David Kirby

David Kirby (born 22 June 1943) is a former judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and brother of former High Court judge Michael Kirby.

Early life and education Born in Sydney, David Kirby was the fourth son and child of Donald (Don) Kirby and Jean Langmore Kirby (née Knowles). Elder brother David Charles died at the age of 18 months.

Following in the footsteps of elder brother Michael, David attended state schools, commencing at North Strathfield Public School, followed by Summer Hill Public School for Opportunity Classes, and then Fort Street High School (then Fort Street Boys High School) in Sydney.

After graduating from high school, again like elder brother Michael, David later attended the University of Sydney, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws.

Career Kirby was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1985. He served as an Associate Judge of the District Court of New South Wales from 1988 to 1989. Kirby was appointed as a judge of the NSW Supreme Court in 1998.

From 1972 to 1975, Kirby lectured at the University of Sydney. He has also served as a part-time Commissioner of the NSW Law Reform Commission (2002–06), Trustee of the Centennial Park Trust (1984–88), and Secretary of the Council for Civil Liberties (1973).

Personal life Unlike his extroverted brother Michael, David has stated that, as a schoolboy, he was shy and more interested in sports. They later married and had Nicolas and Elisabeth. Nicolas and Elisabeth were raised Jewish and, with their mother, attended the Emanuel Synagogue. Hervic died on 30 September 1986.

Sister Diana was a nurse in the Colorectal Unit of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. She died, aged 67, in early February 2014 at her home, Pendey Street, Willoughby.