Dr. Pascoe Pleasence

Biography

Pascoe Pleasence is a Professor of Empirical Legal Studies and the co-director of the Centre for Empirical Legal Studies at University College London. He is a leading international expert in social science research methods, with a special interest in access to justice and legal capability. His research has included examining the structure of the legal profession and the legal services market. Pleasence has authored more than 100 books, reports, and academic papers, which have been cited by the House of Lords. His publications span a broad range of academic fields, including geography, information science, psychology, social epidemiology, public health, and sociology. He has extensive experience in policy-research and has held notable roles including Head of the Legal Services Research Centre from 1996 to 2009, where he led the development of the English and Welsh Civil Social Justice Survey. He has also served as an Academic Scientific Adviser for the Legal Services Commission of England and Wales. His advisory work has contributed to the creation of access to justice frameworks across multiple jurisdictions, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, and more. Additionally, Pleasence is a fellow of the Royal Statistical Society and is involved with several international legal aid and justice measurement groups. Outside of academia, he is an avid musician and swimmer, and he volunteers as a Surf Life Saver.

Research Interests

Experience