Willamette Law is proud to announce a new agreement with the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), one that allows undergraduate UAF students and alumni to be admitted to the law school based on transparent academic credentials.
The 4+3 Direct Admission Program includes four years of study at UAF and three at Willamette Law. A $10,000 scholarship is guaranteed for students admitted to the program, and it can be renewed each year they’re enrolled and remain in good standing.
The agreement is the third of its kind between the law school and a public university in Alaska. Now all students and alumni who attend any of the three public universities in the state — UAF, University of Alaska Anchorage and University of Alaska Southeast — are eligible for the program.
Without an in-state law program, generations of students in Alaska have turned to Willamette Law as their top choice and later achieved exceptional careers. Prominent attorneys and politicians who earned their law degree from Willamette include University of Alaska Regent Mary K. Hughes and U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski.
UAF Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Anupma Prakash said the direct admit program will provide an unprecedented opportunity for undergraduate students to pursue a law degree and meet the needs of the legal workforce.
"This partnership sets up eligible UAF students for success by providing them a structured academic pathway and scholarships,” she said.
“Cost is one of the biggest barriers to attending law school, and this program gives Alaska students easier access to a legal education and greater transparency in the admissions process. We hope the state will benefit as well — we anticipate that graduates will carry their education back to their communities to better serve them,” said Dean of Willamette Law Brian Gallini.
An information session will be held for students this fall with Willamette Law Assistant Dean of Admissions Leah Straley, who will assume duties as the pre-law advisor for UAF students. Straley will provide resources for all UAF students and alumni interested in pursuing law school with the goal of demystifying the law school admissions process through transparency.
