The Law School bid a fond farewell to our former Head of School this week, when we celebrated the work and contributions of Professor Andrew Sanders. After three years in post at Warwick, Andrew officially retired at the end of May, but we couldn’t let him go without saying thank you.

The occasion was marked with a special gathering after the annual Law School Conference at Scarman. Many of his colleagues attended to say thank you for his hard work over the last few years and his unwavering dedication to the School. It certainly hasn’t been an easy ride.

Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Professor Jackie Hodgson commented, “Andrew was exactly the right person to lead Warwick Law School in recent years and he did a tremendous job in steering us through what were sometimes choppy waters. In his three and half years with us, we have had strike action, a global pandemic that required us to completely re-think our teaching delivery, and REF."

"In addition to his natural affinity for Warwick’s international and contextual approach (he was an undergraduate here after all!) his experience heading up a number of other Law Schools ensured he provided wise and compassionate leadership. His approach was always collegiate - trusting colleagues to do the jobs assigned to them, without shirking responsibility for the difficult tasks. It’s clear that there is a real affection for Andrew from colleagues across the faculty and university, as well as professional services and academic colleagues in the School."

"Warwick Law School continues to flourish in its teaching, research and wider engagement and Andrew has been an important part of that. We wish him a very happy retirement - he’s certainly earned it!"

Professor Andrew Williams, who will be taking over as Head of School from September 2022 added, “Andrew has been a wonderfully calm and considerate Head of Department. We've appreciated the good humour and stable leadership that he's provided during a most difficult three years.”

Reflecting on his time at Warwick both as an undergraduate student and as Chair of the Law School, Andrew commented, “despite the challenges of leading a university department in a pandemic, my 3yrs 5m were mostly enjoyable and rewarding. Primarily because all colleagues worked together to support each other and help the School make a difference: in research, teaching, student support, community engagement and impact. I’m proud to have led the School that many years ago introduced me to studying law in a critical way and in its social and political context.”

Head of Administration at WLS, Robert Horton said, “Andrew Sanders has accomplished much as the Head of the Warwick University Law School, and well deserves all of the thanks and best wishes he has received upon his retirement. One aspect in particular that deserves to be recognised is Andrew’s conscientiousness and inclusiveness in actively seeking and considering the input of professional support staff colleagues in the School."

"Andrew’s efforts in this regard have enhanced the sense of inclusive community within the School, shown professional support staff that they are valued, and provided a positive model for colleagues in the School and beyond. On behalf of all the professional support staff in the School, I thank Andrew for being an excellent Head of School and in particular for his inclusive approach to leadership.”

From everyone at the Law School, enjoy your retirement Andrew and thank you. We will miss you.