August 29, 2023

Entering Class of 2026 Keeps the Bar Raised for Excellence

Average GPA rankings rose and LSAT scores remained excellent with this year’s incoming class.

2023 Orientation
2023 Orientation
Credit: Nina Johnson

Lewis & Clark Law School welcomes another exceptional class of students to campus this fall, demonstrating a trend towards increased GPA and continued LSAT excellence.

160 new 1Ls will start this fall; 139 students will start in the full-time division and 21 will start in the part-time division. The youngest 1L is 20 and the oldest 1L is 54. 13.7% are first generation college graduates.

Between this year and last year, applicants’ GPA rankings rose for the median quartile from 3.53 to 3.59, and for the high quartile from 3.69 to 3.78 respectively. Applicants continued to show strong LSAT scores, reflecting similar averages from the last application cycle with low, median, and high scores of 158, 160, and 164.

“We are so proud of our entering 1L class,” said Dean Jennifer Johnson. “In a year when law school applications dropped nationwide, we were able to maintain our highest standards and welcome outstanding students to our community.”

Of the 160 incoming students, 55.6 percent self-identify as female and 20 percent self-identify as students of color. Students represent four countries other than the United States, including Australia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Mexico. Close to 60% come from states other than Oregon.

Incoming students studied at over 87 different undergraduate institutions and colleges and hold degrees in more than 43 unique majors, including engineering, psychology, geophysics, anthropology, and criminology studies. 19 1Ls already hold advanced degrees.