Cultivating agricultural legal expertise

Agricultural law is at the forefront of addressing critical issues that impact our food supply, rural communities and the environment. At Washburn Law, we equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and influence this vital sector. Our agricultural law program focuses on the unique legal and tax challenges faced by farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and rural landowners, ensuring graduates are ready to make a meaningful impact in this dynamic field.

Why choose Washburn Law's agricultural law program?

Washburn Law stands out for its commitment to agricultural law, bolstered by our prime location in Kansas, a state with deep agricultural roots. Our program is uniquely positioned to offer hands-on experiences and direct insights into the legal issues affecting the agricultural community. With access to dedicated and nationally-recognized faculty members, students benefit from their extensive expertise and practical knowledge. Additionally, Washburn’s supportive environment and strong connections to the local agricultural sector provide a robust network for career development and professional growth.
Two students walk in the Dole Hall circle drive.
A curriculum designed to shape leaders in agricultural law
Washburn Law’s agricultural law curriculum is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the legal landscape affecting agriculture. Students engage in courses that cover essential topics, including both estate and business planning for farmers and ranchers, water law and natural resources law. This comprehensive curriculum ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address the complex legal issues facing the agricultural industry.

In addition to the core agricultural law course, Washburn Law offers an array of courses that relate directly to the issues faced by agricultural law attorneys. Detailed descriptions of each of these courses, can be found in the academic catalog.  

Core Course

  • Agricultural Law

Related Courses

  • Administrative Law
  • Commercial Transactions and Bankruptcy in Agriculture
  • Environmental Law
  • Environmental, and Regulatory Law Impacting Agriculture
  • Estate and Business Planning for Farmers and Ranchers
  • Estate Planning
  • Farm and Ranch Taxation
  • Natural Resources law
  • Real Estate Transactions
  • Renewable Energy Law
  • Water Law

WALTR

Washburn Agricultural Law & Tax Report

The Washburn Agricultural Law and Tax Report (WALTR) is a premier resource for students interested in agricultural law. Edited by Professor Roger McEowen, WALTR provides the latest scholarship on legal and tax issues impacting agricultural producers, businesses, and rural landowners. This report is an invaluable tool for understanding the unique legal and tax challenges in agriculture and offers practical insights and research opportunities for students and practitioners alike.

Building experience and connections

Student organizations

Joining student organizations, such as the Agricultural Law Society, allows students to build relationships with peers, gain leadership experience, and deepen their understanding of agricultural law. These groups provide a platform for networking and professional development, essential for a successful career in this field.

Speakers & symposia

Washburn Law regularly hosts speakers who are experts in agricultural law. These events offer students the opportunity to learn from and interact with professionals who are shaping the future of agriculture. Engaging with these speakers helps students stay informed about current issues and trends in the field.

Externships

Washburn Law offers externships that provide hands-on experience in agricultural law. These opportunities allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, working with legal professionals and gaining practical skills that are crucial for their future careers.