UCL Laws Alumni Weekend, 8–11 October 2026
Join UCL Faculty of Laws from 8–11 October for a memorable weekend of alumni events, including talks, guided tours, sporting and social activities, and a special Gala Dinner.
What’s happening
We’re delighted to be marking UCL’s bicentenary celebrations with an exciting programme of alumni events over the weekend of 8-11 October, including a special UCL200 Gala Dinner.
Explore below to find out about the activities taking place each day and book your place via Eventbrite.
Most events will be located in or close to Bentham House, home to UCL Faculty of Laws. Throughout the Alumni Weekend there will be the opportunity to attend alumni-exclusive seminars delivered by members of the Faculty working across a variety of legal disciplines. We are also honoured to be hosting an exhibition of artworks from the South African Constitutional Court’s renowned collection, recognising the longstanding relationship between UCL Laws and the Court. You are welcome to explore the exhibition at your leisure.
Alumni from all graduating years are welcome to attend.
Whether you join us for the full programme or drop in for select highlights, this promises to be a fun and uplifting weekend – and a special opportunity to reconnect with your UCL community in London in such a landmark year.
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.
UCL200 Laws Gala Dinner
A highlight of the Alumni Weekend programme, the Gala Dinner will bring together distinguished alumni, eminent members of the legal profession, and illustrious guests for a special celebration.
Programme flyer
Download the Laws Alumni Weekend programme flyer for a clear overview of what's happening and when. It's ideal for planning your visit and deciding what to attend.
Planning your stay
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
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:
Please check the UK Government website for specific visa and travel requirements for your trip.
Planning your journey to UCL Faculty of Laws
Find out how to get to Bentham House by tube, train, bicycle and more.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the Laws Alumni Weekend, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Laws Events Team
Click to email. laws-events@ucl.ac.uk