Highly Experienced Sir John Chadwick Takes Over Key Role
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 3 July 2013: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has appointed Judge Sir John Chadwick as Deputy Chief Justice of the DIFC Courts, Dubai’s English language, commercial common law judicial system. The official decree states that Sir John has taken over the role of Deputy Chief Justice from Justice Sir Anthony Colman.
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the DIFC, commented: “The work of such reputable and experienced judges supports Dubai’s strategy in adopting an effective judicial and legal framework, underpinned by a strong administrative team.”
He added: “The Federal Government’s ‘UAE Vision 2021’ document calls for enhancement of the nation’s pivotal role as a regional business hub and for a strong and effective UAE justice system. This in turn consolidates the confidence of the global business community in the UAE as an ideal location for investment and commerce.”
His Highness welcomed the appointment of Sir John Chadwick and wished him every success in his new role. He also offered thanks to Sir Anthony Coleman for his contribution as previous Deputy Chief Justice of DIFC Courts.
DIFC Courts’ Chief Justice Michael Hwang said: “Sir Anthony Colman served as Deputy Chief Justice for three years. He played a major part in helping to develop our reputation when our Courts opened to all in 2011. I am happy to say that he will continue as a judge until his current cases have been completed later in the year.
“I am proud and pleased to welcome Sir John as his successor. I look forward to working with him and the other members of our bench to take the DIFC Courts to the next stage of their development.”
Justice Sir John Chadwick added: “It has been a privilege to serve as a judge in the DIFC Courts over the last five years. I welcome the opportunity to continue my work in commercial dispute resolution here during the years ahead.” Sir John Chadwick was appointed as a Judge of the DIFC Courts in January 2008, having served for 10 years until November 2007 as a Judge of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales. He is also currently President of the Court of Appeal of the Cayman Islands. Sir John previously held senior judicial appointments as a Judge of the High Court of England and Wales (Chancery Division), and a Judge of the Courts of Appeal of Jersey and Guernsey in the Channel isles.
Sir John was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 1966. He was standing counsel to the UK Department of Trade and Industry from 1974 until 1980, when he was appointed Queen’s Counsel. In private practice he undertook both litigation and advisory work: principally in property, company, insolvency, banking and insurance matters. His experience includes litigation in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Bermuda.
Justice Sir Anthony Colman was appointed as the Deputy Chief Justice of the DIFC Courts in June 2010, having become a Judge of the DIFC Courts in January 2008. He earlier served as a Judge of the Commercial Court in the High Court, London, from 1992 to 2007 and was Judge in Charge in 1996-7. Sir Anthony was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1977 and has been Master of the Bench of Gray’s Inn from 1986 to the present day.