John Dever

Barristers' Clerk

A.J. Dever Pty. Ltd. - ABN 39 006 767 997 - ACN 006 767 997

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Owen Dixon Chambers 205 William Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3000 Phone: 9225 7999 Fax: 9225 7728 Mobile: John Dever 041 608 7999 Mobile: Phil Dever 040 225 7999 General Email: Ausdoc DX 96 Melbourne

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History of Dever's List

Frank Druce	Arthur Nicholls	Percy Dever	John Dever

Theophilos Druce began operation as a Clerk for this List in 1860. He was born in Liverpool, England, in 1841 and migrated to Australia in 1852. He lived at Emerald Hill and as a very young man established his business at Temple Court. Druce later moved his business into Michies Building, which for some time was the main home of the Bar. Theophilos Druce and most of his List moved to Selborne Chambers shortly after its completion in 1881. In 1892 Theophilos Druce was joined by his son Frank who took over as the Clerk in 1911 upon his father passing away.

Arthur Nicholls joined Frank Druce after the 1914-18 War. After serving in the Navy during World War II Percy Dever came to work for Arthur Nicholls in March 1946; an offer made whilst Percy was employed as a Law Clerk with Blake & Riggall. Arthur Nicholls took Percy into partnership in 1953, with Arthur Nicholls retiring from the practice in 1964. Percy Dever acted as the Clerk until he passed away in 1985, a span of 39 years.

John Dever began work as a junior clerk in 1973 and to this day strives to be known as a clerk to be trusted in relation to advice given re counsel, their particular expertise and availability.

The contents of the entries in this directory are the responsibility of the barristers concerned. A.J. Dever Pty Ltd cannot accept any legal responsibility for the contents of the entries.

If there is any doubt about the suitability of a particular barrister, contact should be made with that barrister and/or the clerk.

Barristers’ Clerk

A Barristers’ Clerk is responsible for administering all aspects of a List of Barristers, mostly advising Solicitors regarding appropriate Counsel, availability and fee structures. The office staff also look after the distribution of briefs to Barristers, make appointments, handle phone calls, faxes and mail, manage the accounts and deal with enquiries.

Remuneration for a Barristers’ Clerk is arranged by the List Committee. A Clerk may receive a salary, and commission, or be self-employed. If self-employed, the Clerk would charge Clerks fees based on a percentage of the Barristers' earnings, usually four or five percent.

Introduction

The Dever List is the oldest List of Barristers at the Victorian Bar having started operation in 1855. Foley’s and Muir’s (now Meldrum's) Lists began operation very shortly thereafter, others beginning in the years following. In the last 25 years the number of Clerks has increased from six to 12 with the number of Barristers increasing from about 450 to 1,360 odd in 2000.

Finding the right Barrister for a particular brief can be a time-consuming task. Searching for someone who is appropriate to handle the case, getting in touch with them, making sure they are available on the day of the hearing are all questions to which a Clerk can provide answers promptly and efficiently.

Finding the Most Suitable Barrister for the Brief

A Clerk can provide a list of suitable Barristers. In making recommendations, if required, a Clerk will consider the barrister's expertise, performance, fees and personality.

Even if the Barrister has already been chosen, it is sensible to contact the Clerk regarding availability, costs etc.

As a further benefit, Clerks are able to put you in touch with new "prospects"; talented Barristers who are not as yet widely known.

Prompt Information on Barristers’ Availability

The Clerk’s Office can inform you regarding the movements of any Barrister on the List, take messages or locate and notify the Barrister in urgent situations.

A computerised diary system has bookings well ahead of time. Within seconds, a Clerk can provide information regarding availability on a particular date and, if appropriate, immediately enter your brief into the diary. This can save you an enormous amount of time and frustration and can help minimise "doubling up" problems that sometimes occur.

Minimising Costs for the Client

While many large firms have their own "preferred List of Barristers", there may be other Barristers who may also be suitable. A Clerk can provide you with this information.

Wherever possible, a Clerk will negotiate the Barrister’s fees before the brief is delivered. Ensuring the brief comes with the fee already marked helps avoid misunderstandings at a later stage.

Administrative Support

The Clerk’s Office is also the Barristers’ Office processing phone calls, faxes and mail for the Barristers, handling incoming and outgoing briefs and the transfer of briefs from one Barrister to another when required. In addition, processing all the Barristers’ accounts, providing banking and arranging regular print-outs of outstanding fees to Solicitors.

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