Sterling Law Building

Sterling Law Building is a university structure at Yale University featuring Gothic Revival architecture. The structure spans an entire city block and is decorated with stone sculptures, wood carvings, and stained glass medallions showing legal themes throughout.

The building was designed by architect James Gamble Rogers between 1929 and 1931 and was modeled after English Inns of Court traditions. Its construction marked an important expansion of Yale Law School's facilities during the early 20th century.

The building displays legal figures from many cultures through its carved details: you can spot King Solomon, Confucius, and Charlemagne represented in stone throughout the rooms and hallways. These depictions reflect a vision of law as something that crosses all civilizations.

The building sits on Wall Street in downtown New Haven and is easy to access from the main campus. Inside are classrooms, offices, a law library, and a dining hall, with some areas visible during school hours when the building is open to visitors.

The building features an unusual architectural detail: a stone bulldog dressed as a lawyer sits at the gable ends of the auditorium. This playful sculpture merges the university's mascot with the legal purpose of the structure.

Location: New Haven

GPS coordinates: 41.31200,-72.92810

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:00