“The relation between American judges, practitioners and teachers of law is closer and much more salutary than it was when he began his work. There was a quality in this man which stimulated friendship and aroused affection. I cannot at the moment think of any institution other than the Institute which was to so large an extent the expression of the personality of one man.” — George Wharton Pepper on the legacy of William Draper Lewis

If any one man can be credited with the creation of The American Law Institute, William Draper Lewis is unquestionably that man. It was he who first commended to Elihu Root a practicable plan for dealing with the indigestible mass of reported cases. And, when Root's endorsement had secured the necessary financial support, it was Lewis who, as ALI’s first Director, formulated and put into operation the plans which converted a dream into reality.

Learn more about Lewis.