Robert Spano

Robert Spano is a Visiting Professor at the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights and a Professor of Law at the University of Iceland's Faculty of Law. He previously served as the youngest President of the European Court of Human Rights (2020–2022) and as a Judge on the Court (2013–2022). He is also Of Counsel at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher (London).

Education: Magister Juris (Distinction, European and Comparative Law, University of Oxford, 2000); Candidatus Juris (First Class, University of Iceland, 1997).

Research focuses on human rights law, public international law, and international dispute resolution. His work addresses ESG frameworks, business accountability, and legal mechanisms for resolving global conflicts. He has authored over 90 articles and three books, emphasizing the intersection of human rights and democratic governance.

Awards include the Clifford Chance Prize and Civil Procedure Prize from Oxford University. His 2020 lecture critiqued Lord Sumption’s Reith Lectures, advocating for human rights as a democratic stabilizer.

Future roles include joining Gibson Dunn & Crutcher (London) as Of Counsel in January 2023, further integrating legal practice with academic contributions.