UNIVERSITY OF OREGON LAW SCHOOL

Introduction

Situated in Eugene, Oregon, the University of Oregon Law School offers students an exceptional legal education. By emphasizing hands-on learning and providing ample career development support, Oregon Law equips students to excel as outstanding legal and dispute resolution experts. Fostered by a cooperative atmosphere, this law school creates an environment where students can flourish.

As one of the top 100 law schools in the nation, the University of Oregon Law School is the ideal pick if you’re looking for a school that provides possibilities for experiential learning. This article will give you an overview of Oregon Law School ranking, acceptance rate, admission requirements, and how to get into the University of Oregon School of Law.

A Brief History and Background of the University of Oregon Law School

The University of Oregon Law School started in 1884. Under the direction of its first dean, Richard Hopwood Thornton, the institution was organized into a two-year program with a modest schedule of three classes per week. Dean Thornton, whose leadership spanned from 1884 to 1903, was pivotal in cultivating a legal education program that would attract distinguished federal and state judges as well as prominent attorneys to its ranks.

A landmark development in the school’s history occurred in 1978 with the establishment of the world’s inaugural environmental law clinic, created by John Bonine. This initiative placed Oregon Law at the forefront of environmental advocacy by enabling law students to offer complimentary legal representation to environmental organizations across the Western United States. The clinic’s success led to an expansion in the 1980s, rebranding it as the Pacific Northwest Natural Resources Clinic. 

Today, the Oregon University Law School is acclaimed for its superior and long-standing environmental and natural resources law program. The law school’s faculty are recognized both nationally and internationally for their scholarly contributions and innovative approaches to legal education, fostering an academic environment where legal professionals are equipped to initiate, lead, and innovate in their respective fields globally.

Oregon Law School Academic Programs and Specializations

The University of Oregon School of Law offers a dynamic law school curriculum that prepares students for diverse legal careers. Oregon Law students can customize their studies based on interests and goals. 

Juris Doctors Program (JD)

The JD program at Oregon Law emphasizes practical experience through clinics, fellowships, pro bono work, and an annual Oregon Supreme Court visit. Students develop lawyering skills and professional relationships through hands-on learning with real legal cases and mentoring. Oregon Law also offers concurrent degree programs to expand JD students’ career opportunities.

• JD/MBA in Business
• JD/MCRP in Community and Regional Planning
• JD/MA or JD/MS in Conflict and Dispute Resolution
• JD/MA or MS in Environmental Studies
• JD/MA in International Studies
• JD/MA or MS in Media Studies
• JD/MNM in Nonprofit Management
• JD/MPA in Public Administration
• JD/MS in Water Resources Policy and Management

Master of Law Program (LLM)

The LLM program at Oregon Law School provides four tracks of study for foreign and American lawyers seeking to advance their careers through specialized legal education. Students can explore core concepts and tailor the program to match their interests and professional goals.

• America Law
• Conflict & Dispute Resolution
• Business Law
• Environmental & Natural Resources Law

Conflict and Dispute Resolution Program (CRES)

The Conflict and Dispute Resolution master’s program equips professionals from all fields with collaborative problem-solving skills through an acclaimed curriculum taught by top faculty. Partnered with Oregon Law’s highly-ranked Dispute Resolution Center, the intensive program provides theoretical knowledge and practical experience in negotiation, mediation, and facilitation.

University of Oregon Law School Ranking

The University of Oregon School of Law has achieved a commendable ranking, placed at No. 78 among the Best Law Schools. The school has distinguished itself significantly, securing the No. 1 position in Legal Writing, indicative of a strong emphasis on developing students’ legal research and writing competencies. 

Additionally, in the specialized field of Dispute Resolution, the school is ranked No. 11. The school’s Environmental Law program is also highly esteemed, holding the No. 9 rank nationally, which confirms the Oregon School of Law’s leading role in environmental legal education. These law school rankings solidify the institution’s stature within the legal educational landscape.

University of Oregon School of Law Acceptance Rate

How hard is it to get into the University of Oregon Law School? The school has a selective admission process with an Oregon Law School acceptance rate of 55.26% for the 2022 entering class. To be a competitive applicant, prospective students should have a strong overall application and high LSAT score. With thorough LSAT prep, applicants can showcase their potential to succeed in Oregon Law’s rigorous legal education program.

Oregon University Law School Application Requirements

If you’re thinking about going to Oregon University Law School, it’s crucial to know the law school requirements for applying. They have a thorough process that evaluates candidates based on academic ability and their potential impact on the legal community.

1. Application Submission

Start by applying through the Law School Admission Council’s website, with no application fee required.

2. Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report

Register for and include the CAS report from the Law School Admission Council, which includes:

• LSAT scores from tests taken within the last 5 years
• Writing samples
• Academic transcripts

3. Resume

Focus on legal and leadership roles, presenting clear examples of problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Highlight measurable achievements, such as successfully managing projects or leading a team. Tailor your resume to align with a legal career, emphasizing skills like research, writing, and analysis. Ensure the layout is clean, professional, and free of errors to demonstrate attention to detail.

4. “Why Oregon?” Essay

Consider the specific programs, clinics, or faculty at Oregon State Law School that align with your career aspirations, showing you’ve done your homework. Connect these unique offerings directly to your personal goals and past experiences. Be introspective, illustrating a clear link between the university’s ethos and your values and how they converge to support your legal education journey.

5. Personal Statement

Share a compelling law school personal statement that offers a glimpse into your life, such as overcoming a challenge or achieving a significant goal, demonstrating qualities like resilience or determination. Ensure your story reflects the qualities that make you a strong candidate for law school. Craft a clear structure with an engaging opening, a body that elaborates on your experiences, and a conclusion that ties your narrative back to your law school aspirations.

6. Equity and Inclusion Essay

Reflect on your own experiences with diversity and inclusion, showing self-awareness and a commitment to equity. Discuss specific ways you hope to contribute to and learn from diverse perspectives, emphasizing the importance of multicultural legal education and practice.

7. Letters of Recommendation

Select individuals who can offer concrete examples of your academic achievement, work ethic, and potential for a career in law. Provide your recommenders with your resume and personal statement to help them tailor their letters to your law school aspirations. It is also important to request a law school letter of recommendation early. This will give your recommenders ample time to reflect on your strengths and write a thoughtful, supportive letter.

What LSAT Score Do I Need For The University Of Oregon?

The University of Oregon School of Law typically expects competitive applicants to have LSAT scores between 155 and 161, with a median of 158 among students accepted to the JD program. Scoring above the school’s median provides the best chance of admission. 

To enhance your chances of surpassing that median LSAT score, LSAT tutoring can be a valuable investment. A tutor who is well-versed in the LSAT’s format and types of questions can provide personalized strategies and insights that books and group courses might not offer. 

What GPA Do I Need for the University of Oregon?

It’s crucial to understand the GPA expectations set forth by the admissions committee. Students admitted to the program generally showcase a GPA falling between 3.37 and 3.76. This range captures the 25th to the 75th percentile of accepted students in 2022.

You should aim for the median undergraduate GPA of 3.57, which represents the middle ground of academic achievement for recently admitted students. Achieving a GPA at or above this median not only demonstrates consistent academic performance but also strengthens your application profile significantly.

2023-2024 University of Oregon Law School Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid

The University of Oregon makes attending law school more accessible through a variety of financial aid options. All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships notified in acceptance letters. Additional funding opportunities include outside scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and the Loan Repayment Assistance Program for graduates in public interest careers. 

With tuition well below the national average for private law schools, plus law school scholarship and loan repayment support, Oregon Law is committed to making legal education accessible and affordable through comprehensive financial assistance.

Get the Edge You Need to Get into the University of Oregon Law School

The LSAT is a crucial exam and the top predictor of law school admission success. Professional LSAT preparation services from Odyssey provide key advantages to help applicants gain admission to selective programs like the University of Oregon Law School. With a full suite of services tailored to every step of the application process, we ensure that you’re not just prepared but primed for success.

LSAT Prep Course

Our LSAT Prep Course is structured to provide comprehensive coverage of all LSAT components, from analytical reasoning to logical thinking. Tailored study plans, practice tests, and in-depth sessions on test-taking strategies aim to build your confidence and improve your score. Prepare for the LSAT and maximize your admission to the University of Oregon Law School!

LSAT Tutoring

One-on-one LSAT Tutoring offers personalized attention to refine your test-taking techniques, address individual weaknesses, and maximize your strengths. Our seasoned tutors will guide you through customized practice questions and real LSAT exams to ensure you’re fully prepared for test day. Elevate your LSAT scores with personalized tutoring and gain a competitive edge in law school admissions!

Law School Admission Consulting

Our expert consultants can guide you through the competitive admissions process at the University of Oregon Law School. From your personal statement to the intricacies of application requirements, our consultants provide expert advice to craft a compelling narrative that resonates with the University of Oregon’s admissions standards.

Conclusion

With its rigorous curriculum, hands-on learning, and a strong sense of community, the University of Oregon School of Law provides an excellent legal education. Yet, gaining admission is highly competitive. Odyssey Test Prep offers an LSAT Free Consultation to help applicants craft a personalized plan to optimize their LSAT scores, application, and law school admission profile.

With strategic preparation guided by experts, applicants can realize their goal of joining the Oregon Law community.