Celebrating 10 Years of qLegal: Honouring partnerships, innovation, and impact

The anniversary event not only commemorated qLegal’s milestone but also recognised the invaluable contributions of its external partners, alumni, and the vibrant startup community it serves.

Since its establishment in 2013, qLegal has been dedicated to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals while supporting startups and entrepreneurs in navigating legal challenges and fostering innovation. Over the past decade, qLegal has provided 1,349 experiential learning opportunities for students, equipping them with practical legal skills and enhancing their employability. The clinic has also offered free legal and business advice to 2,316 startups, helping them thrive in the competitive business landscape.

The anniversary event brought together qLegal’s esteemed external partners, including leading law firms such as Baker McKenzie, Ropes & Gray, and Morrison Foerster, alongside corporate partners like Bloomberg and CMS. Representatives from various accelerators, incubators, and educational institutions, including Imperial Enterprise Lab and Ada National College for Digital Skills, also joined in the celebration.

Highlighting the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines qLegal, the event featured inspiring stories from qLegal alumni and students whose journeys have been shaped by their experiences at the clinic. Attendees were also witness to the announcement of the inaugural qLegal Awards, recognising outstanding contributions from external partners who have supported the clinic’s mission over the years.

A poignant moment of the evening was the creation of a virtual time capsule, curated with contributions from attendees. Scheduled to be opened in 2034, the time capsule encapsulates the collective aspirations and visions of qLegal and its community for the future of legal education and innovation.

Reflecting on the milestone, Karen Watton, Director of qLegal, expressed gratitude towards all who have been part of the clinic’s journey: "qLegal’s success over the past decade is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in legal education. We are immensely proud of the impact we’ve made together with our partners, alumni, and students, and look forward to continuing our mission of creating value in the world."

As qLegal looks ahead to the next chapter, the clinic remains committed to empowering future generations of lawyers and entrepreneurs, driven by a shared vision of fostering innovation and positive change in the legal landscape.

For more information about qLegal and its initiatives, visit https://www.qmul.ac.uk/qlegal/.