Dear Friends,
As we begin a new academic year, there is a great deal happening here at Willamette Law. We have just welcomed our largest incoming classes in decades, we continue to expand opportunities for students to learn through experience, and we are taking new steps to support our students from the day they arrive through the bar exam and into their careers.
Through it all, we remain focused on preparing our students to become capable and thoughtful lawyers and leaders. Here are a few updates I’m especially excited to share:
- Welcoming one of our largest classes in decades: On August 24, we matriculated 170 students, making this our largest incoming class since the mid-2000s and bringing total Law enrollment to its highest level in 15+ years. Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and locations across the country, and are already bringing new energy and excitement to the building as they begin their legal training.
- Giving students an early start: This summer, 30 incoming 1L students completed an early start program, completing six credits before the regular fall semester began. These students took Professional Responsibility and Legal Methods, giving them an introduction to the research, analysis and work that is central to the study and practice of law. Early feedback was very positive, with 100% of participating students surveyed saying they would choose the program again.
- New faculty members: We welcomed 7 new faculty members this fall. Each brings a distinctive perspective, expertise, and commitment to legal education that will enrich our community and strengthen the experience we offer students.
- Strengthening bar preparation: We have been taking a close look at how we prepare our students for the bar exam and how that preparation can be integrated more intentionally throughout students’ three years at Willamette. Our February 2026 bar exam results were encouraging with both Willamette’s first-time and repeat takers outperforming the state average, and we look forward to continuing to build on that progress - our Oregon students took the Next Gen Bar exam in July 2026 (with results coming only in mid-October).
- Expanding hands-on learning: Our immigration, trusts and estates, and criminal defense clinics continue to give students the opportunity to serve a substantial number of clients. We are also committed to expanding our simulation-based course offerings in an effort to provide additional opportunities to develop practical skills.
- Looking ahead to Alaska: We’re working toward launching a residential program in Alaska in summer 2027 for JD students from around the country. Alaska is currently the only state without a law school, and this program would offer students a distinctive summer educational experience while also allowing us to build on the strong alumni connections within the state. We are excited about this opportunity and what it could mean for Willamette Law and Alaska.presence.
- Join me for a virtual update: I hope you will join me Tuesday, November 17, at 5:30 p.m. PT, for a virtual conversation about the latest developments at Willamette Law. I’ll share more about where we are headed, discuss what the merger means for the law school, and answer your questions.
At the heart of all of this important work is a straightforward responsibility: to prepare our students to pass the bar, begin meaningful careers and become excellent leaders who serve their clients and communities well.
Our alumni are an important part of that work. You help strengthen Willamette’s community, open doors for our students, and connect the next generation of Willamette lawyers to the profession. Those connections are amongst the greatest strengths of this community. Thank you for continuing to be part of Willamette Law and for all that you do on behalf of our students.
I look forward to sharing more with you in November.
Sincerely,
Jeff Dobbins
Dean & Professor of Law