LLB (Hons)
Law underpins our society. A law degree gives you a unique insight into everything, from the economy to the criminal justice system. And it gives you a huge range of skills that will last you througho…
Professor Andrew Francis
Deputy Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Law School
Legal Education, Legal Professionalism and Legal Services
My profile
Biography
I have been Head of Manchester Law School since 2019 and also have a role as one of the Deputy Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellors in the Faculty of Business Law. Prior to joining Manchester Law School, I was a Professor of Law at the University of Leeds, and was the founding Director for the Centre for Innovation and Research in Legal Education in the School. Before joining Leeds, I was the Head of the School of Law and Professor at Keele University from 2010.
My research and teaching has focused primarily on issues relating to the regulation and organisation of the legal profession. In this work, and in my leadership roles, I have always prioritised strong relationships with the legal profession, and have worked closely with the legal regulators, professional bodies, firms and chambers. I am passionate about the importance of these connections and see great examples, across our city region, of the profession working closely with legal education providers to support students and make huge differences to business, communities and wider society.
I have been an active member of the Working Group on the Legal Professions, part of the Research Committee of the Sociology of Law and was one of co-authors of the England and Wales report in the landmark publication Lawyers in 21st Century Societies, published by Hart in 2020. I have been an Associate Academic Fellow of Inner Temple since 2014
It is a privilege to lead this Law School community of outstanding staff and students, who have such strong connections to our city and internationally, with a commitment to make a difference.
Interests and expertise
My area of expertise lies very broadly in the regulation and organisation of the legal services market. I have published widely on disruptive change within the profession, legal ethics, legal education and access to justice issues. Equality and diversity issues have been consistent themes within my work. Some of my current areas of interest focus on disruptive potential of legal technology to shape the way in which law firms are organised and deliver their services.
I would be very happy to consider postgraduate supervision in these areas.
Teaching
Although I don’t teach that regularly these days due to other commitments, it is really important to me that I maintain regular connection with students through talks, drops-ins and, of course, our regular Law School socials. I taught recently on Legal Professionalism & Ethics and Legal System and Professional Life on our LLB programme and have also contributed to teaching on our LLM.
LLM (Master of Laws)
If you’re ready to take your career in law forward, or in one of the many law-related fields, our LLM is an excellent next step. It’s a versatile qualification that produces highly employa…
Supervision
I also regularly supervise dissertation students on both of these programmes.
I have also supervised the following students to completion of their PhDs.
- Passed (October 2015) Elaine Freer ‘Professional Intervention, Social Mobility and Access to the Legal Profession (full-time; 2012-2015); 1st Supervisor (PhD – Inner Temple Studentship).
- Passed (January 2018) Diane Atherton ‘Muslim Women, Professional identity and the Legal Professional Marketplace’ (PhD)
- Passed (September 2018)1st Supervisor (PhD): Lucy Floyd ‘Identity formation among women students on the LPC’ (part-time)).
Research outputs
Please see the list of outputs below. Most of these should be accessible via various platforms, but drop me a line if you would like to access anything for your research.
Career history
2019 -
Head of Manchester Law School and Deputy Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor in the Faculty of Business Law, Manchester Metropolitan University.
2016-2019
Professor of Law, School of Law University of Leeds
2011-2015
Professor and Head of the School of Law, Keele University
2000-2011
Lecturer, Senior Lecturer: School of Law, Keele University