Brick Court QC and European law specialist David Vaughan CBE has died aged 79.

Brick Court confirmed that Vaughan passed away on the morning of the 15 January. The cause of  his death has not been made public.

Vaughan celebrated 50 years at the Bar in 2013, 35 of which were spent as a QC. He joined Brick Court in 1963.

During his long career, Vaughan was elevated to eminent positions including chairman of the competition working party and honorary professor of European Law at Durham University. He also sat as a deputy High Court judge.

He was well known for his experience in EU law and competition, where he was regarded as a leader in his field. Clients include Cathay Pacific Airways in its litigation with logistics provider Schenker over price fixing; British Coal and the government of Gibraltar in its 2009 legal challenge against the designation of sea waters to Spain.

Vaughan also acted for Guernsey in its unsuccessful attempt to escape VAT in imports into the UK in 2012.

Brick Court said in a statement: “The members and staff of Brick Court Chambers are incredibly saddened to report the death this morning of David Vaughan CBE QC. His colossal impact on the practice of European Law both nationally and internationally is well-known.

“As a pioneer in this field he created and moulded much of the jurisprudence in this field. However more than this he was a much loved colleague, and inspiration to many who have followed in his footsteps. His larger-than-life character will be missed both in Chambers and at the Bar more widely.”

Last year, the set announced the death of Jonathan Hirst QC who had been suffering from a long illness.