The oldest university in the western United States, Willamette University was established in 1842 in Oregon’s capital city of Salem, and is named for the river that flows through the city. In 1883, the university opened its College of Law, which today is situated directly across the street from the Oregon State Capitol complex and the state’s Supreme Court.
The College of Law enrolls about 145 first-year law students every year, and maintains a total enrollment of about 420 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of about 13-1. In addition to the traditional juris doctor, the college offers master of laws and master of legal studies programs, as well as a joint JD/MBA. It also offers an accelerated program in conjunction with several area universities, including Willamette University, which allows students to complete a bachelor’s degree and a JD in just six years.