About

I have over 9 years post qualification experience as a commercial litigator. Whilst in private practice I established a successful legal career and a loyal and extensive client base ranging from individuals through to PLC’s. I dealt with contractual claims, defamation claims, insurance claims, shareholder disputes and claims for breaches of duty against directors or employees. I had my own niche practice in contentious intellectual property work and handled claims for copyright, trademark and patent infringement and passing off. I regularly appeared in county court and open court for insolvency cases. I have experience of delivering short courses and training sessions and I was also responsible for the recruitment of paralegals and trainee solicitors. I also coordinated the marketing activity for my department.

My teaching interests focus around clinical legal education. I teach in the University Law Clinic, Law in Practice placement module and I designed and developed the simulation law firm module embedding practical legal skills.

Teaching

Department Of Law and Criminology

College of Social Sciences and Arts

I act as a visiting professor at the Universite of Paris Est Creteil.

I have edited the 8th edition of a leading law textbook namely, An Introduction to Law: Professor Phil Harris, Cambridge Press. I regularly publish articles in “The Legal” magazine, Sheffield Law Society’s bi monthly publication.

My research interests are in clinical legal education, the legal profession, collaborative course provision and student employability

Publications

Conference Papers

International Journal of Clinical Legal Education, Valencia, 2011 – a paper discussing whether a placement module is an alternative or an addition to the traditional law clinic model.

Internationalising the Learning Context, Sheffield Hallam University, May 2012 – a paper discussing the development of an international placement module.

Other activities

I am a practicing solicitor and practice within the University Law Clinic. I have been able to use my practical experience to design and develop collaborative projects with Sheffield Law Society for example the Legal Pop Up Shop (SHU students provide free legal advice as part of National Pro Bono Week) and the Schools Mooting Competition an innovative schools outreach project.

I am the immediate President of Sheffield District Law Society and the first academic president it its’ 137 year history.

I am a trustee of the North East Legal Support Trust who raise funds for pro bono organisations and charities to enable increased access to justice for the most disadvantaged members of society.