Welcome to the York Law Society, the largest society at the University of York.

President's Welcome

My name is Freya Wilkinson, and as i enter my third year at York I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new President of York Law Society, and on behalf of the Committee for 2025/26, I am delighted to welcome you to the York Law Society! We are the largest and most active society on campus, recognised nationally by employers for our efforts and influence, with some of our most notable achievements including winning the LawCareers.Net’s award for ‘Best Law Society for Non-Law Students’ in 2016/17, 2017/18, 2019/20 and 2023/24, and ‘Most committed to increasing diversity’ in 2024/25, as well as the The University of York’s Societies Award for ‘Accessibility’ in 2023 and ‘Diversity’ in 2024.

Over the past two years Law Society has played such a core role in my university experience, and I’m truly honoured to be leading the Society this year. I’m committed to fostering an inclusive, engaging, and forward-thinking space for all our members, whether you're looking for career support, social events, a academic panel, or simply a sense of community, i hope you find it with us this year. After all, law is about people and so is this society.

The Society has three main goals: helping you understand life in the legal sector, whether that be the solicitor router or the barrister route or even something entirely different, achieving your ambitions by providing networking and educational opportunities, and creating a safe and inclusive community. This year, I’ll be working closely with our amazing committee to continue delivering our flagship events, while also introducing new initiatives shaped by your feedback. From wider representation of career paths beyond commercial law to more frequent socials, I’m passionate about ensuring every member feels included, supported, and empowered. Expect more diverse events, and a stronger focus on wellbeing, accessibility and ESG values.

This year, I am keen for members to discover an exciting range of traditional events, including the President’s Welcome, the Careers Dinner, and our dazzling Formals. I am also keen for members to discover a range of new events, including Wellbeing Coffee Mornings, our brand new Mooting Podcast, informal social events with trainees, visits to London and other northern cities, and a large-scale society sports tournament.

After last year success with our ‘Opportunity for All’ scheme, which allowed members of our society who are at a financial disadvantage can take part in events free of charge, we are hoping to increase the size of this scheme to make sure we are giving as many students the opportunity to thrive as possible. As at York Law Society we believe financial difficulties should not limit someone's exposure to opportunity.

We are once again proudly associated with successful law firms and prestigious chambers, providing members with presentations, workshops, office visits, and invaluable insight into the legal profession. The YLS Application Acceleration Programme will once again be run across the university, allowing peer-peer mentoring to transform undergraduates into future legal professionals.

Whether your interest lies at the Bar, in a City-law firm, or in a charity, we are equipped to help you achieve your goals. Our Mooting and Bar Society offers exceptional training, our journal Ebor Lex provides an academic outlet, and our Sustainability and Diversity Officer ensures our events are as sustainable and inclusive as possible. Meanwhile, our careers team ensures you are exposed to as many opportunities as possible by maintaining and fostering new contacts.

I’ve enjoyed every minute I have been apart of this society and promise that you will too. The committee and I are excited to make 2025/26 our best year yet. I really can’t wait to get started.

Freya Wilkinson

President of the York Law Society 2025/26