Page 9 - SA Chamber UK-NOV News letter 2023

Nick was sometimes challenged to explain how a retired High Court judge could be an
advocate for communists. “Although he was a convinced Marxist, Denis, like his hero
and comrade Bram Fischer, became a communist because he loved people, wanted

to improve the lives of the poor, and could not bear the cruelty and stupidity of racial
discrimination,” wrote Stadlen, who was working on a book on Fischer at the time if his
death.

In 2018 Stadlen organised a seminal debate in London between South African
Constitutional Court Judge Albie Sachs and David Neuberger, President of the UK
Supreme Court from 2012-2017. “It was exquisite in the true sense of the word,”
recalled Sachs.

“With a foot in both countries, Nick was the perfect chair and provided an eloquent and
free-flowing discussion. There was a respectful energy and deep curiosity in the room.”

Nicholas Felix Stadlen was born in Hampstead London in 1950. He was educated at St
Paul’s School in London and read classics at Trinity College, Cambridge graduating with

a BA Honours in classics and later a Master’s.

He enjoyed being a
mentor but advised

young people serious
about justice not to read
law at university.

In 1972, he married
his girlfriend Frances
Howarth, daughter of

the headmaster of St
Paul’s school where they
met and began dating.

Nick practised as a
barrister from Fountain
Court Chambers in the Temple from 1977- 2007 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel

in 1991 and to the High Court Bench in 2007.

He was passionate about the underdog and about helping people which he did directly
at times and through being a trustee of a number of charities covering a wide range of

interests.

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SA CHAMBER UK NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023