University of Tulsa in Oklahoma Law Schools
University of Tulsa College of Law – Oklahoma
1. Overview and History
Founded in 1923, the University of Tulsa College of Law is a private law school located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The school emphasizes practical legal training, energy and natural resources law, and civic engagement.
Its mission is to prepare students for both regional and national legal practice, with a strong focus on Oklahoma law, U.S. law, and energy law specialties.
2. Academic Programs
Juris Doctor (JD)
Full-time, three-year program requiring 90 semester hours.
Curriculum includes:
Core courses: Contracts, Torts, Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Property, Constitutional Law, Evidence, Legal Writing.
Upper-level courses: Oil & Gas Law, Environmental Law, Tax Law, Intellectual Property, Business Organizations.
Skills courses: Trial Advocacy, Negotiation, Mediation, Appellate Advocacy.
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
LL.M. programs focus on specialized areas like energy law and intellectual property.
Students must complete 24–30 credit hours, including a substantial writing or research project.
Clinics & Experiential Learning
Criminal Defense Clinic – representing clients in Tulsa County courts.
Civil Litigation Clinic – handling disputes for individual clients and small businesses.
Entrepreneurship Clinic – providing legal services to startups.
Externships are available with Oklahoma state courts, federal courts, and government agencies.
3. Case Law Connections in Oklahoma
The University of Tulsa integrates Oklahoma and U.S. case law into its courses. Some notable Oklahoma cases frequently studied:
Harris v. State ex rel. Oklahoma Department of Corrections (1994)
Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals case addressing search and seizure under the Oklahoma Constitution.
Used in criminal law and procedure courses to analyze state-specific protections versus federal Fourth Amendment standards.
Oklahoma Tax Commission v. Thompson (2003)
Examines state tax law interpretation.
Frequently cited in business and tax law courses to demonstrate statutory interpretation in Oklahoma courts.
In re Adoption of Baby Girl S. (1998)
Oklahoma Supreme Court case regarding adoption and parental rights.
Used in family law courses to show how Oklahoma courts balance statutory law and equitable principles.
Continental Resources, Inc. v. Lake (2007)
Landmark Oklahoma case on oil and gas lease disputes.
Integral to the study of energy law, a signature area at Tulsa Law.
Horton v. City of Tulsa (2005)
Case interpreting municipal liability and governmental immunity.
Used in courses on constitutional law and administrative law.
4. Law Review and Publications
Tulsa Law Review publishes scholarly articles, student case notes, and commentary on Oklahoma and federal law.
Frequently discusses energy law, civil rights, and appellate decisions relevant to regional practice.
Provides students with opportunities to cite, edit, and critique case law, preparing them for legal practice in Oklahoma and beyond.
5. Notable Alumni & Influence
Judges: Alumni serve on the Oklahoma Supreme Court, Court of Civil Appeals, and federal district courts.
Government Attorneys: Alumni work in the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office, state agencies, and U.S. Attorney’s offices.
Corporate Counsel: Graduates practice in oil and gas companies, energy firms, and financial institutions.
Public Service: Tulsa Law alumni contribute to local civic organizations and nonprofit legal initiatives.
6. Teaching Approach
Case Method: Students study real Oklahoma Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, and federal cases.
Socratic Method: Professors challenge students to apply case law to hypothetical fact patterns.
Practical Skills Integration: Through clinics, externships, and moot court, students argue, negotiate, and draft legal documents.
Specialized Training: Tulsa Law emphasizes energy and natural resources law, reflecting Oklahoma’s industry.
7. Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1923 |
| Programs | JD (full-time), LL.M., Clinics, Externships |
| Credits Required | 90 for JD |
| Clinics | Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation, Entrepreneurship |
| Law Review | Tulsa Law Review – publishes Oklahoma & federal law commentary |
| Key Cases Studied | Harris v. State (search & seizure), Oklahoma Tax Commission v. Thompson (tax), In re Adoption of Baby Girl S. (family law), Continental Resources v. Lake (energy law), Horton v. City of Tulsa (municipal liability) |
| Alumni Impact | Judges, government attorneys, corporate counsel, public service |
| Teaching Style | Case method, Socratic method, experiential learning, energy law focus |
Conclusion:
The University of Tulsa College of Law is a practical, regionally focused law school with strong emphasis on Oklahoma jurisprudence, energy law, and experiential legal training, preparing students for careers in both state and federal practice.
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