University of Bristol Law School celebrates 90th birthday 

University of Bristol law School academics, alumni and students gathered in the Wills Memorial Building Great Hall at a gala dinner to celebrate the Law School's 90th birthday.

1 December 2023

The University of Bristol Law School marked its 90th anniversary with a Gala Dinner held at the Wills Memorial Building on 18 November 2023. Following recent receptions in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, this formal event in the Great Hall was a fitting way to close these special celebrations with our alumni community.

In an evening of celebration and camaraderie, we were honoured to welcome back Dame Victoria Sharp, President of the King’s Bench Division, and Sir Nicholas Mostyn, recently retired High Court judge, who delivered a speech charting the many social and legal changes since the Faculty (as it then was) began life on 6 October 1933.

The event also celebrated Professor Nigel Furey’s remarkable 50 years of teaching at Bristol. Elizabeth Mumford presented Nigel with a gift on behalf of the School, prompting a richly deserved standing ovation from all attending.

Professor Oliver Quick, School International Director, said:

“Celebrating 90 years has been a powerful reminder of the respect and affection that our alumni have for our School. Marking this milestone with over 300 alumni in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Bristol has been highly memorable. We are hugely grateful for the many ways our alumni continue to support the School and our students, and we look forward to celebrating the Centenary in 2033.”

Professor Catherine Kelly, Head of School, said:

“This October marked 90 years of the University of Bristol Law School. Countless solicitors, barristers, judges, policy makers, law changers and professionals have graduated through our doors which makes us very proud. We have loved celebrating with our alumni community, and look forward to welcoming many more future change makers to Bristol in the years to come.” 