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Business Law Certificate

Effectively advise and support clients through all aspects related to law and business. Gain the right skills and knowledge through our business law certificate program.

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Earn a Business Law Certificate

Our certificate program helps students navigate their interest in business and law. Become a business-minded lawyer to make a difference.

Why pursue a certificate in business law at Willamette?

  • Career options. Adding a certificate in business law to your JD can showcase your dedication. It can also prepare you for specific subjects that align with your career interests.
  • Courses taught by experts. Choose from a variety of business law courses. Explore different topics such as international business law, employment law, business associations, and commercial law.
  • Gain more experience. Consider joining the Business Law Society, or take one of our many simulation-based business law courses. Students can also explore the joint JD/MBA degree to earn two graduate degrees in only four years.
Curriculum

Navigate the intersection of business and law. Develop strong negotiating skills, understand labor laws, and gain insights into trademarks. We offer a wide range of required and elective courses in business transactions, tax law, negotiation, intellectual property, labor and employment law, and mergers and acquisitions. Our program curriculum changes from semester to semester, so follow up with our program director for specific course information.

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Our Faculty

Our faculty members have credentials in intellectual property, marketing, and economics. They understand a variety of business law topics, and can help discuss complex issues within the field. From practical legal applications to academic scholarship, our professors are making an impact.

View All Faculty and Staff

Our program director and faculty member Jillian Schroeder-Fenlon specializes in business law and transactional practice. She has practiced aircraft financing and commercial real estate law and taught in NYU’s Business Transactions Clinic, mentoring students providing legal services to nonprofits and small businesses.

Meet Professor Schroeder-Fenlon

Headshot of Jillian Schroeder-Fenlon

Get Involved with Business Law

Find opportunities that support your passion for law and business. Join a group, make a difference, or conduct meaningful research. The Business Lawyering Institute also offers hands-on learning, networking events, and other ways to extend your knowledge of business law.
  • Business Law Society

    The Business Law Society is a way to connect with law and MBA students passionate about business and law. Benefit from regular meetings, guest speakers, and networking events that foster strong relationships within Oregon.

  • Business Lawyering Institute

    The Business Lawyering Institute prepares attorneys for leadership in the business world. The institute recognizes that the most effective business attorneys know management, finance, marketing, human resources, and other topics that come into play through real-life scenarios.

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete a total of 14 course hours in addition to a capstone. Students can complete their capstone requirement in one of two ways: (1) complete the graduation writing requirement in a course that is both certificate-approved and GWR-approved; or (2) complete an experiential learning course that is both certificate-approved and experiential-learning-approved.

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Admission Details

Only current students can apply to our certificate program. In their online application, students must attest to their academic good standing and provide a 250-word personal statement explaining why they wish to pursue their certificate. The director may cap the size of the program, based on advising capacity and capstone course availability. Please contact the Program Director for further information.

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FAQs

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