Tributes paid to outgoing Court of Appeal president

Members of the Bermuda Bar and judiciary lauded Sir Christopher Clarke, the outgoing President of the Court of Appeal, during a special sitting of the Supreme Court yesterday. Sir Christopher is retiring from the position after nine years on the Court of Appeal and seven years as its president.

Audley Quallo, previously the court’s clerk and now called to the Bar last year, reflected on Sir Christopher’s impact. He said Sir Christopher left an “indelible mark on the Bermuda Court of Appeal and the jurisprudence of Bermuda.” Quallo added that he has been honored to work alongside Sir Christopher and witnessed firsthand his exceptional leadership and dedication to the judiciary, a co-equal branch of government. He stated that Sir Christopher’s guidance inspired people to be the best versions of themselves.

“I have been honoured and have had the privilege to work alongside you and experiencing first-hand your exceptional leadership, your dedication to this co-equal branch of the Government known as the judiciary.”

Susan Mulligan, senior legal aid counsel, noted that Sir Christopher challenged lawyers to “rise to the standards he has set and continue to strive towards a system where justice is timely, fair and uncompromised.” She continued, stating that he has sharpened resolve, strengthened discipline, and reminded everyone that the pursuit of justice is a shared duty and responsibility, not a matter of convenience.

“He has sharpened our resolve, strengthened our discipline and reminded us that the pursuit of justice is not a matter of convenience, rather a shared duty and responsibility.”

Tributes also came from Sir Christopher’s Court of Appeal colleagues. Dame Elizabeth Gloster and Sir Christopher served on the appeal courts in Jersey, Guernsey and Bermuda, reflecting a long-standing collaboration across jurisdictions.

Author’s note: This piece preserves the statements and sentiments expressed by those who spoke at the farewell sitting, conveying the esteem in which Sir Christopher Clarke is held within Bermuda’s legal community.

Author’s resume: Esteemed legal professional and writer summarizing tributes to Sir Christopher Clarke, highlighting leadership, impact on Bermuda’s judiciary, and cross-jurisdictional collaboration in a concise 160-character overview.

The Royal Gazette — 2025-11-21

Tributes paid to outgoing Court of Appeal president

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