The University of Lincoln has appointed a permanent Head of Law for the first time.  

The position will be filled by Professor Duncan French who joins from the University of Sheffield, where he acted as Professor of International Law and as Deputy Head of the Sheffield School of Law.

Prof. French studied law at the universities of East Anglia and Nottingham, before completing a PhD at the University of Wales (Cardiff).

His principal research interests are public international law, international environmental law, the international legal implications of sustainable development and legal aspects of international monetary, trade and investment regimes (including the law and practice of the World Trade Organisation).

Prof. French has previously had a monograph on international law and sustainable development published by the Manchester University Press in 2005 and has edited numerous collections on International Law that have made publication.

Prof. French said: “I’m very much looking forward to contributing towards the growth of the Lincoln Law School. I’ll be looking to build on existing strengths, including further development of the research agenda. We’ll be making numerous academic appointments this year, as well as continuing to grow our postgraduate and international profile.

The newly appointed Head of the Law school becomes the first to hold the position on a permanent basis. The role had previously been shared on rotation between the School’s other professors – John Peysner and Richard Stone.

Dean of Faculty, Professor David Head, said: “Professor French’s appointment is a strategically significant development for the University, coming as it does during a period of major advances for the University and soon after the relocation of the Lincoln Law School to a new building with dedicated facilities, including a Moot Court.”