School of Law

About the school

The Oregon School of Law, established in 1884, is in Eugene. It is the only public law school in the state and one of the oldest in the country. The Oregon School of Law is recognised as one of the top legal schools in the nation. In the 2023 U.S. News and World Report Rankings, the school was ranked 59th in the country. Additionally, the school's trial advocacy and environmental law programmes received federal rankings of 46 and 41, respectively.

The law school values diversity, equity, and inclusion, as evidenced by its extensive and diverse community. The school has displayed its dedication to social justice and community involvement through its collaborations, outreach initiatives, and healthcare facilities, which give students the tools to make a real difference in their communities.

The school also provides several programmes, such as a Certificate in Restorative Justice, a degree in Master of Laws, and a Juris Doctor, or JD, degree. Oregon Law has a highly-ranked faculty, with many professors serving as judges or working in government. The school also has a strong alum network, with more than 9400 graduates practising law worldwide.

Where is the school located?

Eugene is situated at the southern end of the Willamette Valley, near Portland, Oregon. The city is home to the School of Law's primary campus, conveniently located within walking distance of eight clinics near the Knight Law Centre.

Life at the School of Law

Eugene is a city full of life, buzzing with arts and music centres. This city offers fantastic dining and microbrewery experiences.

Eugene boasts a consistently green environment, ensuring outdoor activities are always on the table. The city's dedicated trail system allows students to explore biking or running. Alternatively, those who are interested in fishing can visit the McKenzie River. Additionally, nearby Spencer Butte provides a magnificent summer view from its summit.

Students pursuing master's degrees at the School of Law can choose from various on-campus and off-campus housing options, parks, parking spaces, communal areas, and childcare facilities near the law school. The on-campus accommodation options include Graduate Village, Moon Court apartments, and many others.

Law school students can live off-campus, which they can arrange by contacting a local rental agent or checking out websites like The Daily Emerald. The university also offers a wide range of housing choices for international students.

The School of Law prioritises providing a safe and nurturing environment that supports student development. With various dedicated staff and resources, they assist students with their academic progress, emotional well-being, and social engagement. Additionally, students can join over 30 organisations focusing on environmental and public interest law, enriching their learning experience.

Additional benefits of studying at the School of Law

Apart from regular education, the School of Law Oregon offers numerous benefits to its students. The Advocacy Competition Programme enhances the students' oral and written advocacy skills through competitions like moot courts and mock trials. Additionally, the university provides students with field placements that offer practical experience by connecting them with legal professionals such as lawyers and judges.

The students can participate in pro bono work through legal clinics and courts. At the same time, the university's comprehensive scholarship offerings ensure financial support for incoming first-year students, transfer students, graduates, and international students. Augmenting these opportunities, the Legal Writing and Research Programme empowers students with vital resources and experienced faculty, nurturing their proficiency in communication crucial for interactions with judges, clients, supervisors, and adversaries.

Admissions criteria

Students must fill out the application form on the programme website to which they want to be admitted.

Non-refundable Application fee up to $70 Students must mail unofficial transcripts to the university

Students must submit English language proficiency scores if their native language is not English. A score of 88 or higher on the TOEFL iBT or iBT Home Edition IELTS minimum score of 7.0 Additional documentation could vary depending on the subjects selected by students (Note: Students must submit official bachelor’s degree transcripts from all institutions after admission to the law school.)

Job placements

The master's programme places a significant emphasis on ensuring successful job placements. A comprehensive curriculum, valuable industry connections, and hands-on learning experiences equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen careers.

Graduate Employment Programme: The students are offered many graduate teaching, research, or administrative job opportunities Oregon Law Clinic Programmes: The university offers several law clinic programmes to students and helps them gain real-world experience, allowing them to work under the guidance of licensed lawyers Handshake: The handshake programme is offered by the university. Students can search for job opportunities on this platform and enhance their professional networking On-Campus Recruitment: Many on-campus job openings are available at the school for students, which is an excellent way for them to gain field experience Portland Programme: The School of Law offers its students the opportunity to spend their third year in Portland. Students are offered various courses to choose from, gain valuable practical experience, and make connections with Portland organisations.