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

7. 1974: Gillis becomes dean

8. 1978: National search for a new dean

   When Colin Gillis resigns, New England School of Law initiates its first nationwide search for a dean. The selection: Thomas C. Fischer, formerly assistant executive director of the American Bar Foundation and associate dean of the University of Dayton School of Law. He is the first dean who has not been previously employed by the school.

   Fischer (left) talks with New England School of Law President A. Leavitt Taylor. Courtesy of New England School of Law Library Archives

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