Established in 2008,The Department of Private Law and Legal History is the result of the development and further merge of the former Centers for Ancient Roman Law and History of Law, and for Private Law both founded in 1946. After the establishment, in 2012, the Department included the Labour Law Division.

The Department aims to promote and coordinate research activities and teaching (both in Law School and Legal Services BA) in legal fields of specialization of each professor or researcher.

The Department is composed of five divisions: European and Italian Private Law; Commercial and IP Law and Analysis of Economic Policy; Roman Law and Ancient Legal Systems; History of Law; Labour Law. Each of them brings toghether members of the Faculty of correspondent subject areas and promotes research in an European and international perspective. 

In order to foster research and cultural exchange, the Department arranges and hosts seminars and workshops with Faculty and other invited (Italian or foreign) scholars. Members of the Department are also actively engaged in European and international academic networks and are often visiting scholars and professors in foreign academic institutions.

Furthermore, the Department promotes and encourages relations with subjects and organizations that can contribute to the development of its objectives in all forms permitted by the Regulations of the University of Milan.

In accordance with academic regulations and purpose, the Department undertakes research on contract or agreement and provides consulting and other services in Faculty’s specialization fields.

The Department also facilitates the publication of prestigious book series: “Private law studies” and “Italian History of Law Studies” (now divided in “Medieval and Modern History of Law Studies” and “Roman Law Studies”). Since 1951, the series has accepted the publications of young and experienced scholars (currently more than 240 titles) and has  been a reliable reference for legal scholarship in each areas of law involved.