Peter Goodrich was one of the founding members of the law school. His work in setting up the school and establishing its reputation is only one of the claims that could be made of his contribution to the Birkbeck effect. Peter is one of the most important figures in contemporary legal theory – with an international reputation. He is presently professor of law at Benjamin Cardozo law school in New York, and he remains a friend and supporter of Birkbeck. His intellectual legacy extends into critical legal theory, law and literature, legal history, law and aesthetics and law and visual culture. A pioneer in his field, an intellectual champion of sophisticated and joyous critical thinking, Peter’s name should be in any list of those who exemplify the spirit of Birkbeck.