Pepperdine Law Celebrates 50th Anniversary

One morning in 1969, over breakfast at a Denny’s restaurant in Santa Ana, the founders of Orange University College of Law decided to donate their school to a university, and the next year, Pepperdine University announced the opening of its new law school, led by Dean Ronald F. Phillips. 

Fifty years and 75 miles due north later, on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, we celebrate our golden anniversary. Since that first year, 10,119 graduates have received degrees from Pepperdine Law. That means 10,119 more lawyers, mediators, and other champions of justice have been trained the Pepperdine way: exemplars of purpose, service, and leadership. 

Visitors will notice the celebration in the DNA of the law school throughout this year. We will add special touches to our events and activities. We will spotlight notable alumni, works of scholarship, and student stories. And we will spread the news about this impressive milestone far and wide, so that the ideals of Pepperdine Law become a mission not just for us, but for the world.

Pepperdine Law has risen further and faster than any other private law school in the country. And we’re just getting started. Join us for the next 50 years. And beyond.