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

5. 1972: Move to Newbury Street

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

   In 1972, three New England Law School students attend a talk by United States Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas at Tufts University. They approach Douglas and ask him to speak at their school. He agrees and is the 1973 Law Day speaker.

   Justice Douglas in a studio portrait. Photograph by Harris & Ewing, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States

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