Washington and Lee University School of Law

Washington and Lee University School of Law

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Powell Archives

Washington and Lee University
School of Law
Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Archives

Lexington, Virginia 24450-0303
Phone: (540) 458-8969
Fax: (540) 458-8967
E-mail: powell@wlu.edu


Welcome to the Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Archives web site. The Archives comprises the Papers of Lewis F. Powell, Jr., other manuscript collections held by the law library and the archives of the School of Law. With the extensive and and unique documentation of the life of this school's most distinguished alumnus as its centerpiece, the Powell Archives welcomes researchers from across the United States and from the international research community. Washington and Lee faculty and students are especially encouraged to use these resources. More content here.

 What's New
  • News and featured materials from the Powell Archives.
  • EAD guide to J. Calvitt Clarke Papers available
  • EAD guide to Walter E. Hoffman Papers available
  • Additions to the M. Caldwell Butler Papers
  • Additions to the Personal Papers of Lewis F. Powell, Jr.
  • Index to Law School Exams Added
    Powell Papers Supplemental Finding Aids Available Online
  • Powell Archives Finding Aids Available Online 
     
  The Powell Papers

The Papers of Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Richmond, Virginia attorney and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, document his legal and judicial careers; military service in World War II; leadership positions in varied civic and professional organizations; and friendships and family relations. The papers are 363 cu. ft. in extent and span the years 1929-1998. Artifacts and a small library are associated with these papers. 

 Other Manuscripts


This repository holds other collections of personal papers in addition to those of Justice Powell. These include: former Virginia 6th District Representative M. Caldwell Butler; Congressional staffer and FCC Commissioner Stephen Sharp; and former W&L School of Law professors Wilfred J. Ritz and Charles V. Laughlin. These collections are open to researchers and finding aids are available. 

 Law School Archives


The Washington and Lee University School of Law traces its history back to the proprietary Lexington Law School founded in 1849 by Judge John W. Brockenbrough. Records of the law school -- from the roster of its earliest graduates to the results of the most recent moot court competition -- are held by the Powell Archives. 


 

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