UCL Laws Alumni Weekend, 8–11 October 2026

6pm–8pm: 
Cruel Speech: The Pleasures of Literary Sadism – Alumni Reception and Lecture

Speaker: Professor Anthony Julius

Join an exclusive alumni reception with Professor Anthony Julius, before his lecture exploring why sadistic pleasures are both disapproved of and indulged in law, literature and politics. The reception includes prosecco and canapés.
 

11am–12:30pm and 2pm–3:30pm
Guided Tours of Legal London

Discover the stories behind London’s courts, chambers, and landmark legal sites during an engaging professional tour.
 

5:30pm–8:15pm
Panel Discussion, Reception and the 'A LUTA CONTINUA' Art Exhibition

Speakers: Dr Berihun Gebeye (Lecturer in Law, UCL), Professor Sir Jeffrey Jowell (Professor Emeritus of Public Law, UCL), Professor Tamar Garb (Durning Lawrence Professor in the History of Art, UCL), Professor Kate O'Regan (Emeritus Professor of Human Rights Law, University of Oxford)

UCL Laws will host the first UK exhibition of artworks from the South African Constitutional Court's renowned collection. Developed through the generosity and creative agency of hundreds of artists, the collection gives visual expression to South Africa's constitutional values of freedom, dignity and equality, exploring themes of transition, identity, social justice and reconciliation. The exhibition follows the 30th anniversary of the adoption of South Africa's Constitution in 2025 and celebrates the longstanding relationship between UCL Laws and South Africa.

The evening will begin with a panel discussion and will be followed by a drinks reception and an opportunity to explore the exhibition.
 

9:30am–10:30am: 
Guided Tour of Bentham House

Rediscover the home of UCL Laws with an alumni‑exclusive tour of the recently renovated Bentham House led by Dr Tim Causer of UCL's Bentham Project. Explore revitalised teaching spaces, restored heritage features, and the contemporary design elements that now shape the student and staff experience. Tim will share insights into the vision behind the refurbishment and how the transformed building supports the Faculty’s next chapter. A chance to see Bentham House anew and reconnect with its evolving story.
 

11am–12:30pm: 
UCL Laws Former Deans Panel 

Join us for a special panel discussion featuring Former Deans including Professors Sir Jeffrey Jowell KC, Dawn Oliver and Dame Hazel Genn KC. Chaired by current Dean Professor Eloise Scotford, they will reflect on major milestones and challenges, institutional changes, and the future direction of the Faculty. From expansion and internationalisation, to defending Faculty status, values and interests, to finding space, and taking research and education seriously in changing times.  

This will be a unique opportunity to hear firsthand insights and perspectives on UCL Laws’ rich and dynamic history. 
 

1pm–2:30pm: 
Networking Lunch

Enjoy a buffet lunch in Bentham House where you can meet and reconnect with fellow UCL alumni. 

There will also be a PhD poster exhibition taking place, where you can find out more about current research from our PhD students.
 

3pm–4pm: 
Past Law Society Presidents' Moot

Step into a proud tradition at the UCL Law Society’s Past Presidents’ Moot. Featuring former Presidents and judged by Laws alumnus and former Judge Advocate General Jeff Blackett OBE, this event celebrates more than 70 years of advocacy excellence and the enduring spirit of one of UCL’s most distinguished student societies.
 

3pm–4pm:
Guided Tour of the Newly Renovated UCL Campus

Rediscover UCL’s Bloomsbury campus with a guided walk through its newly renovated and reimagined spaces. This tour highlights the major improvements completed for UCL’s bicentennial, including the transformed Main Quad, refreshed public realm, and restored heritage features across the Wilkins Building and surrounding courtyards.

Along the route, your guide will share insights into the architectural vision behind the renovations, the heritage discoveries uncovered during the works, and how the redesign has reshaped the experience of studying, teaching, and connecting at UCL today.
 

6pm–10:30pm: 
UCL200 Laws Gala Dinner 

A highlight of the Alumni Weekend programme, our UCL200 Laws Gala Dinner will bring together distinguished alumni, eminent members of the legal profession, and illustrious guests for a celebration marking two centuries of UCL Laws. Set in the historic Great Hall of Lincoln’s Inn, the evening features a drinks reception, fine dining, and an after‑dinner address from The Rt Hon. the Baroness Hale of Richmond DBE. Please note that this event is ticketed separately and places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

All proceeds from the evening will support our Inclusive Law School Fund, helping to widen access and ensure that talented students from all backgrounds can thrive at UCL Laws.

This will be a distinguished and celebratory finale for the day’s programme and a defining moment in UCL’s bicentennial year.

Book your place at the UCL200 Laws Gala Dinner.
 

7:30pm–10pm
Pub Quiz

A fun alternative to the Gala Dinner, where you can test your knowledge during a light-hearted evening that blends friendly competition with a dash of UCL history. Gather a team, enjoy a drink, and see how well you really know your alma mater!
 

9:30am–11am:
Breakfast in Bentham House with the Archives

Begin the final day of the Alumni Weekend with a relaxed breakfast in Bentham House, where a curated selection of archival materials from the Faculty’s history will be on display.
 

11am–1pm:
Alumni vs Students Football Match and Family Event

Join a spirited football match at Coram's Fields, where bragging rights will be hotly contested! Whether you'd like to take part in the game, support from the sidelines, or enjoy the park and playground with your family, this promises to be a fun occasion.
 

11am–1pm:
Indoor Games Social

For those less keen on the rigours of a football match, there will be indoor games including chess, table tennis and board games to enjoy.
 

The following accommodation is located close to UCL Faculty of Laws. 

Within a 5-minute walk

• The Memoir Club
• Hilton London Euston
• Premier Inn London Euston
• Tavistock Hotel
• Travelodge Euston
• Four Points Flex by Sheraton London Euston

Within a 10 to 15-minute walk

• Kimpton Fitzroy
• President Hotel
• Grange Clarendon Hotel
• St Pancras London, Autograph Collection
• Premier Inn London St Pancras
• Pullman London St Pancras

Within a 20-minute walk

• Goodenough College (short-stay accommodation)

While you are in London you may want to make the most of some of the cultural activities on your doorstep, including:

• The British Library
• The British Museum
• Wellcome Collection
• Charles Dickens Museum
• Sir John Soane's Museum
• UCL Museums – Grant Museum of Zoology, Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology, Art Museum

The following websites are useful for finding out what's happening in London:

• Time Out London
• Londonist

Please check the UK Government website for specific visa and travel requirements for your trip.