Law Schools in Oregon
University of Oregon School of Law
The University of Oregon School of Law, located in Eugene, Oregon, was established in 1884. It is the oldest law school in Oregon and is known for its strong emphasis on public service, environmental law, and practical training. The School of Law offers a comprehensive legal education, combining theoretical foundations with hands-on experience through its clinics, externships, and moot court competitions. The school is renowned for its environmental and natural resources law programs, often ranking among the top in the nation. The picturesque campus and vibrant college town environment in Eugene provide an inspiring setting for legal studies.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #67 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 500 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Master of Conflict and Dispute Resolution (CRES)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 54%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 158.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- David Frohnmayer – Former Attorney General of Oregon and President of the University of Oregon.
- Ann Aiken – Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon.
- Ted Kulongoski – Former Governor of Oregon.
- Greg Walden – Former U.S. Representative from Oregon.
- Carl B. Stokes – First African American mayor of a major U.S. city (Cleveland, Ohio).
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Stoel Rives LLP
- Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
- Oregon Supreme Court
- Oregon Department of Justice
- U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
Lewis & Clark Law School
Lewis & Clark Law School, located in Portland, Oregon, was established in 1915. It is known for its strong programs in environmental law, animal law, and public interest law. The Law School offers a comprehensive legal education, combining theoretical foundations with hands-on experience through its clinics, externships, and moot court competitions. The school is particularly renowned for its environmental law program, which consistently ranks among the top in the nation. The campus, located near Tryon Creek State Natural Area, provides a serene and inspiring setting for legal studies. Lewis & Clark Law School is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #88 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 600 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM) in Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law; Animal Law; and General LLM
- Master of Studies in Law (MSL)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 55%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 157.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Eldon Fallon – Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
- James L. Robart – Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
- Robert S. Lasnik – Senior Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
- Richard C. Tallman – Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
- Betty Roberts – First woman to serve on the Oregon Supreme Court.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Stoel Rives LLP
- Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
- Oregon Supreme Court
- Oregon Department of Justice
- U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
Willamette University College of Law
Willamette University College of Law, located in Salem, Oregon, was established in 1883. It is the first law school in the Pacific Northwest and has a long history of providing quality legal education. The College of Law is known for its strong emphasis on practical training, public service, and commitment to the community. The school offers a comprehensive legal education, combining theoretical foundations with hands-on experience through its clinics, externships, and moot court competitions. Its location in Salem, the state capital, provides students with unique opportunities to engage with state government and the legal community.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #140 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 350 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM) in Transnational Law
- Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 60%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 153.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Tom McCall – Former Governor of Oregon.
- Wallace Carson Jr. – Former Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court.
- Betty Roberts – First woman to serve on the Oregon Supreme Court.
- Ted Kulongoski – Former Governor of Oregon.
- Peter DeFazio – U.S. Representative from Oregon.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Stoel Rives LLP
- Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
- Oregon Supreme Court
- Oregon Department of Justice
- U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon