Urmas Volens, a prominent figure in Estonian law and former Supreme Court Justice, passed away on Thursday at the age of 49. He was a well-respected legal scholar, graduating cum laude from the University of Tartu in 1999 and furthering his studies at the University of Cologne, Germany. His doctoral thesis in 2011 focused on 'Trust liability as an independent accountability system and its manifestations', showcasing his deep engagement with complex legal issues.

Throughout his career, Volens held several important positions within Estonia's Ministry of Justice, including roles in the private law department and as a consultant in the court divisions. His work involved shaping development strategies for the land registry and creating the legal frameworks governing various judicial registers. His strategic insights were pivotal in refining the efficiency and accountability of the Estonian judicial system.

From 2003 to 2009, Volens ascended to higher roles, eventually serving as Deputy Secretary General at the Ministry of Justice, where he coordinated the government's legal policies. His demise is a significant loss to Estonia’s legal community, as he was known not only for his legal expertise but also for his contributions to the development of Estonian jurisprudence, impacting both the current and future generations of legal professionals in the country.