Justin has close to 40 years legal experience, as solicitor (1985 – 1988), counsel (1989 onwards), and Senior Counsel (2000 onwards). He was the founding head of Banco Chambers, Sydney (2005 – 2012).
Most recently, he was the tenth Solicitor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia (2012 – 2016). He is widely acknowledged as one of Australia’s most preeminent barristers.
He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law, of ACICA, and of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and a prolific legal author. He is a member of the SIAC and HKIAC arbitral panels.
He specialises in international law, international arbitration, constitutional law, and appellate law. He is available accept appointments as arbitrator or expert determiner in both domestic and international matters, or to appear as counsel.
Chambers & Partners Asia Pacific Guide 2025
Star Individual, Dispute Resolution – Justin is “One of the finest barristers at the Australian Bar. He’s extremely intelligent and always comes up with new points. He will always find something novel in the matter and has the strength of mind to run it.” Justin is regarded as a “go-to silk” for many matters, with one peer commenting: ‘he has been in the High Court more times than anyone. He’s terrifying to be against’. Another observed hes is “the best counsel at bar in Australia particularly for appellate work.”
Spotlit Counsel, International Arbitration – “Justin sits on a number of international panels, he is in the top echelon of advocates both domestically and internationally in investor state work.”
Best Lawyers Australia 2026
Recognised Senior Counsel – Class Action Litigation, International Arbitration, and Litigation
Doyles Guide – NSW 2025
Preeminent Senior Counsel – Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution
