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Experience

Tim Connard is a specialist in commercial mediation with over two decades’ experience. He began his mediation career at the Federal Court of Australia in 2001 and now practises exclusively as a mediator.

Tim's approach is practical, principled, and highly attuned to the commercial and personal dynamics of each dispute. He is valued for his ability to put people at ease and create a calm, constructive environment for negotiations and is known for his patience and persistence.

Accreditation and recognition

Tim has been recognised as a Leading Mediator in Victoria by Doyle’s Guide every year since the list began. He holds advanced accreditation with both AMDRAS and the Victorian Bar, and has completed advanced mediation training at the Harvard Negotiation Institute’s Program on Negotiation and Bond University’s Dispute Resolution Centre.

In 2024, he was appointed a Distinguished Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators.

Career background

Tim's career has spanned private practice, in-house counsel roles, and judicial-adjacent functions. His prior roles include: Sessional Member, VCAT (2016-2020); Registrar, Federal Court of Australia (2001-2007); Senior Legal Counsel, ANZ Banking Group (1998-2001); Barrister (1994-1998; as well as 2007-present); Solicitor, private practice (1990-1994)

As a Federal Court Registrar, Tim conducted mediations in the Court's major jurisdictions -trade practices matters, intellectual property and company litigation, insolvency cases, human rights, workplace, and general commercial disputes. While at the Court, he also co-developed and delivered mediation skills training for judges and lawyers in the South Pacific, while mentoring new mediators and exercising delegated judicial powers.

At ANZ, Tim played a senior role in the bank's dispute resolution team, handling high-value and sensitive litigation, including frauds and other non-lending losses.

Areas of mediation

Tim mediates a wide spectrum of disputes, including commercial & corporate, banking & finance, professional negligence, workplace & employment, human rights & public law.

Testimonials

• · It was again a pleasure to work with you. Your expertise was key to reaching a settlement that the parties could live with. (Law firm partner)

I found your thorough understanding of the issues and your calm and measured testing of our client’s case most refreshing. (Law firm partner)

• · Thank you, Tim. Extraordinary efforts from you as usual. (Law firm partner)

You played a critical part in getting both sides to agree on an outcome, I felt you did this in a very down-to-earth and approachable way. Thank you for the way you engaged with me. (Mediation client)