SINCE 1891
Celebrating 135 Years of Legal Innovation and Excellence
As part of New York Law School’s yearlong celebration of our 135th anniversary, NYLS Giving Day on March 11–12 brought our community together to support today’s students and invest in the future of the Law School.
Thanks to strong participation, we successfully unlocked match challenges for the Classes of 2010–2023 and for Evening Division alumni. Thank you to all who contributed.
2026 marks the 135th anniversary of New York Law School. Since our founding in 1891, we’ve been proud to provide an extraordinary and innovative educational experience to leaders who advance justice, build the economy, and serve the needs of modern society.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary throughout the year, we’ll honor the people, moments, and ideas that have shaped our legacy across a variety of themes and genres—and spotlight the vision guiding to a promising and innovative future. From special events and programs to alumni and student stories, there’s much more to come.
We invite you to join us as we reflect on 135 years of impact and look ahead to the next generation of legal education.
Join us in celebrating our past, our present, and our future. Check back often for upcoming events, featured stories, and ways to be part of the celebration.
Our Past, Present, and Future
Read about our past in “New York Law School: A Heritage” which was originally published in 1978 and updated in 1982. It provides a comprehensive narrative of the origins of NYLS and its contributions to the legal community since its founding in 1891.
Read about current activities and significant milestones from the past several years on NYLS News.
Our new Board Chair John Estes ’95 brings a clear and ambitious vision for NYLS’s next chapter. Take a look at his thoughts on innovation, collaboration, and NYLS’s future.
Celebrating 135: Current News and Milestones
Check back throughout the year—there's more celebration highlights and news to come.
This year, we also celebrate the 50th Annual Robert F. Wagner National Labor and Employment Law Moot Court Competition, honoring Robert F. Wagner Sr., Class of 1900.
Learn more about NYLS alumni who have played important roles in advancing women’s rights while also distinguishing themselves across the legal profession and public service.
In honor of Women’s History Month, New York Law School (NYLS) is excited to highlight the extraordinary leadership of The Honorable Carla B. Freedman ’88.
“Always remember that we are a part of a 135-year-old community of strivers, dreamers, and doers; they didn’t sit back, but instead jumped off the sidelines and took charge, shaped the city and world around them, and held each other accountable. Our community succeeds because of our New York values that reflect diversity, creativity, doggedness, and an inclusive approach that fuels us to work hard and to be innovative and resilient in empowering every client and community we serve.”
Anthony W. Crowell
Dean and President, New York Law School
Snapshots of NYLS History
