The Willamette University College of Law has recently announced the addition of six new professors to its faculty. In addition to these new faculty members, there will be an increase in the number of curricular programs offered to students. These programs will provide a greater opportunity for students to explore their interests and expand their professional skills.
One of these new professors, Professor Rohan Grey, teaches land use law. He is also interested in the regulation of money and the legal design of money. Another new faculty member, Professor Robin Morris Collin, will be working on environmental justice efforts in communities disproportionately harmed by pollution. This will be the inaugural year of a new visiting professorship at Willamette Law.
Two of the new faculty members have backgrounds in health law. Professor Jacob Elberg specializes in Health Law and Evidence. His research has been published in the New York University Journal of Health Law and Ethics and the American Law Institute’s Health Care Fraud Review. A third new faculty member, Attorney Gretchen McCord, focuses on privacy law, social media law, and copyright law.
Willamette Law has also launched the Signature Strengths Initiative. Students who have made significant contributions to the university and the community will receive additional access to the top professional opportunities available to graduates. These awards will be renewable on the basis of academic good standing.
One of these new students, Mega Mizuta, will soon become a judicial clerk for Judge Steven Powers. She will also be studying with Professor Scott Beckstead, who will be conducting a class examining the treatment of animals under the law.
The Willamette Law College of Law will celebrate seven faculty members at its Opening Convocation. These individuals were recognized for their achievements. Other notable professors include Karen Sandrik, Associate Dean for Faculty; David Friedman, associate professor of law; and Brian Gallini, dean of the College of Law.
Willamette Law is known for its historically progressive approach to legal education. For example, the college offers the 4+3 Direct Admission Program, which allows applicants with a specific set of credentials to enter the program without having to wait until they graduate. The college is preparing its students to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Several of the college’s recent efforts have been focused on the eradication of racism. On MLK Day, the college and its faculty acknowledged their responsibility to work against this injustice. They also highlighted the importance of shared ownership in reopening efforts.
The college is also implementing a number of measures to promote sustainability. Among these initiatives is a partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage. There is an agreement that expands access to Alaskan students at Willamette Law.
The college is also launching a new three-year program with Portland State University. This will help to further modernize its curriculum. Some of the other efforts include a new Center for Empirical Studies in Law, which will train the next generation of lawyers to use empirical techniques.