Long-serving law professor recognised with two honours at Northern Law Awards

A law professor who has spent more than four decades shaping legal education and research in the North East, has been recognised with two awards for his contribution to the region’s legal sector.

Professor Michael Stockdale, who began his career at Northumbria University’s predecessor – Newcastle Polytechnic – in 1983, received the Outstanding Achievement Award and the High Sheriff Certificate for Meritorious Service at the Northern Law Awards which celebrate the breadth and wealth of legal talent and success within the region.

Both awards were presented in recognition of a career spanning research, teaching, and public engagement in criminal and civil law.

The Outstanding Achievement Award recognises members of the legal sector in the North of England who have shown significant achievement over many years and made an outstanding contribution to the legal profession. Professor Stockdale is believed to be the first academic to receive it.

The High Sheriff Certificate for Meritorious Service recognises individuals and organisations who have demonstrated dedicated and valuable service to the community.

During his 43 years at the University, Professor Stockdale established the Northumbria Centre for Evidence and Criminal Justice Studies and has led and contributed to major European Commission-funded research projects examining fingerprint and DNA evidence and has worked closely with the Forensic Science Regulator. He has published extensively in a range of areas such as legal professional privilege and expert evidence. A former contributing editor of Archbold Magistrates' Courts Criminal Practice, he has also co-edited a collection on the reliability of expert evidence in criminal proceedings. Having recently stepped down from his role as Head of Northumbria Law School, he continues his work as a Professor of Criminal and Civil Evidence.

“It is a great honour to receive both awards, though my view is that I receive these awards on behalf of Northumbria Law School as a whole,” said Professor Stockdale.

“While I have been able to catalyse or support a variety of developments over a long career, I have benefitted throughout from the support of our current and past academic staff and clinical supervising lawyers.”

He added: “I have always championed the importance of producing graduates who meet the needs of the legal profession in the region, both by arriving at law firms or chambers with enhanced transferable skills and by the likelihood that they will remain in the region and quite possibly with the firm or chambers that invested in their training. I am pleased to have been able to play a role in providing a pipeline to the regional legal services community whilst simultaneously transforming the lives of young people.”

Adam Jackson, interim Head of Northumbria Law School, said: “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition than Michael. He has been the backbone of Northumbria Law School for over four decades and has dedicated his career to legal scholarship and to supporting students and colleagues alike.

“As a teacher, an academic and a mentor Michael embodies the finest traits of professionalism, academic excellence and kindness. As such he is held in the highest regard and these awards are a reflection of that esteem in our academic and legal communities.” 

Northumbria Law School celebrated further success on the evening as Sara Lambert was awarded the Law Teacher of the Year Award. The judges noted her genuine passion and dedication to teaching, saying: “Sara has an excellent ability to bring her subject to life using real legal examples, helping students connect theory with practice in a meaningful and engaging way.”

They added: “The glowing feedback received from students is a true reflection of the positive impact they continue to make both inside and outside the classroom.”

Callum Thomson was also shortlisted for the same title, evidencing the excellent teaching provided by the School.

Adam added: "As a professional practice specialist and Programme Leader, Sara does an exceptional job supporting students on our Bar Course. This award is well deserved and reflects Sara's commitment to providing a high quality student experience."

The Student Law Office was also shortlisted for the Pro Bono and Community Initiative Award in recognition of work undertaken with EduCourt – a partnership project delivering valuable support for the growing number of unrepresented individuals navigating family court proceedings following legal aid restrictions.

As the biggest law school in the North East, the Northumbria Law School is known for its hands-on approach, giving students the opportunity to practice law before they graduate, helping real people, businesses and community groups with free legal advice.