Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Professor Barr joins QUB Law School after 27 years spent in England, including as Head of School or Dean of Liverpool Law School, Cardiff School of Law and Politics and Birmingham Law School. Specialising in charity law, property law and social housing, Professor Barr began his 5-year tenure as Head of School on 1st September 2025.

Speaking of his appointment, Professor Barr said, “My number one priority is to get to know the brilliant people here at Queen's Law School and across the Faculty of AHSS and the wider Institution. I am a firm believer that great things happen when great people feel empowered to move things forward.  I hope that, together, we can build on the legacy of research excellence and real-world impact, as well as a truly transformative student experience.  Great things happen here."

Professor Barr, who is looking forward to welcoming the latest cohort of students to the school this term, gave this advice: “Engage with everything that you can and seize as many of the opportunities offered to you as your circumstances allow.  Life at university is much more than the scheduled classes, excellent though they are, and the great delights offered by Belfast nightlife.  There are some truly incredible co-curricular activities offered by the School team, such as mooting and pro-bono activities. Most of all, enjoy the experience."

Professor Barr is a Principal Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy, and is co-author of a leading Equity & Trusts textbook, Pearce & Stevens Trusts and Equitable Obligations (published by Oxford University Press). He is an academic member of the Property Bar Association, Chair of the Modern Studies in Property Law Board and a past Vice Chair of the Committee of University Law Schools (CHULS).

Professor Barr’s research and teaching interests include Equity and Trusts, Land Law, Landlord and Tenant Law, Law of Charities.

Professor Warren Barr

School of Law

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