Lewis & Clark Law School Profile

Located in Portland, Oregon, Lewis & Clark Law School (L&C) stands as a prestigious institution of legal education known for its academic rigor, commitment to social justice, and pioneering work in the field of environmental law. Since its founding, the law school has become one of the top-ranked institutions in the Pacific region, particularly recognized for its excellence in environmental law, public interest law, and overall legal education. It is fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS).

Environmental Law

Lewis & Clark Law School’s Environmental Law Program is not only the oldest of its kind but also the most highly regarded. The program offers students an expansive range of courses that cover a diverse array of environmental issues, from climate change and renewable energy to natural resource management and environmental justice. With a curriculum that includes both theoretical legal principles and hands-on practical experiences, the program equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to become leaders in the environmental law field.

The success and prominence of the Environmental Law Program are reflected in its top ranking. According to the 2009 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the program was ranked No. 1 in the nation, a distinction it has maintained for many years. The ranking is based on the high caliber of faculty, the breadth of subject areas covered, and the success of the program's graduates in securing positions in government, nonprofit organizations, and private firms focused on environmental law.

Public Interest Law

In addition to its environmental law program, Lewis & Clark Law School has earned a strong reputation for its commitment to public interest law. The National Jurist magazine ranked L&C among the top 10 law schools in the nation for public interest law, reflecting the school’s dedication to training lawyers who will go on to serve in underserved communities, work for human rights, and fight for justice in a variety of legal contexts.

The law school’s Public Interest Law Project (PILP) is an integral part of this commitment, providing students with opportunities to work with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and advocacy groups. Through internships, externships, and fellowships, students gain practical experience working on legal issues related to civil rights, criminal justice reform, immigrant rights, and other critical areas of social justice.

Rankings and Recognition

Lewis & Clark Law School is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the United States. In the 2012 edition of U.S. News & World Report, the school was ranked among the top law schools in the western United States and ranked within the top 10 law schools on the West Coast alongside prestigious institutions like Stanford University, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of California, Berkeley. These rankings reflect the school’s overall academic excellence and its status as a leader in legal education on the West Coast.

In particular, the Environmental Law Program stands out for its national prominence. As mentioned, the program has been ranked No. 1 by U.S. News and continues to attract students who are interested in pursuing careers in environmental law and policy. The school’s focus on practical, hands-on learning and its commitment to staying at the forefront of environmental legal issues have solidified its reputation as the go-to institution for aspiring environmental lawyers.

Furthermore, Lewis & Clark Law School has been recognized for its outstanding part-time law program. While many law schools offer full-time programs, L&C’s part-time program provides working professionals and non-traditional students with the flexibility to earn their law degree while balancing other commitments. This part-time program is ranked among the top half of law schools in the U.S. News rankings and offers students the same rigorous curriculum and access to resources as the full-time program.