I represent clients engaged in complex project disputes, with a focus on international arbitration in the energy and infrastructure sectors. I am presently based in Sydney, but have spent more than half of my career working overseas to support international clients with the delivery of major projects.
My practice centres around assisting companies with the resolution of complex disputes that arise during the procurement or creation of major capital assets. With a passion for both the built and natural environments, I leverage my background in architecture and project management to help clients avoid and resolve disputes.
I have worked on major projects across various sectors, including transport, property, tourism, energy, mining, defence, healthcare, IT, and telecommunications. My experience spans multiple jurisdictions, including Australia, the UK, Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East (including the UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Syria).
I specialise in arbitration, litigation, expert determination, adjudication, and alternative dispute resolution, both domestically and internationally. I am acutely aware of the commercial pressures facing companies in dispute, and at the outset will advise clients on the formulation of appropriate strategies to implement to achieve their commercial objectives, as efficiently as possible, when things start to become contentious.
I also provide project counsel services to minimise disputes during project execution and assist in restructuring distressed projects. Qualified to practice law in the UK and Australia, I have Part II rights of audience in the DIFC Courts and sit as an arbitrator. I chair ACICA's Practice & Procedures Board, promoting international best practices in arbitration.
I am an active participant in pro bono schemes, and recently represented a client in a contentious strata scheme matter, including undertaking all the advocacy at the hearing.
"Bill Smith is creative, collaborative and a pair of safe-hands - the full package", Client Quote, Legal500 (Dispute resolution: arbitration)