The Founding of the
Law School
A Law School was established at the University of Richmond
in 1870, at the recommendation of a committee of Trustees.
Judge J. D. Halyburton, Dr. J.L.M Curry, and Judge William
Green were the first faculty. About 30 students matriculated
in the first class. Judge Green delivered the introductory
lecture on October 10, 1870, during which he advised
students that "Courts of Justice are the most important
of human institutions among civilized men... It is therefore
a blessing to the community, when these are filled with
able and upright magistrates."
There were no entrance requirements for the first class and some were
not prepared for the academic rigor of the program. Eight students were
able to complete the work and graduate in one year. Lectures were conducted
in the evening so that students could work during the day and attend
court sessions. The schools location in Richmond, Virginia, allowed students
to observe all courts of record except the Supreme Court.
James Neeson and William A. Maury joined the faculty in 1872. Thirty
six students graduated during the first four years of operation. After
four years the Law School suspended operation for three years during
a period of difficult economic times in Virginia. Samuel Davis served
as the only professor when the school resumed operations. It was not
unusual for students to read the law under the supervision and instruction
of an experienced lawyer. The school operated in this fashion from 1877
to 1882, enrolling a total of 62 students. In 1882, operation was suspended
for a second time until 1890. In 1890, the family of T. C. Williams donated
$25,000 to found the T. C. Williams Professorship of Law. This was just
the first of several gifts from the Williams family and assured the continued
operation of the school. Judge Roger Gregory was selected as the first
professor to fill the T. C. Williams chair. For five years he served
as the sole faculty member and carried the school. Fourteen students
enrolled when the school opened in 1890. Enrollment steadily increased
over the next several years. A gift from Mrs. Harriet M. Purcell provided
the foundation for a Law Library.
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