Oklahoma City University School of Law: An Integral Part of the Legal Profession

Lawrence K. Hellman, Dean

One of the goals of this law school is to conduct its affairs as an integral part of the legal profession. I know of no law school that has closer relationships with the bar and the judiciary.  These relationships provide direct educational benefits to our current students, offer opportunities for professional service for our faculty, and create confidence and pride among our alumni.

At OCU LAW, we realize that, while legal education consists of an academic program in a university setting, it is also intended to prepare its graduates to enter a profession – a profession with a rich history, distinct values, and important responsibilities.  By involving the bar and judiciary in the educational experience our students receive, we hasten their assimilation into the profession.  At the same time, we stimulate reflection and assessment on the part of the members of the profession who become involved in our programs. 

This engagement with the profession generates a special kind of energy for our law school that directly benefits our students and alumni.  It reflects our emerging repuation as a law school that is uncommonly committed to improving the legal profession and being an active participant in it.