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Law and Business Certificate

Effectively advise and support clients through all aspects related to law and business. Gain the right skills and knowledge through our business law certificate program.

Program Snapshot

JD

Graduate,

90

3 Years

Salem Campus

A student sitting in a law library looking at their laptop

Earn a Business Law Certificate

Join a hands-on curriculum that encourages clinics, externships, and simulation courses. Our certificate program helps students navigate their interest in business and law. Become a business-minded lawyer to make a difference.

Why pursue a certificate in business law at Willamette?

  • Career options. Adding a certificate in business law to your JD can showcase your dedication. It can also prepare you for specific subjects that align with your career interests.
  • Courses taught by experts. Choose from a variety of business law courses. Explore different topics such as international business law, employment law, antitrust law, and insurance law.
  • Gain more experience. Join the Trust and Estate Clinic or consider joining the Business Law Society. Students can also explore the joint JD/MBA degree to earn two graduate degrees in only four years.

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Curriculum

Navigate the intersection of business and law. Develop strong negotiating skills, understand labor laws, and gain insights into trademarks. We offer a wide range of required and elective courses in business transactions, tax law, negotiation, intellectual property, labor and employment law, and mergers and acquisitions.
  • LAW 3020 Deals

    In Deals, you’ll delve into the role of professionals in creating value for clients. The first half of the course equips you with the essential background to understand transaction barriers and navigate common issues across various deals. In the second half, you’ll participate in simulated deals and hands-on workshops, working through real-world scenarios in industries like technology, finance, and real estate.

  • LAW 329 Mergers and Acquisitions

    Gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in corporate mergers and acquisitions with this 2-credit course. You’ll explore the structure, negotiation, and documentation of M&A transactions. Key topics include acquisition structures, fiduciary duties, deal flow, due diligence, takeover defenses, and risk allocation. Your final assignment is a client memorandum addressed to a director of a target company, based on a real deal from the SEC's database, giving you practical experience in M&A documentation and strategy.

Our Certificate in Business and Law Stands Out

Program Values

Make an impact in the business world. Our business and law certificate helps lawyers develop the skills they need to impact operations, communities, and people. See how our certificate can impact your community.

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Get Involved with Business Law

Find opportunities that support your passion for law and business. Join a group, make a difference, or conduct meaningful research. The Business Lawyering Institute also offers hands-on learning, networking events, and other ways to extend your knowledge of business law.
  • Business Law Society

    The Business Law Society is a way to connect with law and MBA students passionate about business and law. Benefit from regular meetings, guest speakers, and networking events that foster strong relationships within Oregon.

  • Willamette Law Review

    Develop skills in legal research and writing during law school. Publish your comments and notes with the Willamette Law Review for the benefit of practitioners, judges, legislators and the academic community.

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete a total of 14 course hours in addition to a capstone. Students can complete their capstone requirement in one of two ways: (1) complete the graduation writing requirement in a course that is both certificate-approved and GWR-approved; or (2) complete an experiential learning course that is both certificate-approved and experiential-learning-approved.

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Admission Details

Only current students can apply to our certificate program. In their online application, students must attest to their academic good standing (i.e. cumulative GPA above 2.30) and provide a 250-word personal statement explaining why they wish to pursue their certificate. The director may cap the size of the program, based on advising capacity and capstone course availability. Please contact the Program Director for further information.

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FAQs

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