Leader in legal research
Otago's Faculty of Law is a leader in legal research in New Zealand, with strong links to international research networks. Our research community consists of top-quality academics and postgraduate students from New Zealand and overseas, with a strong record of publications.
Otago was the first University to teach Law, beginning in 1873.
Law is one of the University of Otago's oldest disciplines. Lectures started 2 years after the University opened. Its founding lecturer, Sir Robert Stout, went on to become Prime Minister of New Zealand and Chief Justice. Many other prominent New Zealanders, including Ethel Benjamin, the first woman to be admitted to the Bar in New Zealand and the Commonwealth, and former Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright, have studied Law at Otago.
Student success
The Faculty has produced 10 Rhodes Scholars – more than any other faculty or school, across all disciplines and New Zealand universities.
A large number of Otago Law students also achieve success in national and international law competitions – a barometer of the Faculty's ability to educate and prepare top quality graduates.
Research and staff
Otago is home to several dedicated law-based research centres and produces the internationally respected annual Otago Law Review.
The Faculty has about 30 teaching staff, including many drawn from top-performing international universities.