Our Mission
Working with you to meet your administrative law, veteran’s law, offshore legal and ethical obligations including Human Rights Law
and the Law of Armed Conflict using a principled, pragmatic and holistic approach.
As your chosen legal adviser and advocate we are committed to advancing your interests.
We provide maximal value in a world of competition and conflict, challenge and ambiguity.
We can assist you to define the issues and make clear necessary responses.
We can assist you through the delivery of services as an ongoing, standing resource, such as through a retainer or through as-required advising.
Principal
David Mason is the Principal of Hawkwood Legal.
David represents and advises clients, including international organisations and business with
a particular focus off-shore Australia. He has specific experience across the defence and
security sectors.
He has particular expertise in resolving issues arising from:
- The Laws of War, international human rights law, including reporting requirements.
- Immunities under international law.
- Anti-corruption laws and sanctions.
- UNCLOS and the laws of the sea.
Prior to establishing Hawkwood Legal, David worked as a government lawyer and for a decade, was Counsel, International Law in the Department of Defence. He provided focussed advice to senior officials and Ministers on international law issues, particularly around the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. David drafted the first and only Australian Manual on the Laws of War. He was also, from 2013 to 2016, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Hon David Johnston, Minister for Defence and later, National Security Adviser to the Hon George Brandis QC, Attorney-General of Australia. David is the only person to have served on operations as a French Foreign Legionnaire, Private Contractor, Australian Defence Civilian and as an Australian Defence Force Officer.
David has degrees from the Australian National University in Law and Arts (Hons) and a Master of Laws (Merit), from the University of New South Wales a Master of Defence Studies and from Melbourne University, a Graduate Diploma in Military Law (Merit). David is an Admitted practitioner in the Australian Capital Territory and a Barrister of the High Court of Australia.