Kara Sears
Willamette University School of Law is located in Salem, Oregon, and was the first law school in the Pacific Northwest. The school offers a variety of degree programs, including a Juris Doctorate (JD), Master of Laws (LL.M), Master of Legal Studies (MLS), and a dual JD/MBA. Willamette Law also offers several 3+3 and 4+3 programs in partnership with universities in the Pacific Northwest, allowing students to earn both their undergraduate and law degrees in six or seven years, respectively. The school has a dynamic and supportive community, providing a unique balance of rigorous academics and opportunities to recharge in nature, with a focus on collaboration over competition. Willamette Law is known for its high graduate employment rates, with 84.69% of the Class of 2022 obtaining full-time, long-term, JD-required or JD-preferred employment within nine months of graduation. The school's Externship Program immerses students in the practical work of lawyers, and its Clinical Law Program emphasises excellence and service to the community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ranking | 150 out of 195 in Best Law Schools |
| Tuition fees | $53,980 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.1:1 |
| Graduate employment rate | One of the highest among Oregon law schools |
| Degree options | Juris doctorate (JD), master of laws (LL.M), master of legal studies (MLS), dual JD/MBA |
| Enrollment options | Full-time and part-time |
| Partnerships | Willamette College, Portland State University, Western Oregon University, University of Alaska Anchorage |
| Student organizations | Willamette University Public Interest Law Project, American Constitution Society, Women's Law Caucus, Multicultural Law Students Association, Moot Court Board, Joint Degree Association |
| Library | J. W. Long Law Library with 296,000 volumes and microform equivalents |
| Journal | Willamette Sports Law Journal |
| Alumni magazine | Willamette Lawyer |
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What You'll Learn
Small class sizes and a supportive community
Willamette University School of Law offers small class sizes, with a student-faculty ratio of 9.1:1. This small size allows students to develop close connections with faculty, staff, and their peers, fostering a supportive and collaborative community. The school's location in Salem, Oregon's second-largest city, also contributes to its welcoming atmosphere.
The school's small size and supportive community set it apart from the cutthroat culture found at many other institutions. Willamette Law encourages collaboration over competition, creating an environment where students and faculty support one another's success. This collaborative spirit extends beyond the classroom to the courtroom, legal clinics, and the wider community.
Willamette Law provides a range of resources to support its students, including an attorney-mentor program, extensive professional training opportunities, and over 20 student organizations. These resources help students build a strong professional network and create lasting connections. The school also prioritizes personal connections and encourages students to take advantage of the recreational opportunities in the surrounding Pacific Northwest region to maintain their well-being.
The Externship Program at Willamette Law immerses students in the fast-paced work of practicing lawyers. Under the supervision of attorneys, students participate in legal work in various contexts, gaining real-world experience. The school's close proximity to the Oregon Capitol, the Oregon Supreme Court, state agencies, and law firms further enhances the externship opportunities available to students.
Willamette Law's small class sizes and supportive community contribute to its unique culture and student experience. The school's collaborative and encouraging environment, combined with its focus on practical learning and professional development, prepares students for success in their legal careers.
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Rigorous academics and nature-based opportunities
Willamette University School of Law is located in Salem, Oregon, and is the first law school in the Pacific Northwest. The school offers rigorous academic programmes, including a Juris Doctorate (JD), Master of Laws (LL.M), Master of Legal Studies (MLS), and a dual JD/MBA. The school also provides several 3+3 and 4+3 partnership programmes with other universities in the Pacific Northwest, allowing students to obtain both their undergraduate and law degrees in six or seven years, respectively.
The school's small size fosters a supportive and collaborative community that prioritises personal connections and professional development. Students have access to extensive professional training opportunities, over 20 student organisations, and a robust attorney-mentor programme. The nearby J. W. Long Law Library boasts an extensive collection of legal resources, including state and federal primary law sources, treatises, periodicals, and special collections in tax law, public international law, and labour law.
Willamette Law is known for its dynamic and forward-thinking approach to legal education, with a focus on experiential learning and curricular strengths in public service, business law, advocacy, international law, and health law. The Externship Programme immerses students in the practical work of lawyers, allowing them to gain real-world experience under the supervision of attorneys. The Clinical Law Programme emphasises excellence in legal practice and promotes reflection, justice, and equity.
Located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Willamette Law students can take advantage of the region's natural offerings. They can explore nearby hiking trails, enjoy the Oregon coast, or ski in the Cascades, providing opportunities to recharge and maintain their well-being outside the classroom.
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Student-led organisations and journals
Willamette University School of Law offers a variety of student-led organisations and journals that enhance the student experience and provide valuable learning opportunities. With over 20 student organisations, Willamette Law fosters a sense of community and collaboration, encouraging students to work together and support each other's growth.
One notable student-led publication is the Willamette Sports Law Journal, which was the first journal on sports law in the Pacific Northwest. This student-edited journal was published from 2004 until the spring of 2016, when it disbanded as a student organisation. Willamette Law also produces the Willamette Lawyer, an annual alumni magazine, and Willamette Law Online, a subscription service that provides free case summaries to legal professionals in the region.
In addition to these publications, Willamette Law offers student-led organisations such as the Willamette University Public Interest Law Project, the American Constitution Society, the Women's Law Caucus, and the Multicultural Law Students Association. These organisations provide opportunities for students to connect with peers, build leadership skills, and engage in activities that align with their interests and passions.
The school also houses Centres of Excellence, which are led and driven by students and faculty. These centres emphasise Willamette's areas of expertise and provide resources for research, idea exploration, hosting speakers and symposia, and building understanding on various legal issues. One such centre is the Willamette University Center for Religion, Law, and Democracy, which draws on the university's strengths as a church-affiliated college committed to academic excellence and public service.
Willamette Law's student-led initiatives reflect the school's belief in the importance of collaboration and community. By encouraging students to take leadership roles and actively participate in their education, Willamette Law fosters a unique and enriching law school experience that prepares students for success in their future legal careers.
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Attorney-mentor program
Willamette University School of Law, located in Salem, Oregon, was the first law school in the Pacific Northwest. The school is just steps away from the Oregon Capitol, the Oregon Supreme Court, multiple state agencies, and law firms. This close connection to the state government provides students with rich practical learning experiences, such as externships and clinics.
The Attorney-Mentor Program is a cornerstone of Willamette University School of Law's approach to legal education. As the oldest practitioner-student mentoring program in Oregon, it is a unique opportunity for first-year students to gain valuable insights into the legal profession, establish meaningful connections, and build a strong foundation for their future legal networks.
The program pairs students with practising attorneys and judges in their first year of law school. This early exposure to the legal community allows students to explore various legal careers and gain a better understanding of the profession. Students can set goals and strategize their career trajectories with the help of experienced legal professionals, adapting their plans as their aspirations evolve throughout their legal education.
In addition to the Attorney-Mentor Program, Willamette University School of Law offers numerous networking events, workshops, and information sessions throughout the year. These events provide students with further opportunities to connect with legal professionals, develop their professional skills, and build their network within the legal community.
The school also offers a range of degree options, including a Juris Doctorate (JD), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Legal Studies (MLS), and a dual JD/MBA. Students can also take advantage of the school's partnerships with other universities in the Pacific Northwest to earn both undergraduate and law degrees in six years through 3+3 Programs.
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Close connections to state government
Willamette University School of Law is located in Salem, Oregon, the state's second-largest city. The school was the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest and has since been a leader in legal education. Its location just steps away from the Oregon Capitol, the Oregon Supreme Court, multiple state agencies, and law firms gives it a unique advantage over other law schools. This proximity to state government provides students with unparalleled access to externships, clinics, and other practical learning experiences.
The Externship Program at Willamette University School of Law is a prime example of the school's close connections to state government. Through this program, students are immersed in the fast-paced work of practising lawyers. They are partnered with attorneys working in various legal settings, including in-house counsel for national and regional companies, state and federal representatives and senators, state and federal agencies, prosecutors' offices, public defenders' offices, and nonprofit legal services. These externships offer students a wide range of opportunities to apply their legal knowledge in real-world contexts under the supervision of experienced attorneys.
The Clinical Law Program is another key aspect of Willamette's practical legal education. This program holds students to the highest standards of excellence in all areas of legal practice, including substantive legal knowledge, professionalism, and a commitment to serving the community. The faculty of the Clinical Law Program instils in students the importance of reflection and balance in their future legal careers, emphasising the unique role of lawyers in promoting justice and equity.
In addition to its externship and clinical opportunities, Willamette University School of Law offers a variety of courses and programs that foster close connections to state government. The Center for Law and Government, housed in the Oregon Civic Justice Center, is one such example. This centre, along with others like the Center for Dispute Resolution and the Willamette University Center for Religion, Law and Democracy, provides students with a robust understanding of the intersection between law and government.
The J. W. Long Law Library further enhances Willamette's connections to state government. The library's collection includes an extensive range of state and federal primary law sources, treatises, periodicals, and other legal resources. Its proximity to the Oregon Supreme Court Law Library, the Oregon State Library, and the Oregon State Archives provides students with convenient access to a wealth of legal information.
Through its location, externship and clinical programs, specialised courses, and extensive resources, Willamette University School of Law offers students unparalleled opportunities to engage with and learn from the state government. This close connection is a key strength of the school, providing a rich and practical legal education that prepares students for successful careers in law and leadership.
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Frequently asked questions
Willamette University School of Law is located in Salem, Oregon, the state's second-largest city. It was the first law school in the Pacific Northwest, and its campus is just steps away from the Oregon Capitol, the Oregon Supreme Court, multiple state agencies, and law firms. This gives students access to rich practical learning experiences like externships and clinics. The school offers a supportive community that encourages collaboration over competition, creating a law school experience that stands apart from the cutthroat culture found at many other institutions.
Willamette Law offers rigorous academics alongside opportunities to recharge in nature. Students can build strong relationships with faculty, staff, and peers, creating a supportive learning environment. The school provides extensive professional training opportunities and over 20 student organizations. Willamette Law also has one of the highest graduate employment rates among Oregon law schools and is ranked among the best on the West Coast.
Willamette University School of Law offers several degree options, including a Juris Doctorate (JD), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Legal Studies (MLS), and a dual JD/MBA. The school also offers 3+3 and 4+3 programs in partnership with select universities in the Pacific Northwest, allowing students to earn both an undergraduate degree and a law degree in six or seven years, respectively.
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