The Law Review offers a forum for the views and ideas of undergraduate and postgraduate students from all third-level institutions, both Irish and International.

History

The notion of establishing a student law review in University College Dublin took root during 2000. Founding-editor Niall Buckley had spent the summer working in U.S. law firm, Carlton Fields. He observed the strong tradition of the student law journal in American law faculties, with many of his fellow summer associates on the editorial boards of law journals in their respective universities.

He saw scope for a publication in UCD, that would provide a forum for undergraduates and recent graduates to develop their reflections on the law. On his return to Dublin, Niall sought the advice of Oran Doyle who had been instrumental in the emergence of a similar initiative in Trinity College Dublin, a few years previously.

Dr. Gavin Barrett and Dr. Oonagh Breen of the UCD Law School were approached about the viability of a student review. Immediately they proved very encouraging, and offered vital support for the idea. They volunteered to serve as Academic Staff Advisors, generate awareness within the School, and advise closely on the formation of the first editorial board in October-November 2000. Their commitment was central to the success of the review. Shortly afterwards the Dean of the UCD Law School, Prof. Paul O’Connor pledged his co-operation and arranged resources from the Law School to support the new endeavour.

The first volume of the University College Dublin Law Review was published in Autumn 2001. Since then six editions have been published, with contriubtions from a wide range of Irish and international contributors. 2007 will mark its seventh annual edition as it continues to reflect the high standaard of legal scholarship to be found in the UCD Law School.