On January 16, 30 OU Law first-year students set out early and headed east on I-44 for a day of professional exploration in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a thriving legal community with deep roots in Oklahoma’s business and civic life. The OU Law 1L Tulsa Trip offered students an up-close look at the city’s legal community through firm tours, attorney panels, and networking opportunities with five respected firms: GableGotwals, Crowe & Dunlevy, Hall Estill, Conner & Winters, and Barber & Bartz.
For many students, the experience was their first chance to step inside major Tulsa offices and see how legal practice comes to life beyond the classroom. Throughout the day, the firms welcomed students into their spaces, introduced them to attorneys from a variety of practice areas, and provided a window into each firm’s culture and day-to-day work.
"The Tulsa Trip is about helping students envision where their OU Law degree can take them,” Director of Career Development, Katie Spencer said. “It also introduces them to Tulsa’s legal community so they can make real connections and discover more places where they can succeed as professionals.”
At each stop, OU Law students participated in Q&A panels with attorneys who shared career stories, practical advice, and insight into what it means to build a successful practice in Tulsa. Attorneys spoke about professional development, work-life balance, mentorship, and the skills that help young lawyers stand out especially strong writing, professionalism, and the ability to collaborate.
“I wasn’t very familiar at all with the Tulsa legal market before the trip, other than knowing that some of the firms I’d heard of in the Oklahoma City legal market also have Tulsa offices,” first-year law student Sadie Sieck said. “After visiting Tulsa, I have a better idea of what’s out there!”
Just as valuable as the information shared was the connection students felt with the attorneys themselves. The day concluded with a networking event that brought together students, attorneys, and firm representatives in a more informal setting. Across every firm, the message was clear: Tulsa offers dynamic legal work, meaningful client relationships, and strong career opportunities for OU Law graduates. Students were also reminded that while law school requires focus and discipline, the legal profession is ultimately built on relationships, integrity, and trust.
“I really enjoyed getting to know other 1Ls in my class that I hadn’t had a chance to meet yet. I also found it valuable to see the inside of several different law firms and meet attorneys in their natural habitat,” Sieck said.
The OU Law 1L Tulsa Trip reflects the College of Law’s commitment to preparing students for success throughout the state. By connecting first-year students directly with attorneys in another key market, the trip strengthens OU Law’s statewide presence and reinforces the school’s role in developing Oklahoma’s next generation of legal professionals.
As the flagship law school of the state, OU Law is proud to help students build networks and discover opportunities not only in the Oklahoma City Metro, but across Oklahoma. Experiences like this trip allow students to see firsthand that meaningful legal careers can take shape in many communities, and that the relationships built during law school can open doors for years to come.