About Dr Caroline Kenny KC
A Trusted International Arbitrator
Caroline has served as presiding arbitrator, sole arbitrator and wing arbitrator in a broad range of complex disputes, including banking and finance, joint ventures, construction, mergers and acquisitions, oppression, energy, insurance, re-insurance, IP, licensing, sale of business, sale of goods, crypto-currency, entertainment and sports. She has an in-depth knowledge of all major arbitral institutions including the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), and the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR). Caroline also has experience working with the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules for ad hoc arbitrations and IFTA disputes.
Caroline’s decision as an arbitrator was considered by the High Court of Singapore in Malini Ventura v Knight Capital Pte Ltd and others [2015] SGHC 225. Her approach to a challenge to jurisdiction was upheld by Justice Judith Prakash in the High Court and led to new law on a Tribunal’s discretion under the Singapore International Arbitration Act 1994 (CAP 143A) to determine jurisdiction. The decision of Justice Prakash was subsequently endorsed by Chief Justice Menon in Tomolugen Holdings Ltd and another v Silica Investors Ltd and other appeals [2015] SGCA 57.
Caroline also has a keen interest in sports arbitration. She is a member of Australia’s National Sports Tribunal and in 2023 was appointed to preside over the first appeal from the General Division of the Tribunal. She served as a tribunal member for the 2024 Australian Olympic/Paralympic Selection Appeals. She is also on the panel of arbitrators of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS/CAS).
Educational Qualifications:
- Doctor of Juridical Science (Monash University)
- Master of Laws (University of Melbourne)
- Bachelor of Arts (University of Melbourne)
- Certificate in Mediation (Bond University)
- Diploma International Commercial Arbitration (CIArb, completed at St Anne’s College, Oxford)
- Accredited Mediator under Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS)
- Accelerated Route to Fellowship (CIArb, completed at Santiago, Chile)
Professional Qualifications:
- King’s Counsel
- Chartered Arbitrator
- Member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, London
- Counsellor and Attorney-at-Law, New York
- Accredited Mediator
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)
- Fellow, Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA)
- CIArb Regional Pathway Leader
Longstanding commitment to arbitration teaching and research
Contribution to the work of arbitral institutions
Caroline brings a practical perspective as a thought leader to her international arbitration practice through her contribution to the work of a number of leading arbitration institutions. Her role as the elected trustee for Australasia of CIArb involves her in helping to shape the policy direction for the Institute, which supports a network of more than 18,000 members across 149 countries. As Trustee she collaborates with Trustees from Asia, Africa, Europe, England and the MENA region which has deepened her knowledge of arbitration in those regions.
Caroline also currently serves as a member of the Professional Advisory Council of the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA), having previously served on ACICA’s board of directors and the International Advisory Board. Caroline is also a member of the Advisory Board of Deakin University Law School.
Professional Accolades:
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)
- Fellow, Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA)
- Leading Arbitration Barrister, Doyle’s Guide
- Leading Mediator, Doyle’s Guide
- Former President, Australian Branch of CIArb
Depth of commercial understanding and industry knowledge
Caroline brings a depth of knowledge in commercial law disputes through her more than 35 years of practice, including 18 years as a King’s Counsel working in commercial disputes. As King’s Counsel Caroline has been retained in significant high profile disputes for commercial parties including major corporates, banks, insurers, re-insurers, the Commonwealth of Australia, the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Federal Police, and the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Caroline is known for her attention to detail and organisational skills in leading large teams in complex commercial disputes. These skills have been honed in multi-party commercial disputes including class-actions/representative proceedings.
Caroline’s involvement as a director of commercial and not-for-profit boards for more than 20 years has enabled her to bring the ‘board perspective’ where necessary into her decision-making. From 2023 to 2025 she served as the elected chair of Foley’s List, the largest barristers’ List (Chambers/Set) in Australia, with more than 300 multi-discipline barristers and more than 20 clerks and other staff.
Panel Appointments
- Arbitration Panel, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (General List)
- Arbitration Panel, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (Financial Services List)
- Arbitration Panel, Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)
- Arbitration Panel, Beijing International Arbitration Commission (BAC/BIAC)
- Arbitration Panel, Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC)
- Arbitration Panel, Pacific International Arbitration Centre (PIAC)
- Arbitration Panel, Australian Centre for International Arbitration (ACICA)
- Arbitration Panel, Taipei International Arbitration Centre
- Arbitration Panel, World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)
- Arbitration Panel, International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR)
- Arbitration Panel, Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
- Arbitration Panel, British Virgin Islands International Arbitration Centre (BVI IAC)
- Arbitration Panel, Russian Arbitration Centre
- Presidential Panel, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (London)
- Panel Member, Australian National Sports Tribunal (NST)
- Panel Member, Australian Energy Regulator (AER)
- Pool Member, National Broadband Network (NBN) (Australia)
- Panel Member, Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA)
- Panel Member, New South Wales Government
Boards & Committees
- Trustee, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)
- Professional Advisory Council of the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA)
- Advisory Board, Deakin University Law School
- Member and former Chair, Foleys List Committee
- Former President, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Australian Branch
- Former Director, Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA)
- Former Member, Ministerial Advisory Committee to Minister For Police and Corrections
- Former Member, Advisory Board of ACICA
- Former Director, Barristers’ Chambers Limited
- Former Member, Advisory Board of PANDA
- Former Director, Sandybeach Centre
- Former Member, Consumer Practice Panel of the Consumer Law Action Centre