Australian ADR Awards Hall of Fame

Recognising significant expertise in the practise of Alternative Dispute Resolution, the three-time winner of an Australian ADR Award, is inducted into the Australian ADR Awards Hall of Fame, and retires from future Awards’ competition.

David Jenaway

A & O Shearman

Inducted into the Hall of Fame – 27 March 2026

Presented by the Hon. Robert French AC, and Deborah Lockhart, CEO, Australian Disputes Centre

David Jenaway is the Co-Managing Partner of Australia and Managing Partner of Perth at A&O Shearman, and widely recognised as a leading practitioner in dispute resolution. He has developed a strong reputation for advising on complex, high-value disputes, particularly in the energy, resources, and infrastructure sectors, where he regularly acts for major domestic and international clients. His expertise is especially prominent in matters involving oil and gas projects and disputes arising from the global energy transition, an area of increasing legal and commercial significance.

David’s practice spans both international arbitration and commercial litigation, and he is frequently involved in disputes that are technically complex and cross-jurisdictional in nature. He has advised on major project disputes, contractual claims, and regulatory issues, often involving multiple stakeholders and significant financial exposure. His ability to navigate the intersection of commercial strategy, industry-specific knowledge, and legal risk enables him to deliver pragmatic and commercially focused outcomes for clients. In the context of energy transition, he has also been involved in disputes relating to evolving regulatory frameworks, sustainability obligations, and shifting market dynamics.

Beyond his technical expertise, David plays a key leadership role within the firm, reflecting a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation, particularly in adapting dispute resolution practices to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global energy landscape.

David has been consistently recognised by leading legal directories, including Legal 500 and Chambers Asia-Pacific, as well as inclusion in the ‘Best Lawyers’ list for his contributions to arbitration and litigation. David is a multi-arad winner in the Australian ADR Awards, including three-time ‘Under 40 ADR Practitioner of the Year’, highlighting both his professional achievements and his broader impact within the industry.

David Jenaway is regarded as a highly accomplished disputes practitioner whose work reflects both technical legal mastery and a deep understanding of the commercial realities shaping modern dispute resolution, particularly within the evolving energy sector.

We congratulate David on his stellar career and induction into the Australian ADR Awards Hall of Fame.