The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) established by Act 27 of 2005 of the Kerala State Legislature, incorporates into itself the National Institute for Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) established by the Bar Council of Kerala Trust in 2002. The University is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and is recognized by the University Grants Commission under section 2(f) of the UGC Act. 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 Chief Justice of India is the Visitor and the Chief Justice of Kerala, the Chancellor of NUALS.
