international law

DHI22 v Qatar Airways Group QCSC (No 1) [2025] FCAFC

6 St James' Hall Counsel Dr Christopher Ward SC, Richard Reynolds and Stephanie Erian, instructed by Marque Lawyers, have successfully represented a group of women who were subjected to non-consensual examinations in Doha in 2020, whilst travelling to Australia on board a Qatar Airways Flight.

The Full Federal Court unanimously upheld the women’s appeal against an earlier decision that the proceedings be struck out on grounds that included consideration of the exclusivity provisions of the Montreal Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air.  The claims against Qatar Airways and the airport operator will now proceed to a final hearing before the Federal Court.

Separate proceedings against the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority were dismissed on grounds of foreign State immunity.

The matter has received significant press attention, including in the ABC and BBC.

Reasons for judgment can be found on the links below.

DHI22 v Qatar Airways Group QCSC (No 1) [2025] FCAFC 91

DHI22 v Qatar Airways Group QCSC (No 2) [2025] FCAFC 92

78th International Law Association Biennial Conference

6 St James Hall is very pleased to be a supporter of the 78th International Law Association Biennial Conference, to be held in Sydney from 19-24 August 2018.  

Dr Christopher Ward SC, as President of the host branch of the International Law Association, heads the conference organization and will address the Conference, and barrister Sandrine Alexandre-Hughes will also speak on private international law.  

The Conference is a major international event, and will be opened by the Foreign Minister, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, and will also be addressed by the Chief Justices of the High Court, Federal Court, Family Court and New South Wales Supreme Court, as well as the Right Honorable Lord Mance of the United Kingdom Supreme Court.

For any inquiries or registrations, please see the Conference website, www.ila2018.org.au, or contact Dr Ward SC directly at cward@stjames.net.au

HCCH 125 – Ways Forward: Challenges and Opportunities in an Increasingly Connected World

Dr Christopher Ward SC recently spoke in Hong Kong at a major international conference conducted by the Hague Conference on Private International Law. The full conference proceedings is available on the HCCH 125 website. Dr Ward’s session is also available on YouTube. 

Sessions discussed all major topics of private international law and commercial law, including the recognition of judgments, choice of law, and the current work of the Hague Conference. 

The barristers of 6 St James’ Hall have a depth of experience in major private international law matters.  Recent and current significant cases include multinational employment disputes, cross border pharmaceutical and manufacturing disputes, foreign law disputes in aviation matters including the freight cartel class action and the establishment of foreign subsidiaries for listed Australian airlines.

Counsel News: Chambers welcomes Dr Christopher Ward

6 St James' Hall Chambers welcomes to chambers international law specialist Dr Christopher Ward. Dr Ward is a recognised expert in the field of international law (public and private). He is President of the International Law Association (Australian Branch) and Adjunct Professor of International Law at the Australian National University where he conducts research, teaching and international advocacy. In his spare time he is the Chairman of the Canberra Racing Club Inc.

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