Anthony Donne KC
2 KBW Chambers is extremely sad to learn of the news of the death over the weekend of Anthony Donne KC. He was, we believe, 84.
Anthony spent most of his long career with us at 2KBW. He was called to the Bar in 1973 after a career as a solicitor. He excelled at several branches of law – civil and family as well as crime – and took silk in 1988, also serving as a Deputy High Court Judge from 1995. He appeared in many – perhaps most – of the Western Circuit’s most serious criminal cases in the 1990s and early 2000s, and also served as Leader of Circuit between 2001 and 2004.
He was also Head of our Chambers for several years. It was under his Headship that proper democracy and accountability were introduced into our structures, and that steps were taken to make our membership much more diverse than had previously been the case. He was unassuming and kind, was always encouraging to both barristers and staff, and had a quiet authority that made him a tremendous leader. He was also, of course, a fabulous advocate.
We send our profound condolences to Anthony’s wife, Her Honour Judge Miranda Robertshaw – also an ex-member of these Chambers – and to his whole family.