Sir Nicholas Wall, who was appointed President of the Family Division in 2010, has died at the age of 71.
Sir Nicholas, who suffered a rare form of dementia in the later years of his life, was known for his “formidable forensic skill” as well as his kindness and generosity to others. He leaves behind a legacy of improvements in family justice that will benefit current and future generations.
In a tribute on the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary website, Sir James Munby, the current President of the Family Division, described Sir Nicholas as “indisputably one of the outstanding family lawyers of our generation”.
Sir Nicholas was called to the Bar in 1969, took silk in 1988, and was appointed to the Family Division in 1993 at the age of 48. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, four children and two grandchildren.