Home of the Law Ducks
The William W. Knight Law Center is home to a thriving academic community with 500-plus law students and a world-class faculty at a top-tier research university. The state’s first and only public, ABA-approved law school, Oregon Law has trained exceptional legal and dispute resolution professionals since 1884.
The home of Oregon Law is named for William Knight, JD ’32. He is best known for his work as a deputy district attorney, state legislator, publisher of The Oregon Journal newspaper, and father of Phil Knight, BBA ’59, who founded Nike, Inc. The Knight Law Center was made possible by a donation from son and daughter-in-law Phil and Penny Knight.
Knight Law Center Building Hours:
(If there is an urgent access issue, call 541.346.2919 option 2 for assistance.)
Knight Law Center operates on reduced hours or may be closed during academic intersession periods (e.g., winter break, spring break, etc.). During major events near the Knight Law Center (e.g., Eugene Marathon, Hayward Field events, etc.), the building will be closed to everyone except law school faculty, staff, and law school graduate students. Additionally, ID card access may also be restricted to the south building door entrance only during these events. Other building closures will be communicated as needed.
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Knight Law center | Standard HOurs | Winter Intersession | Spring Break | Summer Intersession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Law Faculty & Staff | 24/7 Access with UO ID | 24/7 Access with UO ID | 24/7 Access with UO ID | 24/7 Access with UO ID |
Law Graduate Students | 6:30 am – 10:30 pm, Monday – Thursday | No Access | 6:30 am – 10:30 pm, Monday – Thursday | 6:30 am – 10:30 pm, Monday – Thursday |
UO Students, Faculty & Staff* | 7:30 am – 10:30 pm, Monday – Thursday | No Access | 7:30 am – 10:30 pm, Monday – Thursday | Aligns with Law Library Hours |
Public Hours | 8:00 am - 7:00 pm, Monday - Friday | No Access | No Access | No Access |
*Card Access for non-public hours is only available through the south building entrance
The John E. Jaqua Law Library
Located on the second floor of the Knight Law Center, the Jaqua Law Library spans three floors designed to maximize learning and foster collaboration. The light-filled environment features a high-tech multimedia center, enhanced spaces for both group and individual work, private and reservable study rooms, and quiet zones for focused research.
With extensive legal collections, access to platforms like Westlaw, course reserves, and equipment checkout, the library supports all aspects of legal education. Attorney librarians—working closely with legal writing faculty—teach students how to conduct effective legal research both in the classroom and within the library itself. As part of the UO Libraries and the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the Jaqua Law Library ensures access to comprehensive legal resources and services that empower law students to succeed in their legal careers.
Oregon Law Commission
The Oregon Law Commission serves as the state’s official neutral law reform body and is a vital link between legal research and effective public policy. Housed at Oregon Law since 2017, the Oregon Law Commission works to modernize and improve Oregon’s laws through research, public engagement, and collaboration with lawmakers and legal experts. It identifies areas in need of reform, develops legislative proposals, and supports the legislative process with nonpartisan legal analysis.
Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics
Established in 2000, the Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics is a nonpartisan institute dedicated to promoting civic engagement, social justice, and inclusive democracy. It honors the legacy of US Senator Wayne Morse—an advocate for civil rights and constitutional checks and balances—by fostering public dialogue, supporting interdisciplinary research, and offering educational programs that address pressing societal issues.
The Center provides fellowships and leadership opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and law students, including the Wayne Morse Scholars and Law Fellows* programs, which combine academic study with real-world experience in public service and policy.
Through public lectures, community partnerships, and its biennial themes of inquiry—such as the current focus on “Defending Democracy”—the Center serves as a hub for collaborative problem-solving on challenges facing Oregon, the nation, and the world..
Resolution Oregon
Resolution Oregon is a statewide initiative that promotes inclusive and accessible conflict resolution services across Oregon. It supports diverse communities in resolving disputes, reducing harm, and preventing the escalation of conflicts.
Through a network of community-based providers, Resolution Oregon offers services such as mediation, restorative justice programs, and conflict resolution training. These services have assisted hundreds of thousands of Oregonians in managing current conflicts and developing skills to handle future disputes independently.