Professional Development

 

The University of Tulsa College of Law graduates are obtaining employment at a rate well above the national average. Of 120 graduates from the classes of December 2010, May 2011 and August 2011, 92.3 percent – 108 graduates – are employed. One of the reasons for graduate success is the law school's strong focus on professional development, mentoring and networking opportunities. For more details on employment placement visit Graduate Placement.  

Foundations of Legal Study 

 The focus on career and professional development at TU Law begins before you ever enter the classroom.  During the Foundations of Legal Study, a four-day program designed to prepare new law students for academic and professional success. 

In addition to social activities with professors and alumni, some other of this year’s FLS activities included:

Attending courtroom proceedings at federal and state courthouses, where students were able to interact with judges.

A trip to the Tulsa County Bar Center to meet with past and current presidents of the Tulsa County Bar Association.

TU law alumna Vicky Hildebrand (JD ’91) facilitated a discussion with students about the issues related to the legal case of Ron Williamson, who was featured in John Grisham's non-fiction work, The Innocent Man. Hildebrand was a federal law clerk in the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Judge Frank Seay’s office when the judge ordered a new trial for Williamson. The students were required to read Grisham's book in preparation for the talk.

A public service project where students volunteered at 12 local non profit organizations.

Instruction on law school policies, note taking, professional dress and etiquette, case briefing and research.

Dean's Seminar on the Legal Market 

The 2010 incoming class was the first to participate in a new Dean’s seminar. Led by Janet Levit, Dean and Dean John Rogers Endowed Chair, the seminar gives students an overview of various aspects of legal practice in America and provides a foundation for students’ professional development and market readiness upon graduation. The classroom component consists of six weekly sessions covering topics such as ethical obligations of lawyers to clients, the court, and the bar; leadership skills and professional paths for juris doctor candidates; and duty to serve the public interest. The classroom sessions are followed by four professional development sessions that includeparticipation in the OBA Annual Convention on-campus presentation addressing bar membership.