Law - Juris Doctor Degree (JD)
Study Law at the University of Montana
Dive into the vibrant learning ecosystem of the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana. Here, legal education transcends the traditional, marrying the intellectual rigor of classroom learning with the thrill of practical application. Whether it’s shaping the future of business through corporate law, guiding clients through complex deals or championing justice in the courtroom, our students embody legal insight in action.
A fusion of theory and action lies at the heart of our educational philosophy. As a law student at UM, you don’t just learn the law, you live it. From the intricacies of contract drafting to the strategic complexities of corporate formation, our curriculum is a playground for the legally curious. Our students don’t stop at knowledge; they embrace experience, counseling real clients, navigating real transactions and advocating in real courtrooms. By your third year, our students are not just studying law; you are practicing it, guided by our dedicated faculty through clinically based learning that makes a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Best Value Law School
in the nation for clerkship placements after graduation
Montana Bar passage rate among first-time exam takers
Other Law Degree Options at University of Montana
Joint Degree Programs
Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Juris Doctor/Master of Science in Environmental Studies (MS)
Juris Doctor/Master of Social Work (MSW)
Special Curriculum and Certificate Programs
American Indian Law Certificate
Video: Natural Resources and Environmental Law
One of the most popular programs at UM's Law School is the Environmental Law program. Learn more about Natural Resources and Environmental Law from Ali Bronsdon.
Alternatively, follow Meridian's journey from river guide to environmental lawyer.
Alumni Testimonials
"I wanted to be an advocate for people who were trapped in the harsh criminal justice system and an advocate for their families and friends who would have to continue life on the outside without their presence." - Tyler Waite, Class of 2020, Criminal Law
“I have a deep passion for the West due to my adventures growing up exploring Glacier National Park. With a bachelor’s degree in biology, I was determined to become a wildlife biologist and work in the Park; however, I discovered that law was driving my passion for bettering the environment.” - Hallee Kansman, Class of 2020, Natural Resources and Envrionmental Law
“I need to set an example for my own son, of course, but it’s more than that. I want every member of my family to know their worth. I want every single young relative who comes after me to know that it can be done, to feel empowered to chase their dreams without the limits of the past or what they have seen.” - Marissa Mahkuk Compton, Class of 2020, Indian Law, Law and Business
"I realized that I’d never stopped wanting to correct the imbalance I had been seeing in the world for my entire life. I applied, was accepted and have never been happier in any decision I have ever made. I have never felt more at home than I do at Alexander Blewett III School of Law.” - Cierra Anderson, Class of 2021, Criminal Law
Experiential Learning Outside the Classroom
Turn legal education into action at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law, where hands-on clinic work is integral to your learning journey. After building a foundation of theory in your first two years of law school, you will enter your third year, ready to step into the shoes of a practicing attorney in our faculty-guided clinics, taking on actual cases in criminal justice, American Indian law, bankruptcy, family law and court procedures.
Real-life, practical training separates the Alexander Blewett III School of Law from other law schools nationwide. Students attending Montana’s Law School get jobs, often becoming part of the Montana legal community before finishing their program!
Pro Bono Program
The Pro Bono Program matches law student volunteers with pro bono partner organizations. The Pro Bono Program focuses on the promotion and development of professional legal values and the delivery of free legal services to underserved persons, communities and organizations.
Clinic Program
Founded in 1966, our clinical program offers four in-house clinics and 24 field placements. Under the supervision of faculty and experienced attorneys, third-year students practice law in a variety of settings, from criminal defense and prosecutors’ offices to environmental nonprofits and government agencies.
Law School Career Development
At UM’s Alexander Blewett III School of Law, our Career Development Office supports students in charting and pursuing their career paths with actionable workshops, one-to-one mentorship, comprehensive application feedback, and extensive career development tools. In parallel, we collaborate closely with legal industry employers to connect students with job opportunities through our online employment board, professional events and on-campus recruitment sessions.
Competition Teams
Montana law students are consistent contenders at both regionally and nationally law school competitions. Teams include the American Bar Association Negotiation Competition, National Environmental Moot Court, National Moot Court Competition, National Trial Competition – American College of Trial Lawyers and NALSA National Moot Court Competition.
Student Groups
Over 20 student organizations ensure an opportunity for every student to participate in activities, including law reviews, competition teams, student government or public service groups. Organizations include the Student Bar Association, Women’s Law Caucus, Environmental Law Group, Military Law Society, Native American Law Student Association, Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity and many more.
Department of Public Administration and Policy
The Department of Public Administration and Policy (DPAP) at the University of Montana is a hub for progressive education tailored for future leaders in public service. With a broad selection of undergraduate and graduate courses, the department also facilitates professional growth and training. The DPAP degrees can be completed online, on-campus or a combination of in-person and online classes.
Learn how Aaron paired science with an MPA from the Department of Public Administration and Policy.
Become Practice-Ready by Studying Law at the University of Montana
Our students thrive in an experience-rich environment that integrates theory with practice in a competency-based curriculum. Students have opportunities to draft contracts, create corporations, counsel clients, negotiate transactions, prepare and probate wills, try a case before a jury and argue an appeal. We provide all third-year students with faculty-supervised, experience-based learning in clinics so they can represent real clients with actual legal problems.