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Law Student Services

At Willamette Law, support is built into every step of your student experience. From academic guidance to wellness resources, and community-building opportunities, the Office of Student Services helps you feel prepared, connected and supported throughout law school.

A law student standing and talking to other law students who are sitting around tables

Find Support

The Office of Student Services supports your success from the first day of classes through Commencement. Our team assists students with everything from student organization events to academic processes and overall student wellness. The office coordinates course registration, exams, and Commencement, ensuring students have the resources and guidance they need every step of the way. The Office of Student Services serves as your go-to resource during law school.

For Current Students

Student Organizations

The Office of Student Services works alongside student organizations to create a vibrant and engaging law school experience. Student organizations play an important role in building community at Willamette Law, providing opportunities to enhance the academic, cultural, social, and recreational aspects of the student experience. The Office of Student Services partners with student organization leaders to support the day-to-day operations of their organizations, plan meaningful events, and manage budgets so they can bring their ideas to life.

Blitz, Willamette's mascot, hugging a llama on campus

Academic Excellence Fellows

Through our Academic Excellence Fellows program, first year law students are paired with upper-level students who have successfully navigated the first year of law school and are eager to help others do the same. Fellows serve as mentors, offering guidance on study strategies, time management, exam preparation, and the overall day-to-day realities of law school. They provide encouragement and resources to help you adjust to law school with confidence. 

The program also creates meaningful leadership opportunities for students as they progress through law school. After gaining experience in the classroom and developing their own academic skills, students have the opportunity to serve as Academic Excellence Fellows as second- and third-year students. In doing so, you can strengthen your own leadership skills while helping to foster a collaborative and supportive environment.

“The Fellows program is one of the best organizations on campus. From day one of orientation, I was paired with a fellow and had a group of peers I could lean on for support. Navigating law school can be overwhelming and intimidating. The Fellows work to counteract that by providing helpful resources and connecting students with positive role models in the Willamette Law Community.”
Athena VanDyke JD’27
Athena VanDyke JD’27

Wellness Programming

Law school is challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Willamette Law, we believe student well-being is an important part of academic success and we are committed to helping our students maintain balance throughout their legal education. The Office of Student Services offers wellness programming throughout the year to support you as a whole person. Our programming is aimed at helping students connect with one another, access helpful resources, manage stress, and take a break from the demands of law school. 

  • From educational programs focused on wellness, to lighthearted opportunities to relax and have fun, there is something for everyone. Popular events include:

    • Visits from Caesar the No Drama Llama
    • Therapy puppies 
    • Law school meme competitions
    • Chess tournaments 
    • Law Student Mental Health Week
  • We also connect with resources throughout the legal community to provide additional wellness support. Throughout the year we: 

    • Bring in practicing attorneys to discuss the realities of managing practice and major life events
    • Host the Oregon Attorney Assistance Program regularly 
    • Have a law-student specific emergency fund 
    • Provide referrals to a wide range of resources both on campus and off campus

Have Questions?

Our Office of Student Services is here to help with anything you need before, during, and after law school. If you have any questions about what services we offer to students, don't hesitate to reach out.

FAQs

Getting involved at Willamette Law is easy. All of our student organizations are open to all law students, making it simple for you to explore new interests, build legal skills, and connect with classmates. In the fall, we host a Student Organization Fair where students can meet leaders for all of the organizations, learn about events, and discover ways to get involved.

Each first-year student is paired with an Academic Excellence Fellow. The fellows are experienced upper-level students who serve as mentors and resources throughout your transition to law school. Your fellow may provide guidance on everything from study strategies to navigating campus life.

Start with us, the Office of Student Services. We are your one-stop shop for all of your law school resources and needs. Whether you have questions about academics, student organizations, campus resources, or just aren’t sure where to turn, our team is here to help. We pride ourselves on being approachable and responsive. We are invested in your success. Our office is open five days a week.

Willamette Law is known for its small, supportive, and encouraging community. Students build strong relationships with classmates, alumni, faculty, and staff. The student experience is shaped by the collaborative environment, where people know you and are invested in your success.

Yes. There are opportunities to gain courtroom experience throughout your time in law school. Moot Court aids students in honing their courtroom skills through regular competitions. Our clinics also offer the opportunity to represent real clients in court, under the guidance of an experienced faculty member. You will also have the opportunity to participate in our externship program, many students take advantage of our location across the street from the State Capitol and Oregon Supreme Court. In the classroom, we have a number of experiential learning courses that help to boost your oral advocacy skills.

Law students enjoy a wide range of university resources including the Sparks Center, Goudy Commons, and Rick’s Cafe (located in the law building). Students can also participate in law-specific recreational activities through our student organizations, which include a number of outdoor and sports-focused events that help to build community outside the classroom.

Yes. Student well-being is our top priority at the Office of Student Services. Students have access to free and confidential counseling services, alongside academic advising and other support resources. Additionally, the Office of Student Services offers wellness programming throughout the year designed to help students manage stress, build connections, and maintain balance during law school.

Willamette University

School of Law