I am frequently inspired by the many reasons I hear for why alumni choose to support Yale Law School. In many cases the reasons are connected to a wonderful story. 

Recently, an alumnus told me of the time in the mid 1970s when he stopped by the Admissions Office on his way from New York to Boston. He thought he would make a quick stop at the Law School to see if his application for admission was complete. Once there, he was warmly greeted by Dean Jim Thomas, who sat and talked with him for a bit and then walked this young man down the hall to meet Dean Wellington. This coincidental visit left an impression on this aspiring law student that has never been forgotten.

Another alumnus, who resides in sunny Southern California, wrote of a recent visit to the Law School and the “cold and clouds of New Haven.” Here is one of the highlights of his visit:

“I met with a student who worked with a children’s rights group in China last summer.  He traveled to China on a grant to help develop legal protections for children in that vast country. He had studied about children’s rights during his first year with a professor at the Law School, and now, in his second year, he is a court-appointed representative of children in the Connecticut courts. Multiply what this student has done (and will do) many times over and that says something about the impact that an educational institution can have on our world.”  

Yale Law School has long thrived thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends.  We are forever in debt to all of you for your continued support.
 
With thanks and appreciation,

Mark LaFontaine  
Associate Dean