NORMAN, OKLA. – For a second consecutive year, the University of Oklahoma College of Law has been named a finalist for Bloomberg Law’s annual Law School Innovation Program. This year’s award highlights career resilience, and OU Law was selected for its Center for Technology and Innovation in Practice.
“Earning recognition from an industry leader like Bloomberg Law affirms the University of Oklahoma’s commitment to leading the nation in legal technology innovation,” said OU Law Dean Anna Carpenter. “To be named a finalist for two consecutive years underscores OU Law’s standing as a top-tier law school—one that not only excels in legal education but prepares future legal professionals to thrive in a technology-driven world.”
The OU Law Center for Technology & Innovation in Practice was created in 2018 to prepare law students for practice through technology training and innovative thinking. It was built around their Digital Initiative, which was recognized by Bloomberg Law in last year’s Law School Innovation Program.
“Last year’s award was based on technology implementation, while this year’s award honors innovative ways to practice law,” said Sean Harrington, OU Law director of technology and innovation. “Since generative AI has changed the nature of legal work and upended the traditional career path, we knew we needed to expose our students to new ways of practicing law. We also wanted to encourage them to adopt innovative approaches to legal service delivery.”
In addition to teaching fundamental concepts of AI and technology in law practice, Harrington and other faculty members regularly bring in lawyers from non-traditional firms, like a co-op firm from Colorado and a subscription-based firm from Florida, to teach students about different models available to them that are not reliant on billable hours. Harrington believes these could help prevent burnout.
“Technology is going to explode the traditional law firm model. We know this. We see it happening. These models present a real opportunity for our students to have a better quality of life and better relationships with their clients,” he said. “I’m honored that our work has been recognized by Bloomberg Law and proud that OU Law is being recognized for innovation.”
OU Law is one of 10 finalists for Bloomberg Law’s 2024-2025 Law School Innovation Program, which evaluates how law schools address burnout and build resilience for a fulfilling long-term legal career. OU Law is also one of only three programs recognized in back-to-back years.
Learn more about OU Law’s technological innovation, including its status as the only Apple Distinguished Law School in North America.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.