Members have an international reputation as specialist advocates and experts in all forms of dispute resolution in their chosen practice areas.
He is regarded by many as "the leading construction arbitrator in the world"
Chambers & Partners
Doug Jones AO is a leading independent international commercial and investor-state arbitrator with over 40 years’ prior experience as an international transactional and disputes project lawyer. Doug is a door tenant at Atkin Chambers London and has chambers in Sydney and Toronto. Doug is also an International Judge of the Singapore International Commercial Court.
He has been involved in over 160 arbitrations which include construction, infrastructure, energy, commodities, intellectual property, joint venture, and investor-state disputes spanning over 30 jurisdictions around the world. He has extensive experience as arbitrator under the ICC, LCIA, AAA, ICDR, KCAB, AIAC, CRCICA, SIAC, VIAC, SCC, DIAC, ACICA, Resolution Institute, AMINZ, European Development Fund Arbitration and Conciliation Rules, as well as the ICSID (he is an Australian Government nominee on the ICSID Panel of Arbitrators) and UNCITRAL Rules, in disputes of values exceeding some billions $US.
Doug has published and presented extensively and holds professorial appointments at Queen Mary College, University of London and Melbourne University Law School. In addition, Doug has held appointments at several international professional associations, including serving as the President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA).
Doug was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2012 in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his distinguished service to the law and leadership in arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, policy reform, and national and international professional organisations. He was elected an Honorary Bencher of The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn in 2020.
Doug has arbitration experience in both ad hoc and institutional commercial arbitrations under the AAA, ACICA, AMINZ, DIAC, HKIAC, Resolution Institute, ICC, ICDR, KLRCA, LCIA, SCC, SIAC, UNCITRAL and other institutional rules. He is the Australian government nominee on the ICSID panel of arbitrators, He sits regularly as arbitrator in many jurisdictions, including Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, USA, Canada, UAE, Qatar, India, UK, Austria, France, and Korea.
Doug’s appointments as Arbitrator include disputes relating to:
Doug’s appointments have also included 17 matters in which a sovereign party has been involved.
Doug’s experience as Arbitrator includes:
| Arbitral Institutions / Rules | No. of Appointments | Positions Held |
| ICC | 58 | President, Sole Arbitrator,
Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| LCIA | 23 | Chairman, Sole Arbitrator, Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| SIAC | 21 | Chairman, Sole Arbitrator, Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| Ad hoc | 21 | Chairman, Sole Arbitrator,
Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| ICSID | 11 | President, Member |
| AIAC | 6 | President, Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| DIFC-LCIA | 5 | Chairman, Sole Arbitrator,
Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| SCC | 5 | Chairman, Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| DIAC | 4 | Chairman, Member |
| HKIAC | 4 | President, Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| ACICA | 3 | Chairman, Sole Arbitrator |
| KCAB | 2 | Chairman, Member |
| PC | 2 | President, Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| ICDR | 1 | Member |
| VIAC | 1 | Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| PDRCI | 1 | Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| CRCICA | 1 | Chairman (3 person Tribunal) |
Doug has sat as Arbitrator in Arbitrations seated in Ankara, Abu Dhabi, Brisbane, Dubai, Geneva, Ghana, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, New Delhi, New York City, Paris, Qatar, Reykjavik, Seoul, Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney, Toronto, Vienna, Vietnam, Washington DC, and Zambia.
His country experience has also included projects practice in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ghana, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, People’s Republic of China, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vietnam, and Zambia.
Doug has applied the laws of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada (Ontario and British Columbia), El Salvador, England and Wales, Ghana, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States of America (New York and California), Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.
1976 – date Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators Australia (now Resolution Institute)
1980 – date Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (London)
1983 – date International Bar Association
1987 – date Committee Member, Construction and Infrastructure Group, Law Council of Australia
1989 – date London Court of International Arbitration
1996 – date Dispute Resolution Board Foundation
1996 – date Member, International Arbitration Club (London)
2001 – date Professorial Fellow, Melbourne University, Australia
2001 – date Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration
2002 – 2012 Vice Chair, Inter-Pacific Bar Association Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Committee
2004 – 2012 Member, Juris Doctor Advisory Board of the University of Melbourne, Australia
2005 – date Arbitrator Member, Society of Construction Arbitrators (London)
2005 – date Asia Pacific Regional Arbitration Group (APRAG)
2006 – 2012 Adjunct Professor of Law, Murdoch University, Australia
2006 – date Member, CIDC International Advisory Group, India Construction Industry
2007 – 2015 Member, Australian Council of the International Project Finance Association
2007 – date Honorary Fellow, Canadian College of Construction Lawyers
2014 – date Visiting Professor, Queen Mary, University of London
2009 – date Honorary Fellow, American College of Construction Lawyers
2009 – 2015 Director of the Board, Roads Australia
2009 – date Member, Council of Distinguished Advisors, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine School of Law, California, United States
2010 – 2014 Member, ICC Australia Arbitration Committee
2010 – date Australian Government nominee to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) panel of arbitrators
2012 – 2017 Council Member, International Federation of Commercial Arbitration Institutions (IFCAI)
2013 – date Member Arbitrator, Arbitration Place, Toronto
2013 – date Arbitrator member, Energy Arbitrators’ List
2013 – date Member, IBA Working Group on Harmonising Arbitration Laws in the Asia Pacific Region
2014 – date Associate, American Bar Association
2014 – date Arbitrator member, Arbitration Panel appointed by NSW Government under the Mining Act and Petroleum (Offshore) Act
2015 – date Member, Advisory Committee, Melbourne Commercial Arbitration and Mediation Centre
2016 – date Inaugural Member, Seoul IDRC International Advisory Board
2017 – date Inaugural Member, CIETAC International Board of Advisors
2018 – date President, International Academy of Construction Lawyers
2018 – date Honorary Fellow, Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution
2018 – date Fellow, Australian Academy of Law
2019 – date Member, Advisory Board, Dispute Resolution Expert (DREx) Talks
2019 – date International Judge, Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC)
2020 – date Member, Editorial Board, Asia Pacific Regional Arbitration Group (APRAG)
2020 – date Honorary Bencher, The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
2021 – date Member of the Advisory Council of the Asian international Arbitration Centre (AIAC)
2021 – date Korean Commercial Arbitration Board International Arbitration Committee
Co-Author of the Third Edition of Commercial Arbitration in Australia under the Model Law, published by Thomson Reuters, 2022
Contributor to Asian Journal of Law and Society, 2021
Contributor to The Guide to Evidence, GAR, 2021
Contributor to AIADR Journal of International ADR Forum, 2021
Contributor of Practical Insights Modules in Kluwer Arbitration Practice Plus, 2021
Contributor to Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Journal, 2020
Contributor to Derecho & Sociedad Journal, 2020
Contributor to Canadian College of Construction Lawyers, 2019
Contributor to Korean Arbitration Review, 2019
Contributor to BCDR International Arbitration Review, 2018
Contributor to Arbitrator and Mediator Journal, Resolution Institute, 2018
Contributor to The Guide to Energy Arbitrations, GAR, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Contributor to The Projects and Construction Review (2nd Edition), Law Business Research, 2012 & 2015
Contributor to Brazilian Institute of Construction Law, 2014
Contributor to International Oil & Gas Arbitration, Juris Publishing, 2014
Contributor to CIArb Centenary Liber Amicorum, CIArb, 2014
Contributor to Asia-Pacific Arbitration Review, GAR, 2011-2013
Co-Editor in Chief of the International Construction Law Review
Editorial Board Member of the Asia Pacific Regional Arbitration Group
Editorial Board Member of the International Trade and Business Law Review
Editorial Board Member of the India Business Law Journal
Editorial Board Member of the Global Arbitration Review
International correspondent of Romanian Review of Arbitration for Australia
Author of Commercial Arbitration in Australia, published by Lawbook Co (Thomson Reuters), 2011 (2ED 2013)
Author of Building and Construction Claims and Disputes, Construction Publications, 1996
| 2022 | |
| Society of Construction Law Chile – International Congress on Construction Law | Delivered a keynote address on “Challenges for the Construction Industry and the Role of Construction Law” |
| Melbourne University Law School Construction Masters Programme | Delivered a presentation on “Deconstructing Risk”. |
| Sir George Turner Lecture – Melbourne University | Presented a lecture on “Australia – The Very Model of a Modern Arbitration Law”. |
| 34th Annual ‘Institute for Transnational Arbitration’ Workshop and Annual Meeting | Moderated a panel on “The Role of Arbitrators – What They Can and Should do to Ensure that a Hearing is Efficient, Effective and Leads to a Sound Result”. |
| India-Australia Arbitration Virtual Conference | Participated in the Inauguration Session on “Dispute Resolution – Key Trends and the Way Forward”. |
| Society of Construction Law Annual Conference | Presented on the “Singapore International Commercial Court – Technology, Infrastructure and Construction List”. |
| AFDCI Paris Webinar | Panellist in a virtual webinar entitled “Time bars in construction contracts: Civil Law/Common Law” as part of Paris Arbitration Week. |
| Moot Alumni Association XVI Annual Generations in Arbitration Conference | Participated in a Fireside Chat on the question of ‘To What Extent Can a Tribunal Override the Parties’ Agreement on Procedure?’ |
| K&L Gates Hub Podcast | Participated in a podcast discussion on Expert Evidence in International Arbitration. |
His expertise in International Arbitration and Construction has regularly been recognised by his peers, recent recommendations are as follows
2023: “Doug Jones is one of the top three construction arbitrators in the world. He is incredibly efficient.”
“Doug is obviously one of the foremost international construction arbitrators; he gets lots of significant work and is very good at what he does.”
International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators client: Chambers Asia-Pacific 2023
2022: Receiving a Band 1 ranking in the “Arbitration (International): Most In Demand Arbitrators – Asia-Pacific Region”. One interviewee’s observation that Doug Jones of Atkin Chambers is “undoubtedly one of the top commercial and construction arbitrators in the world” is a view echoed by many other commentators on the Asia-Pacific region, one of whom calls him “pre-eminent in his field,” while another calls him “a fantastic, very hands-on arbitrator who is very good at dealing with difficult technical cases with lots of experts.” Further noted for “tremendous energy” and “exceptional experience,” he sits on investor-state, commodities and intellectual property-related arbitrations, as well as those of construction disputes, for which he is best known.
2022: “Brilliant mind. Hard working. Huge experience of managing arbitral process. Brings a strong robust approach to procedural issues. Great individual to work with as part of a tribunal.” Doug Jones, Hall of Fame, Tier 1 International Arbitration, Legal 500 UK Bar 2022
Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific – Doug has been recognised as a star individual in the Australian legal community for many successive years. Doug is the only construction lawyer in Australia to receive this endorsement.
2021: ‘An experienced and super-efficient arbitrator.’ International Arbitration, Legal 500 UK Bar 2021
2020: Doug retained his Band 1 ranking in the “Arbitration (International): Most In Demand Arbitrators – Asia-Pacific Region” category, and was recognised as a “superb chairman – very decisive and authoritative” who commands a “worldwide reputation” as an arbitrator of construction-related disputes.
2019: Receiving a Band 1 ranking in the “Arbitration (International): Most in Demand Arbitrators – Asia-Pacific Region” category, Doug was described as a “leading international arbitrator for construction and engineering disputes” in the Asia-Pacific region. Noting his proactive handling of arbitrations, sources comment he is “very much in control of proceedings, will intervene and ask questions and makes decisions.”
Who’s Who Legal
2021: WWL UK Bar (Arbitration) notes that Doug “is undoubtedly one of the world’s top arbitrators in commercial and construction disputes”. Sources effuse: “He is decisive, hard-working, careful and efficient.”
2021: WWL Arbitration recognised that Doug has “great depth of experience and significant analytical skills” and “the ability to crystallise complex issues in a way that is comprehensible to even those less experienced in the arbitration sphere”. Further, Doug was identified as “very focused, very experienced and very collegial” as well as “energetic, passionate about arbitration and an articulate proponent of the need for adoption of international best practice to enhance procedural efficiencies”.
2020: WWL Thought Leaders Global Elite (Arbitration) identified Doug as “an absolute star among construction arbitrators”, with an exceptional international reputation. Doug was lauded as “one of the best arbitrators there is” when it comes to construction matters.
2020: WWL Global Leader (Arbitration) observed that Doug is “a very experienced practitioner” and “a construction law specialist”. He is well versed in acting as arbitrator in international commercial and investor state arbitrations.
2020: WWL Construction identified Doug as a “brilliant arbitrator” with considerable experience in high-value disputes.
2020: WWL UK Bar (Construction – Silks) said that Doug was “an impressive arbitrator” and is “perhaps the best in the world for construction disputes according to impressed peers”.
2019: WWL Construction (Australia and UK) observed that Doug “is lauded as ‘one of the best arbitrators there is’ when it comes to construction matters”. Doug was described by interviewees as “an absolute star among construction arbitrators“, with an “exceptional international reputation“.
Best Lawyers
2020: Doug was again selected for inclusion in the fields of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Construction/Infrastructure Law, International Arbitration and Transportation Law.
2019: Doug was again selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in Australia, in the fields of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Construction/Infrastructure Law, International Arbitration and Transportation Law.
2018: Doug was named the Best Lawyers 2018 Sydney Construction/Infrastructure Law “Lawyer of the Year”. Doug was also selected for inclusion in the fields of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Construction/Infrastructure Law, International Arbitration and Transportation Law.
Lawyers Weekly Law Awards 2014 – Doug was awarded the Michael Kirby Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognises legal leaders that have made a substantial contribution to the Australian legal profession as well as overall leadership and influence on the Australian legal sector. The editor of Lawyers Weekly said Doug’s many professional achievements made him a stand out choice for the award: “Doug has left a lasting legacy not just on the Australian legal profession, but the international legal community. No one in the Australian legal sector has done more to promote Australia as a viable destination to hear international commercial arbitration matters than Doug. His tireless energy and devotion in promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution here and abroad has ensured Australia has a credible international voice in major discussions and developments on the global commercial dispute resolution scene.”
GAR 100 2014 – Doug was recognised as a “driving force” and was noted for “head[ing] the practice at Clayton Utz, one of the few Australian firms with a real name in [arbitration]“.
Energy Arbitrators’ List – In recognition of his experience and expertise in the energy industry and in international arbitration, Doug was appointed to the Energy Arbitrators’ List in July 2013.
2020 GAR ART Award for best prepared/most responsive arbitrator at the GAR Awards 2020
2018 John Shaw Medal
2016 Companion of the CIArb
2012 Officer of the Order of Australia
1977 Master of Laws, University of Queensland
1974 Bachelor of Arts, University of Queensland
1972 Bachelor of Laws, University of Queensland
“Forceful and forthright. He can keep the parties engaged, which is half the battle. He brings out the commercial imperatives.”
Mediators, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2023
Michael Shane is known for “‘grasping the details of the underlying facts and the legal issues, but also getting what drives the parties commercially.” “
Hall of Fame, Mediators, The Legal 500 2020
Michael Shane (Atkin Chambers) has “an uncanny ability to spot a deal early in a process, and is someone who is effective at knocking heads together,” according to clients. His practice covers all manner of commercial issues, and he is identified by clients as being particularly skilled in infrastructure, energy and financial services disputes.
Mediation, Chambers & Partners 2019
Atkin Chambers’ Michael Shane has acted as mediator in over 1,500 disputes; his mediations involve a wide variety of subject matter, including all areas of commercial disputes, particularly insurance, finance, construction and engineering, energy and IP.
Mediators, The Legal 500 2019
The “very savvy and experienced” Michael Shane maintains a respected mediation practice informed by years of experience as a trial lawyer. He is regularly appointed to mediate a range of commercial disputes, particularly those occurring in the construction, engineering and energy sectors. He has experience in cases arising in the USA, Europe and Asia. Sources highlight that “he is direct and effective in terms of getting the job done, “and that “he has a very good style and works to reach an agreement.”
Mediation, Chambers & Partners 2018
Michael Shane is a “very commercial” mediator with a worldwide practice. He attracts particular praise for his ability to take “a very global and complex case and break it down into smaller pieces.”
Mediation, Chambers & Partners 2017
“Michael Shane is an experienced mediator who attracts praise from market commentators for his “commercial approach” to dispute resolution.”
Mediation, Chambers & Partners 2016
