Law school's rigorous academic demands require both excellence and efficiency. When managing heavy course loads, research projects, and practical skills training, having quick access to the right academic support can make all the difference between thriving and merely surviving.

This section provides essential academic resources to help you navigate a range of topics, including accommodations, academic concerns, leadership opportunities, and community building through student organizations.

Student Organizations & Leadership

UO Law Student Organizations

• Connect with 30+ student organizations covering diverse interests and career paths

• Build leadership skills, expand your network, and find your community

• UO Law Student Organizations Directory

Academic Support & Accommodations

Accessible Education Center (AEC)

• Comprehensive disability services and academic accommodations for law students

• Key Contact: Antonia Keithahn, Accommodations and Student Affairs Manager

  • Email: keithahn@uoregon.edu

  • Phone: 541-346-0306

  • Office: 216 Knight Law Center

• Graduate and Law Student Services

• Internal Accommodations Information

Important to Know:

• It's never too late to explore accommodations—you can begin the process at any time

• 10-13% of law students use accommodations each year—you're not alone

• The AEC provides support even if you're pre-diagnosis or exploring options

• Community referrals are available for students seeking documentation

Bar Exam Accommodations

• Oregon Law Students Aligned Against Ableism hosted a panel during the 2024-2025 school year discussing bar accommodations.

• Find a recording of the panel here. 

Academic Concerns & Advising

Academic Affairs

• Erik Girven, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

  • Email: girvan@uoregon.edu

  • For general academic concerns, policy questions, and administrative support

Legal Studies Advising

• Sarah Keiski, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs

  • Email: skeiski@uoregon.edu

  • Academic planning, course selection, and degree requirements guidance

  • Support for students facing academic challenges

Key Contacts Directory

Not sure who to contact? Here is a quick reference for student support:

• Comprehensive contact list for all law school departments and services

• Oregon Law Contact Directory

1L Resources

Themis and LexisNexis offer free 1L resources, including commercial outlines.

• Themis Law School Essentials

• LexisNexis 1L  Resource Center

Remember: Academic success isn't just about grades, it's about building the skills, relationships, and support systems that will serve you throughout your legal career.

Law school demands peak mental and physical performance, but the intense academic environment can make it challenging to prioritize your well-being. When you are juggling coursework, clinics, and job searches, the last thing you want is to spend precious time figuring out how to access basic health services while you are unwell or stressed.

This guide connects you with essential health resources at the University of Oregon, from routine medical care to mental health support. Taking care of yourself is not only important but also essential for academic success and long-term career sustainability.

Essential Health Services

University Health Services (UHS)

• Primary medical care, urgent care, and preventive services

• health.uoregon.edu

Mental Health Services

Counseling Services

• Individual and group counseling, crisis support, and mental health resources

• counseling.uoregon.edu/services

Oregon Attorney Assistance Program (OAAP)

• https://www.oaap.org

• OAAP provides free, confidential counseling assistance to lawyers, judges, and law students. We offer short-term individual counseling, referral to other resources when appropriate, support groups, workshops, CLEs, and educational programs. 

Specialized Health Resources

Reproductive Health

• Sexual health services and contraceptive care

• Sexual Health & Contraception

• Oregon Contraceptive Care (C-Care) Program

Wellness & Recreation

Recreation Center

• Fitness facilities, group classes, and recreational activities

• rec.uoregon.edu

Student Organizations for Health & Wellness

• Disc-trict Court - Ultimate Frisbee community

• Oregon Law Run Club - Running group for law students

For a complete list of UO Law student organizations, visit UO Law student organizations. 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP (also known as Oregon Trail Card and EBT) is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program managed by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). Eligible individuals can receive up to $292/month to spend on food.

How it works:

• Once approved, you receive a plastic Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card

• The card is reloaded each month and works like a debit card

• Use at most grocery stores to purchase unprepared food items

• The card works in other states when traveling

• You must report all income changes generally within 10 days.

Where to use: Most grocery stores accept SNAP/EBT. Check online or in-store if you're unsure about a specific location.

How to apply: 

• Apply at one.oregon.gov. You may apply for the Oregon Health Plan with the same application.

• Here are a list of places that will help you or a loved one fill out the application.

Eligibility requirements: 

• Law students have qualified for SNAP in the past under the "enrolled in a program or course of study that will lead to employment" work exemption. Check out eligibility requirements here. If you are unsure whether you qualify, it is better to apply and be denied than to wonder if you could receive help.

• Private and public student loans and scholarships should not count towards your monthly income to qualify for SNAP.

• If you are a 2L or 3L student utilizing work study you may likely qualify for SNAP benefits. First-year law students are not usually eligible for work-study.

• UO Basic Needs is a program on campus designed to help you understand financial resources available to students. Visit its SNAP informational page here to learn more about income that counts towards eligibility, the interview process, and other frequently asked questions.

University of Oregon Student Health Plan

UO Student Insurance

• The UO Student Insurance is a comprehensive and federally certified Student Health Benefits Plan (SHBP) designed specifically for active, eligible University of Oregon students.

Features:

• National and worldwide coverage

• Highly competitive rates

• Available only to active, eligible UO students

Oregon's medicaid: Oregon Health Plan (OHP)

About the program

• OHP is the state of Oregon's Medicaid program. Low income law students and their families can apply for healthcare insurance coverage through this program. Applicants are approved based on monthly income thresholds and residency requirements. You may apply and receive coverage under OHP even if you are still on your parent's insurance. You may apply and receive coverage under OHP even if you have moved from out-of-state to attend Oregon Law. Student loans and scholarships should not count as income. Utilize the information below to learn about OHP.

Eligibility requirements

• Use this coverage tool to see if you and family members/dependents may qualify for OHP.

Benefits

• Click here to see a summary of OHP benefits.

• To explore benefits more in-depth, please use this link to the Oregon Health Authority website.

How to apply

• Apply for SNAP and OHP with one application through one.oregon.gov. It is better to apply if unsure whether you are eligible than to miss out on essential healthcare coverage that you need.

Renewal

• You will receive a letter when it is time to renew your benefits. Learn more about the renewal process here.

Basic Needs Program

About the Program

• The UO Basic Needs Program helps students access nutritious food, stable housing, and financial wellness resources. We provide one-on-one consultations and connect students with campus and community support services.

Resource Areas Available

• Food

• Housing

• Financial

• Technology

• Textbooks

• Health and Wellness

• Childcare and Family

• Transportation

• Legal

Division of Graduate Students

Mission

• The Division of Graduate Studies serves as the institutional home for graduate students, providing funding, professional development, and advocacy while fostering an inclusive graduate community.

Resource Categories

• Academic Resources

• Graduate Employment Resources

• Financial Resources

• Housing and Food Resources

• Dreamer and International Student Resources

• Mental and Physical Health Resources

• Safety and Emergency

• Family Resources

• Campus Life Resources

For specific contact information and detailed assistance with any of these resources, please reach out to the respective programs or visit their websites for more information.

UO Law Career Center

Staff & Contact Information:

• Felipe Alonso III

Assistant Dean for Career Planning & Professional Development

Email: falonso@uoregon.edu

• Lorelei Craig

Associate Director for Career Planning and Professional Development

Email: lcraig@uoregon.edu

• Lily Marshall-Bass

Assistant Director for Career Planning and Professional Development

Email: lilymb@uoregon.edu

• Marti McCausland

Assistant Director, Center for Career Planning & Professional Development

Email: martim@uoregon.edu

Services & Resources:

Schedule an Appointment

• Visit MyLaw and navigate to current career resources, then select "Meet With Us" to book an appointment with the Career Center staff.

Job Search Platform

Use Duck Works for comprehensive job search resources, including:

• Application materials guides

• Interview preparation resources

• Career fair resources

• Job application portal

Important Application Tips

Planning Ahead: When using Duck Works to apply for positions, submit your application materials well in advance. All materials must be approved before you can apply for jobs.

Reciprocity

What is Reciprocity?

• Reciprocity is the system that law school career offices use to share access to job searching tools and listings for students and graduates across different schools.

How to Request Reciprocity:

Oregon Law students requesting access to other schools

1. Email the Oregon Law Career Center at lawjobs@uoregon.edu

2. Request up to three specific schools in order of priority

3. Our office will request reciprocity on your behalf

4. Services vary by school and may include online access, graduate newsletters, or other resources

Important Notes

• Some regions (like California) may limit you to one school at a time

• Additional fees may be required for online access

• Some schools restrict access to 3Ls and graduates only

• Blackout Period: Most schools close reciprocity during the fall on-campus interview season (August-November)

Special Access Programs

• Northwest Consortium Schools: As a member of the Northwest Consortium (Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah), Oregon Law students have streamlined access to job listings at other member schools through an informal process. Check the Northwest Reciprocity Overview in Duck Works for details.

• BYU Intercollegiate Job Bank: Access graduate job newsletters from participating schools. Students can find login information under "Online Resources & Passwords" in the Duck Works Document Library.

Forms & Policies

• Oregon Law's Reciprocity Policy Summary: Oregon Law offers Career Center access to students and graduates from other ABA-accredited NALP member schools on a reciprocal basis. Services include online job posting access (comparable services required), with a three-month access period that can be extended. Walk-in requests are not accepted - all requests must come through the student's Career Center via email.

• Reciprocity Request Form: Students complete this form to request access to other schools' career resources, listing up to three preferred schools and indicating whether they want online or in-person access. The form includes important information about Northwest Consortium schools and blackout periods.

Both forms are available in Duck Works under Resource Library.

Contact Information:

• Email: lawjobs@uoregon.edu

• Phone: 541-346-3847 

For additional questions or support, contact any of our Career Center staff members listed above.

Important Annual Events

• Northwest Public Service Career Fair

• On-Campus Interviews (OCI)

• Big Law Applications

Networking

Professional Organizations

• Oregon State Bar Association (OSB)

• Multnomah Bar Association (MBA)

• Lane County Bar Association (LCBA)

• Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA)

• Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (OCDLA)

• Oregon New Lawyers Division

• Oregon Asian Pacific Bar Association

• Oregon Association of Defense Counsel

• Oregon Attorneys with Disabilities

• Oregon Filipino American Lawyers Association

• Northwest Indian Bar Association

• OGALLA: The LGBT Bar Association of Oregon

• Oregon Hispanic Bar Association

• Oregon Law Foundation

• Oregon Minority Lawyers Association

• Oregon Chapter of the National Bar Association

• Oregon Trans Law Caucus

• Oregon Women Lawyers

Scholarships

University of Oregon

• General Scholarships

Law School Endowment

• Scholarships for law students only

AccessLex

• Database of scholarships

Student Loans

Financial Aid Office

• Law School Contact: Dean Sarah Keiski, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs

  • Email: skeiski@uoregon.edu

• Drop-In Advising

  • Available virtual and in-person 

Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)

• University of Oregon School of Law (LRAP)

• Oregon State Bar (LRAP)

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Student Loan Information 

• Differences Between Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

• Federal Grad PLUS Loans

Loan Calculator

• Available for payment estimates

Financial health

Financial Advising Appointments

• UO Financial Wellness Center

  • Schedule a virtual coaching session or sign up for workshops.

  • Tools and resources on budgeting, credit management, student loans, and more.

Downloadable Templates

• Budget Template

Summer Funding

• Oregon Law Student Public Interest Fund (OLSPIF)

  • Funding for summer public interest positions

• Oregon State Bar Diversity Scholarships

  • Summer funding opportunities 

• Bar Exam Scholarships

  • Oregon State Bar

  • Oregon Minority Lawyers Association

Pantries and Meal Site Locations:

Food for Lane County: http://foodforlanecounty.org/food/pantries-and-meal-site-locations/ 

Eugene Businesses giving free meals, SNAP specials, or have Pay It Forward Programs:

• The Dining Room https://www.foodforlanecounty.org/food/dining-room/ 270 w 8th Ave Eugene Oregon 9701

• Acorn Cafe https://www.eatacorncafe.com/ 769 Monroe Street Eugene, Oregon 97402

• Chicken Crossing https://www.chickencrossingcafe.com/ 904 w 6th Ave Eugene Oregon 97402

• Serpent and Sparrow https://www.sparrowandserpent.com/ 211 Washington Street Eugene, Oregon 97401

• Souper Bowls https://souperbowlseugene.com/ 22 Valley River Center Eugene, Oregon 97401

• Laughing Planet https://laughingplanet.com 760 Blair Blvd Eugene, Oregon 97402 OR 2864 Willamette Street Eugene, Oregon 97405

• Jade Dumplings House https: https://www.jadedumpling719.com/ 207 5th Avenue suite 101 Eugene Oregon 97401

UO Resources:

• SNAP Benefits Update: https://basicneeds.uoregon.edu/snap

• Basic Needs Assistance Form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UnivofOregon=&layout_id=70

• Donations Welcome: https://give.uofoundation.org/campaigns/67036/donations/new?utm_campaign=advweb26&value=

  • Search under the “Designation” selection under Miscellaneous, Feed the Flock: The UO Student Food Pantry Fund 

Outdoor activities

Tidepool and Beachcombing Spots

• The Cove, Seaside, Oregon

• Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon

• Roads End, Lincoln City, Oregon

• Crescent Beach at Ecola State Park in Oregon

• Devil's Punch Bowl and Otter Crest Beach in Oregon

• Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

• Seal Rock State Recreation Site

• Yachats State Recreation Site

• Cape Perpetua

• Neptune Beach

• Strawberry Hill Wayside

Skiing and Snowboarding

• Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort

• Mt. Hood Skibowl

• Hoodoo Ski Area

• Willamette Pass Resort

Recreation Equipment Rental

• • UO Rental Barn has equipment for all kinds of outdoor activities.

  • UO Bike Program

River Floats

• • Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon

  • Willamette in Corvallis, Oregon

  • McKenzie River in Eugene, Oregon

Must-See Places

• • Sea Lion Caves outside of Florence, Oregon

  • Thor's Well and Loki's Revenge along Cape Perpetua

  • Heceta Lighthouse and Trail

  • Hobbit Trail

  • Neptune Beach

  • Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park

  • Silver Falls State Park

  • Cougar Hot Springs

  • Terwilliger Hot Springs

  • Umpqua Hot Springs

  • Crater Lake

  • Devil's Punch Bowl

  • Devil's Churn

  • Astoria, Oregon

Places in Eugene

• Rhododendron Garden in Eugene

• Spencer's Butte Trial

• Alton Baker Park Duck Pond

• Pre's Trail

• The Walk to Autzen

Places to eat

Places Near Campus

• Agate Alley Bistro

• McMenamins on 18th

• Wild Duck Cafe

• Little Big Burger

• Cafe Seoul Korean Restaurant

• Unthank Hall

• EMU

Affinity Student Organizations

University of Oregon

• UO Black Cultural Center

• UO Black Lives Matter

Law School - Student Affinity Groups

• First Generation College Graduates

• Affinity Organization Coalition

• Asian Pacific American Law Student Association

• Black Law Student Association

• J. Reuben Clark Society

• Jewish Law Student Association

• Latinx Law Students Association

• Native American Law Student Association

• Oregon Law Students Aligned Against Ableism

• OUTLaws 

• South Asian Law Students Association

• Women's Law Forum

Affinity Professional Organizations

• Oregon Minority Lawyers Association

• Oregon Asian Pacific Bar Association

• Oregon Attorneys with Disabilities

• Oregon Filipino American Lawyers Association

• Northwest Indian Bar Association

• OGALLA: The LGBT Bar Association of Oregon

• Oregon Hispanic Bar Association

• Oregon Trans Law Caucus

• Oregon Women Lawyers

Mental Health

• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Education and Support Services (LGBTESS)

• Mental Health and Healing Resources for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Big Law Opportunities

Marginalized groups have traditionally been excluded from law school and, in turn, "Big Law" opportunities. Big Law is a term that refers to large law firms that often have many different branches across the United States and abroad. These jobs pay extremely well and are extremely competitive. To level the playing field for historically excluded students, large firms set aside 1L Fellowships for students from these diverse backgrounds. Oregon Law students have been successful in achieving these coveted Big Law positions, and they are opportunities that all students from marginalized backgrounds should review.

Pacific Northwest

• Miller Nash 1L Diversity Fellowship

• Perkins Coie 1L Diversity Fellowship

• Schwabe 1L Fellowship

• Davis Wright Tremaine 1L Diversity Fellowship

• Stoel Rives 1L Fellowship

International Student and Scholar Services

UO's International Student and Scholar Services Department is there to help you navigate the changing landscape of immigration law. Use this link to look for information on Visa compliance & immigration status; employment, social security, & tax support; scholarships, emergency financial aid & ITINs; travel guidance, graduation; and academics.

Contact

• Address: 300 Oregon Hall

• Email: intl@uoregon.edu

• Phone: (541) 346-3206

• For Dreamer & Immigrant Students: Justine Carpenter, Assistant Dean of Students; Director, Multicultural and Identity-based Support Services

Services

• International Student Advisor

  • Remote Drop-In Advising: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM

  • In-Person Drop-In Advising: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 1:30 PM-3:30 PM

• Immigration FAQ

Know Your Rights

• ICE

• Oregon Sanctuary Promise Act Guidance

• Immigration Enforcement on Campus

• UO Police on Immigration

As aspiring lawyers, it has never been more important for each of us to be knowledgeable of our rights as well as other people's. Please reference the following informational guides to know your rights on various subjects that could arise this academic year.

Immigration and ICE

Free Speech and 1st Amendment Protections

Police Surveillance

Student Rights

Parking

On-Campus

• UO Parking Portal

  • Buy permits.

  • Check parking lot closures.

  • Garage parking.

• Map of UO parking lots

Transportation

To UO and in Eugene

• All transportation options

• DuckRides

• Bike Secure Storage

• Lane Transit District Bus Line

  • How to ride

  • Free pass for UO students

  • Bus map and routing

How to Buy Textbooks

Method 1: Duck Store (Official UO Bookstore)

1. Get your class schedule - Wait to receive your official class schedule before purchasing textbooks

2. Access DuckWeb - Login to DuckWeb and go to the Student Menu

3. Find your classes - Click "Student Class Schedule" and choose your semester

4. Locate your CRNs - Find the Course Reference Number (CRN) listed with each course title

5. Shop at Duck Store - Go to the Duck Store website and login

6. Navigate to textbooks - Click on the "Textbook" tab, then "Shop Textbooks"

7. Enter your CRNs - Input all your Course Reference Numbers

8. Get your book list - Click "Get Your Book List" to see all required textbooks

Method 2: Alternative Options

1. Book rentals - Check Amazon or Chegg for rental options

2. SBA textbook sale - Use the 2025 book sale to buy textbooks from fellow students (available July-September)

3. Financial assistance - Visit UO's textbook resources to learn about funds available to UO students and other free/reduced-cost options

How to Sell Textbooks

Method 1: UO Textbook Buy-Back Program

1. Use the official buy-back - Sell your textbooks back to UO's textbook buy-back program to get some return on your investment

Method 2: SBA Textbook Sale

1. Participate in the annual sale - Each summer (July-September), the SBA hosts a textbook sale

2. List your books - The 2025 book sale is already underway for upper-level students

3. Incoming 1Ls - The sale will be available soon for incoming first-year students

4. First-come, first-serve - All books are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis