About the International Law Section
The International Law Section provides a focal point for lawyers and others interested in transnational and international law matters, trade and business practice, migration and human rights issues. Lawyers and others are able to discuss current issues and contribute to the development of international legal practice and policy. The Section’s Chapters provide an opportunity for Australian trained lawyers based overseas to meet, network and filter back issues of concern.
The International Law Section:
- Gives its members the opportunity to develop a network of professional contacts in their fields of practice.
- Provides access to the South Pacific Lawyers Association (SPLA).
- Provides a forum for debate on current issues and assists lawyers to develop and maintain their professional skills and knowledge, through a schedule of regular seminars, workshops and courses.
- Promotes mentoring opportunities for lawyers wishing to undertake a career in international law.
- Distributes a newsletter with information about current international issues, upcoming events around Australia, courses, jobs and internships.
- Through its international Chapters provides contacts and networking opportunities with Australian lawyers working overseas.
Section Executive
Dr Wolfgang Babeck, Chairperson
Dr Wolfgang Babeck has more than 20 years’ experience as a corporate and commercial lawyer and is admitted in New South Wales, England & Wales and as Rechtsanwalt in Germany. He acts on matters across a great range of industries (manufacturing and transport, infrastructure and energy, technology, FMCG and health) and has specific expertise on tenders, mergers & acquisitions and employment law as well as cross border disputes including arbitration. Wolfgang has published two books on comparative constitutional law, called Writing Constitutions.
Ms Anne O'Donoghue, Deputy Chairperson
Anne O'Donoghue is an esteemed immigration law specialist with over 30 years of experience. She serves as the director and principal lawyer of Immigration Solutions Lawyers in Australia. Anne has contributed significantly to the fields of human rights, immigration and public law. Anne is also a published author and she has received numerous awards and recognitions, such as the Migration Partner of the Year Award in 2019 and the Most Influential Lawyer of the Year (Human Rights) in 2021 and 2023.
Notably, she assisted Afghan Women Judges in securing Permanent Visas in 2022. Anne has been a member of the IBA for over 20 years and has been a speaker at many IBA Annual Conferences. She is a former Chair of the Immigration and Nationality Law Committee of the IBA and is currently Vice Chair Diversity and Inclusion of the Global Employment Institute of the IBA and is an active member of the Working Group of the IBA on Modern Slavery.
Dr Martyn Taylor, Treasurer
Dr Martyn Taylor is a corporate & commercial lawyer based in Sydney. He heads the telecommunications & media group, the international trade group, and the rail group in the Asia-Pacific. Martyn’s practice covers transactional, contentious and advisory. He is a well-known telecommunication, internet, media & technology (TMT), infrastructure, energy, competition & regulatory lawyer.
Executive Members
- Mr Fred Chilton
- Ms Linda De Rosa
- Ms Suzanne Howarth
- Dr Gordon Hughes AM
- Mr Damian Sturzaker
- Professor Markus Wagner