The University of Oregon School of Law welcomed 162 new law ducks on August 17, 2020. The new students all join a legal community with an enduring legacy that spans more than 136 years. 

Coming from all over the world, approximately 73% of the Class of 2023 are from outside of Oregon and represent 33 states in the US as well as the countries of Nigeria, New Zealand, and Ukraine. Twenty-three percent are first-generation college students and nearly thirty percent self-identify as students of color.  

The class represents 103 different colleges and universities that span the globe. Ten students from the incoming class hold undergraduate degrees from the University of Oregon and are now “Double Ducks.” 

The students arrived at Oregon with a variety of legal interests; twenty-five percent came to be advocates for the environment, another 25% hope to work in business and corporate law, and 25% want to pursue a career in public interest.   

“The times are shining a spotlight on economic and healthcare disparities, systemic racism, and inequality,” Dean Burke said during this year’s orientation. “The need for legal education and training has never been more acute. At Oregon Law, we train our students to problem solve, innovate, and lead.  The world needs professionals who can think critically and provide innovative solutions to complex problems, and we are delighted to welcome this class to begin that journey with us.” 

Other highlights from the class include: 

• The average age is 25.  
• Approximately half the class are women.  
• The class includes three veterans who represent the Navy and Army. 
• Undergraduate majors include: political science, English, psychology, math, biology, child development, French, botany, aerospace, finance, music and zoology and many more. 
• They have worked as wilderness instructors, radio show hosts, domestic violence safe haven directors, pharmacy technicians, parks and recreation program leaders, biological researchers in the Amazon Rainforest, political campaign staff, legislative aides, teachers, law clerks, and paralegals. 

By School of Law Communications