The history of the University dates back to the 19th century, when the Kharkiv Imperial University, which included a department of moral and political sciences, was established on November 17, 1804. The university enjoys a high reputation among recognized legal centers of Ukraine and abroad, for many years holds a leading position in the field of legal education, which is confirmed by various ratings and numerous awards, demand for the graduates, and its attractiveness to applicants.According to the results of the Compass All-Ukrainian rating of universities, which takes into account the assessment of employers and graduates, the University remains the leader among law schools in Ukraine.
Teaching and research work at the University is carried out by about 700 members of academic staff, including 131 doctors of sciences, professors, about 500 candidates of sciences, associate professors, 16 academicians and 21 corresponding members of the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine; 17 laureates of the State Prize of Ukraine, 21 Honored Workers of Science and Technology of Ukraine; 11 Honored Workers of Education of Ukraine; 16 Honored Lawyers of Ukraine; 3 People’s Artists of Ukraine; 5 Honored Workers of Culture of Ukraine; 8 Honored Artists of Ukraine; 10 Honored Professors of the University. There are 43 departments in the university, headed by 35 doctors of sciences, professors and 8 candidates of sciences, associate professors.