The Alexander Blewett III School of Law: A Century of Legal Education in Montana

The Alexander Blewett III School of Law, located at the University of Montana in Missoula, stands as the state's first law school, with a history dating back to its establishment in 1911. For more than a century, the School of Law has been a leader in legal education, with a commitment to practical training that began with its first class of students in 1911.

Historical Overview

The law school's initial curriculum spanned three academic years, emphasizing court work, procedure, mining, and irrigation law, alongside general legal practice relevant to Montana and the Western states.

Academic Programs and Specializations

The Alexander Blewett III School of Law offers several concentrations. The school offers concentrations in the areas of trial advocacy and dispute resolution, Native American law, and business and tax law. The school offers three joint-degree programs. Students can combine their law degrees with a Master of Science in Environmental Studies, a Master of Business Administration, or a Master of Public Administration.

Environmental and Natural Resource Law

Many students enroll in the natural resource and environmental law courses where the school offers a certificate program in Environmental and Natural Resource Law, natural resource clinics, and opportunities to participate on the Public Land and Resources Law Review.

Native American Law

As Montana is home to seven Indian Reservations and to eight state-recognized tribal nations, the school's Native American law courses, Native American law clinic, and Native American Law Student Association provide opportunities for students to learn about and participate in the administration of justice for Native Americans.

Joint Degree Programs

Students can combine their law degrees with a Master of Science in Environmental Studies, a Master of Business Administration, or a Master of Public Administration.

Experiential Learning and Clinical Programs

With our mission of preparing students “for the people-oriented practice of law by integrating theory and practice in a competency-based curriculum,” we emphasize experiential learning throughout the curriculum. Every student learns how to prepare a case for trial in civil court, how to negotiate the purchase and sale of a small business, and how to advocate before a tribunal. Every student experiences the practice of law first-hand through a third-year clinic, whether in one of our in-house clinics focused on Natural Resources and Environmental Law, Indian Law or Veterans Advocacy or through one of our dozens of external clinic placements. More space is also provided for the school's clinical program, including its land use, Native American law, criminal defense, and mediation clinics. This space includes client interview rooms, student workrooms, and office space.

Rankings and Recognition

In 2009, National Jurist magazine ranked the school 6 in best value nationally, with its graduates passing the bar at a rate of 95%. We continue to be a top 20 Best Value Law School according to PreLaw Magazine. Princeton Review lists us as a top 10 school for state and local clerkship placements.

Notable People

Forrest H. Anderson
John W.
James R.
Dana L.
Charles E.
Sam E.
Paul G.
Howard A.
Charles C.
Donald W.
James A.
Jack D.
Sidney R.
Susan P.

Facilities

In 2008, the school underwent a $14.8 million renovation and addition. The addition includes classrooms with better acoustics, newer technology, audio-visual equipment, disability access, and more small and mid-sized classrooms.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

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. The University of Montana is committed to providing a learning and working environment that promotes respect, dignity, and equity for all individuals.

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Land Acknowledgement

This law school is on the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples, including the Selis, Ksanka, and Qlispé. 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.

Department of Public Administration & Policy

Our department is the first of its kind in Montana. Centrally located within the Alexander Blewett III School of Law’s Max S. Baucus Institute, our mission is to provide an innovative public service education for pre-career and in-career public and nonprofit administration students. The University of Montana’s MPA program is the only accredited program in the state of Montana. The program's curriculum is designed to be flexible for pre-career and mid-career professionals interested in public and nonprofit careers. The MPA program is offered online, in person or a combination. The MPA degree requires completing 36 credits of course work and a portfolio project/exit interview. The MPA program offers one specific specialization/concentration in nonprofit administration. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of public administration, we collaborate with departments across campus to ensure student success in their future or current careers. The MPA program is accredited by Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NAASPA), which is the global standard in public service education. It is the membership and accreditation organization of graduate education programs in public policy, public affairs, public administration, and public and nonprofit management.

UM MPA and Wildlife Biology

Recognizing an increasing demand for careers in wildlife biology and public and nonprofit administration, the University of Montana’s Master of Public Administration and Wildlife Biology programs created a joint degree. The program is the first of its kind in the country.

UM MPA and Carroll College Political Science

The University of Montana MPA Program has partnered with Carroll College's Department of Political Science to offer the first-ever 4+1 of its kind in the state of Montana. This program allows students to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration in five years. Students work with Prof. Rinfret at UM and Prof.

Certificates

Law, Policy and Public Administration: The Certificate in Law, Policy, and Public Administration offers public employees the fundamental skills through a series of core courses important for the profession of public administration, policy, and law. These classes provide basic knowledge and skills that enhance the level of professionalism in public administration and law. Many public employees have bachelor and graduate degrees in many technical fields but lack the basic managerial areas of public administration. Additionally, many current graduate students on campus do not have the time and financial support to complete a joint degree.
Poverty Policy: The Certificate in Poverty Policy offers current in-career professionals and public sector employees a focused education on poverty policy essential to provide the skills necessary to tackle large-scale societal issues such as poverty.
Public Administration: The Certificate in Public Administration offers public employees the fundamental skills through a series of core courses important for the profession of public administration. These classes provide basic knowledge and skills that enhance the level of professionalism in public service. Many public employees have bachelor’s and graduate degrees in technical fields but lack the basic managerial areas of public administration. The certificate in Public Administration provides a bridge for public service employees to gain skills, knowledge and training by completing a short set of classes such as public administration, human resource management, budgeting and organization theory.
Public Policy: The Certificate in Public Administration offers public employees the fundamental skills through a series of core courses important for the profession of public administration. These classes provide basic knowledge and skills that enhance the level of professionalism in public service. Many public employees have bachelor's and graduate degrees in technical fields but lack the basic managerial areas of public administration.
Nonprofit Administration: The Certificate in Nonprofit Administration is designed for students wishing to develop professional competencies relating to nonprofit management. This is a graduate level, professional certificate.

Location and Environment

The University of Montana - Department pf Public Administration and Policy is located in Missoula, on the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Missoula is situated halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and is surrounded by several of the largest designated wilderness areas in the continental United States.

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Student Life

Our students work hard, but they also find time to balance their academic rigors with outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether fly fishing a blue-ribbon stream or rafting down a tranquil river; mountain biking, climbing, or hiking; or snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowboarding, students rejuvenate their bodies and minds in all four seasons. For a small city, Missoula is remarkably rich in cultural attractions, including a local symphony, art galleries and museums, high-quality performing arts, numerous sporting activities and events, and a variety of restaurants and shops, without the hassles of big-city traffic. Missoula is a great place to live, raise a family, and receive an education.

MPA Program Duration

The MPA degree is designed for students to complete their degree in two years (four semesters). Our students, however, have the option to take coursework at their own pace.

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