DAVID AMENTAS

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Email damentas@leeandlyons.com.au
Admission Date 16 July 1999

Professional Experience

David commenced working in 1996 and was admitted as a solicitor in 1999. David initially practiced in statutory lines and then moved to specialize in public liability claims involving personal injury and property damage, and pursuing large recovery actions against negligent third parties. For the past 6 years David has practiced exclusively in professional indemnity and liability claims.

Examples of his experience includes:

Professional Indemnity

Defending solicitors in proceedings arising out of:

  • Failed development applications and subsequent unsuccessful proceedings in the Land and Environment Court and the Supreme Court Administrative Appeals Tribunal;
  • Personal injury matters including workers compensation and public liability.
  • Family law asset allocations;
  • Commercial leases and successfully pursuing rectification proceedings.

Advising on coverage issues with respect to policies issued to private lenders involving mortgage indemnity insurance, arising from the collapse of a large financial institution, whereby possible claims against third parties must be investigated and advised on.

  • Defence of a stock trader with regard to the negligent and possibly fraudulent investment of shares.
  • Representation of stock brokers in ASIC investigations regarding insider trading.
  • Management liability advice with regard to various allegations made against solicitors.
  • Defence of and indemnity advice regarding proceedings instituted against real estate agents.
  • Defence of and indemnity advice with regard to proceedings instituted against insurance brokers.

Liability

Acting on behalf of various companies (including individual home owners, tradesmen, and non profit nursing homes) in and regarding coronial inquests;

  • Defence of occupier claims in relation to personal injury occurring on building sites, shopping centres, and household premises. These matters commonly involve contractual indemnities and policy disputes,
  • Defence of product liability claims;

David has appeared in the Federal, Supreme, District and Local Courts. David has presented papers and seminars on various issues.

Professional memberships

  • Law Society of NSW
  • Australian Insurance Law Association
  • Australian Professional Indemnity Group