Lewis & Clark Law School

Nestled in the beautiful Northwest region of the United States, Lewis & Clark Law School stands as a premier educational institution. With its highly esteemed programs, extensive practical training experiences, and accommodating part-time and full-time options, students from all over the nation have turned to this law school for an enriching experience.

History

Lewis & Clark Law School is a prestigious private institution in Portland, Oregon. It was founded in 1884 and served as the state’s first law school. After 31 years, it became an independent private school known as Northwestern College of Law. In 2015-16, the school celebrated its centennial anniversary as a privately run institution.

Lewis & Clark Law School is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and has consistently been listed among the nation’s best law schools. The school offers an array of degree programs, including a Juris Doctor (JD) program and dual-degree programs in environmental law, business law, tax law, and international relations.

Admissions

Lewis & Clark Law School is a prestigious institution where students of all backgrounds are welcomed and encouraged to pursue their legal careers. They provide a comprehensive range of learning opportunities, such as advanced courses, internships, and experiential learning programs to give their students the best possible foundation for success in the legal world.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	156 - 158 - 162	159 - 162 - 164
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.23 - 3.49 - 3.7	3.24 - 3.54 - 3.78
Acceptance rate	60.7%	45.2%
Applications received	1143	1514
Acceptances	694	684
Matriculants	164	148

Lewis And Clark Law School is one of the leading higher learning institutions in the nation, renowned for its quality of education and a strong focus on legal studies. During the 2022 admissions cycle, 1,514 people applied to attend the school, and 684 were offered admission. Out of those who were accepted, 196 students ended up attending and contributing to the school's 1L class size of 197.

LSAT and GPA scores of the accepted students demonstrate Lewis And Clark Law School's standard of excellence in its admittance criteria, with a median LSAT score of 162 and 25th percentile score of 159, as well as a median GPA score of 3.54 and 25th percentile GPA score of 3.24. These figures demonstrate a commitment to only allowing the most qualified applicants, with the 75th percentile LSAT and GPA scores of 164 and 3.78, respectively.

As such, students looking to attend Lewis And Clark Law School must demonstrate their dedication to academic excellence to be accepted into the school. With a yield of 28.65%, the school can be expected to remain highly competitive for many years.

Ultimately, those looking to attend Lewis And Clark Law School must be prepared to demonstrate their dedication and commitment to legal studies by demonstrating their academic qualifications through GPA and LSAT scores that meet or exceed those of the accepted students in the 2022 admissions cycle. With a highly competitive applicant pool, only those who demonstrate their dedication to legal studies will successfully achieve admission into this renowned higher learning institution.

Application Requirement and Fee

The Lewis & Clark Law School offers a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The admission requirements for those who wish to pursue the program include submitting an online application form and a $50 application fee, which must be paid by credit card (MasterCard or Visa). Requesting a fee waiver may be possible for those applying for the Fall 2023 program. Additionally, applicants should check the Admission Timeline page to ensure they meet all deadlines.

Transcripts

Lewis & Clark Law School applicants must have fulfilled their baccalaureate degree requirements before enrolling. This means that current students who have yet to earn their bachelor's degree may apply, provided they will have achieved this educational milestone before the start of law school. Proof of all university-level schooling, including community college and graduate programs, must be submitted to the Law School Admissions Council's Credential Assembly Service (CAS). If evaluations were received instead of grades, these evaluations should also be provided to CAS for review.

LSAT Score and LSAT Writing

To apply to Lewis & Clark Law School, all applicants must take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). There is no set LSAT score that candidates must meet to be accepted; however, reviewing the profile of their most recent incoming class will give potential students an idea of how competitive their LSAT scores should be. To register for the exam and find an administration site, please visit www.lsac.org; however, LSAT scores older than five years will not be accepted.

Personal Statement

The Lewis & Clark Law School is an excellent choice for aspiring law students. With a long and distinguished history, the faculty strives to provide students with the best education possible to equip them with the skills needed for success in their chosen field.

When writing an essay for admission to the school, applicants should remember that the Admissions Committee will be reading for both writing ability and content. Though there is no page limit, a typical essay should be two to three pages in length. Whatever topic you choose to discuss, make sure it provides the readers of your application an insight into who you are and why you’re interested in law.

Resume

Include a resume describing all work experience, student activities, community service, and honors and awards. Please include dates and titles where appropriate.

Letters of Recommendation / Evaluations

Lewis & Clark Law School requires two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the student's academic abilities, professional potential as a lawyer, interpersonal skills, and ethical standards. These should be from people who are well-acquainted with the applicant, such as professors and employers. Letters of recommendation from those with little knowledge of the student or prominent figures are only sometimes impressive to the admissions committee.

To supplement letters of recommendation, Lewis & Clark Law School will accept up to two evaluations from the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) Evaluation Service. This service allows recommenders to rate a student on their skills and abilities. While these evaluations can be helpful, they are not required for admission.

Supplemental Statements (optional)

If you are applying to Lewis & Clark Law School, you may submit an addendum addressing any aspects of your application that you feel the admissions committee should consider. This statement can provide additional context about your family background, socio-economic status, or other challenges you have faced in your life.

Interviews (optional)

For those seeking to learn more about Lewis & Clark Law School and its admissions process, an informational appointment can be scheduled with an admissions director. During the appointment, prospective students can ask questions regarding the program offerings, the application process, and other related inquiries. This visit is intended solely as a source of information and has no impact on the admissions decision.

In addition to the informational appointment, it is recommended that applicants visit the law school's website for additional information about its curriculum, faculty, and student life. Furthermore, applicants should consider attending an open house event or a campus tour to get a better feel of the academics and culture at Lewis & Clark Law School.

Character & Fitness

When applying to Lewis & Clark Law School, prospective students must answer questions about their character and fitness. These questions may include topics such as criminal charges, academic sanctions, and military discharges that the applicant needs to explain in detail. While a bar examination is necessary for admission to any U.S. law school, applicants must also meet the character, fitness, and other qualifications specified by the state they wish to practice in. To find out more about these qualifications, applicants can contact the National Conference of Bar Examiners for addresses of all relevant agencies.

Cost of Attendance

Lewis & Clark Law School offers their JD program full-time and part-time division options. The tuition for the full-time day division is $26,833 per semester, and the part-time evening division tuition is $20,124 per semester. These prices are set in place for the 2022–23 academic year.

The law school also provides several scholarship opportunities, both merit-based and need-based. Additionally, students are eligible for subsidized federal Stafford loans, which can help cover up to the full cost of tuition at Lewis & Clark Law School.

Financial Aid

If you are applying for need-based financial aid at Lewis & Clark Law School, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The school uses this form to determine if a student qualifies for grants, loans, or other forms of financial assistance. The federal school code that must be used when filling out the FAFSA for Lewis & Clark Law School is 00319. When completing the form, you must list this school code so that your financial aid information can be correctly processed.

Scholarships & Awards

Lewis & Clark Law School offers its students a wide range of scholarship and award opportunities. These awards are incredibly beneficial, as they allow students to receive financial aid without having to repay the institution once they have graduated. Many talented and hardworking students can benefit from these awards, whether newly admitted or returning.

Federal Work-Study

Lewis & Clark Law School offers a Federal Work-Study program, which allows students to gain valuable legal work experience and earn money to help cover their education costs. To be eligible to participate in this program, applicants must have completed their first year of law school and demonstrate need as determined by financial aid assessments. Participants in the Federal Work-Study program work in various legal settings, including law firms, government offices, and non-profit organizations. By providing valuable on-the-job experience in the field of law, this program helps prepare students for successful careers after graduation. Additionally, recipients can earn an income to help pay for tuition and other expenses related to their legal education. Students interested in the Federal Work-Study program should contact the Financial Aid office at Lewis & Clark Law School for more information.

External Scholarships

External scholarships are monetary awards or grants provided to students from an organization outside of Lewis & Clark Law School. These generous funds can help cover tuition, living, and other educational expenses while attending law school.

Federal Student Loan Programs

Lewis & Clark Law School provides students access to several federal student loan programs, which can offer several key benefits. These loans typically have lower interest rates compared to private lenders, allowing borrowers to save money on repayment over time. Additionally, many federal loans have income-driven repayment plans, meaning that monthly payments are determined based on each borrower's income and financial situation. Finally, some federal loan programs also offer loan forgiveness options, where borrowers can have their remaining balance forgiven after a certain number of years or under other conditions.

Private Loans

Private loans are a viable form of financial aid for those looking to cover costs that go beyond the standard forms of aid. Before considering a private loan, it is best to consider all other options, such as federal student loans and scholarships. Federal student loans can offer favorable terms for students, such as lower interest rates and extended repayment periods, so it is essential to see what aid you are eligible for before pursuing a private loan.

Bar Study Loans

Lewis & Clark Law School offers Bar Study Loans, specialized private loans to help students cover the costs associated with their bar exam preparations. This type of loan is designed for credit-worthy individuals who have graduated from law school and need financial assistance for their bar examination process. The loan can be used to pay for expenses such as books, test prep courses, and other related costs. Additionally, it can be used for living expenses during the preparation period.

Law School Culture

The Academic Resources & Diversity Department at Lewis & Clark Law School is dedicated to providing law students with the best possible academic support services, resources, and information. Their goal is to create an equitable environment that celebrates diversity and provides individualized assistance to ensure every student succeeds.

They recognize that each law student is unique and may require different levels of support. Therefore, they provide various services that can be tailored to meet each student’s needs. Theor department offers academic advisement, tutoring programs, workshops, and specialized resources for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Diversity

At Lewis & Clark Law School, they strive to promote an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is seen as a professional duty and has educational benefits. They recognize that increasing the legal profession's diversity goes hand in hand with providing access to justice for all and successfully training lawyers equipped to handle diverse legal matters.

To this end, they provide resources and events that reflect the diversity and backgrounds of their campus community, including current students, faculty, staff, and prospective students. They also have policies in place to ensure equal access for all members of the Law School family.

By fostering an environment where everyone feels accepted and respected, they are creating a space where students can grow and become the best lawyers they can be. They believe that this commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical in preparing leaders who promote justice throughout their professional lives.

Facilitites

Lewis & Clark Law School's Facilities Office is dedicated to providing its faculty, staff, and students with an optimal environment for learning and working. Their team strives to ensure that the buildings and grounds are comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, safe, and functional. By considering feedback from the community, they constantly work towards improving the campus experience in any way possible.

The Facilities Office provides various services to the school, including maintenance and repair of campus buildings, groundskeeping, landscaping, waste management programs, and energy conservation initiatives. They understand the importance of sustaining a clean and healthy environment for their community, so they employ environmentally conscious practices in all that they do.

Faculty

Lewis & Clark Law School offers students a unique educational experience. Their highly experienced, passionate faculty teach in small classes so that each student can receive individual attention and get the most out of their learning experience. Their curriculum is dynamic and adaptive to the ever-changing landscape of the legal profession, equipping their graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's market.

Beyond the classroom, their faculty strive to foster a collaborative spirit amongst students and help create a supportive learning environment. They also provide thorough career services to prepare their graduates for post-graduation success. Their network of alums is strong and expanding, giving current students access to incredible resources and opportunities.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

Lewis and Clark College is a law school that produces graduates with the knowledge and skills to become successful in the legal profession. With a median salary of $77,000 upon graduation for those choosing to work in the private sector and $60,000 for those who choose to do so, this school's alums have numerous opportunities available to them in the job market. Not only is salary competitive, but Lewis and Clark College graduates also have a high rate of passing the bar exam on their first try; 89.5%, to be exact.

Those looking to work in a law firm will find that 44.0% of graduates do just that, while 12.1% go on to clerk for a judge. For those looking to pursue public interest work, 14.9% of graduates go on to do so after finishing their studies at Lewis and Clark College. With exceptional job prospects awaiting graduates from this school, it's no wonder Lewis and Clark College is considered one of the best law schools in the country.

Academics

Lewis & Clark Law School has a long and distinguished record of excellence in environmental law, making it no surprise that they have topped USNews' national rankings. The school is perfectly situated on the banks of a forested state park, offering its students an inspirational backdrop to their studies. For those looking to pursue careers with an environmental focus, Lewis & Clark offers a joint-degree program in Environmental & Natural Resources Law, in which students can earn their JD and LLM in four consecutive years.

But that's not all Lewis & Clark has to offer: The school also ranks highly on USNews' lists of best programs for legal writing and Intellectual Property. Lewis & Clark is well-suited to prepare its students for various career paths through its varied course offerings, clinics, and faculty expertise.

Lewis & Clark Law School is renowned for its top-notch programs in Environmental Law, which has led the school to be ranked first nationally by USNews. Located on the banks of a forested state park, this school is perfectly situated for those looking to pursue a career in environmental law. But Lewis & Clark Law School is more than just environment - it also offers programs in legal writing and Intellectual Property- making it a great choice for students interested in any field of law. With its varied course offerings, clinics, faculty expertise, and joint-degree program, Lewis & Clark Law School is well-prepared to prepare its students for success.

Quality of Life

Lewis & Clark Law School is an ideal choice for many aspiring law students due to its high quality of life. The small student body size fosters a strong sense of community, with its members being more cooperative than competitive. Moreover, the Portland area is an excellent destination for outdoor activities such as biking, running, skiing, rafting, and windsurfing.

The school's liberal bias is a point of contention for some, however. The Princeton Review has ranked Lewis & Clark 4th in the nation on its list of schools that are "Candidates for the Center for American Progress Fellowships." While this may affect the quality of life depending on one's ideological outlook, it also provides an environment in which students are exposed to various perspectives. Ultimately, it is up to the student to decide whether this will be beneficial.

In conclusion, Lewis & Clark Law School provides an ideal learning environment with a high quality of life and exposure to diverse views. Whether you view this liberal bias as a plus or a minus, the school offers an excellent opportunity for aspiring law students.

Synopsis

Combining sound legal education with public-interest passion, Lewis and Clark is sending willing and able lawyers into the world every year. One need not want to use their law degree to make the world a better place, however, as the school enjoys solid job placement for all fields of law within the Portland area. Students should be aware, however, that they will be competing for jobs with students graduating from that 'other' school of law over in Eugene.

Contact Information

Lewis & Clark Law School
Admissions Office
10101 S. Terwilliger Boulevard MSC 51
Portland OR 97219

Phone: 503-768-6613
Fax: 503-768-6793
Toll-free 800-303-4860
Email: lawadmss@lclark.edu

https://law.lclark.edu/offices/admissions/

Summary

Established	1884
Location	Portland OR
Dean	Jennifer Johnson
2022 US News Ranking	88th
LSAT Median Score	162
GPA Median Score	3.54
Bar Passage Rate	90% (2022)
Employment Rate	40% (2022)
Cost	$53,666 Day (full-time) Division $40,248 Evening (part-time) Division
Average Debt	$147,549
Application Deadline	January 1, 2023 (International) March 15, 2023 (Priority)

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Reference

Lewis & Clark Law School, Portland, OR
https://law.lclark.edu/
Rank #88
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