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