New England Law-Boston

Boston, MA

private nonprofitgraduate

About New England Law-Boston

New England Law-Boston: A historic pioneer in legal education, especially for women.

New England Law-Boston boasts a rich and pioneering history, originating in 1908 as the Portia School of Law. Founded informally by Arthur W. MacLean to tutor women for the Massachusetts bar, it quickly grew into the nation's only law school exclusively for women. Named by MacLean's wife, Bertha, after Shakespeare's strong female legal character, Portia, the school laid a groundbreaking path for women seeking a legal education in an era when few options existed.

The institution was distinguished by its commitment to accessibility, offering part-time enrollment that empowered working-class women to pursue their legal aspirations while supporting themselves. This dedication to opportunity extended to its diverse student body, as the Portia Law School was integrated from its earliest days. This inclusive environment fostered the success of trailblazing graduates, including Blanche E. Braxton, who in 1923 became the first African-American woman admitted to the Massachusetts bar, and Dorothy Crockett, who achieved the same milestone in Rhode Island in 1932.

After incorporating in 1918 and gaining the authority to confer Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degrees in 1919, the school continued to expand its academic offerings. By 1926, it was granted the power to award Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees, further solidifying its reputation as a comprehensive and forward-thinking legal institution. Moving to a larger Beacon Hill location in 1920, New England Law-Boston has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering diverse legal talent and shaping the future of justice.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1908 as the Portia School of Law, initially the only law school in the U.S. exclusively for women.
✦Pioneered part-time enrollment, enabling working-class women to pursue legal studies.
✦Integrated from its earliest days, fostering a diverse and inclusive legal community.
✦Granted the power to confer Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degrees in 1919 and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees in 1926.
✦Notable alumna Blanche E. Braxton (Class of 1921) became the first African-American woman admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1923.
✦Another alumna, Dorothy Crockett, made history as the first African-American woman admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 1932.
✦Started with just two students, growing to 91 students by its incorporation in 1918.

Timeline

1908

The Portia School of Law started informally, tutoring two young women for the Massachusetts bar examination.

1918

The Portia School of Law was incorporated with 91 students.

1919

Massachusetts legislature granted power to confer LL.B. degrees; reincorporated as the Portia Law School.

1920

Awarded its first LL.B. degrees to 39 women; moved to 45 Mt. Vernon Street on Beacon Hill.

1923

Portia graduate Blanche E. Braxton became the first African-American woman admitted to the Massachusetts bar.

1926

Granted authority to confer the degree of Master of Laws (LL.M.).

1932

Portia graduate Dorothy Crockett became the first African-American woman admitted to the Rhode Island bar.

Find Scholarships at New England Law-Boston

Start Your Free Search