Professor Claire Archbold

Professor Archbold returns to the university, having been a former academic, while continuing in her role as deputy departmental solicitor for the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

She will help to develop opportunities for students, public servants and the legal profession to build their public law skills and share expertise in this important area.

Professor Archbold said: “Queen’s has a vibrant law school. It’s a great honour and opportunity to be involved in teaching the next generation of public lawyers in Northern Ireland.

“I’m looking forward to offering my practice viewpoint, bringing their insights into my ongoing practice in Government Legal Service and most importantly, hearing their views about the key public law issues of today.”

A qualified barrister, Professor Archbold has over 20 years’ experience in the civil service. She has worked in the Office of Law Reform, as head of the human rights and equality unit in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, as legal secretary to the Lord Chief Justice, and as a director and deputy departmental solicitor in the Departmental Solicitor’s Office.

She will lead a new project on ‘The Practice of Public Law and Public Ethics’, which aims to deliver an undergraduate course in practical public law, in-house training to build the expertise of government lawyers and civil servants, and conferences and events for the wider legal profession.

Beginning with a series of virtual guest lectures to government lawyers and counsel, the project aims to build bridges between the expertise of academia and the public sector, enriching and developing both.

Professor Robin Hickey, head of QUB School of Law, said: “I am delighted to welcome Professor Archbold back to Queen’s in this new capacity, and look forward to the exciting teaching and training developments it will bring.

“For our undergraduate students, ‘The Practice of Public Law and Public Ethics’ will be an innovative module offering deep insights and practical expertise. It will reinforce the School’s commitment to the practice of law in this jurisdiction, and to enabling the next generation of lawyers to succeed.”