Over the years, changes in legal education made the building's inadequacies even more pronounced. There is less use of large lecture halls today and more emphasis on small classes and seminars. Condon Hall lacks space for the eight law clinics that enable students to gain experience by helping members of the public with legal problems ranging from immigration to taxes. Condon Hall's thick-walled concrete construction restricts the ability to install wiring and infrastructure for today's technologies. The computer lab fits only 35 students.
Electrical outlets are scarce in classrooms and offices.
The Legislature authorized a new building in 1995 and approved the funds in 1999. As legal education has changed, it has brought the need for new facilities integrated more fully with the other disciplines on campus. This building caught the imagination of many friends and donors and our community whose generosity made it possible. It will help immeasurably in preparing students for the law profession in this new century. Gates will discuss his vision for philanthropy and improving the lives of the world's poorest people.