Tributes have poured in for barrister and former politician Julian Hall, who passed away late on Saturday night at the age of 59.

Mr. Hall, who had been ill for several months, died peacefully surrounded by his family.

Known as a colourful and outspoken figure, he acted in many of Bermuda's highest-profile legal cases of recent decades. In addition to being famed in the courtroom for his formidable intellect and eloquent manner, he was also one of Bermuda's best-known political activists. Beginning his career with the United Bermuda Party, Mr. Hall later switched allegiances to become one of the Progressive Labour Party's strongest voices

Leading the tributes yesterday, one of his three daughters, Liana Hall, 24, said "My father was, to me and other people, a giant of a man. He really was a legend. He was an incredibly intellectual person who touched so many people. He was exceptionally generous <\!m> so many people have contacted me to tell me he helped them financially through law school."

Mr. Hall was declared bankrupt in 2000, which prevented him from practising as a barrister in Bermuda's courts. He was finally able to regain his professional certification earlier this year after a change in the law. However, his illness prevented him from being able to stage a return to the courtrooms before his death.

Liana Hall said:<\p>"I know he was exceptionally proud to have obtained his certificate before he died. That was the legacy he wanted to leave us. He was very strong, very bright, one of the few geniuses I have met in my life. He was one of Bermuda's shining stars and leaves an immense gap.

"We his daughters are immensely proud to have been able to call him our father and are forever grateful for the time that we had with him and the wisdom he shared with us during his too-brief time on this earth."

Mr. Hall's death is the second to hit the Progressive Labour Party in less than a week. Cabinet Minister Nelson Bascome died of a heart attack last Tuesday.

Premier Ewart Brown said yesterday "Wanda and I are once again struck by the loss of another dear friend. Julian Hall was my brother, my political ally, my lawyer and my advisor. His love of life and his pursuit of justice were exceeded only by his unmatched individual brilliance. We miss him already."

Progressive Labour Party spokesman Wentworth Christopher said "The grief of the PLP deepened on learning of the death of Julian Hall. Though relatively small in stature, he strode like a collosus across the stage in the courts and in Parliament. His incisive mind, coupled with his stentorian voice, made him formidable in both arenas. He represented our party in the House of Assembly on behalf of the voters of Hamilton Parish and always remained true to our aims.

"We extend sincere condolences to his family and pray that they be comforted in their bereavement."

Opposition Leader Kim Swan said "I was saddened to learn of the passing of barrister-at-law Julian Hall, orator, writer, political activist and former Member of Parliament.

"He was probably the finest speaker the House of Assembly has ever had...he was an extraordinarily gifted young man, one whose light burned for only a short time, perhaps, but one whose light did burn so very brightly. His career might have been controversial, but he will always be remembered for his special skills of being able to understand and explain the complexities of the law, and for being a passionate and effective advocate for the causes in which he believed. Bermuda will be a less interesting place without him."

After regaining his professional practising certificate, Mr. Hall joined Phoenix Law Chambers, which is headed by barrister Rick Woolridge Jr. Mr. Woolridge said on behalf of the chambers"It saddens us to lose such an esteemed colleague and good friend. Our hearts go out to his family, our professional family and the wider community who has lost another warrior for justice.

"As our dear and learned friend has gone on to be with his Heavenly Father his legacy shall live on in the hearts of all those who were touched through his service, his wise counsel as a most loyal trustworthy friend but most of all through his beautiful children who were blessed to call him Daddy. Let us in this Island live as Julian; loving all people as people regardless of their respective differences."

Barrister and United Bermuda Party politician Mark Pettingill said "When he was at his best in the courtroom there was just no one to compare. He really was commanding and erudite and enigmatic and a real pleasure to watch.

"He was a really bright man and was such a tremendous advocate. He had a rapier wit and was probably the most eloquent advocate we have ever produced in my view. When he was on his game he was at the top of the ladder.

"I think it's not been an easy ride <\!m> he's certainly had his share of challenges along the way and I think he would be the first to say he didn't always help himself but one of his favourite songs was 'My Way'. He did it his way and he did it with a lot of panache. Some people didn't always root for him but he did it with a lot of style. Bermuda has lost a real character in Julian Hall; a man who lived his life very fully."

In addition to Liana Hall, Mr. Hall also leaves an older daughter Nadia, 27, and younger daughter, Claudia, 17, plus his mother Cecilia Hall and adoptive father Lynn Hall, his sisters Judith Hall-Bean and Debra Benton, his brother Lynn Hall Jr. and numerous other relatives and friends.

His cousin, Director of the National Gallery Gary Phillips, said "Julian was my cousin and my friend. As painful as his absence now is, I take comfort that he is now removed from his earthly travails in all their forms and pray, as best I know how, that his soul may have eternal peace."

Arrangements for a private burial on Friday followed by a public memorial service to celebrate his life will be announced in due course.