Willamette University College of Law

Willamette University College of Law, located in Salem, Oregon, is one of the oldest and most respected private law schools in the United States. Established in 1883, the College has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality legal education and for producing highly skilled legal professionals. With a broad range of degree offerings, specialized programs, and centers of legal study, Willamette College of Law prepares students for successful careers in law, business, government, and other areas of legal practice.

Academic Programs and Opportunities

Willamette University College of Law offers several academic programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its students. At the core of these offerings is the full-time Juris Doctor (J.D.) program, which provides students with a comprehensive education in legal theory, practice, and ethics. The program is designed to prepare graduates for the challenges of legal practice in a variety of fields, from corporate law to public interest law and everything in between. The curriculum emphasizes practical learning, with opportunities for students to engage in internships, externships, and legal clinics.

In addition to the J.D. program, Willamette College of Law offers a joint degree program, the J.D./M.B.A., in partnership with Willamette University's Atkinson Graduate School of Management. This dual degree program allows students to complete both a law degree and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree in a reduced timeframe. The J.D./M.B.A. program is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers that require expertise in both law and business, such as corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and business consulting.

For students who have already completed a J.D. degree at an ABA-accredited law school, Willamette offers an LL.M. in Transnational Law. This program is designed for international students who wish to expand their understanding of U.S. law and gain expertise in the rapidly evolving field of transnational legal practice. The LL.M. program provides students with a deep understanding of how U.S. law intersects with international law, preparing them for legal work in global settings.

Accreditation and Recognition

Willamette University College of Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS), ensuring that the College meets the highest standards of legal education. This accreditation allows Willamette Law graduates to sit for the bar exam in any state, making it an attractive option for students seeking a flexible, high-quality legal education.

In addition to ABA accreditation, the College of Law has received recognition for its excellence in various areas. For instance, the school has been ranked among the Best Value Law Schools in the U.S. by PreLaw magazine, which recognizes schools that offer a high-quality education at an affordable cost. Only one private law school in the country received a higher grade than Willamette, underscoring the value of the legal education offered at the College of Law.

Willamette University College of Law has also been highly regarded by Super Lawyers, an organization that ranks law schools based on the number of alumni named to state and regional Super Lawyers lists. In 2009, Willamette Law had 193 graduates named Super Lawyers, a testament to the quality of education provided by the school and the success of its alumni in the legal field.

Furthermore, a study conducted by researchers at Rogers Williams University School of Law ranked Willamette University College of Law 32nd for per capita faculty productivity among law schools outside of U.S. News & World Report's top 50. This ranking reflects the strong academic output and scholarly contributions of the law faculty, further enhancing the school’s reputation for producing top-tier legal professionals.

Finally, Willamette University College of Law has earned recognition as one of the "Top Green Law Schools" by The National Jurist, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible practices. This recognition reflects the school's emphasis on sustainability law and its broader commitment to addressing global environmental challenges.