Obituary — P. David Drake

He was called directly to the Bar after completing an articled clerkship at Leo Cussen Institute. He read with Joseph Kaufman and signed the Bar Roll in 1978.

He had ten readers: Chris Carmody, Phillip Grano OAM, Stephen Howe, Philip Skehan, her Honour Helen Murphy, Mark Regan, David Gray, Mario Cenacchi, Amanda Hurst and Terry Strong.

David was a fearless criminal advocate who took on the tough cases with a steadfast determination to always uphold the golden thread of criminal law. Whilst he was  renowned as a quick-witted jury barrister, he was also a very good black letter lawyer. He was generous with his time to colleagues who regularly called on him for advice. He spent a short time as a coroner but returned to the Bar as he preferred the cut and thrust of jury trials.

He is survived by his wife Celestine and daughters of whom he was extremely proud: Ellen, a leading teacher at Coburg High School, and Eliza, a senior legal officer at the Australian Law Reform Commission. 

The family will hold a private service; however, it is anticipated that there will be a memorial service at the Bar to celebrate David’s life.

Deepest sympathies are extended to David’s family and friends.