Tributes paid as former DIFC judge Sir Anthony Colman dies

British justice was 'pioneer' for Dubai courts say ex-collegues

Sir Anthony Colman died after short illness in hospital in England on July 27, 2017. Courtesy DIFC Courts

A former judge of the Dubai International Finance Centre Courts died on Thursday after a short illness in a hospital in England, the court announced on Tuesday.

Sir Anthony Colman was appointed as a Judge from 2008 at the DIFC courts, serving as Deputy Chief Justice from June 2010 until his retirement in May 2013.

From 2013 onwards, he continued as a Judge at the Courts, overseeing ongoing cases before his retirement.

According to a statement, Colman was instrumental in the development of the jurisprudence of the Courts, delivering many landmark judgments that laid down the foundation principles for the development of DIFC law.

He was admired by his colleagues on the bench, as well as by the lawyers who appeared before him.

Colman joined the DIFC Courts having previously worked the field of commercial law and the management of commercial courts. He served as the head of the English Commercial Court and had written the definitive textbook on its procedures and practices.

“Sir Anthony’s contributions to the development of our Courts in their formative years were far-reaching and helped immeasurably to enhance our reputation as one of the world’s leading commercial courts” said DIFC Courts Chief Justice Michael Hwang.

“The DIFC Courts have lost one of our pioneer judges: we mourn his passing and acknowledge his great role in our history. We have also lost a respected former colleague and a dear friend, whose memory will live on in our hearts. We extend our sincerest condolences to Sir Anthony’s wife, Lady Angela Colman and their family at this sad time,” he said.