Growth and Transformation

In 1969, Portia Law School–now called New England School of Law–achieved its goal of earning accreditation from the American Bar Association. As the school strengthened its curriculum and resources, it attracted more students. Enrollment grew from 154 in 1968 to more than a thousand in 1980.

The school’s stature also grew. The faculty, which had expanded from seven in 1969 to 27 in 1983, produced scholarship that was nationally recognized. The annual Law Day celebration brought prominent speakers to campus. In 1983, Vice-President George Bush helped the school celebrate its 75th anniversary.

1. 1969: The school earns accreditation

2. 1970: First Law Day

3. 1971: Dean O’Toole takes office

4. 1971: Students offer legal services

   A group of students establishes the New England School of Law Legal Services Office in Malden. The office provides legal assistance to those who could not otherwise afford it. For students, it is a great opportunity to apply what they have learned to real-world cases. In 1986, the Legal Services Office, now called the Clinical Law Office, relocates to 75 Kneeland Street, four blocks from the law school.

   75 Kneeland Street. Courtesy of New England School of Law Library Archives

5. 1972: Move to Newbury Street

6. 1973: First visit from a U.S. Supreme Court Justice

7. 1974: Gillis becomes dean

8. 1978: National search for a new dean

9. 1980: Move to Stuart Street

10. 1982: World-class library

11. 1983: Tenure of Dean Cronin begins

12. 1983: 75th anniversary of the school’s founding