How To Address Character & Fitness Requirements

Stanford Law School

Stanford Law Turns 125 Years Old

Break out the party hats and champagne. With 2018 marking its 125th anniversary, Stanford Law School (SLS) released a press statement discussing some of the law school’s achievements over the years and what it hopes to accomplish in the future.
“This year, we celebrate Stanford Law’s storied history, as well as its unique community—forward-looking, optimistic, and collegial,” said Richard E. Lang Professor of Law and Dean of Stanford Law School. “Instead of looking backwards, we are taking this opportunity to look toward the future and ask how we can make a difference in the next century.”
From 1893 To Now
Since its founding in 1893, Stanford Law has grown from a small California law school to a globally-renown institution with over 4,000 applicants competing yearly over 180 seats.

Sandra Day O’Connor speaking at Stanford Law


Historically, Stanford Law has achieved a number of accomplishments including launching the first Supreme Court clinic in an American law school. President Reagan also appointed alumna Sandra Day O’Connor as the first woman justice to the Supreme Court. In 1985, Stanford Law introduced loan repayment assistance program – one of the first of its kind – for graduates.
In recent years, Stanford Law introduced a number of changes including a new program in law and policy, increased offerings in global legal practice, and the integration of technology in the curriculum.
“These initiatives are designed to better reflect the realities of 21st century legal practice,” the statement reads. “This culture of change is very much a part of the wider Stanford University culture.”
Initiatives For The Future
The year-long celebration will also encourage faculty and students to engage with the school on how it can continue growing and making an impact.
“SLS has always been more about the future than the past,” the SLS 125 website reads. “This year, we invite our community to imagine beyond Stanford Law’s first 125 years as, together, we answer the questions that define us: What’s next? And how can we continue to make a difference?”
Sources: Stanford Law School, Stanford Law School

Questions about this article? Email us or leave a comment below.