Barristers

David Hughes SC

David Hughes SCDavid Hughes SC
Overview

David is regularly briefed in complex commercial and corporate disputes in the Supreme Court and Federal Court.  David also appears regularly in the Federal Court in judicial review applications of administrative decisions.

As an author of the leading work The Interpretation of Contracts in Australia (now in its second edition) David is often consulted on difficult or financially significant questions of contract law.

David also has expertise in private international law, and he is a former legal officer for the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.

Best Lawyers has recognised David in the Best Lawyers 2026 guide for Construction / Infrastructure Law.

Doyles Guide includes David in the Leading construction and infrastructure junior counsel list for New South Wales 2025.

David has been ranked as Band 2 Leading Silk in the Legal 500 - Asia Pacific Construction, Infrastructure & Property 2026.

Perspective

'Excellent to work with and knowledgeable with great judgment.'

Legal500 Asia Pacific Guide 2026
Admissions and Appointments
  • Appointed as Senior Counsel: 2025
  • Admitted to the Bar: 2010
  • Admitted as a Legal Practitioner: 2006
Qualifications
  • University of Oxford Law School BCL (with distinction): 2007 - 2008
  • University of New South Wales LLB, BSc (Pure Mathematics, First Class Honours): 1998 - 2004
Practice Areas
Administrative
Arbitration
Bankruptcy & Insolvency
Building & Construction
Commercial Law
Competition & Consumer Law
Conflict of Laws
Corporations Law
Equity & Trusts
Insurance & Re-Insurance
International Law
Migration
Representative Proceedings