He is a Holding Redlich partner and a transport and commodities lawyer
Holding Redlich, national law firm, has announced that partner Geoff Farnsworth has been elected president of the Australian branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb).
Farnsworth took over the role from Nathan Landis, who resigned on 31 August to take up a new position as general counsel.
James Allsop, who served as chief justice of the Federal Court of Australia from 2013–23, expressed delight that Farnsworth had been elected into this position.
“I have known Geoff for many years as a highly skilled and thoughtful practitioner, with deep knowledge of, and aptitude in, arbitration and effective dispute resolution,” Allsop said in the media release. “I am sure that he will be an innovative and energetic President.”
At present, Allsop serves as a foreign non-permanent judge of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal and as an international judge of the Singapore International Commercial Court.
“I am thankful for the trust placed in me by my fellow Councillors and, alongside Ciarb Australia CEO, Gianna Totaro, I am committed to enhancing the reputation of the branch, working towards furthering its growth and success, and expanding opportunities for our members,” Farnsworth said in Holding Redlich’s media release.
“I have no doubt Geoff’s exceptional leadership skills, strategic mindset and vast and acknowledged expertise will bolster Australia’s standing in the cross-border and domestic dispute resolution market, and attract opportunities for Australian practitioners,” Totaro said in the media release.
“As the demand for arbitration continues to rise globally, Ciarb's commitment to maintaining a gold standard in the training and accreditation of practitioners remains pivotal,” Totaro added in the media release.
“Farnsworth’s election has attracted significant support from across Australia and internationally,” said Holding Redlich’s media release.
Farnsworth has over three decades of experience, including working with Holding Redlich for a decade, according to his profile on the firm’s website. He is a transport and commodities lawyer who has offered strategic legal advice within the shipping space.
He has handled admiralty claims and ship arrests, ship sales and purchases, port logistics, regulatory matters, domestic and international sale of goods, trade finance and insurance, governance, business structures, and competition law matters.
Farnsworth also has domestic and international arbitration experience. This includes representing parties involved in arbitration and the enforcement of awards, serving as secretariat to tribunals, and sitting as an arbitrator.
He has also practised in the areas of complex commercial, disputes, and regulatory matters for clients dealing with matters involving transport, agribusiness, and energy and resources.
