Willamette University College of Law is preparing students for a changing world with new programs and faculty additions. Willamette’s unique approach to legal education will give students access to some of the nation’s top jobs. The school is now launching its Signature Strengths Initiative, a program designed to support the success of students and enhance opportunities for alumni.
Willamette University recently announced the arrival of six new professors. These professors bring experience and scholarship to Willamette’s College of Law. Several of these teachers have already published articles in some of the country’s leading law reviews. The college also has a new program for students interested in pursuing a career in health law.
The law school is partnering with the University of Alaska to expand the university’s presence in Alaska and to create opportunities for Alaskan students to study at the law school. The agreement also includes the expansion of experiential learning for Willamette students. In the future, Willamette’s Externship Program will allow students to work for state and local government agencies and for law firms.
The law school is announcing an expanded Health Law Certificate to help students learn about the growing legal issues in health care. This program will provide a variety of classes and research on these subjects. This will include a focus on legal issues pertaining to children and adolescents.
Incoming law students are the best academically-prepared class in the school’s history. The law school also has a record of promoting 10 professors to tenure. These professors represent many areas of the law.
Willamette’s Immigration Clinic is the only one in Oregon. Willamette also has a unique 4+3 Direct Admission Program, which offers the opportunity to attend the school for only four years and to gain admission to a four-year institution after graduating. This program allows students to enter the law school without the traditional prerequisites and receive their degree within three years. In the future, the college will also offer a LexScholars Post-Baccalaureate program, which will enable a small group of third-year students to earn their degree while completing their undergraduate studies.
The law school is expanding its curriculum with the Rule of Law Collaborative, which will provide research and training to a variety of countries. The collaborative will be based out of the law school and will have faculty members in 14 locations across the Midlands.
The law school will also launch the Veterans Legal Clinic in July. The clinic will serve both active and former military personnel who need assistance with a wide array of legal matters. The clinic will be located in the law school’s new building and will offer first-class training space.
The law school is also hosting a symposium on November 2-4, which will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the ABA Real Property, Trust & Estates Law Journal. The event will feature a keynote address by Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Samuel A. Alito, as well as a trip to the site of the Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council case.