David Carter was a founding member of Lachlan Macquarie Chambers. Being a great admirer of the work of Governor Lachlan Macquarie in Parramatta and in the colony generally, it was David Carter who suggested Lachlan Macquarie as the name for the new Chambers. Prior to the formation of Lachlan Macquarie Chambers he was a solicitor with the Director of Public Prosecutions from 1978 to 1982. He was admitted to the Bar in 1982 and came to Parramatta Chambers through David Collier.

In 1990 he joined the Historic Houses Trust of NSW. He performed volunteer work for Elizabeth Farm at Rose Hill.  For a number of years, David Carter was the Chair of the Historic Houses Trust Members, and is now a Life Member.