Philippe Sands

About the Author

Philippe Sands is an internationally renowned barrister, professor of law, and acclaimed author whose work bridges the worlds of legal scholarship and narrative storytelling. A professor at University College London and a practicing lawyer at Matrix Chambers, Sands has argued landmark cases before the International Court of Justice and other tribunals, including those related to environmental law and human rights. His writing delves into the intersections of history, justice, and personal memoir, illuminating the profound impacts of international law on global events. In East West Street: On the Origins of 'Genocide' and 'Crimes Against Humanity' (Deckle Edge), Sands masterfully traces the origins of these pivotal legal concepts through the lives of two Jewish lawyers from his hometown of Lviv, weaving family history with the Nuremberg Trials to explore the roots of modern genocide prosecutions. Sands' insightful prose has earned him numerous awards, including the Baillie Gifford Prize, establishing him as a vital voice in legal and historical literature.