Michael Hwang has been appointed Chief Justice of the Dubai International Financial Centre’s (DIFC) Court. Hwang will replace Sir Anthony Evans who retires after five years in the position.

Hwang, who has served on the court since 2005 as Deputy Chief Justice, was a partner at Allen & Gledhill from 1972 and head of the firm’s litigation and arbitration department for 10 years. In 1997, he was one of the first lawyers in Singapore to be elevated to the position of senior counsel and is currently president of the Singapore Law Society and Singapore’s non-resident ambassador to Switzerland.

Sir Anthony Evans’ tenure as Chief Justice was characterised by a number of milestones for Dubai's common law judicial system.  He oversaw the development of a pro bono scheme, the establishment of a Small Claims Tribunal and implemented a Professional Code of Conduct for all DIFC Courts users. In addition, his term saw the introduction of the urgent case handling facility and an electronic case management system as well as the signing of various memorandums of understanding and enforcement protocols with the Dubai Courts.

Sir Anthony Colman will fill the Deputy Chief Justice position vacated by Hwang.