Professor Richard Moorhead joins Monash Law
Monash Law is delighted to announce that Professor Richard Moorhead has joined the Faculty as Professor of Law. Based at the University of Exeter in the UK, where he is Professor of Law and Professional Ethics, Professor Moorhead will spend 8 - 10 weeks each year in Melbourne, contributing to Monash Law’s teaching, research, and academic leadership.
A global leader in legal ethics and access to justice
This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Faculty. Professor Moorhead is internationally renowned for his multi-decade body of work on lawyers, legal ethics, and access to justice. His research has significantly and repeatedly shaped policy and practice across jurisdictions and disciplines. In 2024, he was awarded the UK Economic and Social Research Council’s Prize for Outstanding Societal Impact for his work on the Post Office Scandal - the UK’s largest miscarriage of justice.
Strengthening Monash Law’s expertise in legal ethics and research culture
Professor Moorhead will teach and collaborate with colleagues across the Faculty to further develop Monash Law’s recognised strengths in legal ethics, dispute resolution, and access to justice. His appointment also supports the Faculty’s ongoing work to enhance research culture and performance.
Drawing on his leadership experience as Associate Dean Research at both Cardiff and UCL, and as former Head of Law at Exeter, Professor Moorhead will contribute to strategic initiatives that foster collaboration, support early-career researchers, and grow externally funded research.
Professor Moorhead’s career of impact and influence
Professor Moorhead has secured over £3.25 million (over $6.5 million AUD) in research income across his career and is regularly called upon as an expert by governments, regulators, and industry. His public engagement spans media appearances on the BBC, Newsnight, and in the Financial Times and The Guardian.
In 2024, he delivered the prestigious Hamlyn Lectures, a singular indicator of esteem. Previous speakers include Lady Hale, Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG, Lord Bingham, and Professor Jeremy Waldron.
Watch Professor Moorhead revisit Hamlyn Lectures 2024 III: Frail Professionalism at UCL Laws.
A strategic and timely appointment for Monash Law
Dean of Monash Law, Professor Steven Vaughan, describes Richard’s leadership in academic environments as both dynamic and effective.
“The Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University, Professor Sharon Pickering continues to challenge us to bring the very best talent in the world to Monash. Richard really is one of those people,” said Professor Vaughan.
“With more than £3.25 million in research funding secured throughout his career, Richard has demonstrated not only a remarkable ability to attract resources but also a strategic vision for developing research agendas that resonate both within and beyond the legal academy.”
A welcome addition to the Monash Law community
Professor Moorhead’s appointment reflects Monash Law’s ambition to further enhance the Faculty’s standing as a global leader in legal education and research. His interdisciplinary approach, collaborative ethos, and commitment to public interest law align strongly with the Faculty’s values and vision. We look forward to welcoming Professor Moorhead to Melbourne and to the many contributions he will make to our students, staff, and broader community.