Suzanne Rowe talking with students in the Knight Law Center

Legal Research and Writing Program

Legal writing is the primary tool by which lawyers accomplish their work. Whether writing to a judge, a supervisor, an opponent, or a client, every lawyer needs excellent writing and analytical skills. The mission of Oregon Law’s Legal Research and Writing (LRW) Program has remained consistent for over 45 years
to prepare students for real-world legal practice.


#1
in the nation

LRW is ranked #1 in the nation among legal writing programs according to US News & World Report


 

17
years in the top ten

Oregon's LRW program is #1 for the fourth year in a row and has ranked in the top ten legal writing programs in the United States for 17 consecutive years.


 

2021 Legal Research and Writing Viewbook
Legal Research and Writing Brochure

Learn more about Legal Research and Writing at Oregon Law.

More


group speaker

Galen Endowment for the Advancement of Legal Writing

Established in 2013 to enhance writing education at Oregon Law, the Galen Endowment for the Advancement of Legal Writing is supported by generous funding from alumnus Morris Galen (Oregon Law, ’50).

Learn More about the Galen Program


 

Professor Suzanne Rowe and Nicole Curtis walking and talking together outdoors on a sunny day

“Professor Rowe and first year Legal Research and Writing (LRW) defined my experience at Oregon Law. During the midst of 1L, the small LRW class size allowed me to grow comfortable among a smaller group of my peers. Additionally, Professor Rowe took the time to meet with me individually to both help me improve my writing and research skills and also get to know me on a personal level. Even at times when I felt imposter syndrome setting in, Professor Rowe made me feel like I belonged at Oregon Law.”

—Nicole Curtis, JD ‘20


Oregon Legal Writer

Created by Professor Suzanne Rowe and featuring essays from Professor Elizabeth Ruiz Frost and others, The Legal Writer column takes a lighthearted look at the essential tool of lawyers and law students: writing.

A complete list of articles appearing in The Legal Writer are posted on the OSB archive for The Legal Writer.

Read The Legal Writer

 

image from osb legal writer column, graphic of pencil with letters floating above

 


Award-Winning Faculty: our LRW professors have won multiple teaching awards

Oregon Law’s faculty are nationally known and routinely hold leadership positions in major legal writing organizations. Together, they bring nearly 100 years of combined teaching and practice experience and a deep commitment to supporting students’ educational and career success.

Meet the LRW Faculty


Support the LRW Program

The LRW Program prides itself on providing students with excellent instruction, skills-based learning opportunities, and real-world experiences.

Learn more about how you can support LRW at Oregon Law.

Support LRW

 

2023 group