professional profile

William Lye OAM KC is one of His Majesty's Counsel with over 36 years of expertise spanning commercial law, international arbitration, and technology disputes.

William is a strategic legal advisor with interdisciplinary strengths in law, technology, and business innovation, he bridges complex legal challenges with culturally attuned, forward-thinking solutions.

William is admitted to practice in all Australian jurisdictions and is strategically positioned to handle complex domestic and international matters requiring interdisciplinary expertise, cultural fluency, and innovative thinking.

Practice Areas

William's practice uniquely integrates technical expertise with strategic vision in:

  • Cross-Border & International Disputes: Leveraging cultural fluency and international networks across Asia-Pacific

  • Technology & Digital Law: Domain name arbitrations, fintech disputes, AI regulation, and cybersecurity

  • Commercial & Corporate Matters: High-value contractual disputes, property law, and corporate governance

  • Intellectual Property: Trademark, copyright, and digital IP protection

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution: As a Victorian Bar Advanced Mediator, Nationally Accredited Mediator, and Expert Determiner

International Arbitration & Mediation

With a distinguished reputation in ADR, William serves as:

  • Panel Arbitrator, Shanghai International Arbitration Center (SHIAC) specialising in Technology, Manufacturing, and Cross-border Disputes

  • Panel Arbitrator, Czech Arbitration Court for UDRP domain name disputes

  • Panel Arbitrator, Arbitration Association of Brunei Darussalam

  • Panel Mediator, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)

  • External Mediator, Magistrates' Court of Victoria

Strategic Advantage

William brings a rare integration of analytical rigour and creative problem-solving to each matter:

  • Cultural Intelligence: As the first Malaysian-born Chinese appointed Senior Counsel in Australia, he navigates cross-cultural complexities with authentic understanding

  • Technological Fluency: Combining formal computer science education (BSc) with experience in tech-driven disputes

  • Interdisciplinary Approach: Applies entrepreneurial frameworks (MEI) to develop innovative legal strategies

  • Global Perspective: Extensive international networks

Leadership & Recognition

  • Order of Australia Medal for service to law, business, and cultural diversity

  • Chairman, Foley's List (300+ barristers across 141 practice areas)

  • Deputy National Chairman, The Order of Australia Association Limited

  • Founder, Asian Australian Lawyers Association

  • Adjunct Professor, Monash University and Swinburne University

Download William’s professional brochure:

William Lye, OAM KC
Barrister at Law