Ben is the Principal Mediator at Mediate Australia. Admitted in 1993 as a solicitor of the Queensland Supreme Court and the High Court of Australia, he has practised almost exclusively throughout his 28 year legal career in commercial litigation, complex dispute resolution, mediation, regulatory compliance, risk management, and corporate and personal insolvency.

Ben is a Nationally Accredited Mediator, having completed the QUT NMAS Assessment in March 2018. He has extensive negotiation, mediation and alternative dispute resolution training and experience. In June 2017, he completed the prestigious Harvard Law School Negotiation Institute’s “Negotiation and Mediation Course” at Harvard University to enhance his specialist mediation and dispute resolution skills.

Ben has been consistently recognised as one of the ‘Best Lawyers in Australia’ (2018-2022) for his expertise and ongoing dedication to the legal industry, in the specialisations of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Commercial Litigation.

He is a strong proponent of early intervention and mediation of business and commercial disputes and has completed post-graduate training in commercial law, mediation and negotiation.

Ben believes facilitated, sensible and thoughtful mediation is critical to survival in the looming difficult and turbulent economic and social landscape Australia faces due to the international pandemic, and challenging post-pandemic business and commercial environment. This coupled with increased regulatory and governance business environment and the complexity and pace of life, makes efficient business-related dispute resolution more imperative than it ever has been.

He is a Consultant and Leader of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team at Plastiras Lawyers, Brisbane. Prior to joining Plastiras Lawyers, Ben was a Partner in the Commercial Disputes and Trade Practices team at international law firm DLA Phillips Fox (now DLA Piper) for 6 years. He also has in-house consultancy roles.