Welcome to
RPN CHAMBERS
"Brand New Day" MFS
Working for governance through
'strong and secure sovereign nation states'
'stable and prosperous regions'
'a peaceful and diverse open rules-based multilateral international order and institutions'
'a healthy and sustainable planet'
For Public International Law
Rules, Principles and Norms
This Public International Law practice in Australia (NSW) is committed to the progressive development and sustainment of rules, principles and norms of international law to enhance the values of international order and human dignity within the interdependent global community of peoples.
Services offered include advice, opinions and representation on matters of general public international law.
Emphasis is placed on an interdisciplinary approach especially as regards relevant normative aspects of international relations
Australia's normative identity, roles and responsibilities as a middle power in the rules-based order of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region is a particular focus
Support to regional intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations is considered of special importance
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Public International law Practice Areas include:
-
General rules, principles and norms of public international law
-
Law of the Sea
-
Laws of armed conflict
-
International Humanitarian law
-
United Nations and Peace and Security
-
Maritime zones law enforcement and border protection
-
National defence and security
-
Rules- based order in the Indo- Asia-Pacific
-
Global compact for the safe, orderly and regular migration
RPN CHAMBERS - OUR CONVENER
Dr. Michael F. Smith AM
BARRISTER

BACKGROUND
Michael has practiced law in both the public and private sectors, and has extensive leadership and management experience in senior executive and administrative appointments . He holds undergraduate degrees from the University of Melbourne in Law and Arts(Economics and Politics) ; and post-graduate degrees from the University of Sydney,Master of Laws; and The London School of Economics and Political Science, Doctor of Philosophy. He holds the rank of Commodore in the Royal Australian Navy, and served as the Director General of the Defence Legal Service.
View Michael's full CV here.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS , PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS
-
The Tampa Controversy: A uniform legal perspective.
In Trials an Transformations The Howard Government Vol III (UNSW Press 2019) -
Australia and the Rules-based International Order - The Way Ahead
Presentation to the NSW Bar Association continuing professional development (Feb 2020) -
Role of Armed Forces in the Regulation of International Migration
Presentation to International Law Association, Slovenia Branch (2019) -
China Matters: A New China Narrative for Australia
(Submission April 2019) -
The Law of the Sea in the Asia Pacific Region
Centre for Military and Security Law Conference 2017
Closing Conference Address, ANU College of Law - United Services Institute ACT (Aug 2017) -
Visiting Fellow, Australian National University , College of Law 2014-16
Recent Posts
CONTACT
RPN CHAMBERS
Address: 14 Faithfull St. Gundaroo, NSW, Australia 2620
Email:
Tel: within Australia 0417 044 261
international +61 417 044 261
For any inquiries, please fill in the following contact form: