History of Dever's List

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.