His voice explained the toughest courtroom battles—now, it has fallen silent at 75

The corridors of Melbourne’s legal world fell silent this week, a stillness that spoke louder than any courtroom verdict.

A name long associated with justice, intellect, and integrity has left an empty chair in the city’s storied legal chambers.

David Galbally QC—hailed as ‘a shaper of opinion, thought and events’—passed away suddenly, leaving behind a legacy that stretched across nine decades.

The prominent barrister died on Saturday morning following what was meant to be a routine medical check-up, a moment that stunned colleagues and friends who had long admired his sharp wit and steadfast moral compass.

For many, his passing marked the end of an era in Melbourne’s criminal law circles.

A career built on high-stakes drama

Galbally’s career was defined by complexity, courage, and an unwavering pursuit of justice.

He represented some of Australia’s most notorious figures, including James Bazley—charged with the murder of Douglas and Isabelle Wilson and conspiracy to murder Donald McKay—Demiran, who faced charges over the bombing of the Turkish consulate in South Yarra, AFL player Alistair Lynch in the drug case, and Mexican banker Carlos Cabal.

What made his professional journey even more remarkable was his partnership with his father, appearing together in more than a dozen murder trials.

Theirs became a legendary father-son team within Melbourne’s criminal bar, symbolising the city’s deep-rooted legal tradition.

Carrying forward a family legacy

The Galbally name had been synonymous with the pursuit of justice since 1935, when John Galbally founded the family firm.

He was later joined by his brother Frank in 1948, and together they built a reputation grounded in fairness and social responsibility.

David’s father, John, also had a long and distinguished career in state politics, where he fought passionately against capital punishment and championed social reform.

Those values clearly shaped David’s own philosophy.

As one of Melbourne’s most respected legal figures, his influence stretched well beyond the courtroom, earning admiration from both peers and the broader community.

Beyond the courtroom

Galbally’s sharp legal mind wasn’t his only strength—his love for sport and communication brought him into the public eye in other ways.

He served as Chairman of the Melbourne Knights Soccer Club and sat on the board of the Collingwood Football Club, a role that blended his professional discipline with his personal passion.

His regular commentary on Seven News and radio programmes made him a trusted voice for Australians trying to make sense of complex legal stories.

He had a gift for explaining intricate matters in simple, relatable terms—an ability that made him invaluable to media outlets and audiences alike.

A courageous final chapter

In the final years of his life, Galbally faced challenges that tested his strength in new ways.

He had been living with early onset dementia and several other health issues, yet his family’s support never wavered.

His wife and four children remained by his side as he passed away, ensuring his final moments were filled with love and peace—just as he had lived, surrounded by family and purpose.

A devoted father and grandfather

In a heartfelt statement to Seven News, the Galbally family remembered David as ‘a devoted husband, father and grandfather to nine’.

It was a reminder that behind the public image stood a deeply loving man whose greatest pride was his family.

His lifelong devotion to the Collingwood Football Club was another thread that connected him with everyday Australians.

The family’s words reflected both sorrow and pride—sorrow for their loss, and pride in the legacy of integrity and compassion he left behind.

The end of an era

For nearly 90 years, the Galbally firm had stood by the principle of providing legal assistance to all who deserved it, regardless of financial means.

David embodied that mission every day of his career.

His passing signalled not only the loss of a brilliant barrister but also the close of a chapter in Melbourne’s legal history—a dynasty that shaped the city’s understanding of justice for generations.

Even as the community mourned, his influence continued through the firm, the cases he fought, and the ideals he upheld.

For a man once called a shaper of events, his greatest legacy may be the enduring pursuit of justice he inspired.

While the passing of a respected legal figure marks the end of a remarkable era, the world of law continues to confront new challenges and controversies.

From landmark trials to modern consumer disputes, the pursuit of justice remains a powerful thread connecting generations of legal stories.

One recent case highlights how questions of fairness and accountability are still being tested in today’s courts.

Read more: Alleged misleading practices spark large-scale lawsuit involving hundreds of customers

May his legacy remind future generations that justice is not merely a profession—it is a lifelong calling.