Looking for an arbitration lawyer to resolve your dispute with greater efficiency and control?
When business relationships break down, resolving disputes quickly and discreetly becomes critical. Arbitration offers a private, flexible, and enforceable alternative to court proceedings—but navigating the process can be complex.
Whether you’re already bound by an arbitration clause or exploring it as a strategic option, you may be unsure how to proceed, what rules apply, or how to choose the right arbitrator. You need clarity, confidence, and a legal team that understands the nuances of arbitration—both locally and internationally.
How can Aptum help?
Aptum acts exclusively in disputes, including domestic and international commercial arbitrations. We advise clients at all stages of the arbitration process, from initial assessment through to enforcement of awards.
We assist with:
- Pre-arbitration strategy: including interpreting arbitration clauses, assessing jurisdictional issues, and advising on procedural rules.
- Appointment of arbitrators: guiding clients through and advising on arbitrator suitability based on subject matter and procedural preferences.
- Case preparation and management: including drafting pleadings, managing disclosure, preparing witness evidence, and coordinating expert reports.
- Hearings and submissions: representing clients in oral hearings or written-only proceedings, depending on the agreed format.
- Award enforcement or challenge: advising on recognition and enforcement under the International Arbitration Act or Commercial Arbitration Act, and assessing grounds for setting aside or resisting enforcement.
"Very helpful, responsive and extremely knowledgeable on all the legal matters we raised. They worked hard to get an outcome, and I never felt like they were just wanting to rack up billable hours which is very refreshing."
– Adrian Critchlow (CEO), Australian Solar Group
What makes Aptum different
Legal intelligence framework
Practical, ongoing risk assessment to focus on the essential.
Project management framework
Routine documented strategy through custom project management.
Case study
A mining company preserves their contractual rights in a high-stakes arbitration
Problem: Our client was a mining company that had invested in a mining venture through joint venture agreements with a publicly listed mining company. The dispute concerned the termination of the joint venture agreements.
Aptum’s role: The joint venture agreements contained an arbitration clause, so the dispute was referred to arbitration.
Arbitration played to Aptum’s strength by constraining the dispute to the central issues in a streamlined and fast dispute resolution process. Aptum crafted a legal strategy that focussed on the essential issues with meticulous preparation and execution.
Critically, Aptum was able to deliver a cost-effective strategy against a large, well-resourced national law firm.
Outcome: Our client was successful in the Arbitration.
Read case studiesVideo
5 benefits of commercial arbitration
Nigel Evans (Managing Director) discusses why more companies should consider arbitration for resolving disputes.
Learn MoreFrequently asked questions
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What is arbitration?
Arbitration is a private dispute resolution process where parties appoint an independent arbitrator to decide the matter. The outcome — an arbitral award — is final and enforceable in court.
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Is arbitration faster than going to court?
In many cases, yes. Arbitration can be significantly quicker, especially when parties agree to streamlined procedures or ‘documents-only’ hearings. The Arbitration Victoria Rules set out that disputes through arbitration must, as far as practicable, take 120 days from commencement to Award, or 90 days for ‘documents-only’ arbitrations.
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Can I challenge an arbitral award?
Awards are generally final, but limited grounds for challenge do exist. We can advise on whether a challenge is viable.
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What types of disputes are suitable for arbitration?
Commercial disputes involving contracts, partnerships, property, and cross-border transactions are commonly resolved through arbitration.