Willamette University School of Law

Location matters.

Every day, our students walk past the Oregon State Capitol, engage with attorneys and judges, and learn in the heart of the state's legal and political community.

Being at Willamette Law means learning where policy is debated, laws are shaped, and legal careers begin.

It's one of the many reasons generations of lawyers have launched their careers right here in Salem.

Willamette Law students: don't forget to share your summer plans with us. We would love to feature your jobs, externships, classes, or travels.

The library is the heart of our law school. More than simply a quiet place to study, you will also find:

📚 Expert help from our librarians, who are ready to assist with legal research, citation, and using study tools
✏️ Variety of study spaces, including quiet and collaborative, that students have 24/7 access to
💻 Access to key legal databases and resources you’ll rely on throughout your legal career
📝 Support to build your research and writing skills

A look back at Commencement. We are still celebrating the many accomplishments of our Class of 2026!

Whether you have a clear career goal in mind or you are exploring your options, our externship program is the best way to begin gaining key legal experience. While you are in law school, you will begin to develop your legal skills under the guidance of an experienced attorney in the practice area of your choice.

Learn more about how our externship program will help you achieve your goals: https://bit.ly/4uEjBbg

Incoming 1Ls: as you’re making your law school to-do list, don’t forget to add a few Salem must-dos.

We recommend:

Sip coffee and listen to records at Offbeat Coffee
Jog, bike, or walk through Minto-Brown Island Park along the peaceful Willamette River
Catch a play or concert at Elsinore Theatre
See an independent film at Salem Cinema
Stock up on fresh produce at the Salem Saturday Market
Ride the Mountain Bobsled Roller Coaster at Enchanted Forest
Sample your way through the food carts at The Yard Food Park

What Salem spots would you add to the list?

At Willamette Law, learning the law also means putting it into practice.

Through our Clinical Law Program, students have the opportunity to work directly with clients, develop legal strategies, and build the practical skills that will carry into their careers. Many students describe their clinic experience as one of the most meaningful parts of their time in law school.

It’s an opportunity to grow as a lawyer while making a real impact in the community.

Professor Laura I Appleman will be part of an AALS Criminal Law section virtual panel next Friday discussing political violence and the law. The panel is on Friday, May 29th, from 9:30 pm EST to 10:30 pm PST. The link to join is available here: https://bit.ly/4wBbbmd