Assoc Prof Ruth Sutton, Chair of Committee for University Heads of Law Schools, Head of School of Law and Social Justice, University of Chester
As we step into a milestone year for the Committee of Heads of University Law Schools (CHULS), there is a real sense of momentum, renewal, and shared purpose across our community.
This is a remarkable moment to reflect on how far we have come as a sector, and to celebrate the collective leadership of Heads of Law Schools across the UK and beyond. While our originally planned November celebration has been amalgamated into our Annual Residential, this allows us to bring our community together for one larger, vibrant event.
And what an event it will be.
CHULS 50th Anniversary Dinner – 5th February 2026
This year’s Annual Residential on 5th–6th February 2026 at Edgbaston will include a special 50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner. With a smart dress code (no trainers!), a curated playlist contributed to by attendees, and opportunities to honour past Chairs and longstanding contributors to CHULS, it promises to be a memorable evening, with over 60 of us booked and ready. Executive members are already hard at work planning decorations, music, and a drinks reception to set the tone for a celebratory and reflective gathering.
Our Largest Membership Ever: Welcome to 16 New Members
We are thrilled to announce that CHULS has reached its highest membership in our 50-year history, with 80 members, including 16 new members joining us this year. This remarkable growth reflects the value Heads of Law Schools continue to place on CHULS as a forum for shared learning, collegiality, and strategic leadership.
A warm welcome to all new members and associate members—we look forward to the insights, challenges, and ideas you will bring to our shared work.
A New Executive Committee Taking Shape
With over half of the Executive newly appointed, this is a moment of renewal for CHULS governance. We have welcomed colleagues bringing diverse experience across legal education, digital pedagogy, sector engagement, and academic leadership. This fresh energy is already shaping the planning for the year ahead, including:
- A strengthened focus on events and strategic engagement
- A renewed blog and communications plan
- Proactive sector representation
- A growing desire to sharing research and insights with members
Our Executive planning meeting in June will build on these foundations to map CHULS’ strategic priorities for the years ahead.
Taking Stock: Leading Law Schools Today
The theme of the February Annual Residential is ‘Taking Stock’—an honest look at where we are as leaders of law schools in 2026.
The Residential’s first day will look back at our progress as a sector, and its second day will be an active, forward-facing programme—driven by members—to shape the future direction of CHULS.
Across our meetings this year, several core themes have emerged.
Day one: Themes
1. Teaching, Learning & Digital Competency
From embedding digital learning competencies in law degrees to navigating new expectations for student experience and delivery, Heads are facing rapidly evolving pedagogic landscapes and technological advances. Dr Ann Thanaraj will help facilitate this discussion with her insights into digital transformation, digital competencies and the future of legal education.
2. Competency-Based Learning and Professional Skills
Discussions around the SQE, employability, and the development of legal professional skills continue to shape our programmes, as we navigate persistent sector-wide challenges such as equitable outcomes, regulatory shifts, and evolving employer expectations. Many law schools are successfully balancing academic rigour with practical insight. As CHULS we developed collaborative workshops with Professor Jill Dickinson at Leeds Law School which developed into seedcorn funding that supports innovative ‘Pracademia’ projects. We’re eagerly anticipating updates at the event on the progress of the three current projects and the impact they’re beginning to generate.
3. Research in Law Schools
As we move into the next REF cycle, questions about research culture, support for academics, and the role of law within wider university research strategies remain central. Discussions will be led by Prof Rosemary Hunter, KC (Hon) FAcSS.
Day two: Looking Ahead: What Should CHULS Be in the Next 50 Years?
Once we’ve taken stock and celebrated how far we’ve come, our attention will turn firmly to the future. Day two is dedicated to member-led planning on:
- CHULS strategic direction
- Sector representation
- Research and sharing insights
- Events and professional development
- How CHULS can continue to be the voice of UK Law Schools
This will be followed in June by an Executive planning meeting to take forward the priorities identified by members and begin shaping the next chapter of CHULS.
A Final Word
As we celebrate 50 years of CHULS, there is no doubt: our strength lies in our shared expertise, our openness, and our collective leadership in shaping the future of legal education. With our largest membership ever and a refreshed Executive team, this is a moment of genuine opportunity.
We look forward to celebrating with you all in February—and to building the future of CHULS together.