The Institute of International Legal Studies (IILS) is one of the five (5) institutes constituting the UP Law Center through which the research and extension functions of the UP College of Law are carried out.  Following the reorganization of the UP Law Center by the UP Board of Regents in May 1989, the IILS took over the functions of the International Studies Institute of the Philippines (ISIP) and the Academy of ASEAN Law and Jurisprudence (AALJ) and was formally organized in November of the same year.  The IILS was established to undertake research and extension functions in international law, comparative law, international relations, and foreign policy, specifically in areas that affect the Philippine interests in the global arena.  To fulfill its mandate, the IILS identifies the major issues affecting Philippine foreign policy and foreign relations as well as organizes and supports research and extension activities in these areas towards building capacity and expertise.  IILS is also a base for sustained opportunities for Filipino scholars to contribute solutions to regional and global problems affecting the Philippines.

              Currently, the IILS is undertaking research and extension activities in the fields of International Trade and Economic Law, ASEAN, International Comparative Law, Territorial Studies, International Humanitarian Law, International Criminal Law, Private and Transactional International Law and International Environmental Law.  It also receives requests for opinions and other forms of legal assistance from Congress, the Supreme Court, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, among others.  To this end, IILS maintains institutional linkages with both national and international organizations involved in international law issues.