Cordelia Thomas obtained a LLB degree from Otago University, was admitted as a barrister and solicitor and practised law for some years. Upon the birth of the first of her three children, she moved to Wellington Polytechnic and subsequently Massey University as a senior lecturer. She completed a LLM from Victoria University of Wellington, and has recently completed a PhD thesis in medical law and bioethics from Victoria University of Wellington. The thesis suggests a legal framework for the collection, retention and use of human body parts. She has taught on a range of courses including Land Law, Property Law, Criminal law and Legal Executive subjects. She is the National Course Director of Legal Executive training on behalf of the New Zealand Law Society, and is a member of the Legal Aid Review Panel. She was previously the Senior Legal Advisor for the Bioethics Council and is currently acting as Chief Legal Advisor for the Health and Disability Commissioner. Her research interests are broadly in the area of Human Rights, particularly with regard to vulnerable people such as children or the elderly.