Rare royal appointment for pioneering lawyer

Professor Maurice Sunkin, who has pioneered a data-driven approach to law research, is one of just seven new honorary QCs appointed by Her Majesty The Queen.

The new Queen’s Counsel Honoris Causa, appointed alongside 119 new Queen’s Counsel, will be formally awarded by the Lord Chancellor at Westminster Hall in February.

Professor Sunkin said: "I am absolutely delighted to be honoured in this way and to have the support of my colleagues, the Law School and the University."

Head of the Law School, Professor Karen Hulme added: "The School is very proud to congratulate Maurice on this wonderful honour; truly a tribute to his passion for human rights and his long contribution to administrative justice. This award reflects the excellent research being produced in the School."

Speaking about the appointments, Lord Chancellor David Lidington, said: “The award of the title of Queen’s Counsel is a recognition of depth of expertise and eminence in their fields. It is this expertise that gives the English legal system its world-leading reputation.”

Professor Sunkin has led several prominent research studies on the use, operation and effects of judicial review, and has championed access to justice for all. He is Chair of the UK Administrative Justice Institute and is Co-Director of our cutting-edge Human Rights and Big Data Technology project.

He has also acted as Legal Adviser to the House of Lords Select Committee on the Constitution.