Visiting Professor of Advocacy

Robert was called to the Bar in 1971 and took silk in 1986.  He is also a Recorder, Deputy High Court Judge and Master of the Bench of Inner Temple.

As an advocate, Robert is well known in the Courts.  He is particularly renowned for his abilities in witness handling and for his monograph 'The Principles of Cross Examination in Criminal Cases'.  Robert appears regularly in the Appellate courts and has been involved with many cases that have led to major changes in the law, specimen directions and guideline sentencing practice.

Robert is a common law practitioner and has a practice that spans both criminal and civil law.  On the civil side, Robert is particularly interested in personal injury and clinical and professional negligence.  With regard to crime, Robert is a specialist adviser for Blackstone's Criminal Practice.

On accepting the title of Visiting Professor, Robert said "Unlike the medical profession, the law has for many years struggled to combine academic qualities with practical ones.  This has probably been due to the demands on practitioners in terms of their time and workload but it has been an unfortunate fact.  When I was invited to become Visiting Professor at such a fine university, I was overwhelmed that the academics had extended this invitation to me, particularly as I am a specialist criminal practitioner.  I remember however one Lord Justice of Appeal telling me many years ago that the criminal law produced some of the most complex academic problems and he was absolutely right.  I take comfort in this fact and I often quote this to bright students who are attracted to criminal law as advocates.  I hope that I can repay the University's kind invitation with my input and support and look forward to working with the staff and students in my capacity as a humble criminal practitioner".

Philip Plowden, Dean of Northumbria Law School said "We are delighted to welcome Robert as a Visiting Professor and look forward to working with him".

Robert will deliver his inaugural lecture in due course.