Join over 30 experts contributing their dispute resolution knowledge and insights

Add tools to the tool kit, network with industry leaders and workshop to make a ‘real world’ difference

8:00am – Conference Registration & Coffee

8:45am – Welcome to Country

Councillor Yvonne Weldon AM

To acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we gather, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, proud Wiradjuri woman and City of Sydney Councillor Yvonne Weldon AM will extend a Welcome to Country to conference delegates.

8:50am – Opening Address: Casting the Conference

Deborah Lockhart, CEO, Australian Disputes Centre

Tracing the transformative effects of ADR over time in Australia’s legal landscape and civic structures, this opening address casts light on how Australia has transcended geographical boundaries to become one of the world’s foremost ADR jurisdictions – and how understanding our history may just be the golden nugget we need to deepen Australia’s ADR uptake in the future.

9:05am – Keynote: In Conversation with Governor Margaret Beazley

Her Excellency, The Hon. Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales in conversation with Francisco Esparraga

Introduction by John Wakefield, Chairman, ADC

We welcome one of the Conference’s most distinguished guest speakers, Governor of New South Wales, The Hon. Margaret Beazley AC KC, in conversation with leading legal and dispute resolution ethics expert, Francisco Esparraga.

9:40am – Keynote: Australian Courts and Tribunals Delivering ‘Gold Standard’ Access to Justice

Presented by Deputy Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, The Hon. Robert McClelland AO

Facilitator: John Wakefield

Join leading jurist and one of Australia’s most influential ADR thought leaders, Deputy Chief Justice the Hon. Robert McClelland AO. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia was named ‘Courts and Tribunals ADR Group of the Year 2022’ in March last year. One year on, His Honour’s timely address draws on the Court’s journey of innovation and shines a spotlight on how Australian Courts and Tribunals have emerged as pioneers in delivering a ‘Gold Standard’ for access to justice. This is a compelling exploration of the strategies, innovations, and best practices that position Australia at the forefront of ensuring equitable access to legal remedies through deep uptake of ADR.

10:15am – Morning Tea

10:45am – The ‘Gold Class’ – Australian ADR Award Winners Share their Solid Gold Tips and Tricks

Panel Members: Jack Ellis, Sydney Dispute Resolution; Dr Sam Hardy CCI Academy, Sean Marriott, Counsel, Clifford Chance and John Rundell, John Rundell & Co

Facilitator: Deborah Lockhart, CEO, ADC

This stellar panel of Australian ADR Award Winners share their gold-class tips and techniques. Add tools to your took kit, and take this opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and learn how to stay on the cutting edge of Australian ADR. Our interdisciplinary panel speaks to their respective areas of expertise – including what is making a difference in the practice of Family Dispute Resolution, the benefits of applying Conflict Coaching principles and skills to all ADR processes, how to build a successful International Arbitration practice from Australia and what is needed to enhance ‘expert’ on your CV and for those seeking to expand their practice, how to leverage the growth in Expert Determination referrals.

11:30am – The Art of Persuasion: Adding Gold Bullion for the Effective Resolution of Disputes

The Hon. Tom Bathurst AC KC FRSN and The Hon. Wayne Martin AC KC in conversation with Michael Talbot, Director, ADC

In this high-impact conference session, our esteemed panel of leading jurists and ADR practitioners, former Chief Justices Tom Bathurst and Wayne Martin, delve into the intricacies of the art pf persuasion, in conversation with ADC’s Director, Michael Talbot. Hear from these leading dispute resolution experts on how to add persuasive force to your oral and written submissions and how to be a more persuasive negotiator in mediation or settlement conferences. This panel discussion is tailored to empower barristers, solicitors, arbitrators, in-house counsel, dispute resolution teams and officials from courts and tribunals with the toolbox they need to enhance their persuasive strategies and more confidently navigate complex disputes.

12:00pm – Mining for ADR Gold in Environmental Disputes

Facilitator Mulavany Lakshmy, Director, ADC

One of the most important roles that ADR is likely to play throughout the next century is its potential for effectively resolving environmental disputes. In the past year alone, humanity has experienced the devastating impacts of our changing climate – from wildfires in Maui, to life-threatening heat waves and drastically decreasing biodiversity in the Antarctic, and beyond. By their very nature, environmental disputes can have wide-ranging effects on the interests of individuals, communities, corporations and nations – adding additional layers of complexity to dispute resolution.

Framing the Form of the Forum for the Fuss

The Hon. Justice Brian J Preston FRSN SC, Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court of NSW

The Land and Environment Court of NSW is a multi-Australian ADR Award winner. Join Chief Judge Brian Preston in this compelling exploration of effectively fitting the forum to the fuss in the challenging, dynamic and multifaceted area of environmental conflict.

Future Environmental Challenges and DR – Is There A Single Formulae?

Mary Walker OAM, Barrister, Nine Wentworth Chambers

Mary Walker shares golden insights from the forefront of Australian ADR, where she has mediated, arbitrated, negotiated and facilitated disputes for over 30 years. In this session, you will explore the unique power of ADR in effectively resolving environmental disputes. Discover how ADR can be the golden key that unlocks a durable resolution in Environmental Disputes.

1:00pm – Lunch

2:00pm – The Great Debate

Featuring:

Affirmative Team: Deborah Tomkinson, Erika Williams, Damian Sturzakar

Negative Team: Nik Dragojlovic, Doug Murphy KC, Jodi Steele SC

Adjudication Panel: The Hon. Terry Sheahan AO, Geri Ettinger, Naomi Oreb

Hear from our esteemed Panel of ADR Industry leaders in a lively and challenging debate. Not to be missed, The Great Debate will take you on an intellectual journey exploring the nuances of ADR in our legal landscape as it adapts to technological change, featuring fresh perspectives from foremost ADR thought leaders. Don’t miss this meeting of golden minds!

Motion: That an AI could, in the future, become an ADR practitioner effective on the same level as a human

2:50pm – Minting Doable and Durable Settlement Agreements

Multi-Australian ADR Award Winners

Edwina Kwan, Partner, KWM; Kristian Maley, Counsel, Clifford Chance; David Jenaway, Managing Partner, Allen & Overy, Perth.

Special International Guest, Alireza Yavari, Secretary General, Middle East Court of Arbitration

Facilitator: John Wakefield

In the ever-evolving landscape of dispute resolution, crafting settlement agreements that stand the test of time is an art form. Join our panel of esteemed experts for an illuminating session tailored for legal professionals, ADR practitioners and enthusiasts alike who are keen on mastering the intricacies of minting settlements that are not just doable but enduring.

3:20pm – Afternoon Tea

3:50pm – The Singapore Convention and other Dark Arts of the Dispute Resolver’s Playbook: ADR Conference Workshop for Real-World Impact

Facilitator: Dr Rajesh Sharma and Deborah Lockhart

Embark on a transformative learning experience at our Australian ADR Conference workshop session, where you can delve into how the Singapore Convention on Mediation (SCM) has already molded the international ADR landscape and discover what changes we can expect to see forged in the future. Join our facilitators in an interactive masterclass that will combine expert instruction, group discussion and real-world impact.

4:45pm – Special Rapporteur Insights & Close

5:00pm – Cocktail Reception

Celebrate an enriching day at the 2024 Australian ADR Conference with our closing Cocktail Hour, where networking and camaraderie will be as good as gold!

Coffee & Connections @ Lockhart Chambers

Another exclusive event for ADR Conference delegates

22 March 2024

Friday, 22 March 2024 10:00am–12.30pm (AEDT)

ADC extends a warm invitation to Conference delegates to join us for ‘Open House’ at the Australian Disputes Centre’s stunning premises in the heart of the dispute resolution and legal district – 233 Macquarie Street (directly opposite The Mint). Networking, Coffee and our Special Guest Speaker aside, if you love Aboriginal art, you need to join us. ADC is proud to house many brilliant works from Australia’s significant Ken Hinds Art Collection. Do not miss this additional Conference Networking Opportunity; grab a coffee, relax, exchange ideas and plan your business collaborations with new friends and old and hear our Special Guest presenter at 11.00am.

The night of nights for Australia’s Dispute Resolution Community

Friday, 22 March 2024 6.30pm–10.30pm (AEDT)

The Australian Golf Club

53 Bannerman Cres, Rosebery, Sydney, 2018

The Australian ADR Awards celebrate excellence in the field of dispute resolution. The annual Gala Dinner reflects this celebration and the substantial, yet often unsung contributions of ADR practitioners to our civil society. Dynamism, excitement and meaning are all hallmarks of the Australian ADR Awards night of fun. Coupled with great food and wine, the celebration is high-end and high impact with the event attracting artistic talent whose values align with the ethos of the Australian ADR Awards. Previous performers have included the Royal Australian Navy Band, Australia’s iconic Bangarra Dance Theatre and acclaimed didgeridoo performer William Barton. Be surprised by this year’s brilliant performers.

For those who are keen to “kick-on” following the dinner, the legendary ADR Awards’ After-Party is back on at The Gold Bar, The Tatler, until the wee small hours.