UCL Faculty of Laws visit to India

Professor Eloise Scotford (Dean of UCL Laws) and Dr Isra Black (Vice Dean, International) joined UCL President and Provost, Dr Michael Spence, and a wider UCL delegation on an engaging and productive 8-day visit to India this month. The trip offered an excellent opportunity to connect with prospective students, alumni, and key members of the legal community across Bangalore and Delhi.

Engaging prospective students in Bangalore

The first leg of the trip took place in Bangalore, where UCL Laws hosted an event for prospective students on 17 November at The Oberoi Hotel. Professor Scotford and Dr Black introduced attendees to UCL’s undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes and officially launched the Faculty’s new MSc in Law and Finance, which was met with great enthusiasm. Esteemed alumna Arva Merchant (Partner, Khaitan & Co) joined the session, giving insights on her career-defining studies at UCL Laws.

Reconnecting with alumni

At the UCL Bangalore Alumni Reception, the Faculty was delighted to reconnect with a strong turnout of UCL Laws alumni. Alumni shared fond memories of their time and teachers at UCL and reflected on their impressive and diverse professional achievements in Indian legal practice. The event highlighted the enduring connections between UCL and its alumni community in India.

Image: Professor Scotford and Dr Black speaking to alumni at the UCL Bangalore Alumni Reception

Professor Scotford and Dr Black also visited the Karnataka High Court, gaining insight into the impressive scale and workings of the Indian legal system, deeply rooted in commitments to the rule of law and delivering substantive justice—an experience replicated in Delhi later that week. Their visit was kindly facilitated by prominent UCL Laws alumnus, Dhyan Chinnappa.

Building academic partnerships

On 18 November, Professor Scotford and Dr Black visited the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), widely regarded as India’s premier law school. They met with senior Faculty and Deans to discuss potential collaboration on research and education, laying the groundwork for a fruitful partnership fostering global legal excellence based on shared values.

Professor Scotford and Dr Black  also explored synergies with leading Indian business education institutions with complementary expertise for legal education.

Expanding connections in Delhi

The delegation moved to Delhi on 20 November, where Dr Black attended a UCL reception at the British School, before joining an alumni dinner hosted by the Dean at The Oberoi, providing an opportunity to engage with distinguished alumni and hear about their experiences and exceptional career trajectories.

At the India International Centre on 21 November, prospective UCL Laws students participated in a well-attended event featuring a panel discussion with esteemed UCL LLM alumni Nikhil Sachdeva (Partner, Trilegal) and Padhmaja Kaul (Partner, JSA). The event also included presentations by Professor Scotford and Dr Black on UCL Laws programmes, including the newly launched MSc in Law and Finance. The event facilitated lively discussions and provided valuable insights into studying law at UCL.

Image: UCL Laws hosts an event for prospective students in Delhi

Honouring legal excellence

Professor Scotford and Dr Black were privileged to attend a dinner on 21 November hosted by India’s Attorney General, the Hon’ble R. Venkataramani, at his official residence.

On 22 November, a current LLM student with close links to the Supreme Court and legal profession in Delhi organised a visit for Professor Scotford and Dr Black to the Supreme Court of India, where they met with the Hon’ble Justice K V Viswanathan and the Hon’ble Justice Hrishikesh Roy, as well as senior lawyers and law officers.

Image: Professor Scotford and Dr Black outside the Supreme Court of India

Celebrating a successful visit

The trip concluded with a UCL Alumni Reception at the British Council in Delhi. The event saw another strong turnout from UCL Laws alumni, highlighting the deep connections between the Faculty and its remarkable Indian graduates.

UCL Laws’ visit to India was a resounding success, fostering relationships with future students and strengthening those with alumni, and building exciting connections with India’s leading legal and educational institutions.

Professor Scotford and Dr Black would like to offer thanks to UCL Laws alumni and current LLM students for their invaluable and generous advice and support for this Faculty visit and our ongoing engagement with India.

Image: UCL delegation with alumni at the UCL Alumni Reception in Bangalore