Our Services
ARBITRATOR
Matrimonial Arbitrations — Accredited Arbitrator
For those navigating a property dispute after separation, arbitration can deliver a binding resolution without the cost, delay or stress of court proceedings. Richard is AIFLAM-accredited to arbitrate family law property disputes and brings to the role an unusual depth: hundreds of contested matters across all levels of the Federal and NSW courts, supplemented by the University of Adelaide Certificate in Arbitration (completed with Distinction).
His approachemphasises case management tailored to the matter, realistic hearing processes and timely awards, with flexible scheduling for all participants. Audio or audio-visual recording and same-day draft transcripts are available at no additional cost. Arbitration is not appropriate for every matter — underlying tensions should not be minimised, and how proceedings will run is always openly discussed. Questions and concerns are welcomed.
Hearing Venue
64 Castlereagh Street Chambers is available for arbitrations (see Chambers) with private discussion areas, full-day amenities and flexible hours. A senior paralegal is typically available to assist with logistics and as a contact point during proceedings.
Credentials — Arbitration
AIFLAM Accredited Family Law Arbitrator
University of Adelaide Certificate in Arbitration (commercial) — completed with Distinction
Former NSW District Court panel arbitrator
Commercial Arbitrations
Richard’s arbitration experience extends beyond family law to commercial disputes generally. He served as a NSW District Court panel arbitrator across a wide range of civil matters, and his University of Adelaide Certificate in Arbitration focused specifically on commercial arbitrations and accepts Court-referred civil arbitrations.
Representing Parties at Arbitrations
Having arbitrated, Richard understands the process from both sides of the bar table. He knows what an arbitrator is looking for in submissions and evidence, what can slow a hearing down unnecessarily, and where procedural choices can be turned to a client’s advantage. That perspective shapes preparation, cross-examination and submissions — focused on what actually moves an arbitrator toward a favourable award.
Richard has represented hundreds of clients in Australian courts since 1981 involving complex disputes that require strategic litigation often across multiple jurisdictions.
His trial experience has included multiple cases in the High Court of Australia (common law family law cases including superannuation) the Federal Court of Australia (trials and appeals) involving complex commercial consumer intellectual property and industrial cases; the Supreme Court of N.S.W (trials and appeals) in equity commercial defacto and estate cases the Federal Magistrate’s Court and Family Court (trials and appeals) and specialist Tribunals including mesothelioma cases in the Dust Diseases Tribunal or challenges to election results in the Court of Disputed Returns
Our Services at a Glance
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Arbitrator (e.g. Family)
AIFLAM-accredited arbitrator who brings hundreds of contested family law matters and a University of Adelaide Certificate in Arbitration (Distinction) to delivering binding resolutions without the cost and delay of court. Arbitration is available for matrimonial property and commercial disputes, with flexible scheduling and complimentary use of 64 Castlereagh Street Chambers.
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Mediator
As a Supreme Court of NSW Panel Mediator, Richard draws on decades of experience across commercial, family and estate litigation to identify core issues and guide parties toward resolution. Mediations are conducted for matrimonial property, deceased estate and commercial disputes, with 64 Castlereagh Street Chambers available at no additional charge.
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Barrister/Litigation
Commercial litigation experience spans oppression suits, insolvency, disputed financial transactions, partnership and workplace disputes, defamation, land and strata matters, and intellectual property — including copyright, trademark, passing off, confidential information, counterfeit goods and publishing disputes.