The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) was established by Act 27 of 2005 of the Kerala State Legislature. By the same Act, the National Institute for Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) established by the Bar Council of Kerala Trust in 2002 merged with the NUALS. In 2008, an amendment streamlined the powers and functions of the authorities of the University and ensured the active involvement of the Government of Kerala.The University is recognized by the University Grants Commission under section 2(f) of the UGC Act.It is also a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
The main objects of the University are: (a) to advance and disseminate learning and knowledge of law and legal and judicial processes, professional legal education and their role in national development; (b) to develop in the student and research scholar a sense of responsibility to serve society by developing skills in regard to advocacy, legal services, legislation, law reforms etc; and (c) to promote legal and judicial reforms as are needed to strengthen administration of justice in India.
The NUALS Campus is situated in a 10 acre plot at kinfra Hi-Tech Park at Kalamassery, Kochi, the industrial capital of Kerala and the seat of the Kerala high court. At present the Academic Block, Hostels for Boys and Girls, Amenities Centre and Faculty Apartments are operational. The construction of the Administrative Block and library Block, with assistance from the UGC and State Goverment, is in progress.
The NUALS campus provides adequate academic infrastructure - dedicated internet access, Wi-Fi Connectivity, on-line legal resources including Heinonline, Westlaw India and Manupatra, a computer lab, besides a good collection of standard books and reports, both foreign and indian