Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution
After decades at the Bar, now devoted to resolving disputes without the courtroom.
Robert Davis brings over 40 years' experience as a litigation lawyer and barrister to independent mediation and dispute resolution services across Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
About Rob Davis
From advocate to mediator
A career built on courtroom advocacy now applied to helping parties reach their own resolution.
A career in Legal Practice
Robert Davis was admitted to practice in Queensland and New South Wales in 1979, and later in Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory. He practised for almost three decades as a litigation solicitor — rising to Senior Litigation Partner and then Managing Partner of a large Gold Coast firm from 1990 — before transferring to the Queensland Bar in 2006.
Since then he has appeared as a barrister in courts across every Australian state and territory, with a particular focus on professional negligence, aviation, product liability and personal injury litigation. That depth of advocacy experience — understanding how disputes actually play out at trial — is what he now brings to the mediation table.
Recognised leadership
Rob has twice served as National President of the Australian Plaintiff Lawyers Association (now the Australian Lawyers Alliance), was President of the Queensland Law Society in 2006, and has chaired committees of the Qld Law Society and the Law Council of Australia.
Qualifications & admissions
- AdmittedQld & NSW Solicitors Admission Boards, 1979
- AdmittedVictoria, May 1980
- AdmittedAustralian Capital Territory, 2003
- Queensland BarCalled 2006
- B.Soc.Sc.University of New England, 1989
- LL.M.Bond University, 1991
- Certificate in AdvocacyAustralian Advocacy Institute, 1994
- LL.M. (Corporate & Commercial)Bond University, 1999
- Mediation CertificateBond University Dispute Resolution Centre, 2001
- Bar Practice CourseQUT & Bar Association of Qld, 2007
Areas of Mediation Practice
Where Rob Davis mediates
Drawing on decades of litigation experience across these fields, Rob offers mediation and dispute resolution services in the following areas.
Professional Negligence
Disputes involving alleged legal, medical or financial professional negligence, where an understanding of professional liability law and evidence is essential to a workable resolution.
Personal Injury & Liability
Motor vehicle, workplace and premises liability disputes, including claims involving multiple parties and insurers.
Aviation Disputes
Matters arising from aviation incidents, drawing on a long-standing special interest and case experience in aviation law.
Consumer & Product Liability
Disputes concerning defective products and claims arising under the Australian Consumer Law.
Superannuation Disputes
Disputes involving Commonwealth superannuation entitlements and related claims by former government employees.
Commercial Litigation
Contractual disputes and disputes involving damage to, premises, land and goods.
Why Rob Davis
An advocate's insight, a mediator's approach
What sets Rob apart is that he has spent his career on the other side of the table — arguing these exact disputes at trial.
Trial-tested judgment
Decades of courtroom advocacy give a realistic view of how a dispute would actually run at trial — and where the real risk sits for each side.
Subject-matter depth
Genuine technical grounding in professional negligence, injury and liability matters, not a generalist's overview.
Multi-jurisdiction experience
Admitted and practising across Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT, with the flexibility to meet parties where they are.
Independent & impartial
A career built on the Bar's cab-rank principle of independence, now applied to acting as a neutral, even-handed mediator.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the mediation process
What is mediation?
Mediation is a confidential, structured process in which an independent mediator helps the parties to a dispute negotiate their own resolution, rather than having an outcome imposed by a court or tribunal.
Is a mediated outcome binding?
An agreement reached at mediation becomes binding once the parties record and sign it — typically as a settlement deed or consent orders. The mediation process itself is voluntary and without prejudice unless and until that agreement is reached.
Is mediation confidential?
Yes. Discussions during mediation are conducted on a without-prejudice and confidential basis, allowing parties to explore settlement options candidly.
Who should attend?
Each party, together with their legal representative where applicable, attends the mediation. Insurers or other parties with a direct interest in the outcome may also be invited to attend or be available by phone.
How long does a mediation take?
This varies with the complexity of the dispute — many mediations are completed in a single day, while more complex or multi-party matters may require additional sessions.
How are fees structured?
Mediation fees are generally charged on a daily or half daily basis, agreed in advance with the parties. Mediations occur at premises agreed to by the parties (usually a law firm) or at a neutral venue booked and paid for by the parties in dispute. The costs of mediation are usually shared equally by the parties. Please contact Rob directly to discuss the arrangements for your matter.
How do I arrange a mediation with Rob Davis?
Contact Rob by phone or email to discuss your dispute and availability. Parties, their solicitors, or insurers may all make contact to arrange a mediation.
Get in touch
Arrange a mediation
Rob provides mediation and dispute resolution services across Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT, and can travel to meet parties as required. Get in touch to discuss your matter and check availability.
For urgent enquiries, phoning directly is recommended — response to email may be delayed while Rob is engaged in mediations or at court.
Burleigh Town QLD 4220
Australia