A Thumbnail Review of LRW at Oregon

The Legal Research and Writing Program at the University of Oregon began in 1978, under the direction of Professor Mary Lawrence. Despite amazing challenges -- including a student-teacher ratio above 80 to 1 -- the program prospered, in large part due to Professor Lawrence's dedication, creativity, and tenacity.

In the late 1990s, the LRW Program took a major step forward as caps on LRW professors were lifted, ending the arbitrary requirement that teachers leave after their second year. Class sizes continued to decrease, and the school began to attract a national pool of applicants.

Since 2000, the program has been directed by Professor Suzanne Rowe. The program enjoys wide approval of students and employers. The student-teacher ratio is around 40 to 1, with most classes at 20 to 1. Students receive extensive written and oral feedback on their work, and research instruction is provided in both print and online media.