Vastly experienced addition to the world class judicial team
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12 October 2011: The DIFC Courts, the Dubai International Financial Centre's (DIFC) independent, common law judicial system, has announced the appointment of Sir David Steel to their judicial bench, adding further strength to their world class team operating in the UAE.
Justice Steel is vastly experienced in his field, having served as a Judge of the Commercial and Admiralty Courts London from 1998 to 2011 and Judge in charge of the Commercial and Admiralty Courts from 2004 to 2006. Justice Steel was called to the bar in 1966 in the UK and began his career as a commercial law practitioner from 1968 to 1998. He became Head of Chambers at 2/4 Essex Court 1995 from 1998 and prior to that serviced as Junior Counsel to the Treasury from 1978 to 1981. He is been a Bencher of Inner Temple since 1995 and he served as Chairman of European Commercial Judges Forum from 2009 to 2011.
Justice Steel has considerable experience in numerous fields such as Shipping, Insurance, Banking, Oil and Gas and Commodities and is a member of organisations such as the SCMA (Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration) and KLRCA (Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration) and HKIAC (Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre) and has conducted judicial training in Thailand, Kazakhstan, Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Speaking about his new role, David Steel said: "It is a great honour for me to accept this position at the DIFC Courts. Over the past few years, the DIFC Courts have established a world class reputation, both locally and abroad, due to the strength of the team, track record and dedication to transparency, efficiency and innovation. I am greatly looking forward to working alongside such an experienced team of judicial practitioners in one of the most exciting, fastest growing markets in the world."
Michael Hwang, Chief Justice of the DIFC Courts added "The DIFC Courts are delighted to welcome Justice Steel to our judicial bench. Justice Steel is vastly experienced and brings with him great knowledge in commercial arbitration, accrued all over the world, that will undoubtedly benefit both our Court Users, and our internal team. I'm convinced that Justice Steel will provide the same high standard that is expected of us and we look forward to having him on board."
The DIFC Courts care about the community in which they operate, providing comprehensive legal redress in civil and commercial matters, working closely with other courts in the UAE and introducing numerous regional firsts, such as a Pro Bono scheme, the first of its kind in the region, and a Professional Code of Conduct.