The Institute for European and Comparative Law was established in 1995 as one of the Research Centres of the Oxford Law Faculty. The Institute was originally called the Centre for the Advanced Study of European and Comparative Law and the name was changed to the Institute for European and Comparative Law in 1998. It was founded by Professor Basil Markesinis, who was also the first Director, and was housed in the St Cross Building.

Professor Markesinis was also Clifford Chance Professor of European Law and Fellow of Lady Margaret Hall (1995-1999) and later Clifford Chance Professor of Comparative Law and Fellow of Brasenose College (1999-2000). The University created the Chair of Comparative Law in 1948. The first Professor of Comparative Law was FH Lawson. Markesinis held the chair until he left the University in 2000.

The Inaugural lecture for the Institute was given by Professor Markesinis on 23 February 1996.

Directors of the Institute: