Conor Maher appointed Associate Lecturer in Law at Bournemouth University

We are delighted to announce that Conor Maher, Senior Associate Solicitor Advocate in our Dispute Resolution team, has been appointed as an Associate Lecturer in Law at Bournemouth University. Conor will be leading and delivering the Civil Procedure and Dispute Resolution module on the University’s LLM in Legal Practice, sharing his specialist knowledge with the next generation of legal professionals.

What will students learn from the Civil Procedure and Dispute Resolution module?

The module is designed to give a practical overview and insight into the procedure and process of civil disputes in England & Wales, from issuing a claim through to case management, evidence, disclosure, final hearing, costs and enforcement, with a further assessment of Alternative Dispute Resolution/Non-Court Dispute Resolution (ADR/NCDR).

Professional expertise and legal experience behind the associate lecturer role

As a Solicitor Advocate, Conor has a wealth of experience dealing with matters procedurally in both the High Court and the County Court (as well as regulatory proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court), through from pre-action stages all the way to Trial, Judgment, and enforcement. However, as an Accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator and Member of the Society of Mediators, Conor also brings an in-depth knowledge of ADR/NCDR, not only in respect of the theory and benefits, but also the practicalities and procedures.

Combining legal practice with teaching and legal education

Having been involved in delivering training through various organisations for many years, Conor has a passion for teaching, facilitating, and delivering learning. This role has given Conor an opportunity to combine his extensive knowledge and experience in legal practice and his passion for training and developing the next generation.

Community engagement and legal education contributions through seminars and events

We support the legal community and education sector through regular training, events, and professional development activities. Recent and ongoing contributions include:

• Landlords and Lettings Agents Seminar: delivering practical legal updates tailored to property professionals.
• Trainer for MBL Seminars and Legal Futures: providing CPD training on a broad range of litigation and dispute‑resolution topics to fellow legal practitioners.
• Bournemouth and District Law Society’s Civil Litigation Conference: hosting and presenting at the 2025 event and returning in 2026 to deliver a session focused on ADR/NCDR.

Together, these engagements highlight our commitment to sharing knowledge, supporting professional development, and strengthening legal understanding in the wider community.

Civil & Commercial Mediator qualification

In addition to his university appointment, Conor has recently qualified as a Civil and Commercial Mediator and is now accredited as a Member of the Society of Mediators (MSoM). This accreditation enhances his ability to guide clients through alternative dispute resolution processes and reflects his commitment to achieving pragmatic, cost‑effective outcomes.

Conor joins our Partner & Solicitor Paul Kanolik who has also recently qualified as an accredited mediator from our Banking & Finance Litigation team. Together, they strengthen the firm’s mediation offering and provide clients with skilled, solution‑focused support outside the courtroom.

Supporting the community and education

Conor’s appointment reinforces our strong relationship with Bournemouth University and our commitment to supporting legal education in the area. We are proud to see our lawyers contributing to both the profession and the next generation of lawyers.