The University of Oregon School of Law (Oregon Law) is nationally recognized in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Law Schools rankings, ranking #91 overall among 195 law schools nationwide and reaffirming its position as a leading public law school in the Pacific Northwest.
Oregon Law continues to have a strong national reputation and excellent student outcomes, and it is the only law school in the Pacific Northwest with three nationally top-ranked specialty programs, reflecting its distinctive academic strengths.
Legal Writing #1 Nationally
Oregon Law’s Legal Research and Writing (LRW) program is ranked #1 in the nation for the sixth consecutive year, marking its 19th straight year in the national top ten. The program is the only legal writing program ranked in the national top 10 in the Big Ten, underscoring Oregon Law’s prominence in foundational, practice-ready legal education.
“Our LRW faculty at Oregon Law are leaders and innovators with national recognition,” said Suzanne Rowe, James L. and Ilene R. Hershner Professor and director of Legal Research and Writing. “The program is proud to continue its long tradition—since 1978—of preparing students for real-world legal practice, especially as AI has emerged.”
Environmental Law #8 Nationally
Oregon Law’s Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center is ranked #8 in the nation, continuing more than 20 years of national recognition as a top environmental law program.
“With its focus on interdisciplinary research and problem-solving,” said Mary Wood, Philip H. Knight Professor of Law and faculty director for the Center, “our community is excited to be recognized for accelerating meaningful change across legal environmental fields.”
Dispute Resolution #11 Nationally
Oregon Law’s Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Center ranks #11 nationally and has maintained a national ranking for more than 20 consecutive years. The ADR Center is the only nationally top-ranked dispute resolution program in the Pacific Northwest, offering students a widely respected, skills-based education in dispute management and decision making.
“To continue to be named a top Dispute Resolution program is a testament to our expert faculty,” said Jennifer Reynolds, dean and Dave Frohnmayer Chair in Leadership and Law and faculty director for the ADR Center. “Our commitment to excellence in teaching and innovation prepares students to manage complex interactions inside and outside traditional legal settings.”
Public Interest Jobs - #16 Nationally
Reflecting its longstanding public service mission, Oregon Law ranks 16th in the nation for graduates entering public interest legal careers. “This distinction underscores Oregon Law’s commitment to preparing lawyers for careers in public service, government, nonprofit leadership, and advocacy, consistent with the school’s historic public-purpose mission, “said Kristen Bell, associate professor and faculty director of the Public Service and Policy Program.