New Dean for Northumbria School of Law

The School of Law is the largest in the North of England and is renowned for its integration of legal theory and practice, in particular its commitment to professional skills development and learning through experience.  

Formerly Associate Dean for Undergraduate and Clinical Programmes in the School, Kevin, 43, has been at the centre of the School’s development and growth, in particular for developing the Student Law Office, recognised as one of the leading law clinics in the world.  Students, under supervision of qualified lawyers, provide access to justice for members of the public across a wide range of legal areas.  Kevin is also a practising solicitor with experience of conducting criminal and human rights cases in courts at all levels.  His teaching and research interests are in the fields of criminal litigation, human rights and legal education.

In addition, Kevin is the editor of the International Journal of Clinical Legal Education, organises an annual international legal education conference and is a co-ordinator of the Clinical Legal Education Organisation.

Kevin has taught widely on the School’s unique Exempting law degree, being awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in 2010 for his work in professional legal education.  

Kevin takes up the post this week, following the departure of Professor Philip Plowden, who has taken up a senior post at the University of Derby.  Kevin will build on the School’s existing model of integrated academic and practice-based education while enhancing the School’s research and innovation profile.

He said: “It is a real honour to be appointed as Dean of this pioneering Law School.  Having worked with my predecessor and colleagues to build an exciting range of courses that are relevant to the needs of students and employers, I am proud to lead the School in the next stage of its development.”  

Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University, Professor Andrew Wathey, said:  “Northumbria’s School of Law is currently enjoying a high level of success. It has just won an award from the Law Society for the free legal work carried out by the Student Law Office and one of its lecturers is shortlisted for the title of Law Teacher of the Year.

“Kevin has made an excellent contribution to the School and will continue to build on this work as he leads the School into the future.”