Cowdery will be involved in teaching, writing and student mentoring. He is the third recent appointment to UNSW's criminal justice program, joining Professor Julie Stubbs and Professor Janet Chan.

"Nicholas Cowdery was not only the most prestigious prosecutor in our state's history, but he was also one of the best at taking a very public stance in calling for reform in criminal justice," said UNSW dean of law David Dixon.

Cowdery was appointed as NSW DPP in 1994. During his 16-year tenure, he superintended some of the nation's most high-profile and controversial cases including Ivan Milat, Gordon Wood and most recently Keli Lane.

Prior to his appointment as DPP, Cowdery spent nearly 20 years in private practice at the Sydney Bar, largely in criminal law, both prosecuting and defending.

"I had an enjoyable career as the Director of Public Prosecutions and worked with and against some brilliant minds," said Cowdery. "I've gone about my business knowing that most of my decisions would make some people unhappy, but my independent approach to the office and to our work has always been directed to what was in the best interests of the state and the criminal justice system."