1865-1939
HISTORY IN THE MAKING 1899
Law classes move to the Columbian Building at 1420 H Street, NW.
1865
The Department of Law is established, offering a two-year law program with classes in the Old Trinity Episcopal Church.
1895
1870
Walter S. Cox becomes first dean of the law school.
National University Law School opens.
1860
1870
1880
1890
1895
1873
Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) is extended from two years to three.
Lydia S. Hall and Belva Lockwood become the first female graduates of National University Law School.
1867
1891
The first law class—with 60 students—graduates.
The Patent Law Program begins.
1884
Samuel Laing Williams is the first African-American to earn a law degree from GW. The university later bars black students.
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GW LAW | FALL 2015