David’s reward is giving back to others

DR DAVID Denton RFD KC can now add an AM award to his list of accomplishments after being recognised for his significant service to the law.  

The relatively recent Koonwarra resident has had a long career in law, practicing as a barrister since the early 1980s.  

However, Dr Denton is most proud of his efforts giving back to those needing a hand getting into the legal profession, serving as an adjunct professor (unpaid) at Victoria University’s law school for more than two decades. 

Dr Denton was also instrumental in establishing the law school at the university, which has gone from strength to strength giving students a second chance in law who may have not been accepted into Group of 8 universities.  

“My family and I are thrilled with this unexpected recognition of my life's work in the law. I have loved my entire career, first, as a junior barrister and then, as a Queen's Counsel and now as a King's Counsel,” he said. 

“Our relocation from the city to our farm in Koonwarra a number of years ago has been such a wonderful and worthwhile experience. I am very happy to be able to share this award with my family and friends in the district." 

Dr Denton’s career has predominately been in commercial law and he has been heavily involved with the Commercial Bar Association of Victoria, in which he served as president and was a founding member.  
“I served on what seems like many, many committees but my principal interest has been to try to give back,” he said. 

Before moving to Koonwarra, Dr Denton and his wife, Picha, had a property in Cape Paterson. 
“We just wanted a little bit more land and ended up buying this beautiful farm on a hill in Koonwarra,” he said. 

“That was about seven years ago and with COVID, we stayed for the first couple of weeks, and then thought why would we go back (to Melbourne). 

“Not having any farming background, I have been overwhelmed by all of the help I’ve been given by my neighbours and friends in the district. 

“It’s been the best move to get out of the city.” 

While still practicing law, Dr Denton continues to support the university’s law school to make sure it maintains its independence and continues to receive adequate funding. 

A brief history of Dr Denton’s involvement with the Victorian Bar includes: 
•    King's Counsel, since 2001. 
•    Victorian Bar Representative and Adjunct Professor, Programs Advisory Committee, School of Laws, College of Law and Justice, Victoria University, since 2004. 
•    Member, Corporations and Commercial Court Users' Group, Supreme Court of Victoria, 2010-2014. 
•    Member, Commercial List Users' Group, Supreme Court of Victoria, 2003-2010. 
•    Committee Member, Bar Library, 1987-1989.