Anthony Vella studied at Stella Maris School and St. Aloysius College.[2] He subsequently read law at the University of Malta.[2] Between 1988 and 1990 he presided the Students of Law Association and represented students on the Faculty Board.[2] He graduated as Doctor of Law (LL.D.) in 1991.[2] In 1997 he also gained a bachelor's degree in philosophy and theology and two years later earned a master's degree in financial services.[2]
Vella was sworn in as magistrate by President Guido de Marco in 2004, upon recommendation of Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.[2][3]
He worked for several years in Malta's family court.[4]
In 2017-2018, Vella conducted the magisterial inquiry into the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, becoming "a household name" according to the Times of Malta.[5]
In June 2018 Anthony Vella was appointed as Judge by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca upon recommendation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.[6][7]
In his swearing-in ceremony he called to put an end to the distinction between Judges and Magistrates, stating that "the career of a magistrate should be a career in its own right".
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