DR. PETER UNDERWOOD
Senior Lecturer in Law | Corporate Governance Expert
Legal scholar exploring corporate law, shareholder dynamics, and the evolving relationship at the intersection of technology and modern corporate governance frameworks.
About Peter
Academic Landscape
Auckland Law School
Dr Peter Underwood is a Senior Lecturer at Auckland Law School, bringing extensive expertise in corporate law and governance from both the UK and New Zealand academic landscapes. Before joining the University of Auckland in 2024, Peter was a Lecturer in Law at Exeter Law School in the UK, where he taught Company Law, Principles of Corporate Law, Contract Law, Property Law, and Jurisprudence. During his tenure at Exeter, he served as Co-Director for the Research Centre for Commercial and Company Law.
Peter’s research delves deep into the complexities of corporate law, with a particular focus on corporate governance. He has investigated the tensions between shareholder capitalism and stakeholder capitalism, exploring power dynamics within large multinational corporations. His monograph, Corporate Group Legitimacy, evaluates the legitimacy of wielding significant power in the corporate sphere.
With a keen interest in technological innovation, Peter examines what corporate law can gain from technological advances and, conversely, what corporate law can offer to technology. He is actively seeking research collaborations and supervises PhD candidates in these cutting-edge fields.
Degrees & Qualifications
PhD in Law
University of Exeter, United Kingdom
Doctoral thesis exploring the structural dynamics of corporate power legitimacy and authority allocation inside corporate groups and international holding entities.
LL.M (Master of Laws)
University of Law, Bristol, United Kingdom
Specialized legal study detailing advanced principles of company law, multinational mergers and acquisitions, and commercial corporate structures.
LL.B (Bachelor of Laws)
Nottingham Law School, United Kingdom
Undergraduate education in foundations of common law, properties, obligations, jurisprudence, and initial commercial regulations.
Academic Experience
Senior Lecturer
University of Auckland (Faculty of Law, Auckland, New Zealand)
- ▪ Teaching Corporate Governance on the LLB Program.
- ▪ PhD/Doctoral Accredited Supervisor guiding research in Corporate Law and tech intersections.
Lecturer in Law
University of Exeter (Exeter, United Kingdom)
- ▪ Co-Director, Research Centre for Commercial and Company Law.
- ▪ Taught Company Law, Principles of Corporate Law, Contract Law, Property Law, and Jurisprudence.
Interests & Philosophy
Research Philosophy
Peter’s research sits at the intersection of traditional corporate law theory and emerging technological innovation. He investigates fundamental questions about corporate power, accountability, and the evolving relationship between corporations and society. His work on shareholder versus stakeholder capitalism addresses one of the most pressing debates in contemporary corporate governance.
He is strongly open to research collaborations and PhD supervision in corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, and the intersection of technology and corporate law.
Interests Directory
- Corporate Governance Frameworks
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Shareholder vs Stakeholder Capitalism
- Technology & Corporate Law
- Multinational Corporations & Groups
Services & Advisory
Legal Advisory & Practical Solutions
I welcome the opportunity to undertake consultancy work in areas related to corporate law, corporate governance, and commercial law. With extensive academic expertise, I provide tailored solutions for complex legal challenges.
My consultancy services include contract research, comprehensive legal overviews, strategic advice on corporate governance matters, and expert analysis of commercial and company law issues.
Areas of Expertise
Get In Touch
Interested in research collaboration or supervision?
I welcome outreach regarding postgraduate student candidates, legal review commissions, strategic corporate governance consulting inquiries, and academic joint projects.
Academic Office Location: Auckland Law School, University of Auckland, New Zealand
Email: p.underwood@auckland.ac.nz
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