Dr. Christopher Malcolm already has special plans for the Norman Manley Law School, where he will assume the role of principal on September 1.

Dr. Malcolm intends to comprehensively assess the law school's programme and how it functions upon taking office.

"My immediate priority is to find out what the current status of the law school is at all levels, including student and staff activities, how the law school has been performing by reference to what end users require, and about operational or other issues that might require corrective adjustments," he said.

This foundational understanding, he added, will inform the collaborative establishment of a clear priority list, developed with the support of faculty and other key stakeholders.

One of Dr. Malcolm's key objectives is to prepare students for a borderless legal world. He explained that graduates who migrate require preparation that is "as globally sensitive as is possible". He believes that "domestic practice is, in any event, international at many levels, because of its significant interdependence and collaboration across borders". His vision is to equip future legal professionals with the understanding and adaptability needed to navigate diverse legal environments, aligning with his mission to be at the forefront of the modernisation of legal education, including through the expansion of experiential learning, and the implementation of adaptive continuous quality assurance measures.

Fostering stronger, more formal collaborations between the Norman Manley Law School and other legal institutions, regional bodies, and international organisations is deemed to be "necessary", Dr Malcolm added, as he highlighted the critical relationship with feeder institutions, particularly The Faculty of Law at the University of the West Indies.

"What we must have, if the model is to work well, is an appropriately geared stages of development approach," he said, emphasising the need for collaborative programme development between the Faculty of Law and the Norman Manley Law School that ensures seamless student transitions that optimise output. This, he said, requires ongoing dialogue and targeted retreats, as needed, to ensure the effective working together of minds towards a common agreed end.

Regarding specific measures to uphold the school's high standards of excellence and regional relevance, Dr Malcolm shared a cautious approach. "At this stage, it is premature to say I will do this, or I will do that," he affirmed. He stressed the importance of first finding out and getting to understand the gaps that exist and then relying on the insights of experienced voices, within and outside the institution, before embarking on any programme of change that might be necessary. He anticipates being in a better position to outline concrete strategies after several months in the role, by when he should have a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities that impact the law school.

A distinguished academic in the field of law, institutional leader, and practitioner, with close to 30 years post-qualification experience spanning legal education, public sector leadership, and dispute resolution, Dr. Malcolm brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this distinguished regional institution. He has been highly commended by people in law and academia since it was announced that he would be leading the law school in September.

"I congratulate Dr. Malcolm on his elevation to the principalship of the Norman Manley Law School. I am sure that with his vast experience in the legal fraternity, both locally and regionally, he will bring solid leadership to the institution," said Professor Densil A. Williams, principal of the University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona Campus and pro vice-chancellor.

Professor Shazeeda Ali, dean of the Faculty of Law, UWI Mona, said: "With Dr. Malcolm’s appointment as principal of the Norman Manley Law School, we look forward to continued collaboration and cooperation in our joint efforts to provide excellence in legal education and our mutual commitment to producing outstanding legal professionals and scholars for the region."

Dr Malcolm, as a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Law at The UWI, Mona, and former interim dean, he has been instrumental in developing curricula and fostering regional and international collaborations. His leadership in academic programme development, faculty mentorship, and student engagement underscores his commitment to high-quality legal education and professional training.

Beyond academia, he has held key leadership roles in government and regional institutions, including as attorney general of the British Virgin Islands and head of the Legal Unit, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). These roles involved critical policy development, financial oversight, institutional governance, and legislative reform, demonstrating Dr Malcolm’s ability to lead in complex legal and administrative environments.  His tenure as a consultant senior legal advisor to the Minister of Justice, Jamaica, further reflects his influence in shaping national legal policy, reform, and governance in the justice sector.

As vice-president of the Asian Institute of Alternative Disputes Resolution (AIADR), and a member of multiple governance boards, Dr. Malcolm possesses a deep understanding of strategic management, academic administration, and institutional sustainability. His proven expertise in financial planning, budget oversight, and revenue generation also makes him well-equipped to enhance the fiscal health of the law school, a key expectation for the role of principal.

When asked about his lasting legacy at the Faculty of Law at The UWI, he said: "The legacy I wish to have ascribed to me should be determined by others and not by me." His personal philosophy centres on contributing "the best I can in the best way I know how," and he views The UWI Faculty of Law and the Norman Manley Law School not as separate entities, although they are in reality, but as integral parts of a continuous journey to becoming a lawyer. His ultimate goal is then to ensure an "ongoing process of dialogue and ongoing process of corrective adjustments, as required, to produce the best possible legal professionals.”

Reflecting on his tenure at the Faculty of Law, Dr. Malcolm playfully quoted Frank Sinatra, stating any regrets were "too few to mention". He prefers to focus on "what lies ahead" and the contributions he can make in his new role. His commitment is to "speaking frankly and giving of my best in the hope that others around me can find at least some, if not all, of what I do, capable of being properly supported".

Dr. Malcolm's experience in academia and as a practitioner, which has included work across the Caribbean and also in Asia, Africa and the Americas, will have significant influence on his approach.
A well-recognised expert in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and financial law, Dr Malcolm’s research and publications have focused on banking and finance, regional integration, and trade law. He stresses that "legal arrangements have to adapt to ongoing change, as should legal education”. This perspective, he said, is crucial as he steps into leadership of the Norman Manley Law School in a rapidly changing world, marked by advancements in AI, evolving global trade arrangements, shifting political attitudes, and expanding reliance on cross-border legal practice that is beyond the pale.