Sydney, 29 October 2013: The source, limits and importance of an arbitrator's authority will tonight be examined by the Honourable James Allsop AO, Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia, as he delivers the 12th annual Clayton Utz / Sydney University International Arbitration Lecture at the Federal Court in Sydney.
Chief Justice Allsop AO will address an audience representing Australia's legal, academic and business communities, and will be watched around the world as the lecture is streamed live on the web, on the fundamental question of the legal basis from which arbitrators derive their authority. His Honour will also consider some of the key issues of review and enforceability of arbitrators' decisions, both locally and internationally.
His Honour was appointed Chief Justice of the Federal Court on 1 March this year, having served as a Judge of that court from May 2001 to June 2008, and then as President of the NSW Court of Appeal. The Chief Justice was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2013 Honours List for distinguished service to the judiciary and the law through reforms to equity and access, and through contributions to the administration of maritime law and legal education. In 2006, the Chief Justice delivered the landmark judgment of the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia in Comandate Marine Corp V Pan Australia Shipping Pty Ltd regarding the effect of international arbitration clauses.
Clayton Utz International Arbitration practice head Doug Jones AO said Chief Justice Allsop AO would continue the tradition of eminent members of the Australian and international legal communities sharing the benefits of their unique experience and insights into issues impacting international dispute resolution practice globally.
"Arbitration continues to grow in prominence internationally as the preferred method of resolving commercial disputes. In parallel with this growth, there is a critical need for ongoing education and awareness of the merits of arbitration as a dispute resolution tool, as well as areas for possible reform and legislative change.
"We are delighted that His Honour Chief Justice Allsop AO will add to the growing body of independent and critical analysis of key issues that will help to contribute to a greater understanding of arbitration as a discipline, and its practical commercial impacts."
This year marks the 12th anniversary of the International Arbitration Lecture series, presented by Clayton Utz and supported by the University of Sydney. The series brings together key figures in international arbitration and the Australian legal and business communities to consider practical issues in international dispute resolution and their impacts on business and legal practice.