David O’Brien completed his tertiary studies at Monash University and his articles at Garland Hawthorn Brahe in Melbourne in 1995. He was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor in the Supreme Court of Victoria on 6 May 1996. As a solicitor David worked at Garland Hawthorn Brahe, Gadens Lawyers and King & Wood Mallesons.
David signed the bar roll in May 2000 and read with Christopher Wren QC. His main areas of practice include land valuation and compensation, equity, property, planning and environment law as well as general commercial litigation and personal injuries, particular in relation to victims of institutional child abuse. He has appeared in the High Court, Supreme Court, County and Magistrates’ Courts, VCAT and other forums including Roplanning panels and inquiries.
From November 2010 until November 2014 David represented Western Victoria in the Legislative Council of Victoria.
In 2017 David was one of four barristers to establish the first barristers chambers outside of Melbourne with the commencement of Walsh Chambers Geelong.