Willamette University College of Law

General Info

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Willamette University College of Law is a private law school located in Salem, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1842, Willamette University is the oldest university in the Western United States. The College of Law, which was founded in 1883 and is the oldest law school in the Pacific Northwest, has approximately 30 law professors and a yearly entering class of 165 students. The campus is located across the street from the Oregon State Capitol and the Oregon Supreme Court Building.

Contact information

Willamette Law School Admissions

Willamette Law School is considered a Somewhat Competitive law school, which accepts only 67% of its applicants. Comparatively, Willamette is Higher than the average cost for law school.

Applications Offers Matriculated
Class of 2028 584 389 (66.61%) 91 (15.6%)
25% Median 75%
GPA 2.80 3.15 3.44
LSAT 150 153 157

Tuition And Financial Aid

In-State Resident Non-Resident
Full Time $37,625 $37,625
Part Time $26,064 $26,064

Living Expenses

  • Living on-campus: $18,948
  • Living off-campus: $18,948
  • Living at home: $18,948

Important Dates

  • Early Decision 1: 11/15
  • Early Decision 2: N/A
  • Regular Decision: N/A
  • Application Fee: N/A

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Willamette Law School COMPARISON TOOL

Willamette Law School

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Willamette Law School Community

Willamette Law School is considered to have a Favorable student to faculty ratio. The average class size for 1L sections is approximately Above Average compared to other law schools. Student diversity at Willamette is Below Average.

Student body

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Faculty Statistics

  • Full Time: 30
  • Part Time: 18

Faculty

  • # Female Faculty: 18
  • # Minority Faculty: 7

Ratio

10.5 Students

1 Faculty

Housing Options

  • On Campus Housing: No
  • Graduate Housing: No
  • Law Specific Housing: No

Willamette Law School Curriculum

The size of 1L sections affects the quality and consistency of teaching in law schools. Generally with smaller 1L section sizes, students receive more individualized attention. Willamette Law School 1L section size is 30% smaller than law schools in Oregon and 40% smaller than all PRIVATE law schools.

1L Section Size Comparison

Willamette Law School: 104
Oregon Average: 135
PRIVATE School Average: 146

Positions Available in Advanced Courses

  • Simulation Courses: 267
  • Faculty Supervised Clinics: 72

Students Involved in Advanced Activities

  • Field Placements: 92
  • Law Journals: 86
  • Moot Court/Mock Trials: 0

Attrition Rates

  • First Year: 7.5%
  • Second Year: 0.9%
  • Third Year: 0.0%
  • Fourth Year: 0.0%

Willamette Law School Employment

Deciding to attend law school requires a large financial investment with the goal of securing employment upon graduation. The Willamette Law School class of 2023 had an employment rate of 84% with 2% pursuing an additional degree.

Employment Comparison

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In 2023, 89.3%% of students reported their employment status 9-months after graduation.

Type of Employment

  • Law Firms: 64.0%
  • Business: 8.0%
  • Government: 11.0%
  • Public Interest: 3.0%
  • Academia: 0.0%
  • Oregon: 72%
  • Washington: 11%
  • California: 4%

Bar Passage Rates

  • Reporting: 89.3%
  • First Time Takers: 122
  • Average School: 67.9%
  • Average State: 74.5%
  • Pass Difference: -6.6%

Top Bar Jurisdiction

  • Oregon: 73.6%
  • Passed: 63 of 96 (65.6%)
  • State Average: 74.5%
  • Difference: -8.0%