I am a Professor of Environmental Law at Sussex Law School and convenor of the MA Law course.

My background is in law (LLB) and socio-legal studies (MA). I have over 30 years experience teaching and researching environmental law; at the University of Kent and at Birkbeck, University of London before joining Sussex in 2013.

Since 2000 I have been a co-author of what is now Bell, McGillivray, Pedersen, Lees and Stokes, Environmental Law (10th ed. OUP 2024). My most recent work includes (with Jane Holder) work on case study research methods and on theoretical approaches to public recreational space, as well as work looking at renewable energy and nature conservation law.

From 2019-2022 I was Head of Sussex Law School, having been Deputy Head (2015-2019) with particular responsibilities for teaching and learning. I was previously Director of Student Experience for Law, Politics and Sociology (2013-16).

I am on the Academic Panel of the Barristers Chambers Francis Taylor Buildings, London and a Non-Executive Director of Air and Space Evidence, the world's first space detective agency.

I am a Consulting Editor of Volume 78 of Halsbury's Laws of England, 'Open Spaces and Countryside', last revised 2025.

Current PhD supervisees

Ali Shariati, 'States’ accountability for greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector: a legal study of the accounting systems in the context of climate justice and energy security' (with Dr Emanuela Orlando) (2022-2025)

Ayse Sezer, 'The Role of Climate Litigation in Shaping Environmental Governance: A Biodiversity Conservation Perspective' (2024-2027)

Recent PhD supervisees include

Antonia Murillo, 'Reforming the Judicial Review process:  Town and Country Planning 2013 to 2018' (with Prof. Lindsay Stirton) passed 2025.

Chloe Anthony, The role of legal frameworks in supporting collaboration for nature recovery (with Dr Bonnie Holligan), passed 2024.

Joanna Smallwood, 'The Convention on Biological Diversity’s objectives include conservation of biological diversity at a global level, but has it become another victim of extinction as a result of its text and strategic plan?' (with Dr Ahmad Ghouri) (passed 2019) (published as Implementing International Environmental Law and Policy: An Interactive Approach to Environmental Regulation (Routledge, 2024)

Rob Amos, 'The Protection of Plants in Intrnational Law, Theory and Practice' (with Dr Helena Howe) (passed 2017) (published as Internation Conservation Law: The Protection of Plants in Theory and Practice (Routledge, 2020)