The Willamette University College of Law has a tradition of preparing future attorneys for an ever-changing world. They learn by watching real cases argued before the court, asking questions about legal topics, and participating in the law school community. With the launch of the Signature Strengths Initiative, the college continues this historically progressive approach. This new initiative focuses on the unique strengths of each student, and teaches them how to leverage their strengths to build a career.

The Law School continues to make progress in US News and World Report rankings. In March, two of the College’s professors earned promotions. One, Jordyn Wickstrom JD’24, assisted the Congressional Resolution relating to streaming royalty for musicians. Another, Geoff Winkler, became CEO of American Fiduciary Services. A third, Alison Ecker, is pursuing a career in immigration law.

Several new faculty members have joined the College of Law, bringing their expertise to the classroom. Professors David Friedman, Sheryl Buske, and Robin Maril will teach classes starting in the spring. Additional faculty include Terrence Green, who will teach immigration law, and Jim Nafziger, who will continue his work on comparative law.

Faculty also continue to shape the law school experience. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Jeffrey Dobbins will be recognized as a Law Faculty Member of the Year. And in November, Phylis Myles will receive an Award of Merit. As the college prepares for the next generation of lawyers, the Center for Empirical Studies in Law will showcase the work of empirical law faculty.

In addition to these new faculty, the College of Law has appointed a new director of the law library, Stephanie Davidson. Additionally, the college signed an agreement with the University of Alaska Anchorage. These partnerships are part of Willamette Law’s commitment to educating the next generation of attorneys.

New students are joining the Law School this year. Third-year students will participate in the Bruce Spaulding Trial Competition. Students will compete for a variety of prizes, including scholarships and internships. In addition, the college will offer a health law certificate, which will prepare students for the ever-changing health care landscape.

Graduate students represent several countries. Undergraduates will attend classes in law and business. There are many different areas of study that are available to students, including international law, business law, and criminal law. For more information on any of these programs, please visit the law school website.

Applications for the law school are due soon. Applications are accepted on the basis of academic good standing. Students are encouraged to apply early. Applying early will also ensure that their applications are eligible for scholarships. Those interested in applying for the Law School can also find information on scholarships, professional opportunities, and application forms on the Law Tech Hub.

In addition, the College of Law announced the addition of a sixth certificate, the Health Law Certificate. While there are no prerequisites for completing this program, it is designed to prepare students for the increasingly complex and ever-changing health care field.