David Sixsmith

David Sixsmith is a Senior Lecturer in Law at Northumbria University, having transitioned from legal practice in 2011 to academia in 2016. Previously, he held roles as Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for the Legal Practice Course at the University of Sunderland before joining Northumbria in February 2023. He holds a PhD from Northumbria University (2023), an LL.M. (2016), and an LLB (2009), alongside membership in the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

His research focuses on civil dispute resolution, civil justice reform, and online dispute resolution (ODR). Key areas include enhancing ODR frameworks for low-value claims, mediation's role in modern justice systems, and the impact of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) on legal education. Collaborative projects include studies on clinical negligence mediation, space dispute resolution frameworks, and SQE's influence on undergraduate law programs. He also contributes to legal education through revision guides for SQE1 assessments.

David’s work spans interdisciplinary themes such as technology in legal processes, legal pedagogy, and policy reform. His publications address topics like remote mediation during the pandemic, digital justice systems, and clinical legal education’s evolving role.