As part of the University of South Carolina School of Law’s 150th Anniversary, it will be opening its new home on May 30, which will include a grand architectural design, state-of-the-art classrooms and the largest law library in the school’s history. The campus also will have the first cyber security legal task force. In addition, the school will be launching the Palmetto LEADER, a statewide initiative that will serve those in need in the state of South Carolina.
The college’s four+three program provides an innovative way to combine a degree from Willamette University with a master’s degree from Western Oregon University. Students will have access to some of the top professional opportunities in the field of law. The program will be made available through a partnership between the two universities.
The College of Law will celebrate its seven outstanding faculty members at its Opening Convocation. Professors David Friedman, Bennett Nelson, and Jaclyn Cherry will return to teaching, and Professor Robin Maril will be the visiting professor for the 2021-22 academic year. The event will also honor Judge Lambert, Horace Wheatley, and Phylis Myles with awards of merit.
Willamette University College of Law was recently honored by the Oregon Women Lawyers Foundation with an Armonica Grant. Three acclaimed speakers attended the celebration. Several members of the Class of 2021 also received awards. The event will also include a trip to the site of the Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council case, where students will learn about the legal issues involved in this case.
The school’s incoming class is one of the most academically accomplished classes in its history. This class of 125 undergraduates and graduate students represents dozens of states and countries. In addition, the class is achieving high marks in recent US News and World Report rankings.
Incoming students will also participate in fourteen different locations throughout the Midlands. Those students will have peer mentors and faculty to help guide them through their experience.
Willamette University has a long tradition of historically progressive legal education. The program focuses on preparing future attorneys for the changing world. This week, the law school announced a Signature Strengths initiative that will add to the educational experience. It will also expand experiential learning opportunities through a gift from the estate of Marty Wolf.
Willamette Law also recently added a post-baccalaureate program to its curriculum, called LexScholars. This program will provide students with an opportunity to earn a master’s degree while working. In addition, Willamette Law recently announced a partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage to increase the number of Alaskans entering the law school.
This fall, the school will also launch a Health Law Certificate. The certificate will focus on evolving legal issues in the health care industry. The School of Law’s incoming class is ranked among the top five in the country and is bringing significant achievements to the school.
The Willamette Law Bruce Spaulding Trial Competition held its final round of contests on September 14. The competition featured leading legal scholars, as well as third-year law students. This event has provided the students with a glimpse into the real cases that are argued before the court.