TV Personality and Barrister Awarded Honorary Degree

Commenting on his award, Rob says: "Solent University, Southampton, has thrived on its rich diversity of students who are taught that achieving academic excellence is only one part their mission. It’s how learners use the skills and experiences they acquire to serve society and shape our world that matters most. I am immensely proud to have received an honorary doctorate from this community who’s values represent what a university can be at its very best."

From barrister to writer and broadcaster, Rob Rinder has become one of British TV’s most well-known legal professionals. Rob started his career with an interest in theatre and the media, and after a short time at The National Youth Theatre, he went on to study modern history and politics at university, graduating with first class honours. He built a highly successful practice at the bar in criminal and regulatory law, defending and prosecuting in a number of high profile national and international cases.

Rob retained his passion for media and wrote dramas in his spare time when he wasn't in the courtroom. Whilst advising on an international inquiry into government corruption Rob met a TV commissioner who had read one of his script ideas which led to his hit TV show Judge Rinder. The show is now in its 8th series and continues to help the public demystify the British judiciary.

He has gone on to make multiple series of ‘Crime Stories’ on ITV which aims to give Victims and the police a significant platform to talk about the impact of serious crime. He produced a radio series for BBC ‘Raising the Bar’ in which judges and leading practitioners spoke directly to the public in detail about their work, in many instances for the first time.

Rob presents various shows such as Good Morning Britain and gives legal advice on This Morning, which contributes to his key goal of making legal education available to all.

Off-screen, Rob has also published his book ‘Rinder’s Rules’ to cut out the jargon and provide everyday legal advice on subjects from a cowboy builder to a fraudulent holiday. In addition to this, he is a columnist for The Sun (where is has answered thousands of reader’s legal questions) and the Evening Standard where he writes about culture and art.

Rob also participated in season 15 of ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ retracing the history of his grandfather who survived the Holocaust. From the extraordinary success of this story emerged a 2-part documentary titled ‘My Family, The Holocaust & Me’. As a result of the critically acclaimed series, he was awarded a BAFTA and appointed an MBE in 2021 for his contribution to Holocaust education and awareness.

As a legal ambassador for Shelter, Rob is currently working on a documentary series about the history of the Israel, Palestinian conflict which is in production for the BBC.

“Robert Rinder offers one of the finest examples of how to make the law relevant, engaging and applicable. In a time where access to justice has been hampered in many ways, his drive and passion in his field, underpinned by such a strong ethical approach and insistence on remembering and learning from the past, perfectly reflect Solent’s values and Solent Law School’s professional practice approach to legal education.

“I’m delighted he wants to be part of Solent Law School’s ongoing growth and success and look forward to working together with him to support our fantastic students in achieving their future aspirations,” says Kevin Rogers, Director of Solent Law School.