Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana

About

A "Best Value" law school in the Last Best Place.

Story

The Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana offers an alternative to big, urban law schools. Each year, we enroll approximately 80 students from across the country looking for a hands-on approach to legal education, where students and faculty work closely inside and outside of class. The atmosphere is enhanced by the surrounding Rocky Mountains, where wilderness and recreation offer a break from the rigors of law study.

People here are friendly, and there is a spirit of cooperation, not competition, among the students. We take pride in being a small, student-centered law school, where our faculty share their knowledge and insights gained from practice.

Our curriculum is different, too. Since 1911, our goal has been to prepare competent practicing attorneys. While many law schools emphasize legal theory, we integrate theory with practical experience. You will draft contracts, create corporations, counsel clients, negotiate transactions, try a case to a jury and argue an appeal. You can do advanced work in environmental and natural resources law, Indian law, trial advocacy, dispute resolution, and business law. You can even pursue joint law and graduate degrees in environmental studies, public administration, and business administration.

Because we are a small school, nearly everyone participates in one or more student organizations, such as our law reviews, competitive teams, student government, or public service groups.

Our graduates are well prepared to practice law anywhere in the country or to pursue public service or business careers. More than 90 percent of our students pass their state bar exams the first time. Whatever career you choose, from small-town general practice to specialties in tax or criminal law, your legal education at UM will prepare you for an exciting future.

The law school building is located on the northern edge of The University of Montana-Missoula campus. The law building facilitates the teaching and research activities of the faculty, provides a supportive learning environment for students, and serves as legal center for the state.

In 1914, The School of Law became a member of The Association of American Law Schools, 1201 Connecticut Avenue NW Suite 800, Washington DC 20036-2717, 202.296.8851. In 1923, the School received accreditation from the American Bar Association, Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, 321 N Clark Street 21st Floor, Chicago IL 60654, 312.988.6738.

Mission

The Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana prepares students for the people-oriented practice of law by integrating theory and practice in a competency-based curriculum; serves as the academic legal center in Montana; and contributes to the development of national, state, and tribal law and legal institutions through teaching, scholarship, and service.

In pursuit of this mission, the School of Law strives to:

* develop in its students the demonstrated ability to serve society as lawyers, to represent clients generally and in particular transactions, and to seek resolution of conflicts in appropriate forums;

* foster intellectual inquiry, knowledge of the law, fundamental professional skills, perspective on the role of law and lawyers in society, and the character and values necessary to serve society;

* support scholarship and provide professional service to Montana, tribal governments and communities, the nation, and the international community;

* emphasize those areas of law significant to the Rocky Mountain West, including natural resources, environmental, and Indian law; and

* promote among students, faculty, and the profession a sense of community enriched by a diverse group of people devoted to freedom of inquiry and freedom of expression.