UL School of Law marks 25 years of remarkable growth with Silver Jubilee celebrations
The University of Limerick's School of Law has launched a year-long programme of Silver Jubilee celebrations this month, to mark 25 years of extraordinary growth from a small academic unit into one of Ireland's leading centres for legal education, research, and public engagement.
Since its establishment in 2001, the School has undergone a remarkable transformation. What began as a fledgling law school has developed into a thriving academic community offering 22 taught programmes, supporting a growing doctoral and research population, and building strong connections with the legal professions, public bodies, and communities in Ireland and internationally.
The milestone anniversary will be celebrated through a series of events during the 2026/27 academic year that reflect both the School of Law's achievements over the past quarter-century and its ambitions for the future.
Celebrations commenced with a recent launch reception, which brought together colleagues, students, alumni, friends, and supporters of the School to mark the beginning of the jubilee year, including former lecturer Willie O'Dea TD and UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins.
"The School of Law occupies a special place in the University's story and in my own professional journey," Professor Kilcommins said.
"Having served as a lecturer, Head of School and later Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, I have witnessed first-hand the remarkable growth of the school over the past quarter century.
"Its success is reflected not only in its achievements in teaching and research, but also in the impact of its people who have helped shape public debate, advance legal understanding and strengthen democratic institutions in Ireland and beyond."
He added: "In celebrating the Silver Jubilee, we honour the vision and dedication of those who built the school and we look forward with confidence to the next chapter.
"In a rapidly changing world, the need for thoughtful, ethical and socially engaged legal education has never been greater, and I am confident that the School of Law will continue to lead, innovate and make a meaningful contribution to society for many years to come."
The UL School of Law's story is one of rapid development and innovation. From its origins in legal studies within broader University programmes dating back to 1974, it has grown into a nationally recognised law school renowned for its teaching, research, and engagement with society.
Today, thousands of graduates of the School are making an impact as solicitors, barristers, judges, policymakers, public servants, business leaders, and academics in Ireland and across the world.
Alumni include Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, RTÉ journalist Juliette Gash, columnist and former professional rugby player Duncan Casey, acclaimed novelist Donal Ryan, and Professor Shane Kilcommins, President of University of Limerick.
Their achievements reflect both the breadth of opportunities available to UL graduates and the School's contribution to public life, culture, education, and the legal profession.
The expertise from the School of Law has helped shape significant national developments, including the landmark Supreme Court case that extended Seanad voting rights to University of Limerick graduates.
Expert evidence from constitutional law scholar Dr Laura Cahillane played an important role in the successful challenge brought by UL graduate Tomás Heneghan, demonstrating the School's impact on constitutional debate, civic engagement, and legal reform.
The School is home to two custom-built moot courts, allowing students to develop advocacy and courtroom skills in realistic legal settings.
These facilities, together with opportunities for practical engagement and professional development, have helped shape a distinctive approach to legal education that combines academic excellence with real-world experience.
Its achievements have been recognised at the highest level, including being named Law School of the Year at the 2025 LEAP Irish Law Awards, the second time the School has received the accolade.
Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, the School has planned a diverse programme of academic, cultural and community-focused events throughout the jubilee year.
A centrepiece of the celebrations will be the School of Law Hall of Fame, showcasing 25 faces of the School over its 25-year history, including students, alumni, faculty, facilities, and landmark moments that have shaped its development.
Other events include a Law Movie Night Series, a historical "What If?" Trial, a Mock Trial of Santa Claus and 'The People v AI', a major public debate examining the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence.
Head of School, Professor Lucy-Ann Buckley said: "Twenty-five years after its establishment, the School of Law's story remains one of growth, innovation, and ambition.
"The Silver Jubilee provides an opportunity not only to celebrate how far the School has come, but also to consider the role it will play in shaping the future of legal education and legal practice in Ireland and beyond."
As technology continues to reshape legal practice and society, the School is adapting to new challenges and opportunities through innovative teaching and research.
The recently introduced Law and Cyber Security programme demonstrates the School's commitment to preparing graduates for a rapidly changing legal landscape where issues such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital governance are becoming increasingly important.
The year-long celebrations will conclude with a special closing ceremony and the creation of a time capsule containing messages and mementoes from 2026 for the School of Law community of 2051, providing a lasting legacy of the Silver Jubilee year.
