About
Since 1911, the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana has prepared students for meaningful legal careers through rigorous academics and hands-on learning. As Montana’s law school, we remain committed to experiential education that helps graduates enter the profession ready to serve.
Mission and Values
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 Blewett 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.
Land Acknowledgement
This law school is on the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples, including the Selis, Ksanka, and Qlispé. Many others, including Blackfeet, Nez Perce, Shoshone, Bannock, and Coeur D’Alene, had and continue to have a crucial presence in the area.
We acknowledge the role the legal system has played in the removal of Indigenous peoples from these lands, and, through our commitment to education, service, and scholarship, strive to improve the quality of justice for future generations. Doing so demands respect for tribal sovereignty and Indigenous cultures as well as accountability to the needs and perspectives of Indigenous peoples, who, from time immemorial to the present and until the end of time, protect and remain connected with this land on which we gather, live, learn, and work.
Commitment to Inclusiveness
The Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana shall promote and support a learning environment that encourages, enriches and respects the multidimensional aspects of our state and nation. Recognizing that the quality of legal education is enhanced by a variety of perspectives and backgrounds, the Blewett School of Law is committed to recruiting and retaining students, faculty, staff and administrators capable of creating a safe, vibrant, engaging and intellectually stimulating learning environment. This educational environment reinforces and models the principle that inclusion of a broad array of backgrounds and perspectives is an integral part of learning and the competent, people-oriented practice of law. Inclusion requires a commitment to protect against discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation or background, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, economic class or status, points of view, or disabilities and to promote belonging of all persons.