History of LawSoc
LawSoc was founded in 1911, as the Legal & Economic Society.
In its early years, the society had such notable members as Arthur Cox, Thomas Arkins and Thomas Kettle.
Throughout the First and Second World War, the society struggled with engagement and found difficulty in maintaining it's activity.
The society was twice renamed in the early 20th century; it was known as the Legal Society from 1924, and was finally named the Law Society in 1934.
In the 50's and 60's, LawSoc began to challenge the other large societies on campus for dominance, mainly with the Literary and Historical Society.
In the 70's the society rose to debting dominance; LawSoc won the Irish Times debating competition twice, as well as the Irish Mace. At this point, the Law Society was an establishment of UCD student life, with growing membership each year.
This growth exploded in the 90s, as LawSoc saw its membership grow outside of law students and towards the general campus public. The society began expanding it's duties beyond serving as a law faculty society and debating union, with general, more social events becoming a staple of the society.
21st Century
The 2010's saw LawSoc grow to it's largest size and most relevant presence.
The awarding of Honorary Life Membership to international celebrities such as Jeremy Kyle, Judge Judy, and Donald Tusk brought LawSoc to the front page of national media.
LawSoc had grown to yearly membership of well over 4000 students, cementing its position as a cornerstone of UCD student life.
In 2017 and 2018, LawSoc won the Irish Times debating competition twice in a row, positioning itself at the top of the university debating circuit. This was quickly followed up in 2022 by victory in the individual prize by Bevin Armstrong.
Get In Touch
If you were previously involved with LawSoc, or have any photos or stories you want to share with us, please do not hesitate to reach out.
You can reach out to our team through our Alumni network.