Mark Johnston KC

Mark Johnston KC has a specialist commercial law practice with respect to large and complex litigation.  In addition to acting as counsel in cases, Mark also accepts briefs as an arbitrator, an expert for expert determinations, as a referee and as a mediator.  

Mark has appeared as counsel leading claims and work streams in many high-end arbitrations, including with respect to INPEX’s Ichthys LNG Project, Chevron’s Gorgon LNG Project, the Roy Hill Iron Ore Project, the QGC LNG Project, export terminals, the Tan Burrup Ammonium Nitrate Project, multiple wind farm projects in Asia, renewable energy projects, airport construction projects, hospitals, and other resource and infrastructure projects. He has appeared as a leading counsel in many arbitrations in London, Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, and worked as counsel on international arbitrations in Dubai, Spain and in the UK.  

Mark has appeared in many complicated commercial proceedings in Courts including with respect to petroleum royalties, the BHP Mitsubishi Coal Project, the Abbot Point Export Terminal, litigation with respect to Sale and Purchase Agreements for petroleum permits and interests concerning the APLNG project, rights and obligations under numerous Texan Operating Agreements, the Wiggins Island Coal Terminal, the Carmichael Coal Project, the GLNG Project, wind farm and renewable energy projects, rail projects and with respect to various other large-scale infrastructure and resource projects, in addition to various proceedings for insurance claims and claims with respect to developments.  

Mark has also appeared as counsel assisting and counsel representing in significant royal commissions and statutory commissions of inquiry.  

Mark was awarded dux and the University Medal in Law for the Bachelor of Laws after achieving a grade point average of 6.88 out of 7. He also holds a Masters in Law (Commercial Law) (ANU), a Masters in International Relations (Qld), a Bachelor of Arts (Management) (NSW) and a Diploma in Chinese (Mandarin). Mark was awarded the James Archibald Douglas Prize for the Bar advocacy course. He is a graduate of the Royal Military College (Duntroon), the Australian Defence Force Academy, and St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace.  

Before being called to the independent Bar, Mark worked as a lawyer for the Commonwealth Government and for a top-tier international law firm. He was appointed a Special Adviser to the United Nations in East Timor, and received a United Nations’ Commendation for outstanding performance. Mark also had the unique opportunity to participate in the inaugural Government-sponsored instructor exchange in China which saw him live and work in China. Mark has been awarded the Australian Active Service Medal and a United Nations Medal.  

Mark Johnston KC has permanent chambers in Singapore and in Australia at North Quarter Lane Chambers (see: www.northquarterlanechambers.com.au).  

‍