In economic terms, however, the new building was problematic because it required costly renovations. Inc. Since Joseph Lubin was a Pace alumnus and a member of the College's board of trustees in 1962 when New York Law approached the Lubin Foundation, it seemed only natural to explore the possibility of an affiliation between Pace and New York Law School. Negotiations between the two institutions began in 1964. Two years later Pace and New York Law were considering an actual merger. In the spring of 1967, however, several members of the board of trustees of New York Law expressed reservations about an affiliation with Pace until the outcome of the Middle States evaluation of the College was known.
Pace is in a very strong position.
It already has accreditation. Academically, financially, and administratively it is in excellent shape. These words were not lost on the trustees of New York Law. In November 1967 a letter of intent was signed and the wheels were set in motion for a full-scale affiliation to take effect in September 1968. New York Law School had an enrollment of 500 but, despite its relatively small size, the affiliation agreement called for the law school to remain autonomous.