Willamette University College of Law Issues News

Willamette University College of Law is preparing the next generation of attorneys for a changing world. In recent years, the law school has seen an increase in US News and World Report rankings. The number of students enrolled has also increased, with more than 475 graduates this year. Among these graduates are two law students who will receive the Bill and Ann Shepherd Legal Scholarship. This week, the college announced a new program that will allow students from Portland State University to be admitted to the university, and then to Willamette Law.

As part of the Signature Strengths Initiative, the law school is promoting its historically progressive approach to legal education by recognizing the talents of its most accomplished faculty members. This week, seven of the university’s faculty members received awards for their dedication to teaching and their research. Another professor will be honored with an Award of Merit in November.

The College of Law recently launched a program that will allow applicants to reapply for the program on a renewable basis, based on their academic record. Applications are due soon. Also this month, Willamette Law announced the creation of a new multimedia storytelling tool on its website. These tools will provide students with a glimpse into the lives of students and faculty, as well as the university itself.

The College of Law also added six new faculty members. They include Robin Morris Collin, who will lead environmental justice efforts in communities that have been disproportionately harmed by pollution. David Friedman, Associate Professor of Law at the college, will support The Standard Life Insurance Company. His work will include international and comparative law.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, David Friedman is actively engaged in the legal community, including his work on the Oregon v. Oracle lawsuit. He is a member of the board of directors of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. And he recently joined the Blue Ridge Network, a global business organization.

Other changes to the law school include the addition of an Adjunct Professor of Immigration Law and a Director of the Law Library. Additionally, there is a new Health Law Certificate, as well as a health law student journal. Finally, the College of Law will begin a partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Willamette Law recently lost one of its most accomplished professors. Gwynne Skinner died in 2017. After her passing, her husband, Jim Averill, and his wife, Pat, donated 34 years of their annual fund to the university. Since then, the law school has awarded scholarships to several graduates.

The College of Law also added six certificates: the Health Law Certificate, the Criminal Law Certificate, the Regulatory and Administrative Law Certificate, the Business Law Certificate, the Constitutional Government Certificate, and the Legal Research Certificate. The Law School is also hosting a fall forum on gaming law, and a Fall Forum on Entertainment Law.

The College of Law’s new faculty is complemented by its commitment to its students’ experiential learning opportunities. The Law School’s Externship Program and Externship Assistant Program are both designed to help students explore legal careers by offering opportunities for hands-on experience.