Albany Law School, Union University

Albany Law School is America's oldest independent law school. Albany Law School was established in 1851 and has been a key part of the development of American legal education. The standard preparation for the bar in mid-19th-century America was a legal clerkship. Amasa Parker and Ira Harristheyre the school's founders. They felt that this method was not effective in training new lawyers. They set out to create a structured educational program that combined both a thorough understanding of the principles and practical experience in applying them. The Albany Law School was born from its philosophy of legal education. The combination of theory, practice, and education at Albany Law School is still a hallmark. There are many notable milestones and achievements in the school's history. It was formed by Union University in 1873 when it joined Albany Medical College and Union College. Later, Albany College of Pharmacy (now Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences) joined. Each institution is responsible for its programs and has its own governing body. Albany Law School prepares and empowers tomorrow’s leaders, engaged professionals, and committed public servants. It also inspires community change agents to be creative problem solvers. Albany Law School and University at Albany collaborate to offer programs and activities that benefit both schools. The collaboration allows the small and intimate law school to draw upon the strengths of a large research university. The 2016 Steering committee Report contains the results from the first year.