Sir Roy Goode (SH 1951) has died at age 93

Sir Roy Goode (SH 1951)

Sir Roy Goode, one of the most distinguished legal scholars of his generation, passed away on 24 June 2026 aged 93. Educated at Highgate School, leaving in 1951, Sir Roy went on to become a world authority on commercial law and a leading figure in the development of modern legal practice and scholarship.  

After qualifying as a solicitor, he spent 17 years in legal practice before embarking on an academic career. He joined Queen Mary University of London, where he founded the renowned Centre for Commercial Law Studies, later becoming Norton Rose Professor of English Law at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of St John’s College. His influence extended far beyond academia through his work on law reform, including chairing the Pension Law Review Committee, whose recommendations led to the Pensions Act 1995.  

Sir Roy was elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 1988, appointed QC in 1990, and knighted in 2000 for services to academic law. Internationally respected for his scholarship, teaching and public service, he helped shape commercial law both in the UK and around the world. 

The Association extends its sincere condolences to Sir Roy’s family, friends and fellow Old Cholmeleians. His achievements brought great distinction to Highgate School and to the legal profession. 

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