Top Law Schools in Oregon: Your Guide to the Best Legal Education
Why Study Law in Oregon?
Oregon is home to some of the nation’s most respected law schools, offering rigorous academic programs, hands-on learning experiences, and strong connections to the legal community. Whether you aspire to become a corporate lawyer, public defender, environmental advocate, or government legal expert, Oregon’s law schools provide excellent pathways to a successful legal career.
Why Choose Oregon for Law School?
- Strong Legal Community – Oregon has a robust network of law firms, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations offering internships and job placements.
- Focus on Practical Learning – Many schools emphasize clinics, externships, and hands-on legal training to prepare students for real-world legal work.
- Specialized Programs – Oregon law schools are known for their strengths in environmental law, business law, and public interest law.
- Bar Passage and Job Placement – Graduates of Oregon law schools have strong bar passage rates and competitive job opportunities within the state and beyond.
This guide explores the top law schools in Oregon, detailing their programs, strengths, and financial aid opportunities.
Top Law Schools in Oregon
The Best Law Schools in Oregon
University of Oregon School of Law
Location: Eugene, OR
The University of Oregon School of Law is the state’s highest-ranked law school, offering a nationally recognized legal education with a strong focus on environmental and business law. The school emphasizes experiential learning, with clinics, externships, and pro bono work helping students gain practical legal experience before graduation.
Key Features:
- Ranked among the top law schools for Environmental & Natural Resources Law
- Strong Business Law and Conflict Resolution programs
- Extensive legal clinics and externship opportunities
- Support for bar exam preparation and career placement
Visit University of Oregon School of Law
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Lewis & Clark Law School
Location: Portland, OR
Lewis & Clark Law School is nationally recognized for its Environmental Law program, consistently ranked among the top in the country. Located in Portland, the school offers strong connections to law firms, corporate legal departments, and public interest organizations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.
Key Features:
- #1 Environmental Law Program in the U.S. (ranked by U.S. News & World Report)
- Strong programs in Intellectual Property, Business Law, and Public Interest Law
- Extensive legal externships and practical learning experiences
- Dedicated career services team helping students secure clerkships and legal positions
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Scholarships & Financial Aid
Willamette University College of Law
Location: Salem, OR
Located in Oregon’s capital city, Willamette University College of Law offers a strong focus on public service, business law, and government law. The school has a reputation for producing graduates who go on to become judges, policymakers, and high-profile attorneys.
Key Features:
- Strong emphasis on Business Law, Public Law, and Dispute Resolution
- Close proximity to Oregon’s State Capitol, providing access to legal internships and clerkships
- Small class sizes and personalized legal education
- Competitive scholarship and tuition assistance programs
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Scholarships & Financial Aid
Portland State University – Pre-Law and Legal Studies
Location: Portland, OR
While Portland State University does not have a standalone law school, it offers one of Oregon’s top pre-law programs, designed to prepare students for law school admission. The program provides strong coursework in legal studies, constitutional law, and business law, helping students build a solid foundation before applying to a JD program.
Key Features:
- Strong pre-law curriculum with courses in legal studies, ethics, and political science
- Partnerships with top law schools in Oregon and beyond
- Internship opportunities with law firms, courts, and government agencies
- Dedicated law school application support for students preparing for the LSAT and admissions process
Visit Portland State University Pre-Law Program
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Alternative Pathways to a Legal Career in Oregon
If you’re interested in the legal field but not necessarily a full JD program, Oregon offers additional legal education pathways:
Paralegal and Legal Studies Programs
- Portland Community College (PCC) – Paralegal Program
- ABA-approved paralegal program
- Internship opportunities with law firms and government agencies
- Visit PCC Paralegal Program
- Lane Community College – Legal Assistant Program
- Prepares students for entry-level legal support positions
- Strong transfer options to four-year law-related degrees
- Visit Lane Community College Legal Studies
Accelerated JD Programs & Online Law Schools
- Lewis & Clark Law School offers an accelerated JD program for students who want to complete law school faster.
- Online and hybrid law degrees from universities outside Oregon can also provide flexible legal education options.
Finding the Right Law School in Oregon
Choosing the right law school is a crucial step in your legal career. Whether you want to specialize in environmental law, business law, public service, or litigation, Oregon has excellent options that cater to different legal interests.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Law School:
Specialization Areas – Do you want to focus on business law, environmental law, or another specialty?
Hands-On Experience – Look for schools with legal clinics, externships, and real-world learning opportunities.
Bar Passage and Career Support – Research each school’s bar passage rates and job placement statistics.
Financial Aid and Scholarships – Law school can be expensive, so explore tuition assistance programs.
Oregon’s law schools provide a strong foundation for a successful legal career, offering the skills, knowledge, and connections you need to excel in the legal profession. If you’re passionate about justice, advocacy, or corporate law, now is the time to take the next step and start your journey at one of Oregon’s top law schools!
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