All at Garden Court Chambers were deeply saddened to learn this week that our beloved colleague, friend, and comrade Michael Hall has passed away. Our deepest sympathies go to his family and to the friends and communities who loved him dearly.
It would be hard to find a kinder man of principle or of such generosity of spirit.
Garden Court intends to host a memorial to Michael in the coming weeks.
Tribute by Lalith de Kauwe
Sad news. Michael Lebert Hall has passed away suddenly from bowel ischemia, metastasis cancer, but he will not be forgotten.
Michael was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He came from a working-class Jamaican family. He opposed racism and discrimination of every kind. He struggled mightily for the rights of others, but he did not get the breaks that others got.
He was of that generation of Black Lawyers who were fearless in court and of the highest integrity. He was highly respected. A man of principle.
A member of the Society of Black Lawyers, he believed in the unity of African, Caribbean and Asian people. A brilliant criminal defence barrister, Michael specialised in defending in serious cases of murder, manslaughter, armed robberies, public order disturbances, large-scale importation of drugs and complex fraud. He made effective speeches before juries with power.
We are honoured that he was our loyal comrade and friend for nearly 40 years at Garden Court Chambers. Before that, Michael lectured at South Bank University in criminal procedure and evidence. He also taught law at Erith College. He paved the way for others to follow.
He was an internationalist. He was inspired by and supported anti-imperialist and national liberation struggles. Kind, compassionate and a friend of the poor and the destitute. In the aftermath of the 2004 Tsunami, he consistently supported the Sri Lankan Lawyers Tsunami Charity.
He attended many ASLLUK CPD seminars, and he and his wife Angela even attended the ASLLUK Law-Medical dinner dance at Holiday Inn, Brentford Lock all those years ago.
He will be missed at their events.
He loved football, cricket and tennis. A life-long Chelsea fan and season ticket holder, Michael attended his first Chelsea game in 1967.
He attended many Sri Lanka vs England Cricket matches at Lords and Oval and invariably supported both teams!
A handsome man with a beautiful smile. A truly lovely man. He was much loved.
He was a socialist, a true Christian, and a loyal son who tenderly looked after his aged mother for the past 5 years.
Our thoughts are with his wife Angela, his children Daniel, David and Joanna and his dear mother.
May eternal light shine on you. Rest in Peace, Michael brother.
