Inner Temple elects Cardiff academic to Benchership

An expert in Ecclesiastical Law has been elected as a Master of the Bench of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple.

Professor Norman Doe, who is Director of the School of Law and Politics’ Canon Law LLM programme and the Centre for Law and Religion, has been recognised by the Inner Temple for his unrivalled reputation in Ecclesiastical Law and the Law of Church and State, as well as the active and positive contributions he has made to the affairs of the Inner Temple. Professor Doe will join the InnerTemple as an Academic Bencher.

The Inner Temple is one of the four Inns of Court in London which are the professional associations for barristers in England and Wales. The Inner Temple has existed since the 14th Century and holds the right to call students to practise law at the Bar of England and Wales. It prides itself on its global membership which aims to strengthen and promote the Rule of Law and create a vibrant and diverse legal community.

The affairs of The Inner Temple are conducted by or under the authority of the Masters of the Bench. As well as the Academic Benchers which Professor Doe will join, there are several other categories of Benchers including Governing, Royal, Honorary, Overseas, and Senior Supernumerary.

Speaking of his appointment, Professor Doe said: “I am delighted with this wonderful news and very grateful to Inner Temple. It is a singular honour to be elected bencher. I look forward in particular to help developing closer links between Cardiff law students and Inner Temple, enhancing wider access to the Inn under the auspices of its outreach schemes, and contributing as best I can to the wider educational work of Inner Temple.”

Professor Doe was called to the bar in 1980 and in 2020 was elected as a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales and Royal Historical Society.