Lionel Smith

Lionel Smith is a Professor of Comparative Law at the University of Cambridge's Faculty of Law, appointed in 2024. His career includes roles at the University of Alberta (1991-1996), Oxford University (1996-2000), McGill University (2000-2022), and the University of Cambridge (2022-2024). He holds degrees from the University of Western Ontario, Cambridge University, Oxford University, and the Université de Montréal.

• LL.B. from University of Western Ontario and Université de Montréal
• LL.M., LL.D. from Cambridge
• D.Phil., M.A., D.C.L. from Oxford

His research focuses on comparative private law, particularly fiduciary obligations, trust law, and unjust enrichment. He emphasizes understanding unselfish behavior through legal frameworks across civil and common law systems. Recent work includes The Law of Loyalty (Oxford UP, 2023) and contributions to Comparative Property Law: Global Perspectives (2017).

Publications span 9 journal articles, 2 books, 2 book chapters, and 2 edited volumes. His 2024 Cambridge Law Journal article on 'knowing receipt' explores cross-jurisdictional trust recovery mechanisms, while his 2020 University of Toronto Law Journal paper redefines parenthood through fiduciary principles.

• Awards: Titular Member of the International Academy of Comparative Law, Member of American/European Law Institutes
• Leadership: President of World Society of Mixed Jurisdiction Jurists, non-practicing member of Alberta Bar

Teaching includes the 'Comparative Law' course at Cambridge and co-authoring leading textbooks like Waters’ Law of Trusts in Canada. His research programs investigate trust law evolution in civil law systems and fiduciary duty foundations.