The London institution that serves as the global focal point for legal research
In short: Founded in 1947 to advance the study of law, the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies acts as a vital hub for scholars and practitioners. From its home in Bloomsbury, it manages a vast library and fosters international collaboration, shaping how legal systems are understood and drafted across the world.
The Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS) was established following a 1932 recommendation by Lord Atkin, who envisioned a headquarters dedicated to academic legal research. Officially opened in 1948 by Lord Chancellor William Jowitt, the institute initially operated from 25 Russell Square. By 1976, it relocated to Charles Clore House at 17 Russell Square, a building designed by Sir Denys Lasdun. Since 1994, the IALS has functioned as a member of the University of London's School of Advanced Study.
Central to the institute's mission is its library, often called the jewel in its crown. It holds over 300,000 legal texts and more than 3,000 current serial titles, serving as a repository for United Kingdom legal publications. The library is recognized as a leading global center for comparative research, with significant holdings in Public International Law and resources from jurisdictions including the United States, Europe, and the Commonwealth. It supports postgraduate students from various University of London colleges, who rely on these collections for their coursework.
Beyond its library, the IALS promotes legal scholarship through fellowships, workshops, and specialized degree programs. It hosts the flagship LL.M. in Drafting Legislation, Regulation, and Policy, which trains lawyers globally in statutory drafting and law reform. The institute also maintains international exchange programs, such as partnerships with the Beijing Arbitration Commission and judicial bodies in Pernambuco, Brazil. Through digital initiatives like the Flare Index to Treaties and collaborations with the British Library, the IALS continues to expand its role as a national and international center for legal excellence.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
- Also: research.london.ac.uk — Institute of Advanced Legal Studies | University of London
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