The University of Tulsa’s College of Law has taken a significant step forward in enhancing access to their legal expertise through the expansion of their Public Defender Clinic. It has now broadened its scope from exclusively handling felony cases to include misdemeanors. This progression is a testament to the clinic’s triumphs in championing the rights of incarcerated individuals, decreasing incarceration rates in Oklahoma, and honing the legal skills of its students.
“Our Public Defender Clinic offers students an exceptional opportunity to gain practical legal experience, solidify their understanding of criminal law, and make a difference in the lives of individuals who are too often marginalized by the justice system,” said Dean Oren R. Griffin. “This expansion gives students even more opportunities to learn and grow. We firmly believe this new offering will help train the next generation of compassionate and effective advocates while serving the community in a broader way.”
Deputy Chief Public Defender Glen Blake added: “This extraordinary expansion is not only monumental for TU Law students, but also for underrepresented individuals in the community. Our clients will benefit from the clinic’s unmatched legal training in misdemeanors, which can have life-altering consequences. TU Law is truly going the extra mile to provide invaluable resources to those who need it the most.”
With the introduction of a misdemeanor track, TU Law students will gain comprehensive expertise through misdemeanor court cases, preparing them to excel in their careers from Day One. This unparalleled legal training, balanced with real-world experience, positions students as highly sought-after job candidates.
“Getting to assist on cases has been a game-changer for me. It’s one thing to learn about advocacy in the classroom, but it’s a completely different experience to put those skills into action,” said recent TU Law graduate Amy Hernandez (JD ’23).
By expanding the Public Defender Clinic, TU Law is making a significant impact both within and outside of the university.