Deakin's International Commercial Arbitration Moot comes to life thanks to the contributions of alumni like Dr Matthew Secomb and shows the career possibilities awaiting our graduates.
When Dr Matthew Secomb first walked through the doors of Deakin Law School in 1996 as a student, he couldn’t have known that almost three decades later, he’d one day return as one of the world’s leading international arbitration lawyers.
Now Partner and Head of International Arbitration (Asia-Pacific) at White & Case in Singapore, Dr Secomb’s career has taken him across continents and into the heart of global dispute resolution. Yet in September, he came home serving as a presiding arbitrator for the 2025 Deakin International Commercial Arbitration (ICA) Moot, a competition that drew 41 teams from 38 universities and 18 countries.
For over a hundred students who participated online, his presence was a powerful reminder of where a Law degree can lead to and how alumni can meaningfully give back to the next generation.
“Having someone like Dr Secomb return to share his experience is incredibly inspiring,” said Associate Professor Lisa Spagnolo, who coached one of Deakin’s competing teams, which reached the elimination rounds. “It shows our students that the path from the classroom to global practice is real and achievable.”
Deakin Students Excel on the Global Stage
Representing Deakin on the international stage, two teams showcased exceptional preparation, professionalism and advocacy throughout the competition. The teams were coached by Rebecca Tisdale and Associate Professor Spagnolo. The students demonstrated not only strong technical understanding but also collaboration and composure under pressure — qualities central to successful arbitration practice.
“Our students rose to the challenge,” Associate Professor Spagnolo said. “They represented Deakin with confidence and integrity, and their success is a testament to the strength of our advocacy training.”
A Global Moot with Local Impact
The 2025 Moot, with Deakin Law School international arbitration expert Dr Shu Zhang as academic lead, and sponsored by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Australia) and The College of Law, with support from the Australian Centre for International
Commercial Arbitration (ACICA) and Africa in the Moot, has become a cornerstone of international engagement.
Alongside Dr Secomb, the distinguished tribunal for the grand final were Professor Susan-Gale Wintermuth, an expert in private international law with teaching appointments across Asia and Europe, and Mr Martin Scott KC, a leading Australian barrister renowned for his commercial and maritime arbitration expertise. Together, they embodied the global outlook and professional excellence the Deakin ICA Moot seeks to instil in participants.
Giving Back
Dr Secomb’s own journey exemplifies that ethos. Before joining White & Case in 2006, he served as counsel to the ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris, where he oversaw hundreds of complex cases spanning diverse industries. He now acts as both counsel and arbitrator under major institutional rules and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR (2024–2027).
“I am proud to have returned to Deakin in this role,” Dr Secomb said. “The Moot reflects the kind of legal education that matters – one that builds advocacy skills, teamwork and global awareness. It’s exactly what the profession needs, and what I got from Deakin Law, all those years ago.”
His involvement also opens a broader conversation about community. As Deakin Law continues to grow its global network of alumni, opportunities for mentorship and industry collaboration are expanding, and graduates like Dr Secomb are showing the impact of staying connected.
“Deakin Law has produced an incredible community of professionals working across the world,” Associate Professor Spagnolo added. “When alumni give back through mentoring, judging, or simply sharing their stories, it makes a lasting difference.”
If you are a Deakin Law School alumnus or a member of the legal profession who would like to support Deakin Law School’s mooting program, please email our Moot Director at dom-dls@deakin.edu.au to express your interest.