Professional Development - College of Law

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Student Services

Professional Development

The University of Tulsa College of Law Professional Development Office (PDO) offers career development services to TU Law students and alumni. The PDO prides itself on learning about each student’s unique skill set and interest areas to provide a high level of individualized service.

Services

  • Individualized career counseling
  • Compass, TU Law’s online job posting platform, and a weekly jobs email blast
  • Résumé, cover letter, and interviewing assistance
  • Mock interviews with local attorneys
  • On-Campus Interview Program and resume collection
  • Career resource library
  • Job fair information and funding assistance
  • Programming aimed at résumé preparation, interview skills, and job success
  • Networking events and mentorship opportunities
  • Law student business cards

The PDO works with students on career strategies before they ever enter the classroom, beginning with the one-week Foundations of Legal Study (FLS) orientation program. FLS is designed to equip law students for academic and professional success. Not only do students receive guidance on preparing for class, they tour the federal courthouse and meet the judges; attend social activities with deans, faculty, and alumni; and participate in a public service project organized by the TU Law Public Interest Board.

TU Law alumni receive lifetime access to the PDO and Compass, the online job posting platform. (To access an alumni Compass account, please email tulaw-pdo@utulsa.edu or call 918-631-2430.)

  • Dean's Seminar

    During the first semester, Dean Oren Griffin leads the Dean’s Seminar to introduce 1Ls to the legal practice and help begin personal career development. During six weekly sessions, students learn about the current legal market, potential career paths and leadership skills. The course culminates in a one-on-one meeting to form each student’s individual professional development plan.

  • Individualized Career Counseling

    Throughout law school, the PDO provides each student with individualized career counseling with former practicing attorneys who have experienced the law school process. The PDO offers programming designed to assist students with résumé writing, interviewing skills, and preparation for success on the job and includes a mock interview program with local attorneys. Networking events throughout the year serve to introduce students to TU Law alumni, local judges, and other professionals and assists students in finding a mentor.

    The On-Campus Interview Program during the spring and fall helps students secure internships and clerkships locally or throughout the nation in their specific areas of interest. Through the Licensed Legal Intern (LLI) program, students gain in-court experience either through the Lobeck Taylor Community Advocacy Clinic or in an internship or externship under the supervision of an Oklahoma licensed attorney.

  • On-Campus Interview Program

    The PDO hosts an On-Campus Interview Program during the spring and fall to help students secure local or national internships and clerkships in their specific areas of interest.

    TU Law invites employers to participate in the On-Campus Interview Program (OCI) every fall and spring. The Professional Development Office encourages employers to visit campus to interview exceptional law students for summer, part-time, or full-time associate attorney positions. The PDO encourages employers to consider first- and second-year TU Law students for summer or other part-time internships and third-year students for post-graduate positions.

    The PDO accommodates employers who are interested in interviewing students outside of the OCI session dates. To arrange a custom interview session, receive more information, or to participate in our upcoming OCI program, please email tulaw-pdo@utulsa.edu or call 918-631-2430.

    Employers may also submit a job posting online or register and post open positions directly on Compass, the TU Law jobs platform.

    Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 Dates TBA

  • Practical Training

    In addition to internship, externship, and clinic opportunities, TU Law offers all students practical training opportunities to supplement their coursework.

    The Richard B. Risk Practicum Series

    The annual Richard B. Risk endowed practicum series focuses on a variety of subjects, including settlement planning. The endowment allows members of the legal profession who have established themselves as experts in their fields to make presentations for students and young alumni at the College of Law. TU Law offers one hour of CLE credit per session for the legal community at no charge.
    See upcoming sessions

    Judge Eagan Criminal Defense Practicum

    The Honorable Claire V. Eagan, Chief Judge for the Northern District of Oklahoma, offers a Federal Criminal Defense Practicum in each spring. The practicum is a 10-week program and is held during lunch at the Page Belcher Federal Building in Tulsa. Judge Eagan or another instructor associated with the federal courts leads each session. Students receive practical instruction on federal criminal practice and have the opportunity to interact with an incredible group of practitioners and experts.

    Basic Mediation and Family Relations Mediation Training

    TU College of Law facilitates this six-day Basic Mediation and Family Relations Mediation Training (FRMT) in conjunction with the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Students and recent graduates who attend FRMT become certified mediators in Oklahoma and agree to mediate family relations cases and small claims cases in the Tulsa county courts. TU College of Law is the only law school in the state to host the FRMT for students.

    Tulsa Lawyers for Children Training

    Tulsa Lawyers for Children, Inc. (TLC) recruits, trains, and assists volunteer attorneys who represent children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned and who are subjects of deprived cases in the Tulsa County Juvenile Court. TLC volunteers include litigators and family lawyers along with corporate attorneys, former judges, former general counsels of large public companies, patent and trademark attorneys, law school professors, and many others who bring their experience, talent, and dedication to assist in these confidential juvenile proceedings. TU Law students attend the same training as attorney volunteers and then volunteer as legal assistants to assist TLC attorneys on their cases. Students are provided the chance to learn the intricacies of this system while providing valuable volunteer service.

  • Licensed Legal Internship Program (LLI)

    The Licensed Legal Internship Program (LLI) allows law students to gain in-court experience through participation in a legal clinic or an internship or externship under the supervision of an Oklahoma attorney.

    For more information, please contact the Professional Development Office at 918-631-2430 or tulaw-pdo@utulsa.edu.

  • For Employers: Resume Collection

    The Professional Development Office is happy to collect job application materials on behalf of employers and provide them in an electronic book format so they may make interview selections and arrangements directly with law students or graduates. For more information, please contact the PDO at 918-631-2430 or tulaw-pdo@utulsa.edu.