History of Trinity Law School

The Simon Greenleaf School of Law was founded in 1980 due to the vision of Dr. John Warwick Montgomery, a renowned historian and lawyer; Dr. Harold Lindsell, a well-known theologian; and Dr. Walter Martin, a celebrated Christian apologist. These men desired to integrate law, human rights, and Christian apologetics into a single academic institution. Dr. Montgomery founded the school to provide practical legal and moral training while maintaining high scholarly standards.

Dr. John Warwick Montgomery was the first Dean of the Law School and served from 1980 to 1988. Dr. Walter Martin was a professor in the School of Christian Apologetics until his death in 1989.

In 1989, after a six-month self-study, the Board of Trustees approved the restructuring of the academic program to reflect a broader university concept. Leadership during this time of transition was provided by Stuart Orr, the school's first president. The name of the institution was changed in the fall of 1990 to Simon Greenleaf University, and Samuel B. Casey was appointed to succeed Stuart Orr as president. In 1993, Clay Jones became president of the university.

In 1997 Simon Greenleaf University joined Trinity International University and now functions as the Law School and California Campus, of Trinity International University. Today Trinity proudly continues the original mission of Simon Greenleaf University.