Suffolk University. in Massachusetts Law Schools
Suffolk University Law School – Massachusetts
1. Historical Background
Founded in 1906 by Gleason Archer Sr. as an evening law school to make legal education accessible to working-class individuals.
It later expanded into one of the largest private law schools in the U.S.
Its mission has always been “law for all, not just the privileged”, which made it popular among first-generation law students in Massachusetts.
2. Academic Programs
Juris Doctor (JD)
Day Division: Traditional 3-year or accelerated 2-year program.
Evening Division: Flexible 4-year or accelerated 3-year program for working students.
Students must complete 84 semester credits.
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Offers specialization in business law, international law, intellectual property, dispute resolution, and biomedical law.
Requires 24 credits and a major legal writing component.
Clinics & Practical Training
Suffolk has a strong clinical program with Immigration Law Clinic, Housing Law Clinic, Criminal Law Clinic, and Juvenile Justice Center.
These clinics allow students to practice law under supervision and argue real cases before Massachusetts courts.
3. Case Law Connections in Massachusetts
Suffolk Law has contributed heavily to Massachusetts jurisprudence through its alumni and faculty. Some key Massachusetts cases illustrate the values Suffolk emphasizes in teaching:
Commonwealth v. O’Malley (Mass. 1933)
This case addressed due process in criminal trials.
Suffolk professors often use this case to illustrate constitutional guarantees under the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights, showing how state law sometimes provides broader protection than federal law.
Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad (NY 1928, often taught at Suffolk)
Although not Massachusetts-specific, this classic torts case is used in first-year curriculum to demonstrate foreseeability and duty of care. Suffolk emphasizes applying this reasoning to Massachusetts negligence law.
Goodridge v. Department of Public Health (Mass. 2003)
Landmark Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court case legalizing same-sex marriage.
Many Suffolk graduates participated in amicus briefs. This case is studied to highlight equal protection under the Massachusetts Constitution.
Commonwealth v. Webster (Mass. 1850)
A foundational Massachusetts case on reasonable doubt in criminal law.
Suffolk Law professors use this case in criminal procedure courses, as Massachusetts’ definition of “reasonable doubt” became a national standard.
4. Suffolk University Law Review & Influence
Established in 1967, publishes four issues annually.
Known for blending professional scholarly articles with student-written case notes.
Often analyzes decisions from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) and U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals.
Plays a vital role in Massachusetts case law commentary, sometimes even cited in judicial opinions.
5. Notable Alumni & Legal Impact
Many Suffolk Law graduates became judges, legislators, and attorneys who shaped Massachusetts law:
Frank J. Donahue – Longest-serving Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court; Suffolk’s Donahue Lecture Series is named in his honor.
Geraldine Hines – First African-American woman on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
Paul J. Liacos – Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
Numerous Suffolk-trained attorneys have argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and Massachusetts SJC.
6. Teaching Style – Case Method
Suffolk uses the case method (derived from Harvard’s Langdell system).
Students study leading Massachusetts and U.S. Supreme Court cases, then apply reasoning to new fact patterns.
Professors emphasize Socratic questioning—asking students to explain how a case principle applies to hypothetical scenarios.
7. Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1906, by Gleason Archer Sr. |
| Programs | JD (Day & Evening), LL.M., clinics |
| Credits Required | 84 for JD, 24 for LL.M. |
| Law Review | Suffolk University Law Review, strong Massachusetts case commentary |
| Key Cases Taught | Commonwealth v. Webster (reasonable doubt), Goodridge (marriage equality), Palsgraf (torts), O’Malley (due process) |
| Alumni Impact | Judges on MA SJC, U.S. courts, state legislators, corporate counsel |
| Mission | Accessibility of legal education, focus on practical lawyering |
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