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Signature Strengths

At Willamette University School of Law, we are dedicated to shaping the next generation of problem-solving lawyers and leaders who are committed to serving their communities and advancing the legal profession.

As the first law school in the Pacific Northwest, we are proud of our deep historical roots and our ongoing commitment to innovation in legal education. Located in Salem, Oregon, directly across from the Oregon State Capitol and Oregon Supreme Court, our students benefit from unparalleled access to real-world legal experiences. Our faculty are distinguished thought leaders dedicated to advancing justice, fairness, and equality—principles that lie at the heart of our mission.

We take pride in producing exceptional problem solvers, community leaders, and legal innovators in one of the most dynamic regions of the country. Our recent years of remarkable academic growth are reflected in our bar passage rates and graduate employment outcomes, consistently ranking among the highest in Oregon and on the West Coast.

Willamette Law is a driving force behind the university's vision of an "Only at Willamette" education, offering one of the nation's most forward-thinking and student-centered legal programs. With a curriculum that emphasizes public service, business law, advocacy, international law, and health law, we provide robust experiential learning opportunities that cultivate a rich environment for developing future legal professionals.

These Signature Strengths reflect our mission and values by combining academic excellence with practical experience, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to excel in their chosen fields. These strengths highlight our unique approach to education and embody the diversity of our faculty’s research and practice.

Business Law

We equip our students with the skills to become business-minded, problem-solving lawyers, providing an unmatched foundation for success in the business world. Our strong partnerships with business leaders and attorneys ensure that you’ll gain practical experience and insights before you graduate. With hands-on courses, clinics, externships, and our Business Lawyering Institute, you'll be well-prepared to navigate the legal challenges of business and industry. Our joint JD/MBA program further enhances your credentials, allowing you to earn both degrees in just four years, giving you a competitive edge in the workforce.

Three students discussing law
Public Service

At Willamette, we train servant-leaders in the heart of Oregon's capital, where access to legislators, judges, and dozens of externships are just steps away. Our alumni have risen to prominent roles, including U.S. Attorneys, Oregon Bar Presidents, governors, and senators. Whether you’re drawn to public service, policy making, or courtroom advocacy, our unique location offers you unparalleled opportunities to build a career dedicated to making a positive impact.

two text books on a table with two students around them
Advocacy

Willamette Law’s focus on advocacy equips students with the confidence to face litigation challenges and resolve disputes effectively. Our curriculum, taught by leading jurists and experienced practitioners, prepares you for real-world legal practice. Through experiential programs, including clinics, externships, and moot court, you’ll gain practical skills and the opportunity to advocate for real clients in Oregon’s trial and appellate courts.

Three student sitting around a table in a bright room studying
International Law

In an increasingly interconnected world, our graduates are prepared to make critical decisions with a global perspective. Willamette’s strong tradition in international law is supported by a rich curriculum and a faculty with nearly 200 years of combined experience. Our programs in international and comparative law, along with our LLM, prepare students to navigate the complexities of global legal practice, with opportunities for specialized study in areas such as immigration, international business, and dispute resolution.

One student chatting to another in a classroom setting
Health Law

At Willamette, students interested in health law have the opportunity to learn from experts who are actively shaping the field. Our location down the street from Salem Health and an hour from Oregon Health Sciences University, combined with a forward-thinking curriculum, provides a unique environment for students to develop the expertise needed to lead in public health and healthcare law. From regulatory law to the legal implications of emerging health crises, our programs offer the knowledge and practical skills necessary to thrive in this rapidly evolving sector.

Three students sitting in rows in a classroom , all in font of laptops

Willamette University

School of Law