Law School Celebrates its 45th Anniversary

Written by Celeste Villarreal

                      

On Sept. 25, Texas Tech University School of Law marks the 45th anniversary of its first day of classes. After a hard-won fight at the Texas Legislature led by the Hon. Alvin R. Allison, former Texas House Representative and Texas Tech University graduate, the doors of Texas Tech Law opened in 1967 with 72 students and Dean Richard Amandes at the helm.

The law school started humbly but quickly flourished under Amandes’ leadership, who increased enrollment to 450 by the time he stepped down in 1977. Today the law school student body totals 692 and is developing many innovative programs, such as the regional externship program, under the guidance of Dean Darby Dickerson.

“Texas Tech University School of Law has developed into a school known for its commitment to training lawyers who are exemplary practitioners and who give back generously to the profession and their communities,” Dickerson said. “We continue to build on that foundation with a faculty that is passionate about teaching and advancing knowledge, and students who truly want to make a difference in this world.”

During the years, the law school has grown physically and in terms of programs, with highlights including the 2008 opening of the Mark and Becky Lanier Professional Development Center and nationally recognized programs in advocacy, law and science, military law and health law. Texas Tech Law has garnered 28 national advocacy titles and has been ranked as a Top 20 Best Value Law School by The National Jurist in all five best-value ranking issues.