New England Law-Boston

New England Law-Boston traces its groundbreaking roots back to 1908, when it began informally as the Portia School of Law. Founded by Arthur W. MacLean to tutor two young women for the Massachusetts bar examination, it quickly evolved into the nation's only law school exclusively for women. MacLean's wife, Bertha, aptly named the school after Portia from Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice," symbolizing legal acumen and pioneering spirit. This institution emerged during a time when legal education options for women in New England were severely limited, marking a significant step forward in access to the legal profession.

From its earliest days, the Portia School of Law distinguished itself by offering part-time enrollment. This crucial flexibility enabled working-class women to pursue their legal aspirations while supporting themselves, a testament to its commitment to accessibility and empowerment. The school steadily grew, becoming incorporated in 1918 with 91 students, and by 1919, it gained the authority to confer the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree, reincorporating as the Portia Law School. Just a year later, in 1920, it proudly awarded its first LL.B degrees to 39 deserving women.

Beyond its pioneering role in women's legal education, the Portia Law School was also notably integrated from its inception. This early commitment to diversity is evidenced by its graduates who broke barriers. Blanche E. Braxton, a 1921 graduate, made history in 1923 as the first African-American woman admitted to the Massachusetts bar. Similarly, Dorothy Crockett, another Portia alumna, became the first African-American woman admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 1932. These achievements underscore the school's enduring legacy of fostering an inclusive environment that propelled diverse individuals into the legal profession, shaping not only individual careers but also the broader landscape of American law.