David P Rofe

David joined Niagara Lane Chambers in 2024, where he feels at home with other criminal defence barristers who are passionate about defending the rights of the individual against prosecutions brought in the name of the Crown.

He appears in trials, appeals, and inquiries. He has a varied practice, encompassing criminal defence and quasi-criminal proceedings. He practices in Victoria and interstate.

Prior to the Bar, David began practising as a solicitor in civil litigation and criminal law in Sydney. He then joined a large criminal defence firm in NSW, finishing there as a managing solicitor. In January 2020, he moved to Melbourne and practised as the in-house counsel at a boutique criminal defence firm, where he appeared unled in trials. He also appeared as junior counsel in the Court of Appeal. Lastly, David practised as a Public Defender in Melbourne, where he appeared unled in trials and provided appellate advice.

He obtained his Accredited Specialisation in Criminal Law from the Law Institute of Victoria in 2020. In addition to this, he is a member of the Australian & New Zealand Forensic Science Society (Vic Branch).

Outside of the law, David supports the Melbourne United basketball team, listens to 1950s and 60s jazz, and learns Italian.

David can be contacted via the clerking team at Chapman’s List.

(03) 9225 7666