“A lawyer’s either a social engineer or a parasite on society.” These words by Charles Hamilton Houston echo through the halls of Howard University School of Law. Founded in 1869 Howard Law was created to educate those traditionally excluded from the legal profession. It particularly focused on African Americans.
Howard University School of Law began in a time of dramatic change. Black Americans needed lawyers to secure their new rights. The first classes were held at night in faculty homes and offices. There were only six students.
By 1870, John Mercer Langston became dean. The student body grew to twenty-two. In 1871, ten students graduated and eight were admitted to practice law in D.C. Initially the LL.B. degree required only two years. It extended to three years in 1877-1878.
The law school moved several times. It was first at the Second National Bank. Then it was at Lincoln Hall until a fire destroyed the building. In 1887, the university purchased a house on Fifth Street. The school moved to the main campus in 1936. In 1974, it moved to its current location at 2900 Van Ness Street.
Howard University School of Law gained accreditation from the American Bar Association in 1931. The school also became a member of the Association of American Law Schools that year. Today Howard Law confers about 185 law degrees annually. Students come from the United States South America the Caribbean Africa and Asia. The school has approximately 50 full-time and adjunct professors.
Many notable figures have emerged from Howard. Charlotte E. Ray was the first black woman lawyer graduating in 1872. She was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of D.C. James C. Napier another 1872 graduate became Registrar of the United States Treasury. Thurgood Marshall a 1933 graduate became the first black U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Vernon E. Jordan Jr. a 1960 graduate was president of the National Urban League.
Howard Law aims to produce “social engineers”. Charles Hamilton Houston defined a social engineer. He described a skilled lawyer who understands the Constitution. They use it to solve problems and better conditions for the underprivileged.
The School of Law is approved by the American Bar Association. It is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.
Howard University School of Law has significant ties to the civil rights movement. Dean Charles Hamilton Houston’s work for the NAACP earned him the title “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow.” Thurgood Marshall successfully argued Brown v. Board of Education.
In 1950, Pauli Murray published States’ Laws on Race and Color. Thurgood Marshall called it the “bible” of the civil rights movement.
Today Howard University School of Law continues its mission. It produces professionals who lead in law business government education and public service. The Howard University School of Law remains dedicated to producing social engineers. Howard Law remains a beacon for justice and equality.