Lawrence Collins

Lord Lawrence Collins is the Chair of Laws at University College London's Faculty of Laws. He previously served as a member of the UK Supreme Court from 2009–2011 and remains an Acting Justice. He is also a non-permanent judge of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal. Collins holds a Doctor of Laws from Cambridge University (1994) and has been a Fellow of Wolfson College, Cambridge since 1987. He is the general editor of the seminal work Dicey, Morris and Collins on the Conflict of Laws and has authored numerous works on international law.

Education:

• Law at Cambridge University
• Graduate degree in International Law at Columbia University

His research focuses on international law, conflict of laws, and judicial systems. His editorial leadership on Dicey, Morris and Collins underscores his expertise in transnational legal frameworks. Collins has held distinguished roles in legal practice, including as the first solicitor appointed to the High Court bench (2000) and the first solicitor elevated to the Court of Appeal (2007).

Awards & Honors:

• Fellow of the British Academy (1994)
• Elected Member of the Institut de droit international (1989)
• Honorary Fellow of Downing College, Cambridge

Collins has advised on landmark legal cases and contributed to legal education through his visiting professorship at Queen Mary, University of London since 1982. His career bridges academia, judicial service, and private practice, with a focus on advancing international legal scholarship.