Philippe Sands

Philippe Sands KC is a Professor of the Public Understanding of Law at University College London (UCL) and holds a Samuel and Judith Pisar Visiting Professorship at Harvard Law School. He is a practising barrister specializing in international law, appearing before the International Court of Justice and other tribunals. Sands serves as an arbitrator in international investment disputes and on the Court of Arbitration for Sport, including at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He is the Director of UCL’s Centre on International Courts and Tribunals and a key member of the Centre for Law and the Environment.

Education: BA (Honours) and LL.M. from the University of Cambridge (1982–1983). Professional qualifications include appointment as Queen’s Counsel (2003) and membership in arbitration lists at ICSID and PCA.

• Research: Focuses on international law, environmental law, human rights, and public law. His work bridges legal theory and practice, addressing issues such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and climate justice.
• Publications: Author of influential books including Lawless World (2005), Torture Team (2008), East West Street (2016, award-winning), The Ratline (2020), and The Last Colony (2022). Upcoming: 38 Londres Street (April 2025).

Awards: Recognized for contributions to legal scholarship and public engagement, including major literary prizes for his non-fiction works.

Teaching: Teaches courses such as “Nuremberg, Pinochet and Beyond” at Harvard and international law at UCL. Previously held visiting roles at the University of Toronto, Melbourne, and Sorbonne.

Leadership: Served as President of English PEN (2018–2023) and on the Hay Festival Board. Co-founder of FIELD (Foundation for International Environmental Law and Development), driving climate and sustainable development initiatives.