It was founded in 2009 by Godwills Masimirembwa a lawyer by profession and former chairman of the ZMDC.

[1] First students enrolled in 2010 and all programmes are taught in the English language.

The Zimbabwe Institute of Legal Studies officially opened for business in 2010 with its founder assuming chairmanship of the college.

[2] In 2012, the Law Society of Zimbabwe threatened to disrepute the college by claiming not to recognize its certificates and diplomas.

It appeared that the President of the LSZ had a personal feud with Godwills Masimirembwa because he only questions awards by the ZILS and accepts any qualification from colleges abroad.