Profile

Contact

+61 7 3008 3990

+61 412 500 042

sdoyle@level27chambers.com.au

Year of Call:

1987

Year of Silk:

1995

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Directory / Industry Comments

"A world-class commercial practice......his advocacy is widely regarded as the best in the country" – Chambers & Partners Asia Pacific 2017

"A quality of client service that is rare to see at his level" – Chambers & Partners Asia Pacific 2023

Overview

Widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading Silks with a “world class” practice (Chambers & Partners 2017) in international and domestic commercial law, Shane practices from Level Twenty Seven Chambers (Brisbane) with chambers also at 5 Selborne (Sydney) and Essex Court Chambers (London). He has practised at the bar since 1987 and as a silk since 1995.

His experience covers a wide range of commercial litigation, arbitration, regulatory investigations and pricing reviews, and various Commissions, particularly in significant and complex cases. Instructed by a diverse range of Australian and international clients, ranging from multi-nationals and Australian public companies to government entities, he is turned to for his “ability to narrow a case down to what actually matters” as well as being “calm under pressure, practical and easy to work with and finds a way to deliver the client an outcome” (Chambers & Partners 2020).

Shane is consistently recognised as a leading KC by leading legal directories such as Australian Financial Review’s Best Lawyers®, Chambers & Partners (Asia Pacific and Global), Doyle’s Guide, The Legal 500, and Who’s Who Legal in the fields of Arbitration, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Competition, Construction & Infrastructure, Commercial Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Insolvency/Restructuring. The details of which are provided below.

Experience

ARBITRATION

Shane has been briefed in hearings under domestic arbitration rules (including ACICA, CIArb, IAMA rules), in international matters governed by ICC rules as well as ad hoc arbitrations and matters where the arbitral seat is outside Australia. His arbitration practice includes matters relating to state and private international issues, commodities, price setting for gas supplies, access to infrastructure, energy projects (in particular LNG pipelines and facilities, offshore oil and gas extraction) as well as other general contractual matters. Recent experience includes:

> Acting as Counsel in emergency arbitrator procedures under SIAC Rules opposing injunctive relief;

> Acting as Counsel in a lengthy arbitration under ICC Rules relating to contract dispute for LNG facility development;

> Advising on a significant LCIA arbitration relating to an Offtake Agreement for coal delivery;

> Appearing for an international engineering firm in a lengthy domestic arbitration relating to allegations of defective design;

> Acting for the principal in a significant LCIA arbitration (AUD 915 m) concerning a contractual dispute arising out the construction of LNG infrastructure;

> Acting as Counsel in an arbitration concerning variations and related issues over mechanical and electrical works for a AUD 1.5 bn tunnel project;

> A leading Federal Court decision concerning the choice of law to apply where there is a dispute concerning whether a person is a party to an agreement containing a proper law clause and the interaction between ss 7 and 8 of the International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cth);

> Acting (both at first instance and on appeal) in a successful application to set-aside an arbitral award on grounds that the Tribunal was functus officio.

COMMERCIAL & CORPORATE LITIGATION

Shane has advised on and appeared in key cases in all areas of general contract, banking, and corporate disputes including oppression proceedings, claims for directors’ breach of duties and majority/minority shareholder disputes of all kinds. His experience includes many cases involving takeovers, schemes of arrangement and mergers of listed Australian and international companies. Cases of interest include:

> Appearing for the Special Purpose Liquidators of Queensland Nickel, in high profile proceedings against Clive Palmer and various of his companies, including successfully obtaining freezing orders against them;

> A leading appellate decision on a contractual claim for damages stemming from the loss of an opportunity to acquire and develop land at a profit, in circumstances where the project was unlikely to have returned a profit;

> A significant claim for an interest in various mining tenements and infrastructure arising from a sale and purchase deed;

> Class actions, with a particular emphasis on shareholders class actions;

> Successfully defending a contract and misleading conduct claim made by the State of Queensland against IBM arising out of the design and supply of systems for the Queensland Health Department.

CONSTITUTIONAL, PUBLIC & COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY

In matters concerning the validity or otherwise of legislative and administrative acts, Shane advises and appears in the Federal and State Courts regarding constitutional issues at various levels. His expertise extends to Commissions of Inquiry, judicial review and regulatory cases which overlap his commercial law practice. Examples of his experience in this area includes:

> Railway Royal Commission of Inquiry (2018). An inquiry arising from a multi-billion AUD contract to build new trains for Queensland Rail;

> Queensland Health Payroll Commission of Inquiry (2013). An inquiry dealing with one of the largest ever IT and procurement disputes in Australia with allegations of losses in the order of AUD 1 bn;

> Appearing for Queensland Competition Authority in a judicial review challenge in respect of a draft access undertaking;

> Appearing in the High Court for ATSIC representing native title interests in the seminal native title decision of Wik Peoples v State of Queensland.

ENERGY & RESOURCES, COMMODITIES, AND CONSTRUCTION & INFRASTRUCTURE

Shane advises and appears in a raft of cases dealing with issues of energy and commodities supply, for example, gas price fixing, coal mines ownership and management, electricity and concrete supply and regulation, and important cases dealing with freight and passenger transport infrastructure. Some examples of such matters include:

> Appearing for the State of Western Australia in the WA Court of Appeal that concerned an urgent application without notice to WA to enforce two arbitral awards pursuant to s 35 of the Commercial Arbitration Act 2013 (Qld) which was subsequently set-aside and the necessity of establishing an entitlement to proceed ex parte;

> Advising a multinational mining company in anticipation of force majeure notices relating to the operation of sanctions arising from the war in Ukraine;

> Acting in Australia’s largest ever energy class action brought against two Queensland state owned electricity providers, alleging they manipulated the electricity pricing system and artificially inflated consumers’ bills;

> Acting in a number of Supreme Court proceedings between LNG participants over a raft of royalty, tenement and project participation disputes;

> Acting in Supreme Court proceedings between Queensland Motorways Pty Ltd and an incorporated joint venture in relation to claims arising out of the AUD1.3 bn Gateway Upgrade Project, that being approximately 12 km of existing motorway south of the Brisbane River and construction of 7 km of new motorway north of the Brisbane River;

> Acting for a major Canadian-based entity, Trans-Alta, in WA Supreme Court proceedings concerning an engineering, procurement, construction and power purchase agreement at a major power station in the Pilbara region of WA;

> Acting in WA Supreme Court proceedings against the operator of Perth Airport following the construction of a new domestic pier and an expansion of international departures.

INSURANCE AND PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE

Shane’s experience includes large-scale commercial insurance or reinsurance disputes, professional liability (principally solicitors, engineers, valuers, and accountants) as well as commercial product liability disputes. He advises and appears for insurers and the insured in complex cases, including in relation to directors and officers liability, construction risk, flood, fire and accident and professional indemnity. The diverse spread of matters he has worked on include:

> Advising small businesses that held business interruption insurance policies at the time the COVID-19 pandemic developed in 2020;

> Appearing for a leading Australian law firm defending an AUD50 m claim of alleged negligence in their handling of a billionaire mining magnate’s estate;

> Appearing for an investment management company (in liquidation) in a AUD200 m damages claim against its former auditor for negligence in their conduct of audit engagements;

> Appearing in the High Court for the State of Queensland in respect of the duty of care and skill of paramedics;

> Appearing in the High Court for Robinson Helicopter Incorporated, the United States’ manufacturer of the R22 helicopter, in a product liability and duty of care case that followed the crash of a Robinson R22 helicopter which resulted in the death of the pilot and in the first respondent suffering serious injuries;

> A significant claim relating to Aqueous Film Forming Foam that was released at a Brisbane Aircraft Hangar;

> A high profile appeal, in which a patient was awarded AUD 6.7 m in damages (ranking as one of the largest in the state’s history), concerning the liability of a general practitioner for failing to refer a patient.

TAXATION & BANKING LITIGATION

Shane’s practice includes advising and appearing both for individuals, companies and the Australian Commissioner of Taxation in a range of cases concerning income, stamp duties, GST and indirect taxation matters. Examples include:

> The leading High Court decision as to whether receivers and liquidators must withhold tax in the absence of assessment;

> A Federal Court appeal concerning booking and arranging services provided by Australian company at the request of overseas travel agents for the benefit of their clients being overseas tourists coming to Australia.

Recommendations

Nominated as a leading arbitration barrister in Australia by Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration

2024
2023 noted as “one of Australia’s most outstanding advocates“.
2022
2021 listed as a National Leader.
2020 noted as a “peerless legal mind” and for his “adept ability to swiftly convince judges, arbitrators and adjudicators of his argument”.
2019
2018 “a widely recognised name in the Australian market where he stands out for his expert handling of complex construction and infrastructure-related disputes“.
2017: listed as one of only four leading arbitration barristers in Australia.

Nominated as a leading practitioner by Who’s Who Legal Australia & New Zealand

2023 listed in the fields of Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, construction and Environment & Climate Change
2022 listed in the fields of Arbitration, Commercial Litigation

Nominated as a leading professional negligence barrister globally by Who’s Who Legal

2023 recommended for Environment and Professional Negligence
2022 recommended for Environment
2021 & 2022 listed as a Global Leader
2020 (inaugural guide) recommended barrister

Recommended (band 1) for Dispute Resolution in Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific:

2024 “easily one of Australia’s top commercial silks, and he is for many of my clients the go-to resource“.
2023 “a quality of client service that is rare to see in barristers at his level“.
2022 “He is the complete package, having not only superior technical and intellectual ability, but also great practicality“, “the best across a wide number of areas“, “by far the best silk I have ever worked with, Australia-wide“.
2021 “Leader of the Queensland Bar“, “calm under pressure, practical and easy to work with and finds a way to deliver the client an outcome” and “ability to narrow a case down to what actually matters“.
2020 “overpowering intellect“, “calm under pressure, practical and easy to work with and finds a way to deliver the client an outcome” and “ability to narrow a case down to what actually matters“.
2019 “the undisputed leader of the Queensland Bar” and “powerful and persuasive arguments which command the attention and respect of a tribunal” and “very strong intellect, quick grasp of issues and readiness to make a call and not sit on the fence“.
2018 “quite clearly head and shoulders above everyone else at the Queensland Bar“.
2017 “the clear leader of the Queensland Bar” and “confidence that he will do an exceptional job every time“.
2016 “pre-eminent in the Brisbane market – the first name on every solicitor’s lips“.
2015 “extraordinary intellect, outstanding knowledge of the law and extraordinary work ethic” and “extremely strong in cases involving complex economic issues”.

Recommended (Band 1) for Construction & Infrastructure in Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific:

2024 “He controls the courtroom and has a reputation for winning which as few equals in our state.“
2023 “probably the best advocate I have ever come across commanding respect as soon as he enters the room“.
2022 “the clear leading advocate“.
2021 “the main guy“.
2020 “He’s very persuasive, he exercises very good judgement, he’s got real gravitas and he’s very efficient with his use of time” and “the go-to silk in Brisbane for bet-the-company litigation, or where highly proficient technical advice is required“.
2019 “the most pre-eminent QC in Queensland and one of the best silks in Australia” and “he’s at the top of his game“.
2018 “one of the most talented barristers in the country” and “one of the best advocates in the Australian market“.
2017 “a world-class commercial practice” and “his advocacy is widely regarded as the best in the country, the best in Queensland for sure and, clearly, he has a fine legal brain and is good on strategy – a go-to for extremely hard or complex matters”.

Recommended (Band 1) for Restructuring/Insolvency in Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific:

2024 “He controls the courtroom and has a reputation for winning which as few equals in our state.“
2023
2022 “superior intellect“.
2022 “the standout best in both commercial and insolvency“.
2021 “He is the complete package, having not only superior technical and intellectual ability, but also great practicality. He treats solicitors with the utmost respect, works with them to deliver client-focused outcomes, is the clear leading advocate and has a track record of winning“, “by far the best silk I have ever worked with, Australia-wide” and “easily the leading barrister in Queensland“.
2020 “head and shoulders above everyone else in the insolvency space” and “his quality of client service is rare to see in barristers at his level“.
2019 “if there is a major insolvency matter which requires counsel, Shane is always the first choice” and “he has no peer” and “truly a colossus in the area“.
2018 “considered to be a leader of the Queensland Bar” and “he stands alone as the top one in Queensland“.
2017 “a brilliant and exceptional advocate who has a great sense of authority and is very knowledgeable”.

Recommended (Band 1) for Construction & Infrastructure in Chambers & Partners Global:

2024
2023
2022 “probably the best advocate I have ever come across, commanding respect as soon as he enters the room“.
2021 “the main guy“.

Recommended (Band 1) for Dispute Resolution in Chambers & Partners Global:

2024
2023
2022 “the top five barristers in Australia“.
2021 “by far the best silk I have ever worked with, Australia-wide” and “the best across a wide number of areas“.
2020 “leader of the Queensland Bar“.
2019 “very strong intellect, quick grasp of issues and readiness to make a call and not sit on the fence“.
2018 “very skilled in presentation and can cut to the chase in the way that judges like“.
2017 “a go-to for extremely hard or complex matters“.
2016 “formidable advocate“.
2015 “very experienced in a broad range of areas, particularly large commercial disputes”.
2014 “pre-eminent senior counsel”.

Recommended (Band 1) for Restructuring/Insolvency in Chambers & Partners Global:

2024
2023
2022 “superior intellect,” an ability “to grasp complex legal and factual issues in a very short period of time,” and “a quality of client service that is rare to see in barristers at his level“.
2021 “the standout best in both commercial and insolvency“.

Recommended (Band 2) for Asia-Pacific: International Arbitration in The Legal 500 (Arbitration Counsel):

2024

Recommended (Band 1) for Commercial Disputes in The Legal 500:

2024 (Asia Pacific) – “one of the most skilled advocates in Australia“.
2023 (Asia Pacific) – “regularly pulls off remarkable achievements“.
2022 (Asia Pacific)
2021 (Asia Pacific) – “A super star and completely pleasant to work with“.

Recommended (Band 1) for Construction in The Legal 500:

2024 (Asia Pacific) – “First class intellect and knowledge of the law. Calm, measured in advocacy and with instructors and clients“
2023 (Asia Pacific) – “First class. Calm, responsive, clear thinking and concise“.
2022 (Asia Pacific) – “One of Australia’s leading Queen’s Counsel“.
2021 (Asia Pacific) – “Shane Doyle is a super star and completely pleasant to work with“.

Recommended for Administrative & Public Law in Doyle’s Guide:

2023 (Queensland) – Leading

Recommended for Arbitration in Doyle’s Guide:

2023 (Australia) – Leading
2022 (Australia) – Leading
2021 (Australia) – Leading
2020 (Australia) – Leading
2019 (Australia) – Leading
2018 (Australia) – Leading
2017 (Australia) – Leading

Recommended for Commercial Litigation & Disputes in Doyle’s Guide:

2024 (Queensland) – Market Leader
2020-22 (Australia) – Preeminent
2018-2023 (Queensland) – Market Leader
2017, 2019 & 2020 (Australia) – Leading
2017 (Queensland) – Market Leader
2016 (Queensland) – Market Leader
2015 (Queensland) – Preeminent
2015 (Australia) – Preeminent

Recommended for Competition in Doyle’s Guide:

2019 (Australia) – Recommended

Recommended for Construction & Infrastructure in Doyle’s Guide:

2024 (Australia) – Leading
2024 (Queensland) – Preeminent
2023 (Australia) – Leading
2023 (Queensland) – Preeminent
2022 (Queensland) – Preeminent
2021 (Australia) – Recommended
2021 (Queensland) – Preeminent
2020 (Queensland) – Preeminent
2019 (Queensland) – Preeminent
2018 (Australia) – Leading
2018 (Queensland) – Preeminent
2017 (Queensland) – Preeminent
2017 (Australia) – Leading
2016 (Queensland) – Preeminent
2015 (Queensland) “the unquestioned first choice”
2015 (Australia) – Preeminent
2014 (Queensland)

Recommended for Insolvency & Reconstruction in Doyle’s Guide:

2024 (Queensland) Preeminent
2023 (Queensland) Preeminent
2022 (Australia) – Leading
2022 (Queensland) Market Leader
2020 (Australia) Recommended
2018-2021 (Queensland) – Preeminent
2017 & 2019 (Australia) – Leading
2017 (Queensland) – Market Leader
2016 (Australia) – Leading
2016 (Queensland) – Market Leader
2015 (Queensland) – Market Leader
2015 (Australia) – Preeminent

Recommended for Insurance in Doyle’s Guide:

2018 (Queensland) – Recommended
2017 (Queensland) – Recommended
2016 (Queensland) – Recommended

Recommended for IP & TMT in Doyle’s Guide:

2016 (Queensland)

Recommended for Planning & Environment in Doyle’s Guide:

2017 (Queensland) – Recommended

Recommended for Professional Indemnity in Doyle’s Guide:

2023 (Queensland) – Recommended
2022 (Queensland) – Recommended
2021 (Queensland) – Recommended
2020 (Queensland) – Recommended

Recommended for Wills & Estates in Doyle’s Guide:

2016 (Queensland)

Recommended in Australian Financial Review’s Best Lawyers since 2013.

2025 (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Law, Competition Law, Construction & Infrastructure, International Arbitration, Litigation, Oil and Gas Law and and Brisbane ‘Lawyer of the Year for Litigation)
2024 (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Law, Competition Law, Construction & Infrastructure, International Arbitration ‘Best Lawyer of the Year’, Litigation, Oil & Gas)
2023 (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Law, Competition Law, Construction & Infrastructure, International Arbitration, Litigation and Brisbane ‘Lawyer of the Year for Oil & Gas)
2022 (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Law, Competition Law, Construction & Infrastructure, International Arbitration, Litigation and Oil & Gas)
2021 (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Law, Competition Law, Construction & Infrastructure, International Arbitration, Litigation and Oil & Gas)
2020 (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Law, Competition Law, Construction & Infrastructure, International Arbitration, Litigation and Oil & Gas)
2019 (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Law, Competition Law, Construction & Infrastructure, Litigation and Oil & Gas)
2018 (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Law, Competition Law, Construction & Infrastructure, Litigation and Oil & Gas)
2017 (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Law, Competition Law, Construction & Infrastructure, Litigation)

Appointments

2014–2015 President, Bar Association of Queensland

2002–2008, 2011–Nov 2015 Member of the Bar Council in Queensland

2013–2014 Vice President, Bar Association of Queensland

1996–2014 Chairman, Bar Association Commercial Law Committee

Member

Fellow Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA)

IBA Council Member (International Bar Association Council Member) (2014-2015)

The Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration Incorporated

Commercial Bar Association (COMBAR) (UK)

Bar Association of Queensland

New South Wales Bar Association

Career

2001 Call to the Bar of England & Wales

1995 Senior Counsel, Queensland

1987 Barrister, Queensland

1985 Clayton Utz Solicitors

1982 Partner, Power & Power Solicitors, Brisbane

Education

1985 BCL, Magdalen College, Oxford University

1980 LLB (First Class Honours), University of Queensland

1977 BEcon, University of Queensland

Awards

1985 Dr Morris Award (Oxford University).

1984 British Council Commonwealth Scholarship.

1981 University of Queensland Medal (Law).

Shane Doyle KC