Martin Lau

Martin Lau. He is a prominent British legal scholar and professor specializing in the laws of South Asia, with a particular focus on Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. His extensive research examines the intersection of Islamic law, constitutional law, and human rights within these jurisdictions. Lau is a professor at SOAS University of London and has served as a barrister at Essex Court Chambers, applying his academic expertise to practical legal challenges.

Early life and education

Born in Hong Kong in 1966, Martin Lau pursued his initial legal studies at the University of Hong Kong, where he earned his first degree. He then moved to the United Kingdom for further academic advancement, completing a PhD at the University of London. His doctoral research, which laid the foundation for his future career, focused on the legal system of Pakistan and the role of its judiciary. This period of study immersed him in the complex legal traditions of the Indian subcontinent.

Career

Martin Lau began his academic career at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), part of the University of London, where he remains a central figure. Alongside his teaching and research, he developed a parallel practice at the bar, joining the prestigious commercial set Essex Court Chambers in London. In this capacity, he has acted as an expert witness in numerous international cases involving South Asian law heard in courts across the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Singapore. He has also served as a consultant for various organizations, including the World Bank and the Department for International Development.

Research and contributions

Lau's scholarly work is distinguished by its deep, contextual analysis of law in action within South Asia. A major contribution is his authoritative study of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, detailing its evolution and pivotal role in the country's constitutional development. He has produced significant comparative work on the application of Islamic law in contemporary legal systems, particularly examining family law in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. His research frequently addresses critical issues such as gender equality, blasphemy laws, and the enforcement of fundamental rights through public interest litigation. This work is published in leading journals and through presses like Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press.

Awards and recognition

In recognition of his expertise, Martin Lau was elected a Fellow of the British Academy, the United Kingdom's national academy for the humanities and social sciences. His scholarly texts are considered essential reading in the field of South Asian legal studies and are cited by institutions including the International Court of Justice. He has been invited to deliver keynote lectures at major international forums and universities worldwide, cementing his reputation as a leading authority. His advisory role for international bodies further underscores the applied impact of his research.

Personal life

Martin Lau maintains a relatively private personal life, with his public profile being predominantly professional. He is based in London, where he balances his commitments to academia at SOAS University of London and his practice at Essex Court Chambers. His long-standing residence in the United Kingdom has positioned him at the nexus of South Asian legal scholarship and the international commercial legal community.

Category:British legal scholars Category:SOAS University of London faculty Category:British Academy fellows