Celebrating 125 years of excellence: reflecting on our past, present, and future
This year, the University of Leeds School of Law celebrated its 125th anniversary.
Through a series of events, lectures, and activities, the School of Law celebrated this important milestone, involving students, staff, alumni, and partners.
Find out more about our long and rich history, as well as some of the activities that took place this year to mark the occasion.
The beginning
Since the first session of the School in October 1899, education of our students – first in law and more recently in law and criminology – have been at the heart of who we are.
Lyddon Terrace, home of the School from 1957 – 2011.
The student body has, however, changed significantly over the last 125 years. The starting cohort was just 22 students, almost all of whom were local, male and part-time. Today the landscape is very different. There is a wider range of courses on offer, the cohort mix has changed dramatically, and almost all our students are now full-time.
A growing school
Perhaps the most striking change over the period is the increase in the number of students enrolled in the School; from 22 in 1899 to more than 2,000 in 2024.
When I took up my place [in 1968] I was one of about 100 first year students of whom 20 were women.
Staff and students at the School of Law, 1949-50.
We currently have over 1,400 undergraduates in our six programmes and nearly 500 postgraduate students in the School. Of our postgraduates, 90 are studying for a PhD, with the remainder taking one of our 13 Masters programmes.
Going global
Back in 1899, students in the School were all from the UK and most were local. Today, the School is a truly international community. Our undergraduate students come from 86 different countries, from Australia to Zimbabwe. After domestic students, students from Malaysia, Canada and India represent the largest percentages of undergraduates.
Our postgraduates hail from 33 different countries, with the highest representation coming from China, the UK, India and Indonesia. Our postgraduate researchers come from more than 20 different countries, with the highest international representation from Saudi Arabia, China and Nigeria. The last application cycle saw applications from students in more than 100 countries.
School of Law undergraduates and staff, 2019.
This year, we continued to strengthen our ties with international partners, including Jilin University, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Northwestern University of Politics and Law, Grandall Law Firm, Universitas Sebelas Maret, and others.
International study
As well as welcoming students to Leeds from all over the world, many of our students undertake a year abroad as part of their degree. Many study in English but we also have students who study in Spanish, French and German.
To encourage more students to travel abroad we have provided scholarships for summer schools and students who do not want to spend a full year abroad can get some experience during a shorter, more focused programme.
Louis Louis Hempsall, Law LLB student, during his year abroad in Canada.Research
As part of a Russell Group University, we are one of the leading law schools for research in the UK and our research explores issues across many aspects of law and criminal justice, informing policy and practice on a national and international level.
Research in the School is organised around our research centres: the Centre for Criminal Justice Studies; the Centre for Business Law and Practice; the Centre for Innovation and Research in Legal Education; and the Centre for Law and Social Justice. All are now thriving centres producing work shaping how we think about law and criminal justice. They have proved highly successful in raising our research profile in the UK and beyond, as well as in attracting leading scholars to the School of Law.
School of Law staff in Roundhay Park, 2024
In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), our School was ranked 4th overall in the UK for the quality of our research, 86% of the research publications that it submitted to the REF have been assessed as either ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, and 100% of its impact submission has been rated ‘world-leading’.
This year, we launched the ‘Spotlight on Research’ video series to showcase some of the impactful projects led by our academics in the School of Law.
Community Engagement & Belonging
At the School of Law, Community Engagement projects are at the heart of our mission to effect positive change in our community. These projects offer invaluable volunteering and 'pro bono' opportunities, enabling students to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout their studies in real-world settings.
With a rich history of providing such opportunities, the School has achieved recognition through numerous national and University awards. Whether it is offering legal assistance to migrants, advocating for social justice causes, or engaging in research initiatives with local partners, our community engagement projects empower students to make a meaningful impact while fostering a sense of responsibility and service within our student body.
Cerebra Pro Bono Research Programme cohort, 2024.
As part of this year’s celebrations, the School of Law organised a charity cycle event to raise funds for four charities including Child Bereavement UK, Little Hiccups, Many Tears Animal Rescue, and Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (PAFRAS). Together, the School community raised £2,140, and cycled 1,407.1 kilometres – equivalent to travelling from Leeds to Toulouse!
Staff cycling during the sponsored bike ride in November 2024.
In November, the School of Law hosted its event of the year to mark its 125th anniversary, bringing together students, staff, alumni, and partners. The celebration featured speeches reflecting on the School's rich history, delivered by Head of School Louise Elison, Professor Anna Lawson, and Professor Adam Crawford, alongside a historical display.
Over 150 staff, students, and alumni gathered at the Liberty Building to celebrate the School of Law's 125th anniversary.
Alumni
The School of Law alumni network is a truly global community. We currently have more than 16,000 alumni around the world in more than 110 countries. The School of Law alumni include a UK Prime Minister, judges from the highest courts around the world, senior partners in major international law firms, leading barristers, significant political figures, businesspeople, journalists, entrepreneurs, activists, and many other national leaders.
Sir Keir Starmer, an alum of the School of Law, was elected UK Prime Minister in July 2024, becoming the first University of Leeds graduate to hold this position.
This summer, we welcomed a cohort of over 800 students into our international alumni community through a series of graduation ceremonies filled with achievements, celebrations, and sunshine.
Graduates of the School of Law were celebrated during the summer 2024 graduation ceremony.
Recently, on 11 December, we were very proud to welcome our newest alumni cohort with a ceremony at the Great Hall, followed by a graduation reception in the Liberty Building. The event brought together students, staff, and loved ones to celebrate.
Our most recent graduates became part of our alumni community just a few days ago.
Looking Forward
Over the last 125 years, the School of Law has continually evolved to meet the challenges of an ever-changing legal and political landscape. While the School’s history is marked by many changes, our commitment to providing a top-quality education and exceptional student experience has remained constant, alongside our drive to produce world-class, impactful research.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are grateful to everyone who is part of this vibrant community. Stay connected with the School of Law by following us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and Bluesky.
