Andrew Hilditch

Andrew Hilditch is a principal in our Insurance and Health team and is based in the Adelaide office.

‘I have an unusual career background in that I completed my law degree at the University of Sydney while playing cricket for New South Wales. This is something that wouldn’t be possible today, with professional athletes having to make some tough decisions very early in their careers. In my case, I loved playing cricket, but I had always wanted to be a lawyer.

‘During those early days, I was also lucky in that I worked in firms where I gained experience in doing both insurance and commercial work, while also being able to play cricket. When I played for Australia, which required frequent travel, I took some time away from the law. By the mid-1980s, I decided to focus on insurance law. Insurance has always interested me because, once issues on indemnity are reserved, it becomes commercial litigation, which has emerged in the context of an insurance policy. Over the years, I’ve worked in most areas of insurance litigation and I’m very grateful to have gained such broad experience.’

Andrew has expertise in:

• Personal injury
• Financial lines
• Directors’ and officers’ liability
• Property damage
• Business interruption
• Construction claims.

‘Predominantly, I work for London insurers and act for them in all Australian jurisdictions. I think clients like working with me because I provide very prompt and clear advice. I avoid being overly legalistic. Instead, I focus on coming up with solutions to my clients’ problems, which is something they tell me they appreciate. Claims managers are very experienced and busy. They’re sophisticated clients who are also often lawyers, and they know whether you’re on point or not. The secret to the success of my practice is providing an excellent service in a timely fashion. I really enjoy receiving a new file. Every new scenario is intriguing, because each one is different.’

As the legal profession is fused in South Australia, Andrew has experience of representing clients in court, which has enabled him to develop strong advocacy skills.

‘The thing that excites me most about Barry Nilsson is the quality of the people. We have a team of exceptional lawyers. Although we are a national practice, Barry Nilsson isn’t made up of distinct practices that have nothing in common. The culture is central to the firm, which is built around a unified vision. That culture permeates each office in a really nice way. We’re a down-to-earth and friendly firm, which our clients appreciate.’

Andrew has been recognised as a Preeminent Professional Indemnity Lawyer in the 2019-2023 editions of Doyle's Guide and has been recognised for Public & Product Liability in the 2016-2019 editions. Andrew has also been recognised in Best Lawyers for Insurance Law since 2018.