Terry West Civil Legal Clinic

The University of Tulsa acquires Fab Lab Tulsa

The University of Tulsa has announced the acquisition of Fab Lab Tulsa, which provides access to digital fabrication tools and resources throughout the community through membership and programming. The move is part of TU’s ongoing efforts to promote innovation and aligns with the university’s global reputation in engineering, computer science, and the creative arts. “We […]

Unique organizational studies program offers expansive opportunities

At roughly 75 majors, organizational studies is one of the largest majors in The University of Tulsa’s Kendall College of Arts & Sciences. From social sciences, media, and arts to business administration, the program provides students a wide range of knowledge and skills, rather than limiting them to a single discipline. But as a so-called […]

TU Law celebrates alumna Sara Hill’s historic confirmation to federal bench

The University of Tulsa’s College of Law congratulates alumna Sara Hill (JD ’03) as she becomes the first Native American woman to serve as a federal judge in Oklahoma. This historic appointment marks a significant milestone in the state’s legal landscape. The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to confirm Hill, who fills a vacant […]

New faculty member brings expertise and INSPIRE lab to Psychology Department

The University of Tulsa Department of Psychology has a wide variety of faculty-led research labs. From the Exposure, Relaxation & Rescripting Therapy for Chronic Nightmares study to the Psychophysiology Laboratory for Affective Neuroscience lab, TU offers students the opportunity to participate in ongoing research and even publish their findings. New to Kendall College of Arts […]

More than 60 years of James Joyce Quarterly

Legend has it that Thomas Staley, former provost of The University of Tulsa, founded the James Joyce Quarterly, fondly known as JJQ, in his garage. Or was it his kitchen table? That was more than 60 years ago, and since then the journal has become an internationally esteemed publication known for its publishing of critical […]

The UTulsa Terry West Civil Legal Clinic is dedicated to providing pro bono legal services to the greater Tulsa metropolitan area, with a strong focus on advancing racial, economic, and social justice. Our students engage in hands-on experiences through policy work, legal services, and various client-facing social justice projects, making a significant impact on the community.

Diverse Legal Projects

Students participate in diverse and impactful projects, including:

Civil rights representation: Advocating for clients in critical civil rights cases
Challenging unconstitutional statutes: Addressing state statutes that affect children and parental rights
Reproductive health and justice advocacy: Championing reproductive health and justice initiatives

Developing Essential Lawyering Skills

Students develop essential lawyering skills, including:

Legislative research: Conducting thorough legislative research
Legal writing and advocacy: Drafting legal briefs and engaging in oral and written advocacy
Client interaction: Interviewing and counseling clients to build empowering lawyer-client relationships
Trial skills: Learning basic evidence handling and trial procedures

Ethical and Practical Training

Students delve into legal advocacy’s ethical, practical, theoretical, and strategic aspects. They explore the justice system’s role in marginalized communities’ lives, their responsibilities as lawyers, and effective advocacy inside and outside the courtroom.

Initiatives and Reports

Discrimination and Implicit Bias in the Courtroom

Advanced clinic students Shawnee Arrington and William Woolston prepared a report for the Access to Justice Commission, highlighting discrimination and implicit bias in Oklahoma’s courts.

Changing the Game: Eliminating Inequities in Oklahoma's Rental Law

Clinic students created a report that addresses issues from HB 1564 and its impact on eviction rates. It exposes systemic problems in the Landlord Tenant Act, including high eviction rates, unsafe housing, and exploitation by out-of-state landlords.

Advancing Housing Justice in Tulsa

In response to high eviction rates, clinic students analyzed eviction dockets to identify procedural irregularities and access to justice barriers. Their report contributes to advocacy for legislative and procedural reforms.

Bulletins

Study Resources & Centers

Popular Research Programs

Funding Your Research