, noting that her institute was similarly pleased to partner with the ABA.
“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,” she said.
Jerome Doraisamy
Jerome Doraisamy is the editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He has worked at Momentum Media as a journalist on Lawyers Weekly since February 2018, and has served as editor since March 2022. In June 2024, he also assumed the editorship of HR Leader. Jerome is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in NSW, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
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