Current role and responsibilities
Professor Brooks is the Dean of Durham Law School, responsible for all aspects of the School’s operation and directly line‑managing approximately 100 staff. His remit spans teaching, research, student experience, college engagement, alumni relations and collaboration with law firms, barristers’ chambers and in‑house legal teams. After completing his 5‑year tenure, he will return to his role as Professor of Law and Government.
He notes that becoming Head of Department was never part of his original plan, particularly given his academic background in Music, Political Science and Philosophy.
Choosing academia over legal practice
Professor Brooks explains that his decision to pursue academia was shaped by encounters with individuals whose intellect and scholarship inspired him. The idea of being paid to deepen his knowledge of current affairs was compelling, as was the opportunity to influence public debate.
Coming from the United States, where undergraduate Law degrees do not exist, he initially prepared for law school by taking LNAT classes but ultimately chose graduate school instead. He decided against attending law school due to the high cost and the limited professional return for his specific interests in Congress and US Constitutional Law.
If he could choose again, he would consider the bar, noting that it offers greater flexibility to write and engage in scholarship alongside practice.
Essential skills for academics
Perseverance and reasonable self‑belief are, in his view, the most important academic skills. He emphasises the need to accept constructive criticism while maintaining resilience. He recalls being rejected from a PhD programme and choosing to persist, later receiving apologies from those who doubted him. His advice is clear: take criticism seriously, but if you have something valuable to contribute, persevere.
Research interests
Professor Brooks’ early research focused on the Philosophy of Punishment, exploring fundamental questions about wrongdoing and the justification of punishment. He is proud that his work contributed to the abolition of the death penalty in Connecticut.
His current research centres on immigration and multiculturalism, shaped by his own experience navigating immigration systems in Ireland and the UK. He became concerned about how immigrants were portrayed and the burdens imposed by fees, forms and administrative processes.
He also observed widespread misunderstandings about asylum seekers and public misconceptions about policies such as the UK’s points‑based immigration system, which already existed despite political claims of novelty.
Having undergone multiple immigration processes himself, he realised he possessed practical insight that many UK lawyers lacked. He now uses his position as a professor to apply black‑letter law to immigration issues, a role he greatly values.
Building a platform and growing a network
Professor Brooks notes that the UK offers far greater accessibility to public figures than the US. He explains that genuine interest and persistence can open doors, and he has found that government officials are willing to meet those who reach out.
He began by writing for local newspapers and speaking on local radio, which led to wider recognition and opportunities with national broadcasters. He encourages students to engage positively online, particularly through platforms such as Twitter.
Handling public speaking
He admits that public speaking was initially paralysing. Although his music degree helped him avoid stage fright, his first lecture left him visibly nervous. He later used hypnotherapy, which he found highly effective.
Innovation at Durham Law School
Professor Brooks has prioritised diversification and forward‑thinking recruitment. He redesigned hiring practices so that new academics must be able to teach in core areas while contributing to strategic research fields. This ensures comprehensive subject coverage and supports research excellence.
He emphasises the importance of US business lawyers and Chinese legal scholars within the School. Many Durham students apply to US firms, and China’s growing influence in global markets has made Chinese Law increasingly relevant. Following the establishment of the Centre for Chinese Law and Policy, Durham will host a global summit, positioning itself as a leading hub for Chinese Law outside China.
He argues that British lawyers must engage with China and the US to remain competitive.
The importance of legal technology
Discussions with law firms revealed significant investment in tech hubs and AI tools. Professor Brooks believes law schools must prepare students for these developments. Even without access to advanced technology, students must understand how legal rules apply in digital contexts.
Durham has hired IP specialists to teach fintech and e‑commerce, ensuring students are equipped for modern practice. He notes that AI may challenge smaller firms, making technological literacy essential.
He hopes to establish a centre for law and technology, creating a collaborative space where staff and students can engage in research and innovation.
How students can stand out
Professor Brooks advises students to differentiate themselves. Strong academic performance alone is not enough. He recommends:
- pursuing work experience opportunities
- engaging in extra‑curricular activities
- learning another language, particularly given China’s growing influence
- gaining exposure to family or criminal law, or experiencing the bar, to broaden perspective
- exploring subjects beyond traditional law modules
He encourages students to be curious, proactive and willing to try something different.
Thank you to Professor Thom Brooks for sharing his time and insight.
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