Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
As part of UCL’s bicentennial celebrations, this interview explores the history and transformation of the Faculty of Laws through the experiences of Professor Dame Hazel Genn, former Dean (2008–2017) and current Pro-Provost (Bicentennial).
Professor Dame Hazel Genn shares the unexpected circumstances that led to her appointment as Dean and reflects on the challenges and achievements during her nine-year tenure. She discusses her priorities in fostering a collaborative Faculty culture, improving student experience, and professionalising student support services. Key milestones include securing a new building for the faculty, strengthening alumni engagement, and enhancing UCL Laws’ reputation both internally and externally. She also highlights her efforts to broaden the faculty’s academic focus, championing socio-legal research and establishing the Centre for Access to Justice, alongside expanding areas such as commercial and intellectual property law.
The conversation touches on navigating external pressures like the Research Excellence Framework and rising tuition fees, and how these shaped strategic decisions. Looking back, Professor Dame Hazel Genn reflects on the satisfaction of seeing UCL Laws grow into a more inclusive, innovative, and highly regarded institution.
Find out more about UCL Laws at ucl.ac.uk/laws
Find out more about UCL200 at Laws at ucl.ac.uk/laws/about-us/ucl200-laws
#UCLLaws #UCL200 #LegalEducation #LegalScholarship #LegalLondon #Law #Lawyer #Justice #AccessToJustice
As part of UCL’s bicentennial celebrations, this interview explores the history and transformation of the Faculty of Laws through the experiences of Professor Dame Hazel Genn, former Dean (2008–2017) and current Pro-Provost (Bicentennial).
Professor Dame Hazel Genn shares the unexpected circumstances that led to her appointment as Dean and reflects on the challenges and achievements during her nine-year tenure. She discusses her priorities in fostering a collaborative Faculty culture, improving student experience, and professionalising student support services. Key milestones include securing a new building for the faculty, strengthening alumni engagement, and enhancing UCL Laws’ reputation both internally and externally. She also highlights her efforts to broaden the faculty’s academic focus, championing socio-legal research and establishing the Centre for Access to Justice, alongside expanding areas such as commercial and intellectual property law.
The conversation touches on navigating external pressures like the Research Excellence Framework and rising tuition fees, and how these shaped strategic decisions. Looking back, Professor Dame Hazel Genn reflects on the satisfaction of seeing UCL Laws grow into a more inclusive, innovative, and highly regarded institution.
Find out more about UCL Laws at ucl.ac.uk/laws
Find out more about UCL200 at Laws at ucl.ac.uk/laws/about-us/ucl200-laws
#UCLLaws #UCL200 #LegalEducation #LegalScholarship #LegalLondon #Law #Lawyer #Justice #AccessToJustice
