John Karkar KC

Barrister | Mediator
Bar Roll: 18 May 1978
Admitted: 3 March 1975

John Karkar KC is a leading barrister and dispute resolution specialist, recognised in Australia’s Best Lawyers, advising, mediating, and arbitrating high-stakes commercial matters nationally and internationally.

About John

John Karkar KC is a highly respected barrister and dispute resolution specialist, recognised in Australia’s Best Lawyers (2008–2025) in the categories of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Litigation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

With decades of experience in high-stakes commercial and corporate matters, John now focuses on providing advice on trial and appeals, as well as adjudicating through ADR, helping parties resolve disputes efficiently through mediation and arbitration — both in Australia and in selected international jurisdictions.

Whether as mediator, arbitrator, or adviser, John brings the authority of a seasoned silk together with the strategic insight required for complex negotiations. His approach blends deep commercial law knowledge and experience with a pragmatic, results-focused style, making him a trusted choice for resolving sensitive, high-value disputes without the cost, exposure and uncertainty of prolonged litigation.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation. The information referred to above has been supplied by the barrister concerned. Neither Victorian Bar Inc nor the barrister's clerk have independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information and neither accepts any responsibility in that regard.

Areas of Practice
Alternative Dispute ResolutionBanking and FinanceCompetition and Consumer LawEquityInsurance and Professional NegligenceMiningProfessional NegligencePublic AdministrativeSecurities and InvestmentsTransport Law: Admiralty or Aviation or MaritimeWills and Probate
Jurisdiction
All Australian States and Jurisdictions
To enquire about this barrister’s availability, suitability, or fees, please contact our our experienced Barristers' Clerks using the details below.

Anna Svenson

Director & Principal Clerk


Kristie Sullivan

Barristers’ Clerk

Susan Wilkes

Accounts & Barristers' Clerk

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation. The information referred to above has been supplied by the barrister concerned. Neither Victorian Bar Inc nor the barrister’s clerk have independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information and neither accepts any responsibility in that regard.

John Karkar KC

John Karkar KC is a leading barrister and dispute resolution specialist, recognised in Australia’s Best Lawyers, advising, mediating, and arbitrating high-stakes commercial matters nationally and internationally.

Bar Roll: 18 May 1978 Admitted: 3 March 1975 Silk: 28 November 1989
Member of Professional Standards Scheme Mediator

John Karkar KC is a highly respected barrister and dispute resolution specialist, recognised in Australia’s Best Lawyers (2008–2025) in the categories of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Litigation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

With decades of experience in high-stakes commercial and corporate matters, John now focuses on providing advice on trial and appeals, as well as adjudicating through ADR, helping parties resolve disputes efficiently through mediation and arbitration — both in Australia and in selected international jurisdictions.

Whether as mediator, arbitrator, or adviser, John brings the authority of a seasoned silk together with the strategic insight required for complex negotiations. His approach blends deep commercial law knowledge and experience with a pragmatic, results-focused style, making him a trusted choice for resolving sensitive, high-value disputes without the cost, exposure and uncertainty of prolonged litigation.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation. The information referred to above has been supplied by the barrister concerned. Neither Victorian Bar Inc nor the barrister's clerk have independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information and neither accepts any responsibility in that regard.

Areas of Practice: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Banking and Finance, Competition and Consumer Law, Equity, Insurance and Professional Negligence, Mining, Professional Negligence, Public Administrative, Securities and Investments, Transport Law: Admiralty or Aviation or Maritime, Wills and Probate
Jurisdiction: All Australian States and Jurisdictions
Counsel: KC/SC, Mediator

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