Overview Expertise Related Insights, Events & Cases
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. He is also an International Judge of the Singapore International Commercial Court.
He has been involved in over 180 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 (formerly KLRCA), CRCICA, SIAC, VIAC, SCC, DIAC, PDRCI, ACICA, Resolution Institute, AMINZ, QICCA, and European Development Fund Arbitration and Conciliation Rules, as well as the ICSID and UNCITRAL Rules, in disputes of values exceeding some billions $US.
Doug has published and presented extensively and holds professorial appointments at Queen Mary University of London and Melbourne University Law School. In addition, Doug has held appointments at several international professional associations, including serving as the Chair of the Board of Trustees and President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), and as President of the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA) and the International Academy of Construction Lawyers (IACL). In 2018, Doug chaired the International Council of Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) Congress held in Sydney.
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. In 2018, Doug was awarded the John Shaw Medal in recognition of his lasting contribution to the road transport industry in Australia and internationally. He was elected an Honorary Bencher of The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn in 2020. In 2022, Doug was named Construction Lawyer of the Year by Who’s Who Legal, and shortlisted for Arbitrator of the Year by The Legal 500 UK Bar.
Doug has arbitration experience in both ad hoc and institutional commercial arbitrations under the AAA, ACICA, AMINZ, CCDC, DIAC, HKIAC, Resolution Institute, ICC, ICDR, AIAC (formerly KLRCA), LCIA, SCC, SIAC, ICSID, UNCITRAL and other institutional rules. He sits regularly as arbitrator in many jurisdictions, including Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, USA, Canada, UAE, Qatar, India, UK, Austria, France, and Korea. He is the Australian government nominee on the ICSID panel of arbitrators, and is a NSW government nominee on the arbitration panel under the NSW Mining Act and Petroleum (Offshore) Act. Doug has also been appointed by the European Commission for the position of Arbitrator and Trade and Sustainable Development Expert in bilateral disputes under European Union trade agreements. Doug has served as arbitrator in 63 ICC matters. Of these matters, Doug has served as President on 27 occasions. He has also participated as an arbitrator in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot for many years, often sitting on arbitral tribunals in the final rounds of the competition.
Types of Disputes and Parties
Doug’s appointments as Arbitrator include disputes relating to:
Doug’s appointments have also included 69 matters in which a State or State-owned party has been involved.
Doug’s experience as Arbitrator includes:
| Arbitral Institutions / Rules | No. of Appointments | Positions Held |
| ICC | 65 | President, Sole Arbitrator,
Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| Ad hoc | 25 | President, Sole Arbitrator, Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| LCIA | 25 | President, Sole Arbitrator, Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| SIAC | 21 | President, Sole Arbitrator,
Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| ICSID | 12 | President, Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| AIAC | 6 | President, Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| DIFC-LCIA | 5 | President, Sole Arbitrator,
Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| SCC | 5 | President, Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| DIAC | 4 | President, Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| HKIAC | 4 | President, Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| ACICA | 3 | President, Sole Arbitrator |
| KCAB | 3 | President, Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| PCA | 2 | President, Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| ICDR | 1 | Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| VIAC | 1 | Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| PDRCI | 1 | Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| CRCICA | 1 | President |
| QICCA | 1 | Member (3 person Tribunal) |
| ADCCAC | 1 | Tribunal Member |
Doug has sat as arbitrator in arbitrations seated in Abu Dhabi, Ankara, Brisbane, Cairo, Doha, Dubai, Geneva, Ghana, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Houston, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Manila, Manitoba, Melbourne, Mumbai, New Delhi, New York City, Paris, Perth, Reykjavik, Riyadh, Seoul, Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Vancouver, Vienna, Washington DC, Winnipeg, Zambia and Zurich. Doug has served in 44 London-seated arbitrations.
His country experience has also included projects in Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Fiji, Ghana, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, People’s Republic of China, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, 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 (New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia), Bahrain, Canada (British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Ontario and Quebec), Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, England and Wales, Estonia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi and Dubai), United States of America (California, New York and Texas), Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen and Zimbabwe.
BOOKS
Co-Author of the Third Edition of Commercial Arbitration in Australia under the Model Law, Thomson Reuters, 2022
Author of the First and Second Editions of Commercial Arbitration in Australia, Lawbook Co (Thomson Reuters), 2011 & 2013
Author of Building and Construction Claims and Disputes, Construction Publications, 1996
BOOK CHAPTERS
Co-author (with Claus Lenz, Patricia Galloway and Anneliese Day) of Chapter, ‘Arbitration: From an Arbitrator’s Perspective’ in Dealing with Delay and Disruption on Construction Projects, Sweet & Maxwell, 2nd ed, 2024 (forthcoming)
Co-author (with Professor Janet Walker CM) of Subtitle, ’13.7 Arbitration’ in The Laws of Australia, Thomson Reuters, 2024
Co-author (with Robert Turnbull) of Chapter, ‘Witness Statements and Memorials: Reforms to Serve Parties, Arbitrators and Arbitrations’ in Rethinking the Paradigms of International Arbitration, ICC Institute of World Business Law, Dossier XX, 2023
Author of Chapter, ‘Redefining the Role and Value of Expert Evidence’ in Rethinking the Paradigms of International Arbitration, ICC Institute of World Business Law, Dossier XX, 202
Co-author (with Jonathan Mance) of Chapter, ‘Shaping the Future of International Dispute Resolution’ in Transnational Commercial Disputes in an Age of Anti-Globalism and Pandemic, Bloomsbury Publishing, 2023
Author of Chapter, ‘Redefining the Role and Value of Expert Evidence’ in Arbitrator’s Handbook, LexisNexis, 2022
Co-author (with Professor Janet Walker CM) of Chapter, ‘Transparency and Efficiency in International Commercial Arbitration’ in Lawyer, Scholar, Teacher and Activist: A Liber Amicorum in Honour of Derek Roebuck, Holo Books, 2021
Author of Chapter ‘The Legal Landscape of Cooperation: A Close Study of the Jardine Decision’ in International Arbitration: Issues, Perspectives and Practice: Liber Amicorum Neil Kaplan, Wolters Kluwer, 2019
Author of Chapter, ‘Contratos de Aliança na Austrália: Um Estudo Comparativo de Contratos de Relacionamento’ (translated) in O Direito da Construção no Ambiente Internacional: Contribuições Para a Consolidação de uma Lex Constructionis, Almedina, 2019
Author of Chapter, ‘Prevention, Time Bars and Multiplex Constructions (UK) Ltd v Honeywell Control Systems Ltd (No 2) [2007] BLR 195’ in Construction Law, Costs and Contemporary Developments: Drawing the Threads Together: A Festschrift for Lord Justice Jackson, Hart Publishing, 2018
Author of Chapter, ‘Overcoming the Tyranny of Distance: Australia as an Arbitral Seat’ in A Commitment to Excellence: Essays in Honour of Emeritus Professor Gabriel Moens, Connor Court Publishing, 2018
Author of Chapter, ‘The Substantive Rights of Parties in Arbitration: Voie Directe and Voie Indirecte’ in Jurisdiction, Admissibility and Choice of Law in International Arbitration: Liber Amicorum Michael Pryles, Wolters Kluwer, 2018
Co-author of Chapter, ‘Procedural Order No 1: From Swiss Watch to Arbitrators’ Toolkit’ in The Powers and Duties of an Arbitrator Liber Amicorum Pierre A Karrer, Wolters Kluwer, 2017
Author of Chapter, ‘Emergency Arbitrators and Court-ordered Interim Measures: Is the Choice Important?’ in Defining Issues in International Arbitration: Celebrating 100 Years of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Oxford, 2016
Author of Chapter, ‘Improving Arbitral Procedure: Perspectives from the Coalface’ in Stories from the Hearing Room: Experience from Arbitral Practice: Essays in Honour of Michael E Schneider, Wolters Kluwer, 2015
Author of Chapter, ‘Examining Expert Witnesses in International Oil & Gas Arbitration’ in The Leading Practitioners’ Guide to International Oil & Gas Arbitration, Juris, 2015
Author of Chapter, ‘Relationship Contracting’ in The Projects and Construction Review, Law Business Research, 5th ed, 2015
Author of Chapter, ‘The Importance of Arbitration to the Resources Sector’ in Arbitration and Dispute Resolution in the Resources Sector: An Australian Perspective, Springer, 2015
Author of Chapter, ‘Emergency Arbitrators and Interim Relief in International Commercial Arbitration’ in International Arbitration under Review: Essays in Honour of John Beechey, ICC, 2015
Author of Chapter, ‘Sydney’ in Choice of Venue in International Arbitration, Oxford University Press, 2014
Contributor to the Second and Fifth Editions of The Projects and Construction Review, Law Business Research, 2012 & 2015
Author of Chapter, ‘Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA)’ in World Arbitration Reporter, Juris, 2nd ed, 2011
Co-author (with Björn Gehle) of Chapter, ‘Arbitration in Australia’ in The Asia-Pacific Arbitration Review 2009, GAR, 2009
Author of Chapter, ‘New Developments in PPP Delivery: An Australian Perspective’ in Privatisation and Public Private Partnerships Review 2007/2008, Euromoney, 2007
Co-author (with Björn Gehle and Simon Greenberg) of Chapter, ‘Australia’ in Arbitration World: Jurisdictional Comparison, Reference, 2004
Author of Chapter, ‘Expert Determination: A Challenge to Arbitration?’ in Table-Talk: A Lunch-Time Selection, International Arbitration Club, 2002
Author of Chapter, ‘Expert Determination in Commercial Contracts’ in The Expert in Litigation and Arbitration, Routledge, 1999
Author of Chapter, ‘Arbitration and Party Autonomy: How Free is the Choice to Arbitrate’ in The Commercial Way to Justice: 1996 International Conference of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Wolters Kluwer, 1997
JOURNALS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Contributor to DIAC Journal of Arbitration, 2024 (forthcoming)
Contributor to Journal of the American College of Construction Lawyers, 2024 (forthcoming)
Contributor to International Construction Law Review, 2024 (forthcoming), 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2009, 2007, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1995, 1991, 1985
Contributor to Arbitration: The International Journal of Arbitration, Mediation and Dispute Management, CIArb, 2024 (forthcoming), 2022, 2020, 2016, 2012, 2009, 2002, 2001, 1997
Contributor to Journal of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers, 2023, 2019, 2008
Contributor to The Guide to Energy Arbitrations, GAR, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015
Contributor to The Guide to Evidence in International Arbitration, GAR, 2021
Contributor to Journal of International ADR, AIADR, 2021
Contributor of Practical Insights Modules to Kluwer Arbitration Practice Plus, 2021
Contributor to Korean Arbitration Review, 2021
Contributor to Derecho & Sociedad, 2020
Contributor to Construction Law International, IBA, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2013, 2012
Contributor to Arbitrator & Mediator, Resolution Institute (IAMA), 2018, 2014
Contributor to The Guide to Advocacy, GAR, 2018
Contributor to Indian Journal of Arbitration Law, 2018
Contributor to BCDR International Arbitration Review, 2018
Contributor to Asia-Pacific Arbitration Review, GAR, 2017, 2013, 2012, 2011
Contributor to Singapore Academy of Law Journal, 2014
Contributor to European International Arbitration Review, 2014
Contributor to National Law School of India Review, 2013
Contributor to Transnational Dispute Management, 2011, 2005
Contributor to Vindobona Journal, 2011
Contributor to IPBA Journal, Inter-Pacific Bar Association, 2011
Contributor to Romanian Review of Arbitration, 2011
Contributor to International Law Practicum, New York State Bar Association, 2010
Contributor to Forum, Dispute Resolution Board Foundation, 2010
Contributor to Journal of the American College of Construction Lawyers, 2010
Contributor to Asian Dispute Review, 2009
Contributor to Arbitration International, LCIA, 2008, 2006
Contributor to Australasian Risk Management, 2004
Contributor to Building and Construction Law Journal, 2003, 2001, 1998, 1985
EDITORIAL POSITIONS
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 the Romanian Review of Arbitration
1976 – date Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators Australia (now Resolution Institute)
1980 – date Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
1983 – date International Bar Association
1987 – date Committee Member, Construction and Infrastructure Group, Law Council of Australia
1989 – date London Court of International ArbitrationVice-President, Asia Pacific Council (1989 – 2007)
Member (2010 – date)
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 (ACICA)
2002 – 2012 Vice Chairman, Inter-Pacific Bar Association Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Committee
2004 – 2005 Adjunct Professor, Graduate School of Law, University of Notre Dame, Australia
2005 – date Arbitrator Member, Society of Construction Arbitrators (London)
2005 – date Asia Pacific Regional Arbitration Group (APRAG)
2005 – 2011 Member, Experts Working Group on the Review of the Uniform Commercial Arbitration Legislation, Attorney-General’s Department of New South Wales
2006 – 2012 Adjunct Professor of Law, Murdoch University, Australia
2006 – date Member, International Advisory Group, Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) India
2007 – 2015 Member, Australian Council of the International Project Finance Association
2007 – date Honorary Fellow, Canadian College of Construction Lawyers
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 – 2024 Australian Government Nominee to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) Panel of Arbitrators
2011 – date Member, International Arbitration Committee, Korean Commercial Arbitration Board (KCAB)
2012 – 2017 Council Member, International Federation of Commercial Arbitration Institutions (IFCAI)
2013 – 2021 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 (ABA)
2014 – date Arbitrator Member, Arbitration Panel appointed by NSW Government under the Mining Act and Petroleum (Offshore) Act
2014 – date Visiting Professor, Queen Mary University of London
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 – 2020 President, International Academy of Construction Lawyers
2018 – date Honorary Fellow, Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution (AIADR)
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)
2019 – date Member, Advisory Council of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC)
2020 – date Honorary Bencher, The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
2021 – date Member, Advisory Council of the Society of Construction Law India
2021 – date Arbitrator Member, Construction Industry Arbitration Council (CIAC) India
2021 – date Arbitrator Member, Shanghai Arbitration Commission 7th Cohort Panel of Arbitrators
2022 – date Member, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Commission on Arbitration and ADR
2023 – date Arbitrator Member, Borneo International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (BICAM)
2023 – date Arbitrator Member, South China International Arbitration Center (SCIAHK) Recommended Panel of Arbitrators
| 2024 | |
| Canadian College of Construction Lawyers Conference | Spoke as a panellist in a discussion on dispute boards as mechanisms to avoid, manage and resolve disputes. |
| Society of Construction Arbitrators Annual Conference | Spoke as a panellist in a discussion on ‘Procedural Innovations on the Horizon’ |
| Ho Chi Minh City International Construction Arbitration Conference | Spoke as a panellist in a discussion on ‘Conflicts of Civil Law and Common Law in Construction Contracts: Stories from International Arbitrators’ |
| Singapore International Commercial Court | Spoke as a panellist in a discussion on ‘Commercial Courts in the Age of New Technologies: Artificial Intelligence and Linguistics’. |
| 2023 | |
| SCL India International Conference | Spoke in two panel sessions: one on the topic of ‘Collaborative Contracting’; and the other on the ‘Role of Experts in Construction Arbitration’ |
| CIArb Singapore Thought Leadership Lecture | Delivered the CIArb Singapore Annual Thought Leadership Lecture on ‘Flexibility in International Dispute Resolution’ |
| IBA Annual Conference, Paris | Participated in a panel session on the topic ‘Breaking Up is Hard to Do? Lessons Learnt and Preparations That Can be Made to Ease the Pain of Litigation and Contract Termination’ |
| 10th International Society of Construction Law Conference, Istanbul | Spoke as a panellist in a discussion on the ‘Legal and Contractual Framework for Acceleration / Acceleration Claims’ |
| Clifford Chance Seminar | Delivered a seminar on the topic of ‘Mitigating Sovereign Risk in International Construction Projects’ as part of Australian Arbitration Week 2023 |
| ACICA Arbitrator Roundtable | Participated in a roundtable discussion on arbitral procedure titled ‘Make Australian Arbitration Great(er)’ as part of Australian Arbitration Week 2023 |
| ACICA & CIArb Australia International Arbitration Conference | Participated in a conference session on ‘Offshore Projects (and Onshore Problems)’ as part of Australian Arbitration Week 2023 |
| Gray’s Inn International Arbitration Course | Contributed to an ‘Introduction to International Arbitration’ course, speaking on the topic of the ‘Powers and Jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal’ |
| International Arbitration Dialogues, IIAC | Participated in a panel discussion and Q&A on ‘Due Process Paranoia’, hosted by the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC) |
| IAMC Hyderabad & FTI Consulting Conference | Spoke in a conference on the topic of ‘Emerging Best Practices in the Use of Experts to Increase Their Value Proposition in Arbitration’ |
| Masterclass on Arbitration: Practice and Procedures, IAMC Hyderabad | Delivered a presentation on the ‘Ways in Which Parties’ Cases May be Presented in Arbitration’ |
| CREDAI Showcase | Participated in a discussion and Q&A on ‘Understanding Construction Arbitration’, hosted by the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India (CREDAI) |
| NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad | Participated in a panel discussion on ‘Issue Resolution in Construction Projects’ |
| ACICA Arbitrator Workshop | Joined a workshop discussion in advance of Australian Arbitration Week on the topic of the interaction between the ACICA Secretariat and arbitrators operating under the 2021 ACICA Rules |
| Society of Construction Law North America (SCLNA) Conference | Participated in a panel on the topic of ‘Tracing Construction Claims’ from their inception until their resolution |
| FTI Consulting Primer on Quantum Evidence | Contributed to sessions on the role of quantum expert evidence in disputes, joining a panel discussion on ‘What Lawyers and Arbitrators Expect from Expert Evidence on Quantum’ |
| ABA International Arbitration Skills Masterclass | Participated in a panel discussing the cross-examination of experts in international arbitration |
| ICCA-VanIAC Conference | Participated as a panellist in a discussion on ‘New Energy Projects, New Legal Frontiers: How Clean Energy and Climate Change are Transforming Construction Disputes |
| Ho Chi Minh City International Construction Arbitration Conference | Delivered a keynote speech on the topic of ‘Complex Construction Arbitration’ |
| Russian Institute of Modern Arbitration Winter Academy on International Arbitration | Presented a three-day lecture to students on the ‘Interplay between State Courts and Arbitration: Bless or Curse?’ |
| Delhi Arbitration Weekend | Contributed a paper on ‘Regulation and Reform: Entering a New Era of Investor-State Dispute Settlement’ and participated in a panel on ‘Modern Boundaries of Investment Treaty Arbitration’ |
| Russian Institute of Modern Arbitration Winter Academy on International Arbitration | Presented a three-day lecture on the ‘Interplay between State Courts and Arbitration: Bless or Curse?’ |
| Singapore International Commercial Court Annual Conference | Participated in panels on ‘The Commercial Practice Panel and the SICC’ and ‘Case Management of International Commercial Arbitration Proceedings in the SICC’ |
| 9th Annual Conference of the International Academy of Construction Lawyers | Participated in a panel on ‘The Employer’s Duty to Cooperate: Where and When Does It Exist, and from Whence Does It Come?’, as part of a broader program on ‘Cooperation, Collaboration and Complexification in the Procurement and Delivery of Construction Projects’ |
His expertise in International Arbitration and Construction has regularly been recognised by his peers. Recent recommendations include:
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.
2024: Doug retained his Band 1 ranking in the “International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators – Asia-Pacific Region category, with Chambers noting “He is an extremely well-known international arbitration specialist in infrastructure and resources. He is very hard-working, efficient and a chairman. He is eminent in construction. He understands the technical aspects and is very good at dealing with experts, often to the horror of the parties.”
2023: Doug retained his Band 1 ranking in the “International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators – Asia-Pacific Region category, with Chambers noting that he “is best known for his management of construction dispute arbitrations, but his impressively broad expertise also extends to cover investor-state, commodities and intellectual property-related issues.”
2022: Doug retained his Band 1 ranking in the “International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators – Asia-Pacific Region” category. He was particularly acknowledged for being “incredibly efficient”, and was described as “obviously one of the foremost international construction arbitrators” and as “one of the top three construction arbitrators in the world”.
2021: Doug retained a Band 1 ranking in the “Arbitration (International): Most In Demand Arbitrators – Asia-Pacific Region” category, with interviewees describing Doug as “undoubtedly one of the top commercial and construction arbitrators in the world”. Doug was also recognised as a “fantastic, very hands-on arbitrator who is very good at dealing with difficult technical cases with lots of experts”, with “tremendous energy” and “exceptional experience”.
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.
The Legal 500 – Asia Pacific: Regional International Arbitration
2025: Doug was ranked in Tier 1 for International Arbitration in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, described as “Doug is one of the world’s leading arbitrators in construction, energy and infrastructure. He is particularly strong at managing difficult and complex expert evidence. He is extremely efficient and as chair he ensures that procedural decisions and merits are turned around within a very impressive timescale.”
The Legal 500 – UK Bar
2025: Doug was ranked in Tier 1 for International Arbitration in The Legal 500 UK Bar, described as “Doug is one of the finest arbitrators practising today. He is also extremely busy and very much in demand. His capacity for hard work is absolutely phenomenal.”
2023: Doug was ranked in Tier 1 for International Arbitration in The Legal 500 – UK Bar. He was described as “one of the pre-eminent construction arbitrators currently in practice”, who “is in constant demand, and rightly so”, since “his experience of international construction projects is second-to-none” and “his appetite for work is extraordinary”. Respondents added that “[a]s presiding arbitrator he is very hands-on and is keen to engage the parties and experts at an early stage and to keep the proceedings moving, he chairs proceedings with a rare combination of steel and good humour”.
2023: Doug was ranked in The Arbitration Powerlist: United Kingdom 2023 for his work as a leading practitioner among arbitrators and barristers in the United Kingdom.
2022: Doug was ranked in Tier 1 for International Arbitration in The Legal 500 – UK Bar. He was described as “very efficient, responsive, smart and commercial” and an arbitrator who “maintains control over the proceedings and does not tolerate procedural gamesmanship. For all of these reasons and more, Doug is an ideal arbitrator (especially as Chair).”
2022: Doug was ranked in Tier 1 for International Arbitration in the Asia Pacific region. He was considered to be “[a]n absolutely excellent and hard-working arbitrator with a wealth of experience and knowledge”, and praised for his abilities at “identifying key issues and working collaboratively with other arbitrators”, being a “team player who gets the best out of all members of the tribunal.”
2022: Doug was ranked in The Arbitration Powerlist: United Kingdom 2022 and was also listed in The Arbitration Powerlist: Australia and New Zealand 2022 for excellence in private practice in the field of arbitration.
2022: Doug was shortlisted in The Legal 500 UK Bar Awards for Arbitrator of the Year.
2021: Doug was ranked as a Tier 1 Arbitrator and inducted to the Hall of Fame for continued excellence in international arbitration. He was recognised as a “brilliant mind”, “hard working” and a “great individual to work with as part of a tribunal” who “brings a strong robust approach to procedural issues” with a “huge experience of managing arbitral process”.
Who’s Who Legal
2024: WWL Arbitration considered Doug to be “an exceptionally well-organised arbitrator”, who is “very diligent and has an attention to detail” and “sharp judgement supported by legal expertise and experience”.
2023: WWL Thought Leaders Construction described Doug as “an outstanding construction lawyer”, who is “impressive and highly capable in complex matters”, “recognised around the world for his top-tier construction practice”.
2023: WWL Australia & New Zealand (Arbitration) referred to Doug as “an ‘internationally prolific’ practitioner who earns endorsements as ‘Australia’s best-known arbitrator’”, singling out his “‘sharp judgement, legal expertise, diligence and excellent case management skills’”.
2023: WWL Australia & New Zealand (Construction) described Doug as “an exceptionally experienced and renowned figure in the construction space”. WWL noted also that “he is frequently sought after by high-profile clients for his outstanding track record in construction arbitrations”, praising in particular his “‘hands-on approach’ and ‘attention to the details of the case’”.
2023: WWL Australia & New Zealand (Government Contracts) noted that Doug has been “singled out by market observers as a ‘peerless’ practitioner who excels across the full spectrum of public procurement matters”.
2023: WWL Government (Government Contracts) reported that “[r]enowned arbitrator Douglas Jones AO comes highly recommended by sources for his adept handling of government contract disputes”.
2023: WWL Thought Leaders Arbitration referred to Doug as “a huge name” and “probably the most eminent arbitrator in Australia and further afield”.
2023: WWL Construction noted that “Doug is procedurally rigorous and understands the expert process”, describing him as “a very experienced heavyweight in construction”.
2023: WWL UK Bar (Arbitration) reported that “Douglas Jones AO is a leading name at the UK Bar”, adding that “[s]ources report that he is ‘truly in a class of his own’ when it comes to arbitration matters”.
2023: WWL UK Bar (Construction) described Doug as a “highly accomplished and respected advocate”, being recommended by peers and clients as “a heavyweight” in the construction space.
2023: WWL Arbitration described Doug as “highly impressive and capable”, “an excellent arbitrator with boundless energy”, and “a preeminent arbitrator, both in Australia and abroad”. Peers and clients said that he “is highly recommended for his expertise in construction arbitrations”.
2023: WWL Thought Leaders Global Elite Arbitration acknowledged that “Doug has in-depth knowledge regarding construction-related issues”, describing him as “an effective chair-arbitrator who is always in full command of the proceedings”.
2023: WWL Thought Leaders Global Elite Construction described Doug as “the best at managing expert advice” and “perhaps the best in the world”. He was said to be “a very impressive arbitrator” with “superstar status”, who “manages the process with exceptional efficiency”.
2022: Doug was named Construction Lawyer of the Year by WWL.
2022: WWL Thought Leaders Construction ascribed “superstar status” to Doug. In particular, Doug is seen as “the best at managing expert advice”, where “he manages the process with exceptional efficiency”. For this reason, Doug was described by peers and clients as “a very impressive arbitrator”, and indeed “perhaps the best in the world”.
2022: WWL Thought Leaders Global Elite Arbitration recognised that Doug is widely endorsed for his “depth of experience and significant analytical skills” and is known as “an excellent arbitrator whose command of experts is second to none”. Testimonials received from peers and clients noted that Doug has “in-depth knowledge regarding construction-related issues” and is an “effective chair-arbitrator who is always in full command of the proceedings”.
2022: WWL UK Bar Construction endorsed Doug as “absolutely excellent” and “internationally renowned”, commending him as a “market-leading construction arbitrator”.
2022: WWL Government identified Doug as a prominent name who “comes highly recommended for his tremendous experience and expertise handling high-value construction, infrastructure and energy disputes.”
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.
2017: Doug was named the Best Lawyers 2017 Sydney International Arbitration “Lawyer of the Year”, marking the third consecutive year he has been the recipient of this honour. Doug was also selected for inclusion in the fields of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Construction/Infrastructure Law, International Arbitration and Transportation Law.
2016: Doug was named the Best Lawyers 2016 Sydney International Arbitration “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.
2015: Doug was named the Best Lawyers 2015 Sydney International Arbitration “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.
Professor Doug Jones AO and Professor Janet Walker CM will speak at the Leading Arbitrators’…
Professor Janet Walker CM will deliver the keynote address at GAR Live’s: Construction Disputes during…
Professor Doug Jones AO has been nominated in the ‘Best innovation by an individual or…
The International Construction Law Review is the leading authority on international construction law and provides critical…
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