The University of Iowa College of Law: A History of Excellence and Innovation

The University of Iowa College of Law, located in Iowa City, stands as a beacon of legal education, with a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1865. As the oldest law school west of the Mississippi River, Iowa Law has consistently demonstrated a commitment to justice, access, and academic excellence. Its progressive spirit is deeply intertwined with the history of the state of Iowa, marked by groundbreaking milestones in civil rights and legal education.

Origins and Early Years

The University of Iowa College of Law traces its origins to the Iowa School of Law, an independent institution established in Des Moines in 1865 by Justice George Grover Wright and Justice Chester C. Cole. The school's establishment came in the wake of the Civil War. In 1868, the Law School became part of the University of Iowa and moved to Iowa City. There were 25 students, 3 faculty and 1,100 volumes in the law library. Classes were held in Old Capitol until 1910. Prof. William G. Hammond is its first Dean.

Foundational Figures: Wright and Cole

Justices George G. Wright and Chester C. Cole, co-founders of the Iowa School of Law, were instrumental in laying the foundation for legal education in Iowa. Wright served on the Iowa Supreme Court from 1865 to 1868, while Cole also served on the Iowa Supreme Court. Cole Hall at Drake University is named after Justice Chester C. Cole.

Early Integration with the University of Iowa

In 1868, the Iowa School of Law transitioned into the University of Iowa College of Law, marking a significant step in its development. This integration provided the law school with the resources and support of a major public university, fostering its growth and expansion.

A Pioneer in Civil Rights

Iowa Law's progressive history is evidenced by its early embrace of diversity and inclusion. In 1869, Arabella Babb Mansfield was admitted to the Iowa bar, becoming the first woman admitted to practice law in the United States. In 1873, Mary Beth Hickey became Iowa's first woman graduate. In 1879, Alexander Clark, Jr. graduated from Iowa Law as the school's first African-American student. His father, Alexander Clark, Sr., had helped pave the way by winning an Iowa Supreme Court case ensuring his children's right to attend public school in 1868. These milestones demonstrate the college's commitment to providing equal opportunities in legal education. In 1870, Iowa legislature changed state law on licensing lawyers, dropping the requirement of “white male.”

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Growth and Development

The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a period of significant growth and development for the University of Iowa College of Law. The curriculum expanded, faculty expertise increased, and the physical facilities improved to accommodate the growing student body.

Curriculum Expansion and Innovation

In its early years, the law school offered a one-year course of study with no entrance requirements. However, as the legal profession evolved, so did the curriculum at Iowa Law. The school adopted a three-year program in 1901, aligning itself with national standards for legal education. The case method, popularized by Harvard's Christopher Langdell, was introduced by Professor Eugene Wambaugh in 1889, enhancing the rigor and depth of legal analysis.

Faculty Expansion and Expertise

The growth of Iowa Law was also driven by the dedication and expertise of its faculty. Prominent legal scholars such as Emlin McClain, Charles Gregory, and Dudley Odell McGovney contributed to the school's academic reputation. In 1897, Zada Mary Cooper graduated from the UI College of Pharmacy and immediately joined the faculty, becoming the first-known female pharmacy faculty member in the country. These individuals shaped the intellectual environment of the law school and mentored generations of aspiring lawyers.

Physical Expansion: Gilmore Hall

In 1910, the law school moved into a new building, Gilmore Hall, named after former University of Iowa President Eugene Gilmore. This modern facility provided ample space for classrooms, faculty offices, and a growing law library. The Law School remained in this building until 1962. When the new building opened there were 245 students, five faculty members, and 10,000 volumes in the law library.

The Iowa Law Review

In 1915, Emlin McClain and Professor Herbert F. Goodrich established the Iowa Law Review, now one of the oldest student-edited journals in the nation. The Iowa Law Review quickly established itself as a leading forum for legal scholarship, attracting contributions from prominent legal scholars across the country.

The Iowa Law School Foundation

The Iowa Law School Foundation (ILSF) plays a vital role in supporting the College of Law's mission. Established in 1952, the ILSF serves as the fundraising arm of the law school, securing financial resources to enhance its programs, facilities, and student opportunities.

Milestones in ILSF History

From its humble beginnings with a $146 initial class gift, the ILSF has grown into a major player in the life of the law school, with assets exceeding $100 million. Over the years, the ILSF has supported numerous initiatives, including scholarships, faculty research, and building renovations. The ILSF's governing board has met semi-annually since its founding, guiding the organization's strategic direction and ensuring its continued success.

Key Themes in ILSF Evolution

Throughout its history, the ILSF has demonstrated a commitment to fostering excellence in legal education, promoting diversity and inclusion, and engaging with the broader legal community. By providing financial support and strategic guidance, the ILSF has helped the University of Iowa College of Law maintain its position as a leading law school.

Deans of the College of Law

The University of Iowa College of Law has been guided by a succession of distinguished deans who have shaped its academic direction and fostered its commitment to excellence. These leaders have played pivotal roles in expanding the curriculum, attracting talented faculty, and enhancing the student experience.

Notable Deans and Their Contributions

William G. Hammond (1868-1881): As the first dean of the College of Law after it joined the University of Iowa, Hammond established a strong foundation for legal education and scholarship.

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Emlin McClain (1890-1901): McClain, who also served as an Iowa Supreme Court Justice, led the effort to raise the time required for a law degree to three years.
Mason Ladd (1939-1966): Ladd's 27-year tenure as dean was marked by significant growth and innovation, including the establishment of the Agricultural Law Center.
N. William Hines (1976-2004): Hines oversaw a period of expansion and modernization, including the construction of the Boyd Law Building and the growth of the Iowa Law School Foundation endowment.
Carolyn C. Jones (2004-2010): Jones was the first woman Dean of the Iowa Law School.
Gail B. Agrawal (2010-2018): During Agrawal's tenure, the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights moved its academic home to the College.
Kevin K. Washburn (2018-2024): The current dean continues to uphold the college's legacy of excellence and innovation.

Key Milestones in the College's History

Throughout its history, the University of Iowa College of Law has achieved numerous milestones that have shaped its identity and contributed to its reputation as a leading law school.

Early Achievements

1839: The Iowa Territorial Supreme Court ruled that a slave brought into Iowa must be freed.
1847: The University of Iowa is founded in Iowa City, with Old Capitol serving as its central building.
1868: In Clark v. Board of Directors, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that the Iowa Constitution guarantees the right to public education to all citizens.
1869: Arabella Babb Mansfield was admitted to the Iowa Bar, after reading law for two years in her brother's law office in Mt. Pleasant. She was the first woman admitted to practice law in the United States.
1879: Alexander Clark, Jr. was Iowa Law's first African-American graduate. Ambassador to Liberia.

20th Century Landmarks

1915: Emlin McClain and Professor Herbert F. Goodrich established the Iowa Law Review.
1935: The Law Commons is opened for law student occupancy. The dormitory was a WPA project during the Great Depression.
1952: The Iowa Law School Foundation established by the Class of 1952 with initial assets of $1,000.
1966: Mason Ladd retired to Florida State University. David H. Vernon becomes Dean.
1973: Professor Josephine Gittler was the first woman law professor at Iowa Law.
1974: Professor Barry Matsumoto was the first minority law professor at Iowa Law.
1975: The Journal of Corporation Law was founded as the College’s second student-edited law journal.
1985: Professor Arthur E. Bonfield was named the first recipient of the title John Murray Professor of Law.
1986: The new Law Building was named in honor of former University of Iowa President Willard L. (Sandy) Boyd on November 20th.
1989: The Transnational Law and Contemporary Problems journal began publication as the College’s third student-edited law journal.
1990: Professor Enrique Carrasco was Iowa Law's first Latino faculty member.
1996: The Journal of Gender, Race and Justice was founded, the fourth student-edited law journal at the College.

Recent Developments

2000: Larned A. Waterman Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center was founded by UI College of Law Professor and UI President Emeritus Willard L.
2013: The University of Iowa Center for Human Rights moved its academic home to the College.
2014: Iowa Law partnered with colleges in Iowa and established a "3+3" program, allowing undergraduates to begin law school after three years.
2015: The College of Law celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding.
2016: The Iowa Inspired: Campaign for Iowa Law was completed, raising $53 million.
2017: The first floor of the Boyd Law Building was renovated.

Academic Journals and Programs

The University of Iowa College of Law is home to four well-known law journals, a robust field placement program, and a storied legal writing program.

Law Journals

Iowa Law Review: Founded in 1915, this journal is a scholarly legal publication that analyzes developments in the law and suggests future paths for the law to follow.
Journal of Corporation Law: Established in 1975, this journal focuses on corporate law issues and provides a forum for legal scholars and practitioners to share their insights.
Transnational Law and Contemporary Problems: Founded in 1989, this journal examines international and comparative law issues, providing a global perspective on legal challenges.
Journal of Gender, Race and Justice: Established in 1996, this journal explores the intersection of gender, race, and justice, promoting critical analysis of legal and social issues.

Clinical Programs

Iowa Law is one of only two US law schools with a federal criminal defense clinic. The college's in-house legal clinic was organized in 1971. In addition to supervising students on actual cases, it offered externships for academic credit.

Legal Writing Program

Iowa Law has a storied legal writing program. The Writing Center opened in 1989, providing feedback and instruction to students on legal writing. In 2006, the law school’s signature first-year “small section” program ended and was replaced with a new four-credit “LAWR” (legal analysis, writing, and research) course.

Notable Alumni

The University of Iowa College of Law has produced a distinguished array of alumni who have made significant contributions to the legal profession, government, business, and society. These graduates have served as judges, politicians, corporate leaders, and advocates for social justice, embodying the college's commitment to preparing leaders who make a difference in the world.

Prominent Alumni

Alexander G. Clark, Jr.: The first African American to graduate from the law school.
George G. Fagg: Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Lester J. Dickinson: United States Senator from Iowa.
Rita B. Garman: Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court.
Paul P. Harris: Founder of Rotary International.
Bourke B. Hickenlooper: United States Senator from Iowa.
Leo A. Hoegh: 25th Governor of Iowa.
William S. Kenyon: United States Senator from Iowa and Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Donald P. Lay: Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Thomas E. Martin: United States Representative from Iowa.
Edward J. McManus: Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.
Michael J. Melloy: Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Ronald Moon: Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court.
Duke Slater: Hall of Fame football player, attorney, and judge.
Daniel F. Steck: United States Senator from Iowa.
Roy L. Stephenson: Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
William C. Stuart: Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Philip W. Tone: Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
George A. Wilson: 29th Governor of Iowa.
Charles R. Wolle: Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

Facilities and Resources

The University of Iowa College of Law provides its students with state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support their legal education. The Boyd Law Building houses classrooms, faculty offices, and administrative facilities, while the law library offers an extensive collection of legal materials and research resources.

The Boyd Law Building

When the Law Building was built in 1986, the project included a low-rise library, classrooms, auditoriums, moot courts, and administrative facilities. The architect was Gunnar Birkets & Associates and the structural engineer was Leslie E. Robertson Associates. The new building was named in honor of former University of Iowa President Willard L. (Sandy) Boyd on November 20th, 1986.

Law Library

The Iowa Law Library houses the largest public law school library in the United States. The research staff is first-rate and students have their own carrels bathed in natural light located in a soaring space with windows looking out over the Iowa River. The law library maintains large collections of ISBA publications and materials from ISBA CLEs.

Relationship with the Iowa State Bar Association

The University of Iowa College of Law has a long and close relationship with the Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA). Since the ISBA’s inception in 1874, both law schools have had a close association with the ISBA. From the beginning of the ISBA, its membership has been concerned about legal education in the state.

Collaboration and Support

The ISBA has long lauded Iowa’s two law schools and their relationship with the bar. The ISBA has received national recognition for its programs for law students in the state. The ISBA Young Lawyers Division YLD regularly holds events for law students at both law schools. Over the years, the ISBA has worked with the law schools on curricular review. Since at least the early 1950s, the ISBA has presented an award to an outstanding graduate of both Drake Law School and the University of Iowa College of Law.

Leadership

Several members of the University of Iowa College of Law have served as president of the ISBA, including:

George G. Wright
Emlin McClain
Hugo Claude Horack

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