David Hampton

David Hampton has built his career on helping people navigate some of the most challenging moments in their professional and personal lives. What began as a drive to help others, inspired by his family’s experiences in the trades, has grown into a career representing clients across employment law, contested estates, and commercial litigation at both state and federal levels.

David regularly appears before the Fair Work Commission, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and the Human Rights Commission. His work spans employment disputes, internal investigations, contract enforcement, bullying and sexual harassment claims, enterprise agreements, and wage matters. Beyond employment law, he acts in contested estates and complex commercial disputes, including debt recovery proceedings in the Supreme Court and Federal Court.

For David, the heart of his work lies in understanding people, their livelihoods, their challenges, and their goals.

“A person’s work is deeply tied to their sense of stability. When that’s under threat, it can be incredibly stressful. My role is to bring calm, clarity, and fairness to the process, one step at a time.”

Memorable Moments

One of the defining moments in David’s career came with a high-profile matter that moved at a relentless pace, a case that tested his resolve and reaffirmed his ability to perform at the highest level. He has since appeared in more Supreme Court matters than he can count, represented clients in the Federal Circuit and Family Court for employment disputes, and handled complex debt cases in the Federal Court.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some truly brilliant barristers. Those experiences, big and small, have shaped the lawyer I am today.”

A Practical, People-Focused Approach

Clients often describe David as honest, supportive, and easy to understand. He believes in direct, plain-language communication and values genuine conversations with his clients.

“I always like to call and talk things through. It helps us stay aligned on what we’re trying to achieve and how we’ll get there.”

Each day, David takes time to reflect on his work.

“At the end of the day, I think about what I did well, what I could improve, and how I helped someone move forward.”

Outside the Office

Away from the courtroom, David’s world revolves around his daughter. “There’s nothing more important in my life than her.”

His weekends often begin with a quiet coffee and a good podcast, followed by a UFC event when one is on. A lifelong fight fan, he never misses a major card, especially when the UFC comes to Australia.

Guiding Philosophy

In a field where disputes can feel overwhelming, David’s advice is simple but steady:
We need to break the matter down into baby steps and put one foot in front of the other.

It is a principle that defines both his approach to the law and to life itself.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Law
• Bachelor of Science
• Admitted to the Supreme Court
• Admitted to the High Court