Litigation
Complex commercial and public law litigation before Australian courts, including contractual disputes and matters involving international law or sovereign interests.
International disputes
International Dispute Resolution. Arbitrator, Mediator and Counsel.
A unique convergence of government advisory, top tier legal practice and world class arbitration training, purpose built to bridge the gap between legal strategy and sovereign reality in investor state disputes.
Core capabilities
Dispute expertise with strategic depth.
International arbitration
Counsel and advocacy in investor state and commercial arbitration under ICSID, UNCITRAL, ICC and SIAC rules, from jurisdiction through quantum and enforcement.
Mediation
Cross border settlement that finds practical outcomes beyond binding adjudication, informed by investor state mediation training and government experience.
Areas of particular strength
From treaty protection to enforcement.
Investor state dispute settlement
- BIT and FTA investment protection claims
- ICSID, UNCITRAL and ad hoc arbitration
- Jurisdictional challenges and treaty interpretation
- Fair and equitable treatment, expropriation and Most Favoured Nation treatment
- Pre-arbitration negotiation and cooling off strategies
Government and sovereign advisory
- ISDS exposure audits for host states
- State to state dispute strategy
- Treaty negotiation and investment chapter review
- Regulatory policy risk assessment
- Defence coordination for respondent states
Commercial arbitration and mediation
- Complex cross border commercial disputes
- Commercial, construction, oil, gas, mining, energy and infrastructure arbitration
- Settlement facilitation and mediation
How services are provided
Investors, governments and disputing parties.
For investors, Steph Hunt Law Practice can work alongside an existing law firm to align legal strategy with political and practical sovereign dynamics. For governments, the practice advises on ISDS exposure, treaty obligations and state-to-state dispute strategy. Disputing parties may appoint Stephanie Hunt as arbitrator or mediator.
Pro bono experience
International legal experience in service of the public interest.
Steph has contributed as part of a team of international counsel representing an international non-governmental organisation in a substantial European investor-state dispute settlement matter.
That experience complements her government, treaty and dispute-resolution work and reflects her commitment to applying international legal skills where they can support organisations pursuing public-interest outcomes.
Engagement options
Counsel, arbitrator or mediator.
Steph Hunt Law Practice may be instructed as counsel or strategic adviser for international disputes. Stephanie Hunt may be appointed directly as arbitrator or mediator.
Arbitrator
World class arbitral training under Professor Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler, combined with public law, government and ISDS experience.
Mediator
Creative, value generating settlement for cross border and investor state disputes, supported by professional training and four languages.
Counsel
A primary or second opinion and a strategic overlay that complements an existing law firm with practical insight into sovereign decision making.
Instruct Steph Hunt Law Practice as independent counselAppoint Stephanie Hunt as arbitratorAppoint Stephanie Hunt as mediator
Discuss an engagementTestimonials
International experience recognised at the highest levels.
Selected perspectives on Stephanie Hunt's international law, government advisory and institutional work.
The Hon Marise PayneMinister for Foreign Affairs, Australia, 2018 to 2022+
Stephanie was my legal adviser from 2018 to 2022, and was a key member of my team. She is known for consistently providing considered and informed advice.
Stephanie was instrumental in advising me on the creation, negotiation, legislation and implementation of the Foreign Relations Act 2020.
Working, at my direction, with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Attorney General's Department and my Chief of Staff, in conjunction with other relevant ministerial offices, Stephanie's contribution helped me to ensure that all levels of government in Australia consistently apply our foreign policy in their foreign arrangements by requiring, through legislation, that states and territories obtain the Foreign Minister's approval before entering into negotiations and agreements with foreign governments.
She also supported my enactment on behalf of the Government of Magnitsky legislation in 2021, enabling Australia to impose sanctions for egregious human rights abuses, corruption and cyber attacks. With my Chief of Staff, she drove the processes required to ensure Australia's rapid sanctions response when Russia waged war on Ukraine.
Stephanie was also deeply committed to Australia and the Netherlands' pursuit of justice for the victims of the downing of flight MH17, and to our initiation, with the Government of the Netherlands, of legal proceedings against Russia in the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
I am pleased to recommend her, having witnessed her strong work ethic in the national interest, and knowing she will go above and beyond for the task at hand.
The Hon Julie BishopMinister for Foreign Affairs, Australia, 2013 to 2017+
Stephanie performed strongly in the role and maintained high levels of productivity and professionalism in a high pressure and fast paced work environment.
Her advice was valuable in relation to numerous international issues in trade, diplomacy and consular issues.
Stephanie brought passion, integrity and sound judgement to her work in my office.
Murray HansenChief of Staff to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia, 2013 to 2017+
Stephanie was an outstanding legal adviser to Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.
Her intellect, attention to detail and work ethic made Stephanie a highly effective member of the team.
William BrowderPresident, The Magnitsky Justice Foundation+
It takes a level of strength and integrity Australians should be proud of for the work of those involved in initiating legislation such as the Magnitsky laws, which I instigated and lobbied for over many years since Sergei Magnitsky's cruel fate at the hands of Putin's Russia.
Working with the Minister's Chief of Staff, Stephanie was instrumental in supporting former Foreign Minister Payne's legislation and implementation of those laws.
I recommend Stephanie, noting her diligence, hard work and tenacity in this regard.