University of Idaho College of Law

Introduction

The University of Idaho College of Law was established in 1909 and accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) in 1925. Every day, as a community of scholars, faculty, and staff we continue to grow and work toward our goal of providing the best opportunities for future lawyers. In pursuit of that goal, we have emerged as one of the best educational values in the nation.

LLM Curriculum

Students are able to complete the 24 required credits in a 9-month timeframe, August through May. The program begins with a late summer course called Introduction to American Law and Legal Education during which students select their fall schedule. LLM students enroll with JD students in the same courses but are graded separately.

Our basic form of teaching involves the case method, a study of the actual decisions made by appellate courts. We supplement cases with selected readings that provide key insights into the nature of judicial and legislative processes. Many of our advanced courses provide students with the opportunity for simulated exercises and problem solving. We emphasize techniques that foster student initiative and the development of analytical and communication skills.

Most LLM degree recipients will return to work in influential legal, academic, and business positions in their home countries. The LLM degree also qualifies some graduates to hold positions in the judiciary and certain government legal positions, and other potential points of international influence. The graduates of our LLM program may also benefit from their immediate connection to the international network of UI alumni, the degree affiliation of these lawyers with the University of Idaho, and their experiences of learning law in the United States.

Areas of Emphasis

Students can structure a curriculum around their interests. The LLM degree has four emphasis areas aligned with the curricular strengths at the UI College of Law:

• Democracy, Justice, and the American Legal System
• Natural Resources and Environmental Law
• Business Law and Entrepreneurship
• Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Professional Development

Experiential learning and professional development are woven into the fabric of our curriculum, and you will find our commitment to public service evident in everything the College of Law offers. We believe this is essential in providing our students with a legal education relevant in today’s world. The UI College of Law also provides career counseling, résumé review, and guidance to LLM students as they pursue their degrees and prepare to return to their home countries.

Accessible Faculty

The College of Law faculty members come from diverse social and legal backgrounds. They include former judges, prosecutors, public defenders, JAG attorneys, and attorneys from a variety of private practice areas. Faculty members ensure that the region, nation, and even the world take notice of the College of Law by producing an impressive quantity of high-quality scholarly work. They serve the community by giving their time to a number of worthy causes and strive to expand and improve the curriculum and course offerings. They also dedicate themselves to the success of all students by remaining accessible.

Signature Events

The Sherman J. Bellwood Lectures bring prominent and highly regarded international, national, and regional leaders to Idaho and to campus. LLM students can discuss, examine, and debate numerous subjects related to the justice system. Previous speakers have included Morris Dees, cofounder and chief trial counsel for the Southern Poverty Law Center; Kenneth Feinberg, the nation’s leading authority on mediation disputes; Ruth Bader Ginsberg, associate justice of the US Supreme Court; Sandra Day O’Connor, retired associate justice of the US Supreme Court; Juan Guzman, Chilean justice who famously took down Augusto Pinochet; and many others.

In addition to the Bellwood lectures, the College of Law regularly welcomes to campus the Idaho Supreme Court, Idaho Court of Appeals, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and other prominent judges and attorneys.

Excellence Through Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are essential components of the UI College of Law and require legal professionalism from all sectors of our community to provide an appropriately respectful learning environment. We value people of all cultures, races, ethnicities, genders, physical abilities, lifestyles, opinions, nationalities, philosophies, sexual orientations, religious backgrounds, ages, life experiences, and identities. The College of Law upholds a strong commitment to inclusiveness and diversity, and we strive to foster a community of mutual respect among our students, staff, and faculty. Our differences make us a vibrant community of scholars, lawyers, and professionals. International students in particular bring an exciting global perspective to our student body.

The Law Library maintains a comprehensive collection to support law students and faculty in their scholarly pursuits. In addition to printed materials, a host of electronic databases are accessible from the Law Library website. College of Law faculty, staff, and students have individual access to the LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Bloomberg Law databases.

Academic Success Office

The Academic Success Office helps LLM students develop the tools and skills they need to maximize their law school success. The director, a licensed attorney, leads orientation programs, workshops, small group sessions, and individual consultations designed to enhance students’ ability to effectively read, brief, outline, and apply the law, and to thrive in the law school environment. The Academic Success Office also provides academic advising and bar preparation assistance.

Accommodations

The University of Idaho Disability Support Services office provides support to students with temporary or permanent disabilities. Students who request assistance must provide adequate advance notice of such requests and must provide appropriate medical documentation to DSS.

The College of Law also offers classroom and testing accommodations to students where English is a second language. Students will be able to discuss their needs with the faculty director of the LLM program during orientation.

Moscow, Idaho—Safe, Affordable, and Friendly

The University of Idaho lies tucked among the rolling hills of the scenic area known as “The Palouse,” a region in north-central Idaho recognized by National Geographic magazine for its natural beauty. With a population of over 24,000, Moscow is a friendly college town that offers a safe, family-oriented environment. Moscow has an exciting downtown area, collegiate-friendly nightlife, well-maintained parks, a high-quality school system, and a variety of restaurants and services.

Downtown is a short walk from campus and provides convenient access to dining, entertainment, and shopping options, including a local farmers’ market. Moscow supports a rich arts and cultural scene with galleries, theater productions, a renaissance fair, dances, concerts, and other community events. Pullman, Washington, only eight miles away, is home to Washington State University and additional shopping and restaurants. The twin cities, Clarkston, Washington, and Lewiston, Idaho, home to the famed Hells Canyon, are 40 miles away, and Spokane, Washington, a bustling metropolitan area of 500,000 people, is 90 miles away. Portland, Oregon; Missoula, Montona; and Seattle, Washington, are all within a five or six hours’ drive.

Recognized by Outside magazine as a top university for outdoor adventure, the University of Idaho in Moscow offers much to the outdoor enthusiast. The region’s picturesque mountains, lakes, and rivers feature miles of trails for biking and hiking, world-class skiing and snowboarding, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and excellent fishing and camping. The university’s award-winning Outdoor Recreation Program helps students enjoy all of these activities with easy equipment rentals and organized group trips.

Affordable Housing

LLM students in Moscow choose from many affordable housing options. On campus, South Hill Apartments and South Hill Vista Apartments—with one-, two-, and three-bedroom units—are ideal for students who are married and/or have children. Elmwood Apartments offer one-bedroom units, with or without a loft, for students who are married or 21 and older. Single students may opt to live in one of the university’s 27 residence halls and living-learning communities. Students who wish to live off campus may rent homes, apartments, or condos, new and historic—all at an affordable rate. Many resources are available to help students locate housing.

Student Organizations

Student organizations include

• Student Bar Association (SBA)
• Board of Student Advocates (BSA)
• Idaho Law Review
• Idaho Critical Legal Studies Journal

• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
• Art and Entertainment Law Society (A & E)
• Business Law Association (BLA)
• Black Law Student Association (BLSA)
• Environmental Law Society (ELS)
• Federalist Society
• Health and Fitness Club
• Hunting and Fishing Club
• Idaho Golf Club
• International Law Students Association
• Intellectual Property Law Society
• Idaho Trial Lawyer’s Association
• Idaho Veteran Law Association
• J. Reuben Clark Law Society (JRCLS)
• Latino Law Caucus
• Law Students for Appropriate Dispute Resolution (LSADR)
• Multicultural Law Caucus
• Native American Law Students Association (NALSA)
• OUTLaws
• Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, Borah Chapter (PAD)
• Public Interest Law Group (PILG)
• Volunteer Income Tax Association (VITA)
• Women’s Law Caucus