The College of Law at Willamette University continues to prepare future attorneys for a changing world. This year’s new faculty includes two renowned lawyers and a nationally recognized authority in cybersecurity and intellectual property. The School of Law has also added seven new outstanding members to its teaching faculty. These include one of the nation’s most prestigious attorneys, a well-known lawyer who specializes in immigration, and a woman who has become an authority on gender non-conforming individuals.
The newest member of the College of Law’s teaching faculty is Associate Professor Shelley Welton. She has published five articles in the top 15 law reviews in the last five years. Her scholarship has been recognized with several awards. She will also lead a new legal task force on cyber security. She will also serve as the director of the university’s Center for Constitutional Rights.
Willamette University Law has been preparing future attorneys to practice law in the ever-changing world for more than a century. Historically, Willamette has been known for its progressive approach to legal education. Now, with its Signature Strengths Initiative, the College of Law is introducing a program that will allow students to explore their unique talents and strengths. In addition, the College of Law has added its sixth certificate, the Health Law Certificate, which will provide a new perspective on issues related to health care. This will help students learn to apply the law to issues that are reshaping the healthcare industry.
Willamette Law has a 4+3 Direct Admission Program that allows a student to receive a four-year undergraduate degree from the university and a law degree from Willamette in as little as three years. The program also provides students with opportunities to engage in experiential learning. For instance, the Willamette Law Externship Program offers students a variety of career-building experiences. This new initiative will help expand access to top career opportunities for the College of Law’s students.
Willamette University College of Law has also announced a new partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage. This agreement will increase access to Alaskan students, who will be able to take courses at Willamette University. In addition to this agreement, Willamette Law has also added a LexScholars Post-Baccalaureate program. The program will give students the opportunity to pursue a degree in law at a prestigious law school while completing their degree at Willamette. This will also increase Willamette Law’s access to a diverse pool of talent.
The Willamette Law’s Bruce Spaulding Trial Competition was held on September 14. The competition featured third-year law students competing for the chance to represent Willamette in front of the judges. The event concluded with the final round of contests.
The New Children’s Law Training Center will be opening soon. It will feature a first-class training space and immersive learning simulations to better protect children in South Carolina. The Center’s founding faculty will include Prof. Joshua Gupta-Kagan and Prof. Joel Samuels.
The School of Law is continuing to strengthen its presence in the US News and World Report rankings. The incoming class of 2021 is ranked among the top academically talented classes in the school’s history. This is the fifth straight year the school’s profile has increased.