Law (JD)

Oregon Law is part of the University of Oregon, a premier AAU research university in the Pacific Northwest. Our home, the William W. Knight Law Center, is modern, inspiring, designed to encourage collaboration, and it's one of the few law schools that's also an art gallery. We're also home to the outstanding John E. Jaqua Law Library.

The Oregon Law curriculum is designed to build the analytical and practical skills necessary to be activists, advocates, and leaders in our communities.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate the knowledge and ability necessary to practice substantive and procedural law and to understand the dynamic processes through which law is created, developed, and changed.
• Employ sound and articulate legal reasoning to identify, research, and analyze legal problems.
• Engage in and appreciate the importance of their professional and ethical responsibilities towards clients, the local community, our nation, and the world.
• Communicate effectively with clients, decision makers, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Recognize the responsibility of lawyers to serve as informed and professional leaders.
• Understand and appreciate diversity, equity, and inclusion as components of their personal and professional success.
• Appreciate the critical role that lawyers play in ensuring meaningful and equitable access to the legal system.
• Understand the interrelationship between the creation, development, reform, and practice of law, the natural and social sciences, the humanities, and the arts.

Doctor of Jurisprudence

The curriculum presents fundamental subjects of law during the first year, and the first-year program is prescribed. These required courses are designed to provide a solid foundation in legal theory, practical writing and research skills, and a theoretical and practical knowledge of the law.

All but two second- and third-year courses are elective.

Students who have been admitted to the School of Law, who have satisfactorily completed 85 semester credits, and who have otherwise satisfied the requirements of the university and the School of Law are granted the JD degree provided that they

• earn a BA or BS or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university at least two years before completing work for the JD degree

• complete successfully all prescribed first-year courses

• complete successfully Constitutional Law II (LAW 644) and Legal Profession (LAW 649)

• fulfill an experiential learning requirement, a diversity course requirement, a professional planning requirement, and a writing requirement

• have been full-time law students for at least six semesters or equivalent

• earn a 2.00 cumulative University of Oregon Law School grade point average

• fulfill other requirements as may be imposed

The School of Law reserves the right to modify its curriculum and graduation requirements at any time.

Students in the School of Law may accrue up to 5 of the required 85 semester credits by successfully completing non-law graduate-level courses or seminars at the University of Oregon. These courses must be relevant to their program of legal studies and approved in advance by the associate dean for academic affairs.

Additional Requirements

A total of three years of full-time resident professional study in the University of Oregon School of Law or another law school of recognized standing is required for the JD degree. At least 55 semester hours must be completed at the University of Oregon School of Law.

Concurrent Degree Programs 

JD/MA or JD/MS in Conflict and Dispute Resolution

The School of Law offers a concurrent degree program leading to a doctor of jurisprudence and a master of arts or master of science degree in conflict and dispute resolution. Students receive two degrees in four years rather than in the standard five, deepening their understanding of negotiation, dispute resolution, and alternative methods of settlement. Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both programs.

JD/MA in International Studies

The School of Law and the International Studies Program offer a concurrent degree program leading to a doctor of jurisprudence and a master of arts degree in international studies with a specialization in international law. Students receive two degrees in four years. Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both programs.

JD/MBA

The School of Law and the Lundquist College of Business Graduate School of Management offer a doctor of jurisprudence and master of business administration (JD/MBA) concurrent degree program. The program prepares students to use their legal skills in fields that require understanding of business principles, finance, accounting, corporate management, sports marketing, and international business. Students receive two degrees in four years rather than in the standard five. Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both schools.

JD/MA or MS in Environmental Studies

The School of Law and the Environmental Studies Program offer a concurrent degree program leading to a doctor of jurisprudence and a master of arts or a master of science in environmental studies. This program introduces students to scientific, social, and legal aspects of environmental regulation and resource development. Students receive two degrees in four years rather than in the standard five. Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both programs.

JD/MA or MS in Media Studies

The School of Law and the School of Journalism and Communication offer a concurrent degree program leading to a doctor of jurisprudence and a master of arts or master of science in media studies. The degrees provide students with opportunities for both legal and communications internships. Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both schools.

JD/MCRP in Community and Regional Planning

The School of Law and the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management offer a concurrent degree program leading to a doctor of jurisprudence and a master of community and regional planning. The degrees provide students with opportunities for both legal and planning internships. Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both programs.

JD/MNM in Nonprofit Management

The School of Law and the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management offer concurrent degrees that provide students with professionally accredited degrees in both law and public administration, the opportunity to interact with professionals in both the legal and public administration communities, opportunities for both legal and public administration internships, and an array of course work that prepares students for a wide range of professional careers.

JD/MPA in Public Administration

The School of Law and the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management offer a concurrent degree program leading to a doctor of jurisprudence and a master of public administration. The degrees provide students with opportunities for both legal and public administration internships. Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both programs.

JD/MS in Water Resources Policy and Management

The School of Law and Oregon State University offer a concurrent degree program leading to a doctor of jurisprudence and a master of science in water resources engineering, water resources science, or water resources policy and management. Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both programs.