David Hugo

David Hugo is the Managing Director of Chord Advisory, bringing extensive expertise in projects, construction, and infrastructure law to the forefront of his practice. With a career spanning over two decades, David collaborates with private sector clients and governmental bodies across various Australian and international jurisdictions. His illustrious career began at Herbert Smith Freehills, where he dedicated 25 years and served as a partner for 14 years. He notably led the Projects, Energy and Infrastructure section in Perth for three years before founding Chord Advisory. David's international experience includes a significant tenure in the United Kingdom, where he focused on PPP/PFI, energy, and construction projects. His professional excellence is consistently recognised in the AFR Best Lawyers list and Doyle's Guide, particularly in Construction/Infrastructure, Real Estate, Mining, Government Practice, and Health Care sectors. Among his accolades, David has been honoured as the Australasian Lawyers' Weekly Partner of the Year in Construction and Infrastructure, AFR Best Lawyers Health & Aged Care Lawyer of the Year, and Property Lawyer of the Year. He also led a legal team that achieved the Infrastructure Partnerships Australia Advisory Excellence award. David's foundational experience includes roles as a Senior Associate at Taylor Wessing in London and In-house Counsel at EDF Energy, focusing on infrastructure/construction contracts and general commercial matters. Beginning his career as a solicitor at both Herbert Smith Freehills and Macdonald Rudder in Perth, David's legal foundations were built on solid practice in project finance and commercial law. David holds a Bachelor of Laws from Murdoch University and is an active member of the Society of Construction Lawyers Australia and the WA Law Society. He is admitted to practise law in the United Kingdom, further enhancing his global legal perspective.