The obituary notice of Professor Patrick BIRKINSHAW

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Patrick. My very first job in academia was working as Research Assistant, directly with Patrick, in Institute of European Public Law in Hull Law School which he directed. I provided research assistance and we also co-wrote. Patrick was a generous, fair, supportive colleague - treating everyone with scholarly seriousness. I am so grateful for this start which Patrick gave my academic career. My deep condolences to his family.

£418.20 was collected at Patrick’s funeral on 16 December 2025. Thank you to all who attended and kindly donated

I was given my first academic job - in 1995 - at Hull, while Patrick was head of the law school. He had examined my postgraduate work and was, from the beginning, extremely supportive, helping me get started in academic life with much guidance and understanding. In my two years at Hull he was a great colleague – fair, principled, extremely hard-working and completely committed to the school and its students. His knowledge of the law in all its complexity was voluminous, setting a great example to younger scholars on the importance of understanding fully the subject you teach. In many ways Patrick remained a role model for me in my later career.
Patrick’s work in establishing the Institute for European Public Law and the journal was remarkable, marking Hull out as an important centre for the application of comparative public law and showing the esteem in which he was held throughout the British public law community. He remained the foremost expert in freedom of information law in the UK; a status he held for decades.
I was shocked and very sorry to hear of Patrick’s passing. A leading scholar but more importantly a man of great decency, warmth and integrity. My profound condolences to his family. Rest in Peace, Patrick.

As a scholar, Prof. Birkinshaw shaped a field; as an editor, Prof. Birkinshaw created a community; as a teacher, Prof. Birkinshaw provided generosity!
May he rest in peace!