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LLM (Master of Laws) in Oregon
Oregon (also known as “the Beaver State”) is located in the Pacific Northwest of the US. While Salem is its state capital, Portland is the largest city in Oregon.
With is diverse landscapes including its fabulous Pacific coastline, volcano-studded mountain ranges, abundant waterfalls, dense evergreen forests and deserts, Oregon undoubtedly attracts a number of tourists all year around from within the US and outside, to explore its abundant natural beauty. Some of its popular natural attractions include – the Great Basin, Mount Hood (which is the state high point at 11,249 feet), Crater Lake National Park, Columbia River Gorge, Cannon Beach, Oregon Dunes and Hell's Canyon National Recreation Area.
Apart from these attractions, Oregon boasts of world-class pinots, great food and craft beer in the US, epic cycling routes, kayaking and windsurfing all within one State! Surely a student’s life in such a vibrant state would never stop being an exciting one!
It is bordered by the states of Washington, Nevada, California and Idaho.
Search our database of LLM programs in the USALaw schools in Oregon
There are several law schools in Oregon that students can study an LLM (Master of Laws) program at. Here are our top 3:
Lewis & Clark Law School: Lewis & Clark Law School based in Portland, Oregon boasts of its leading Environmental and Natural Resources law program which introduced the first environmental law program in the US. Its program ranked No. 1 as per the US News & World Report’s 2014 annual rankings of law schools. LLM students can benefit from this program by selecting from an impressive list of environmental and natural resources modules. The law school’s programs are intended for both recent law school graduates and established lawyers who want to enhance their current practice or develop a new specialty which is incredibly relevant in this day. Lewis & Clark Law School offers classes in both “environmental law,” focusing on the legal schemes of regulating pollution of air, land, and water, and “natural resources law,” addressing the legal schemes for resources such as wildlife, water, forests, minerals, and public lands in addition to cutting-edge classes such as environmental justice; international environmental law; trade and the environment; sustainability in law and business; and law, science, and the environment. Given its specialised range of courses in environmental and natural resource law disciplines, Lewis & Clark offers the following programs: LLM in Animal Law; Environmental and Natural resources law; Joint JD/LLM in environmental and natural resources law; Master of studies in environmental and natural resources law (M.S.L.).
University of Oregon School of Law: University of Oregon School of Law – Oregon’s only public law school – has educated lawyers, judges, and civic and business leaders since its inception. The Oregon LLM program is designed for law school graduates and attorneys who desire to continue their legal studies for professional advancement, in-depth study in a particular concentration or development of a new practice area. It offers LLM courses in Environmental and Natural Resources Law, Business Law and American Law.
Willamette University's College of Law: Established in 1883, Willamette University's College of Law was the first law school in the Pacific Northwest. The College’s proximity to the Oregon Supreme Court, Oregon Capitol Building and many state agencies enables students to easily observe law in the making and participate in a wide range of appellate advocacy. It offers LLM programs in Transnational Law and in Dispute Resolution.
LLM programs that you can study in Oregon
Given its abundant natural resource history, rich wildlife and scenic surroundings, it seems only natural that courses in law offered in the US state of Oregon would demonstrate focus on conservation, management, sustainability and environment protection. While Lewis & Clark Law School leads in these areas, law schools such as the University of Oregon’s School of Law extend the legal education focus to areas beyond traditional law school topics and those which intersect with business, public policy and planning, sports and entertainment management, journalism, communications, and international relations.
Oregon law school alumni
A 2014 Lewis & Clark alumni was recently hired into her “dream job” as the Environmental Crime Program Specialist with the US Department of State – INL Bureau (International Narcotics and Law Enforcement) to work on a mixture of collaborative program management and policy research on wildlife and environmental crime in addition to assisting in building coalitions across US agencies, NGOs, and international bodies to develop collaborative approaches to combat wildlife crime.
Expected tuition fees & living costs in Oregon
As per the 2014-15 fee schedule of Lewis & Clark Law School, the tuition fee for LLM students is $1,462/credit. Other expenses would include, LLM Registration Fee of $85 and health insurance amounting to $1,012/semester. Ideally living, transportation and personal allowance could cost around $9,900/semester.
These are just approximate figures, and for updated fee details and other relevant costs, please check the respective college’s website or contact them for specific information. Also check the college websites for advice on financial assistance including scholarships and awards, loans, clerkships and work-study options.
Admissions & applications information for international students
In general, for being admitted to LLM programs in the US, applicants must be graduates of an accredited US or international law school and must demonstrate an excellent academic record, strong legal research and writing skills, and a genuine and documented interest in the course they are applying for. Applicants must hold or be about to obtain a law degree that would qualify them to apply to practice as a lawyer or judge in their home country (JD if in the United States, otherwise LLB or the equivalent). Actual bar membership or law practice may not be a requirement.
Applicants should submit the following documents while applying:
- Completed LLM Application Form
- Official Transcripts (in English or official English translation) from all colleges and universities attended and degrees conferred.
- Transcripts from any college or university degree program that the applicant is currently pursuing, if applicable.
- Legal Writing Sample (if specified)
- Updated resume or CV demonstrating the applicant’s work experience, education and, if applicable, admission to practice law.
- Personal Statement that describes the applicant’s interest in applying to the LLM program
- 2 Letters of Recommendation from employers, professors, or colleagues that discuss the applicant’s academic achievements, professional work and legal research and writing abilities.
- Non-refundable application fee (check if international applicants are exempt).
- University Residence/Housing application (where applicable).
- International Student documentation as specified by the college (required for visa application process) including certificate of financial responsibility and international student information sheet.
- TOEFL or IELTS (for applicants whose native language is not English).
Things you can do in Oregon when you aren’t studying
Oregon has a wealth of fantastic activities for you to enjoy when you aren’t studying. If you are living on-campus, for example, while studying at the University of Oregon’s School of Law, you can take a stroll between classes and find students navigating the 295-acre bike-friendly campus, you can enjoy the sounds of street corner music performers, shop or just enjoy a cup of coffee at the campus cafe.
If on the other hand, you're looking for a city-life in Oregon, then Portland could be ideal for you. When you are not studying, you can explore the wide-ranging recreational delights the city offers including immersing in its vibrant art and culture offerings, grooving to live indie music bands or trying a beer from a local microbrewery. The city is bike and pedestrian- friendly and offers great public transportation to explore its corners.
Apart from city-life, there is always the option to take advantage of weekends to explore the varied natural landscapes Oregon has to offer- by hiking, fishing, skiing, camping, biking or kayaking, there’s so much to do while you’re a student in this adventurous state.
What other US states can you study in?
There are plenty of LLM opportunities for those interested in the living and studying in the United States and we have essential LLM study guides to over 20 US states, including:
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