University of Oklahoma College of Law
University of Oklahoma
College of Law
300 Timberdell Road
Norman, OK 73019
www.law.ou.edu
Law School Pro Bono Programs
Contact Information
Elizabeth T. Bangs
Faculty Director, Students for Access to Justice
etbangs@ou.edu
Students for Access to Justice
ousatj@gmail.com
http://adams.law.ou.edu/satj/
Category Type
Formal Voluntary Pro Bono Program Characterized by a Referral System with a Coordinator
Description of Program
Students for Access to Justice (SATJ) connects law students with area organizations, professors, government agencies and the courts at all levels to assist on pro bono projects. Many such connections are initiated at SATJ’s annual Pro Bono and Public Interest Fair, held each spring. The Fair, held at the law school, offers organizations a chance to distribute informational material and make contacts, and it provides students with the opportunity to learn about many different agencies and opportunities.
SATJ also sponsors a Protective Order Assistance program at the Cleveland County Courthouse, assisting local victims of domestic violence applying for protective orders
.SATJ recognizes outstanding public service contributions by faculty and students at an annual reception and at graduation.
Location of Program
University of Oklahoma College of Law and Cleveland County Courthouse
Staffing/Management/Oversight
Faculty Director, Elizabeth T. Bangs
Two or three paid student coordinators
Funding
The College of Law provides funding to pay the student coordinators, for the Fair, and for the reception. Summer fellowships are funded through a combination of school funding and donations.
Student Run Pro Bono Groups/Specialized Law Education Projects
Faculty and Administrative Pro Bono
In 2010, 16 faculty members were recognized for their pro bono work.
Awards/Recognition
Students and faculty who work more than 25 hours on pro bono projects in an academic year are recognized at an annual spring reception. Graduating students are recognized at Commencement.
Community Service
SATJ sponsors a Protective Order Assistance program at the Cleveland County Courthouse, assisting local victims of domestic violence applying for protective orders. The University of Oklahoma College of Law has a twice-yearly blood drive. Student leaders regularly sponsor projects such as a toy drive for underprivileged children during the holiday season.
Law School Public Interest Programs
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Contact Information
Professor Cheryl Wattley
Director of the OU Legal Clinic
cwattley@ou.edu
Certificate/Curriculum Programs
Public Interest Centers
Public Interest Clinics
The University of Oklahoma Legal Clinic is a clinical program providing law students the opportunity to represent indigent clients in a broad range of cases in Cleveland and McClain Counties and in administrative proceedings before state and federal agencies. The Legal Clinic includes both a Civil Clinic and a Criminal Defense Clinic.
Cheryl Wattley, Associate Professor and Director
Externships/Internships
Students may enroll in 3 credit hours per semester for externships with local judges and law offices. Students are required to work 140 hours over the course of the semester. During the first term that a student is enrolled in an externship, she must concurrently enroll in a two-credit class, Issues in Professionalism, where they explore current issues in the professional as well as relationships with clients and supervisors.
Classes with a Public Service Component
Public Interest Journals
Public Interest Career Assistance
SATJ works closely with the Office of Career and Professional Development to provide information and sponsor events for students pursuing public interest careers.
Marcus Bivines, Director
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)
Post-Graduate Fellowships/Awards
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Sources:
Term Time Fellowships/Scholarships
Law School Funded:
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Sources:
Summer Fellowships
Law School Funded:
In 2010, the College of Law sponsored four summer fellowships for public interest work. The three Coats Fellowships and one Maute Fellowship provide $1000 per student.
Graduate Student Funded:
Other Funding Sources:
Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Programs
Student Public Interest Groups
