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 Chief Justice of India is the Visitor and the Chief Justice of Kerala, the Chancellor of NUALS.

NUALS is located at Kochi, the industrial capital of Kerala and the seat of the Kerala High Court. At present its campus is in the heart of the city at Kaloor; hardly three kilometers from the Kerala High Court. The University will be shifting to its new campus which is coming up at Kinfra Hi-Tech Park, Kalamassery (Near Co-operative Medical College, Kochi) by the next academic year (2011-2012). The work relating to the construction of the new campus is in full swing. The new campus, to begin with, would have an Academic Block, Hostels for both boys and girls, Amenities Centre and Faculty Apartments.