Oklahoma City University in Oklahoma Law Schools
Oklahoma City University School of Law — Overview
History & Mission
Founded in 1907, OCU Law is Oklahoma’s first law school and is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
The mission is to educate students to become competent, ethical legal professionals, with emphasis on practical skills and public service.
Located in downtown Oklahoma City, the school provides students easy access to courts, law firms, government offices, and public-interest organizations.
Academic Programs
Juris Doctor (J.D.): Full-time and part-time tracks covering Contracts, Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Property, Torts, and Legal Writing.
Joint/Dual Degrees: Combines law with Business (J.D./M.B.A.), Public Administration (J.D./M.P.A.), or Nonprofit Leadership (J.D./M.A.).
Certificates/Specializations: Public Law, Energy Law, American Indian Law, Wills & Estate Planning.
Experiential Learning
OCU Law emphasizes hands-on training through clinics and externships:
Innocence Clinic – Students work on cases involving claims of wrongful conviction.
American Indian Wills Clinic – Drafts basic estate-planning documents for tribal members.
Bail and Bond Clinic – Represents clients at the early stages of criminal proceedings.
Norick Municipal Law Research Clinic – Students assist city attorneys with legal issues facing the city.
Externships – Placements in courts, government offices, non-profits, and law firms, granting academic credit while providing real-world experience.
Notable Case Law
1. Kodatt v. Oklahoma City University
Facts: A student with learning disabilities alleged the law school failed to provide proper accommodations, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act.
Holding: The court found that the law school had made efforts to accommodate the student, but a software glitch inadvertently disclosed accommodation information.
Significance: Highlights the importance of maintaining confidentiality in accommodations and potential legal implications of administrative errors.
2. Gokool v. Oklahoma City University
Facts: A former student appealed dismissal from the law school for failing to maintain required grades, claiming inadequate notice and opportunity to appeal.
Holding: The court affirmed the dismissal, noting that the school had followed its established procedures.
Significance: Demonstrates the importance of adhering to institutional policies and limits on challenging academic dismissals.
Student Experience
Small Class Sizes: Low student-faculty ratio allows mentorship and personalized attention.
Practical Focus: Clinics and externships let students engage in real-world legal work under supervision.
Community Engagement: Strong focus on serving Oklahoma communities, including Native American tribes, veterans, and low-income families.
Law Review & Journals: Students can publish scholarly work and case analyses in the Oklahoma City University Law Review.
Alumni & Faculty
Alumni: Graduates serve in state courts, federal positions, law firms, and public-interest roles.
Faculty: Professors often have experience as judges, federal defenders, or practicing attorneys, combining theory with practical insights.
Summary Table
| Category | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1907 |
| Accreditation | ABA-accredited |
| Programs | J.D., Joint Degrees, Certificates |
| Clinics | Innocence, American Indian Wills, Bail & Bond, Municipal Law |
| Case Law Focus | Kodatt v. OCU, Gokool v. OCU |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Low, personalized attention |
| Community Engagement | Tribal, veteran, and public-interest law |
OCU Law combines a strong doctrinal foundation with practical legal training, preparing students for practice in criminal law, civil litigation, family law, Native American law, energy law, and public-interest law.
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