Dear colleagues
I am delighted to announce that following a competitive recruitment process Justin Borg-Barthet has been appointed as the Head of School of Law. Greg Gordon’s term as Head of School concludes on 31 July 2025 and Justin will therefore take up the position from 1 August.
Justin joined the University as a full-time Lecturer in 2012, having previously been engaged in the School for teaching and research activities while undertaking his PhD. Throughout his employment Justin has held a number of leadership positions such as LLB Co-ordinator, ALM, Lead ALM, and research centre director. He has also held external roles, including as an expert consultant on SLAPPs to the European Parliament, the European Commission and the United Nations.
Welcoming his appointment Justin said: ‘I first came to the University of Aberdeen as a master’s student in 2004, thinking that I would return to Maltese legal practice within a year. The education I received here as a taught postgraduate and later as a researcher was so transformational that, twenty-one years into my one-year sabbatical from practice, I am here still. It is therefore truly a privilege to be able to lead a School of Law which I know to be an exceptional place to study, and to work. Building on the outstanding work of the current Head of School and his predecessors, we will continue to provide legal education which brings positive change to the lives of our students and research which inspires intellectual innovation and far-reaching real-world benefits. Drawing on our rich history as the 4th oldest Law School in the United Kingdom, we will further our foundational mission to our region as a “light for the north”. Equally, we cherish our role as a light from the north, welcoming people from all around the globe to our campuses and our virtual spaces. With our colleagues across the university community, we look forward to fulfilling the Aberdeen 2040 strategy and the university's mission: “Open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others”.’
I know you will join me in congratulating Justin on his appointment and I look forward to working closely with him as his vision for the School develops.
I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise and thank Professor Greg Gordon for his outstanding service as Head of School over the past eight years.
Best wishes
Karl
Karl Leydecker
Senior Vice-Principal