Bob Douglas QC was appointed to be a Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland on 17 June 1999. His appointment made him the first third generation Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland. James Douglas QC's speech, as president of the Bar, was also the first time that a judge had been welcomed to the Supreme Court by a brother in that role.

Justice Douglas was a most courteous judge, bringing to the Bench not only rich legal learning and quick wit, but also a touchstone of commonsense and a generous heart.