Robert Heath KC

BA (Hons), LLB (Hons) Melbourne, 1995

Diploma Certificate in International Arbitration, CIArb, 2019

An experienced barrister, arbitrator and mediator, Robert is an Associate member of Bankside Chambers. He is based in Melbourne, Australia.

Robert is recognised for his oral advocacy and paperwork, as well as for his client skills, versatility and commerciality. He has a wide-ranging practice with particular expertise in arbitrations, high value commercial disputes and class actions, infrastructure disputes, energy disputes, equity and trusts and civil/commercial fraud. He is entitled to practice as counsel in all Australian jurisdictions; and he is a registered practitioner at the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts.

Robert has been involved in arbitrations under the ACICA, UNCITRAL and SIAC Rules. He has experience sitting as a sole arbitrator and as a part of three member tribunals. He is a member of arbitration panels in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia; and he serves as an arbitrator member of National Sports Tribunal (Australia).

Robert is an experienced mediator. He is a Level 2 mediator at the Singapore International Mediation Institute; and he is a nationally accredited mediator in Australia.

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Basslink Arbitrations

Counsel in substantial, arbitral proceedings relating to the failure of a subsea cable; and counsel in related proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia.

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Milk Price Class Action

Counsel for Fonterra Australia in class action proceedings in Australia.

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Gas Pricing Arbitration

Counsel for an energy generator and retailer in substantial arbitral proceedings.

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Thalidomide Class Action

Counsel for a German company in class action proceedings in Australia.

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Kakavas / Crown Litigation

Counsel for the plaintiff in this case in the High Court of Australia - the leading case concerning problem gamblers and unconscionable conduct.

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Chambers and Partners – Global 2024

"Robert Heath is noted for his wide-ranging presence at the Victorian Bar. Infrastructure, insurance and professional negligence-related disputes all form notable elements of his practice, and he is also a seasoned handler of class action and arbitration mandates."

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Chambers and Partners – Asia Pacific 2023

"Robert Heath is praised for a variety of valuable qualities, one source identifying him as 'technically excellent', a source of 'quality legal advice and a good sounding board for strategic matters', while another stresses that he is 'very bright and good on his feet'.

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Chambers and Partners – Asia Pacific 2021

Robert Heath "is characterised by sources both as 'an outstanding commercial barrister' and as 'an outstanding newer silk' who is 'strongly developing in that role.' Infrastructure, insurance and professional negligence-related disputes all form notable elements of his practice, and he is also a seasoned handler of class action and arbitration mandates".

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Chambers and Partners – Asia Pacific 2013

Robert Heath wins applause from sources as a "commercial, smart, energetic and courageous advocate", who "is diligent and has a good manner with clients". Sources also note he is "hugely respected by the judiciary."

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• "450 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne" (1997) 73 ALJ 12
• "Buildings, The High Court" - The Oxford Companion to the High Court of Australia, OUP, 2001.