Over five decades of formation and development (1976–2026), Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (ULAW) has steadily shaped its identity as both a leading institution for legal education and a trusted center of legal research in Viet Nam. From its beginnings as a judicial cadre training school in Southern Viet Nam, the University has gradually grown into a multidisciplinary institution, where education, research, and service to society are closely intertwined.
In recent years, particularly over the past decade, ULAW has entered a new stage of development. Alongside its core legal disciplines, the University has expanded into interdisciplinary fields such as Law and Business Administration, Business Administration, Legal English, and International Trade Law. High-quality Bachelor of Laws programs taught in English, together with distance learning programs, have further diversified educational pathways. Throughout these changes, scientific research has remained a central pillar of the University’s mission—supporting legal reform, strengthening the rule of law, and responding to the challenges of international integration. This enduring commitment has formed a legacy of knowledge, patiently built and passed down through generations of faculty members, staff, and learners at ULAW.
Academic Knowledge in Dialouge with Law and Policy
Supported by a faculty with strong academic backgrounds and extensive research experience, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law has gradually cultivated a vibrant research environment. The period from 2019 to 2024 marked a particularly active phase, with clear progress in both the volume and quality of scholarly output. Hundreds of articles published in domestic and international journals, together with textbooks and specialized monographs, have enriched legal scholarship and served as valuable resources for teaching, research, and academic reference.
Ho Chi Minh City University of Law places strong emphasis on the publication of scientific research in both domestic and international academic forums
Research activities at ULAW extend across multiple levels, from institutional projects to ministerial and national programs. At the same time, student research has flourished, reflecting a strong academic culture nurtured throughout the University. Many studies focus on core areas of law—civil, commercial, criminal, international, and administrative law—demonstrating both the breadth of research directions and the University’s long-standing commitment to linking legal theory with practice. These efforts are further supported by regular national and international academic conferences and by the Vietnam Journal of Legal Sciences, a well-regarded forum within the legal academic community.
Within the University’s leadership and faculty, many scholars have made lasting academic contributions. Dr. Le Truong Son, Rector of the University, has authored and co-authored influential studies on pre-contractual relations, obligations of information disclosure and confidentiality, and principles governing the organization of state power under the 2013 Constitution. His scholarly works, including monographs developed from his doctoral research, have contributed meaningfully to both academic inquiry and classroom teaching. Through his role on the Editorial Board of the Vietnam Journal of Legal Sciences and his leadership in organizing academic conferences, Dr. Le Truong Son has helped foster close connections between research, education, and policy discussion.
Dr. Le Truong Son, Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law
Prof. Dr. Do Van Dai, Vice Rector of the University and Head of the Faculty of Civil Law, is widely recognized for his expertise in civil law, judicial law, commercial law, and case law. His analytical commentaries and in-depth studies are frequently referenced within the legal academic community. His election as an Academician of the International Academy of Comparative Law in 2021 marked an important milestone, reflecting both personal scholarly distinction and the growing international standing of the University. As a member of the Advisory Council on Case Law of the Supreme People’s Court, he continues to bring academic insight into judicial practice.
Prof. Dr. Do Van Dai, Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law
In the fields of international law and trade, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Viet Dung, Vice Rector of the University, has made notable contributions through research published in both Vietnamese and English on international trade, competition law, arbitration, and foreign investment. His participation as an advisor in the drafting of the amended Law on Education in 2018 illustrates how academic research at ULAW is translated into practical contributions to public policy, while also enriching the University’s teaching and research activities.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Viet Dung, Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law
Alongside these scholars, many other faculty members have led research projects that address emerging legal issues and contribute valuable scientific arguments for legal reform. In 2023, for example, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Van (Faculty of Commercial Law) served as Principal Investigator of a ministerial-level project entitled “Orientations and Solutions for Improving the Law on Investment and Finance of Private Higher Education Institutions.” The project received an “excellent” evaluation from the acceptance council for its solid theoretical foundation and feasible policy recommendations.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Van, Principal Investigator of the research project “Orientations and Solutions for Improving the Law on Investment and Finance of Private Higher Education Institutions,” presenting the research findings at the project acceptance council meeting
To further disseminate legal knowledge, the University publishes the Vietnam Journal of Legal Sciences, one of Viet Nam’s most respected law journals. The journal provides a scholarly platform for faculty members, doctoral candidates, and researchers nationwide, while also serving as a channel for policy-oriented discussion on pressing legal issues. Since 2010, it has consistently received the highest rating from the State Council for Professorship. Complementing this, the English-language Vietnamese Journal of Legal Sciences introduces Vietnamese legal research to international audiences, contributing to ULAW’s growing academic presence beyond national borders.
The Vietnam Journal of Legal Sciences, published by Ho Chi Minh City University of Law
Contributing to the Improvement of National Legal Policy
At Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, research is not confined to academic publication alone. Scholarly work is actively translated into policy consultation, critique, and participation in legislative processes. Many scientific conferences organized or co-organized by the University have served as important consultative forums for the National Assembly and other competent authorities during the drafting and revision of major laws.
The scientific conference “Comments on the Draft Law on Social Insurance (Amended),” organized by Ho Chi Minh City University of Law
Conferences addressing the Draft Law on Social Insurance (Amended), the Draft Law on Employment (Amended), and other legislative initiatives have brought together scholars, legal practitioners, and policymakers. Through open dialogue and careful analysis, these forums have generated recommendations grounded in both theory and practice. The resulting policy inputs have been synthesized and submitted to drafting and appraisal bodies, contributing to improvements in legislative quality.
The national-level scientific conference providing comments on the Draft Law on Employment (Amended), organized by Ho Chi Minh City University of Law
The University’s research strengths are also reflected in its advisory role for judicial and executive agencies. Many research findings have been applied in adjudication, prosecution, and professional practice at the local level, demonstrating the close alignment between ULAW’s academic work and the realities of legal life.
The scientific conference “Evidence and Proof in the Adjudication of Criminal Cases,” organized by Ho Chi Minh City University of Law
At a broader level, the University has participated in major national initiatives aimed at improving the structure of the legal system, offering scholarly perspectives on legal coherence, transparency, and adaptability in the context of digital transformation and international integration.
In September 2025, at the Vietnam Private Economic Forum, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law reaffirmed its pioneering role as the only legal education institution invited to deliver policy presentations and to chair specialized thematic sessions. The presentations by Dr. Nguyen Thi Anh Hong, Head of the Division of Criminal Law, Faculty of Criminal Law, and Dr. Do Thanh Trung, Lecturer of the Faculty of Administrative and State Law, put forward a range of important analyses and policy recommendations on improving criminal law, civil law, and institutional frameworks. These contributions focused on safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of private enterprises, promoting a transparent and fair investment environment, fostering healthy competition, and encouraging innovation.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Anh Hong delivering a presentation at the ministerial-level dialogue session themed “Enabling Institutions – Empowering Business Growth” within the framework of the Vietnam Private Economic Forum 2025
Dr. Do Thanh Trung delivering a presentation at the ministerial-level dialogue session themed “Enabling Institutions – Empowering Business Growth” within the framework of the Vietnam Private Economic Forum 2025
Through key legal and economic forums, ULAW’s faculty members continue to play a proactive role in policy dialogue, accompanying the State in legal reform and socio-economic development.
Advancing Legal Research in the Digital Era
Looking toward its 50th anniversary and beyond, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law reaffirms its commitment to advancing legal research in the digital era. Development orientations toward 2030 and 2045 envision ULAW as a multidisciplinary research university with a strong regional profile, maintaining a core role in legal education while expanding its academic influence.
Priority is given to research linked with innovation and social impact, particularly in emerging areas shaped by digital transformation and globalization. The University is actively promoting interdisciplinary research that connects law with economics, management, technology, and language studies, while expanding international cooperation and organizing academic conferences on topics such as digital transformation, personal data protection, and next-generation international trade.
At the same time, ULAW continues to invest in building a strong research community by increasing the proportion of doctoral-qualified faculty members, implementing policies to attract and retain talented scholars, and encouraging international publication closely aligned with societal needs.
With a rich record of achievements and a clear sense of direction, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law stands ready to carry forward the legacy of knowledge accumulated over half a century. This living legacy remains the foundation from which ULAW continues to nurture high-quality legal research—contributing to the renewal of Vietnamese legal scholarship and transforming academic knowledge into practical value for society and the nation.
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Credits
Content: Hồng Giang
Photos: ULAW Archive
Department of Communications and Enterprise Relation
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