Changing Demographics

In 1943, Portia Law School was still primarily a women’s institution, but the end of World War II changed everything. Veterans taking advantage of the G.I. Bill swelled the school’s ranks, ensuring that male students were now overwhelmingly in the majority.

By the mid-1960s, the school was in the midst of another dramatic transformation. The board had decided to pursue accreditation from the American Bar Association, a significant undertaking involving upgrades to admission standards and the school’s facilities, as well as the hiring of a full-time faculty.

1. 1943: Changing of the guard

2. 1944: Tough times

3. 1949: Male students tip the balance

4. 1952: A woman becomes dean

   Upon the death of Chesley York, Margaret H. Bauer becomes dean of Portia Law School. Bauer is also an alumna of the school.

   Dean Margaret Bauer. Courtesy of The Boston Public Library, Print Department

5. 1958: The school expands

6. 1962: Slade becomes dean

7. 1963: A bold new path

8. 1965: Portia Law Journal launches

9. 1966: Kozuch becomes dean

10. 1968: The board is restructured