I extend my heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support throughout 2024. It has been a landmark year with ADC hosting a series of impactful events, celebrating excellence at our Gold Class ADR Awards and launching ADC’s inaugural conference. 2024 has been a testament to the incredible contributions of ADR practitioners (across Australia and beyond), ADC’s Directors and team, and our wonderful Interns.

Stepping into an exciting new year, ADC is proud to present a series of initiatives and events designed to elevate the field of dispute resolution and your professional development in 2025.

Our Mediation Training & Accreditation Programmes over the summer offer you the perfect opportunity to refresh your skills or gain national mediator accreditation – to position yourself as a leader in dispute resolution. We are thrilled to have Her Honour Sylvia Emmett AM join as our special guest for the January course.

We are also thrilled to continue our Supreme Courts ADR Address Series in 2025, recognising the pivotal role of ADR in civil dispute management. On 19 March, The Hon. John Sackar KC is delivering the NSW ADR Address. 

For professionals in legal, accounting, and construction fields, ADC’s Expert Determination Masterclass is on 27 March 2025, featuring special guest The Hon. Tom Bathurst AC KC, together with Chartered Accountant, John Rundell, and Senior Counsel, Greg Laughton. This is an unmissable opportunity to gain CPD points, refine your knowledge, network with fellow experts in their field and prepare for emerging ADR opportunities.

In our Thought Leadership section (below), article by Turkish lawyer and current ADC Intern - Polen Bayrak - offers insights on the evolving ADR landscape in Türkiye.

We also share with you thought-provoking insights from Mr Alistair Wyvill SC who delivered the Northern Territory ADR Address in November.

I invite you to join us on 1–2 May 2025 for the 9th Annual Australian ADR Conference and Awards. This year’s theme is Oceans 9: Powering the Surge in Global Dispute Resolution. 

Following the success of 2024’s Pure Gold ADR Awards’ events, 2025 promises more inspiring sessions, engaging workshops, and the Australian ADR community’s not-to-missed annual Gala Dinner. Add the dates to your diary and sign-up for updates on the Australian ADR Conference and Awards (below). I look forward to welcoming you to these outstanding events.

For now, I wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and a very Happy New Year!

Warm Regards,

Deborah

"Absolutely brilliant learning experience. I was particularly impressed by the process of providing feedback on our performance from several experienced coaches. The real-time live assessment was extremely valuable." – Prasuna

It is the perfect time of year to reflect on your achievements, preparing nomination submissions in the Australian ADR Awards 2025 and advising ADC of your nominees. If you would prefer your nomination be anonymous, please let us know and we can advise your nominee. Nomination Forms open from 9 January – 9 March 2025.

Sign up for Updates on the Conference and Awards

Renowned for her trauma-informed mediation practices, Registrar Jacquie Kubacz, Mediator of the Year 2024, is a cornerstone of the District Court of Western Australia’s specialised mediation program. Handling sensitive historical institutional sexual abuse claims, she balances legal and emotional complexities with empathy and adaptability. Her innovative approach prioritizes the wellbeing of vulnerable participants while fostering open dialogue. Registrar Kubacz continues to set a high standard in mediation, ensuring participants feel heard, supported, and respected.

Read the full profile here

The ADR Address brings together a diverse audience, including members of the judiciary, legal professionals, academics, government officials, and students. This Address is part of the Supreme Court ADR Address Series, which celebrates the evolving importance of ADR in managing civil disputes across Australia.

Seating for the ADR Address is free but limited.

REGISTER HERE TODAY!

With the increasing use of Expert Determinations in commercial Australia, there are new appointments awaiting those who are prepared. Join expert determiners John Rundell and Greg Laughton SC for this ever-practical Masterclass on how to excel in conducting Expert Determinations. Register Today!

Full Details and Registration HERE –>

The ADR Address of the Supreme Court of Northern Territory was delivered by Alistair Wyvill SC, a leading barrister and mediator with over 38 years of experience. Alistair’s address highlighted the evolution of ADR in the Territory, reflecting on milestones such as the introduction of pre-action conduct obligations and the growth of mediation practices. Drawing on his extensive experience, including high-profile arbitrations and international engagement with the Singapore Convention, Alistair’s Address offers a compelling vision for the future of ADR in the Northern Territory.

Read the ADR Address Here

Explore the evolving landscape of arbitration and mediation in Türkiye, where modern legal frameworks, historical roots, and international conventions like the Singapore and New York Conventions are driving growth. Learn about innovative practices, legislative reforms, and Türkiye's emergence as a key hub for resolving domestic and international disputes efficiently and effectively.

Read the article HERE

As disputes get increasingly complex in the interconnected global landscape, the ADR processes we use to address these also evolve, signified by the rise of Med-Arb. This article highlights the state and perceptions of Med-Arb in Australia, India, the UK and Europe, and the United States.

Read the article HERE

Read about our wonderful interns here

It is ADC’s 9th annual Australian ADR Awards in 2025. The ADR Awards Conference – Oceans 9: Powering the Surge in Global Dispute Resolution – follows the stellar success of this year’s Pure Gold event and promises to be the ADR Conference of 2025! 

Mark your calendars for an inspiring day filled with insightful sessions for all dispute resolution practitioners, engaging workshop sessions and a who’s who networking opportunity. The renowned ADR Awards Gala Dinner celebrates excellence in ADR on 2 May 2025. Don’t miss either opportunity to engage with leaders and innovators in the dispute resolution community and celebrate excellence in the field!

Sign up for Updates on the Oceans 9 Conference and Awards