Dr Clare James

Profile

Prior to undertaking my law degrees I worked as Veterinary Surgeon in both the USA and UK. I specialised in the area of pathology, in particular the diagnosis of farm animal disease. I returned to university and undertook an LLB, LLM and PhD at the School of Law, University of Leeds. My PhD focused on using the right to food to guide food policy in the UK, especially in light of the threats and challenges to UK food security posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit. After spending a year at the University of Sheffield as a lecturer in law, I returned to the University of Leeds in September 2024. 

Research interests

My research considers the potential of the right to food to shape policy. I am particularly interested in areas where science and law intersect including food safety, antimicrobial resistance and agricultural policy. My research also considers aspects of the implementation of socioeconomic rights and their justiciability. I also have interests in animal welfare and the law. 

<h4>Research projects</h4> <p>Any research projects I'm currently working on will be listed below. Our list of all <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/dir/research-projects">research projects</a> allows you to view and search the full list of projects in the faculty.</p>

Qualifications

  • LLB
  • LLM
  • PhD
  • BSc
  • BVSc

Professional memberships

  • Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
  • Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists

Student education

Human Rights Law

Social Justice

Academic Integrity