Background
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Laws (UNSW) 2008, First Class Honours and University Medal for Law
Hernan Pintos-Lopez is a Sydney-based barrister whose broad practice builds on his career in government and public life. Hernan represents clients in a range of areas including: class actions; commercial and corporate litigation; negligence; building and construction; bushfire litigation; equity; family law and royal commissions, inquiries and coronial inquests.
Before becoming a lawyer, Hernan worked for nearly fifteen years in the government, business and community sectors. He has been employed at the highest levels of government, including as Chief of Staff to a senior NSW Cabinet Minister and as an adviser to the Commonwealth Attorney-General and the Minister for Justice. Hernan has also worked as a policy adviser in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and as a consultant speechwriter for the CEO of Optus.
Hernan has appeared in courts and tribunals on behalf of major national and international corporations, government departments and individuals. As a solicitor with King & Wood Mallesons from 2009 to 2012, Hernan acted in several international commercial arbitrations, including in Hong Kong and London. He also acted for White Industries Australia Limited in its successful claim against the Republic of India, an important case in international investment treaty arbitration.
Hernan works closely and collaboratively with solicitors to prepare matters for hearing. He can quickly master complex legal, factual and technical matters and engage in detail with experts across a wide range of disciplines.
Hernan regularly presents on a range of legal topics, including class actions, bushfire litigation, coronial inquests and inquiries, and contract law.
Specialisations
- Class actions
- Commercial and corporate litigation
- Negligence
- Building and construction
- Bushfire litigation
- Equity
- Family Law
- Royal commissions, inquests and inquiries
Professional Recognition
- UNSW University Medal for Law 2008
Hernan's Notable Cases
Karpik v Carnival plc (The Ruby Princess) (Initial Trial) [2023] FCA 1280.
Woodhouse v Fitzgerald [2021] NSWCA 54.
White Industries Australia Limited v The Republic of India. Hernan acted for an Australian investor in a successful claim brought under the Australia-India bilateral investment treaty. The arbitration was conducted using the UNCITRAL rules.
Raymond Boutros Azizi v Council of the City of Ryde [2020] NSWLEC 180.
Col Crawford Pty Ltd v Nissan Motor Co (Australia) Pty Ltd [2020] NSWSC 87.
ET-China.com International Holdings Ltd v Cheung [2019] NSWSC 1874.
Coronial Inquiry into the Fire at Reedy Swamp (Tathra Bushfire 2018).
Independent Commission Against Corruption Public Inquiry – Operation Keppel.
Creary v Essential Energy.
Eades v Endeavour Energy.
Enquiries
We accept briefs in all areas of commercial practice and in our barristers’ other areas of practice. For further information or advice on our barristers and their availability, fees and areas of practice please contact our Clerk of Chambers.
