Neil Harrison

Neil Harrison is an Assistant Professor in Law and Solicitor at Northumbria University's School of Law. His research focuses on legal history with a particular emphasis on Tyneside and River Tyne governance during the 19th century. He examines the intersection of legal frameworks, institutional management, and economic development through case studies like the Tyne Improvement Commission. Prior to academia, he practiced commercial law for over 22 years, specializing in procurement disputes, contractual conflicts, and public law matters. Harrison holds a History degree from Jesus College, Cambridge, and is a Member of the Royal Historical Society and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Education:

• BA (Hons) History, Jesus College, Cambridge (1990)
• Law Diploma (1992), External Verified Law Award (1993), MA (Hons) History (1994)
• Solicitor qualification (1995), currently non-practicing

Research Interests: Legal history, local legal history, law and society, procurement law, legal education, Chartism, trade networks, river management, and crime and punishment. His doctoral work explores the Tyne Improvement Commission's impact on Tyneside business through legal frameworks and individual agency.

Professional Background: Former commercial disputes lawyer at Bond Dickinson LLP and Square One Law LLP, advising clients across private and public sectors including education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Specialized in procurement law, judicial review, and contractual disputes.

Awards & Affiliations:

• Member of the Royal Historical Society (2021)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2017)

Teaching & Supervision: Teaches legal history, commercial contracts, and supervises law dissertations involving historical archives. Leads the Student Law Office program.

Research Activities: Organized conferences on legal history, participated in interdisciplinary forums (e.g., Social History Conference, Society of Legal Scholars), and engaged with archival institutions like Tyne & Wear Archives.