Kim Bouwer, Associate Professor in Law, Durham University

Kim Bouwer completed her PhD, Building disappointment: the limits and potential of tort liability for energy efficiency problems in domestic buildings, in 2016. She is now an Associate Professor in Law at Durham University, and Co-Director of the Durham Energy Institute. Kim has published widely in leading journals including Legal Studies, the Journal of Environmental Law, the Journal of Human Rights and Environment, and Nature Sustainability.

What motivated you to pursue a PhD at UCL Laws?

I started my career as an attorney and then solicitor – I worked in private practice for many years, before deciding that a career redirection was called for. The decision to move into academia started with the idea that I could probably teach law, and I embarked on a journey that gradually took me to apply for PhD programmes, and I ended up at UCL. I was delighted because UCL is a fantastic university, but I could keep my base in London where I had lived for many years.

What was your PhD topic, and what inspired your research in this area?

I always say – half in jest – that I became an environmental lawyer by chance. My practice was in tort and human rights, and some of this related to environmental issues – for instance, representing climate activists in my practice. 

My UCL scholarship was a studentship which in part grew out of the research strength at UCL Energy Institute in building energy performance. The team had an interest in liability for poor energy performance and I focused this into an investigation of tort liability for both poor, as well as harmful, energy efficiency ‘improvements’. 

Who was your supervisor, and what was the experience of working with them like?

My primary supervisor was Professor Maria Lee at UCL Laws, and I can honestly say I could not have asked for a better supervisor. First of all, Maria is a fantastic role model as she is both a generous person and also a top-notch academic. Maria had endless patience as I made the transition from practitioner to scholar, ensuring I was both constantly challenged as well as supported. Maria was also very helpful in my transition into academic life more generally; she views the PhD journey as an apprenticeship in which the candidate is prepared to work as an academic in the future. So Maria also supported my development as a teacher – I taught torts and a bit of environmental law during my PhD – and provided advice and guidance as to how to manage the myriad demands of an academic role. I still ask myself ‘what would Maria say’ when making decisions today. 

How would you describe the experience of undertaking a PhD?

The PhD experience was more difficult but also more enjoyable than I expected. As a mature student I really appreciated the opportunity to undertake further research, despite this being difficult as a slightly older person! I definitely underestimated how hard it would be, and it was interesting exploring the variations between how I had used law as a practitioner, with the process of conducting scholarly legal research.

How would you describe the research community and research culture at UCL Laws?

UCL Laws is exceptional as a research institution. Everyone is at the absolute top of their game, and yet there is an active and generous community of scholars aiming to help one another be better, while maintaining the highest standards in education.

Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your time at UCL Laws that has had a lasting impact on you?

There are many, but the times I presented my PhD research at workshops or work in progress sessions really stand out. In particular, in my third year I presented a paper at the ‘New Work’ workshop organised by the Private Law Group. It was my first full paper presentation, and I was very nervous, and I was humbled that so many very smart people had taken the time to read my draft paper and had questions and thoughts to help me make it better. 

How has your career path evolved since finishing your PhD? How did the PhD/UCL Laws prepare you for this? 

After the PhD I transitioned into academia, holding a few fellowships (including the Max Weber in Florence, which was lovely) before starting a permanent post. I was relatively well prepared – as I said, my supervisor understood that writing a long thesis was poor preparation for the job, and so I already had some teaching experience, and an understanding of how to manage competing demands. Having said that, the academic job market has changed a lot over the last decade or so, and I had to navigate those shifts, again as someone with an unconventional career path. I was worried that such a long time in legal practice would create the impression that I was not serious about scholarship, and having the weight of an institution like UCL behind me did help with that, I think.

Can you tell us about your current role and what it entails?

I am currently an Associate Professor at Durham Law School and I can honestly say that no day is the same! There is a predictable rhythm to the academic year where terms are very busy, being taken up with teaching, teaching prep, research seminars, supervision and administration, and of course marking! I try always to make sure every week has a little time for research, even if it’s only an afternoon. Then when teaching ends the focus is on research, more supervision and conference travel. I am very lucky to have been successful in a grant application, and I am now (in autumn 2025) starting a three-year research project funded by the Leverhulme Trust, so I am not teaching much and most of my time is taken up with research.

What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far, or had the biggest impact on you? 

I can honestly say that every time I receive a thank you from a student I’ve taught or supervised, it makes my week. Publishing papers and books, getting grants and being cited or invited by other academics to share my ideas are all great, and I’m always grateful, but knowing you’ve had a positive impact on a student’s journey of learning and growth is the best thing. 

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of pursuing a PhD at UCL Laws?

Think very carefully about who would be the best supervisor both for you and the research you want to do, read some of their work, and don’t be shy about contacting them directly before you apply.  I ended up in the right place, but it was more down to luck than good planning. I did not think I could email someone I didn’t know and ask for their time, but in this case, it is quite okay.

What advice would you give to current PhD researchers at UCL Laws? 

Make the most of it, enjoy every minute, and while of course you should work very hard on your thesis, don’t neglect engagement with both the Faculty and postgraduate research community. Go to the Wednesday lunchtime seminars! The quality both of research and engagement at UCL is second to none.

In terms of going on, academia can be a very rewarding career choice, but it also demands a lot from you and comes with multiple challenges. It does not offer an easier life than legal practice, but it certainly offers one to which, in my case, I am more suited. Think very carefully about where you want to go, listen carefully to advice from both senior colleagues and input from your cohort but make your own decisions, and be very strategic about what you choose to do. 

Find out more about Kim on LinkedIn.