Oregon Law Schools Collaborate on Innovative Tenant Eviction Defense Class

In Spring 2023, Oregon Law Schools Lewis & Clark, University of Oregon, and Willamette created and collaborated on an innovative tenant eviction defense class for Oregon law students, taught by adjunct Professor Kamron Graham, President of the Oregon State Bar and executive director of the Commons Law Center.

This experiential, one-of-a-kind course gives students the opportunity to develop practical skills in topics relevant to tenant rights, including housing discrimination, eviction, and other income-sensitive issues. The class builds these skills and knowledge through a social justice lens, educating students on how to effectively represent clients in landlord-tenant disputes. The course is taught online simultaneously through all three Oregon law schools and will be offered for the Spring 2024 semester. Each school offers seven or eight spots for students to enroll.

The idea for the course was conceived of by Commons Law Center Deputy Director Amanda Caffall, and with the assistance of Associate Dean Libby Davis and Associate Dean John Parry, the class became an online collaboration involving the University of Oregon and Willamette University, too. The inspiration for the course? “To provide law students with the knowledge and skills they need to start offering support, in coordination with the Commons Law Center, to tenants facing eviction,” said Dean Davis.

“The inaugural tenant defense class was so amazing. The students gained practical experience and hands-on learning opportunities. The 2023 class was impressive and engaged with the in class work, the clients, and the guest speakers,” said Professor Graham. “I am looking forward to the 2024 class and will be offering more opportunities to meet with clients and learn the practical skills for tenant defense.”

To learn more about this class, visit our website here.