Professor Frances Ridout, LLB hons, BVC, MA, SFHEA
Director of the Legal Advice Centre (Clinical Legal Education), Barrister & Professor of Clinical Legal Education and Pro Bono
Room Number: Mile End
Website: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/lac/
Profile
Frances is the Director of the Legal Advice Centre based within the Department of Law and a practising barrister. In addition to her duties as the LAC Director, Frances teaches two LAC modules; The Practice of Law in a Clinical Environment and StreetLaw which are on the undergraduate degree. Frances is an expert in the current law surrounding the sharing of intimate images, and regularly speaks on this topic. She is also Deputy Director for Queen Mary's Hub for Professional Practice, which aims to impact the future of practice through research-informed life-long education
Prior to joining Queen Mary University, Frances was working at the independent criminal bar. She practiced from 15 New Bridge Street Chambers, where she remains an associate tenant. Her work included conducting criminal and quasi criminal cases – mainly funded through legal aid. Frances also has extensive experience of representing those who have been arrested at the police station.
Frances has experience of prosecuting and defending in high profile matters such as the LIBOR prosecutions conducted by the Serious Fraud Office and the trial of Asil Nadir in relation to Polly Peck. Her experience spans criminal law, procedures, evidence and disclosure. While in practice she regularly appeared at the Crown Court, Court of Appeal, High Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. Most notably Frances represented Terrance Calix in the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in his 2013 appeal for damages for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution
Throughout her career Frances has worked on social justice cases, human rights issues and pro bono matters. She remains, as she has always been, committed to the provision of legal services for those who cannot afford to pay for representation.
Frances is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.