EDUCATION

Philadelphia trial lawyer Thomas Kline gives $50M to Drexel; law school to be named for him

Associated Press
Published | Updated

This Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014 photo shows the former Beneficial bank building and the future home of Drexel University's Thomas R. Kline School of Law, in Philadelphia. Drexel University’s law school is being named for Kline, a prominent trial lawyer who donated $50 million, the largest gift in Drexel’s history. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (The Associated Press)

In this Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014 photo, attorney Thomas Kline speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in the former Beneficial bank building and the future home of Drexel University's Thomas R. Kline School of Law, in Philadelphia. Drexel University officials announced Wednesday the law school will be named in honor of Kline, who donated $50 million to the school. Kline has spent more than 35 years as an attorney focusing on personal injury, medical malpractice and whistleblower cases. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (The Associated Press)

In this Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014 photo, attorney Thomas Kline speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in boardroom of the former Beneficial bank building and the future home of Drexel University's Thomas R. Kline School of Law, in Philadelphia. Drexel University officials announced Wednesday the law school will be named in honor of Kline, who donated $50 million to the school. Kline has spent more than 35 years as an attorney focusing on personal injury, medical malpractice and whistleblower cases. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (The Associated Press)

Drexel University's law school is being named for a prominent trial lawyer who donated $50 million, the largest gift in the Philadelphia school's history.

University officials announced Wednesday the institution will be known as the Thomas R. Kline School of Law.

Kline has focused on personal injury, medical malpractice and whistleblower cases during his three-decade career. He is also a trustee of the private university.

His gift includes a historic bank building downtown that will house a trial advocacy center.

Kline says the law can help victims rebuild their lives and force institutions to reform their ways.

Drexel's law school was originally named for alumnus Earle Mack in 2008 after he pledged $15 million. His name was dropped when university officials said the school needed a stronger foundation.