The University of Oklahoma College of Law congratulates Associate Professor of Clinical Legal Education Rebekah C. Taylor on her appointment as a Special Judge for Cleveland County. A respected educator, accomplished attorney, and 2007 graduate of the College of Law, Taylor will begin serving on the bench August 14, continuing a career dedicated to public service and preparing the next generation of Oklahoma lawyers.
Taylor has been a member of the OU Law faculty since 2017, where she teaches and supervises student attorneys in the College’s Criminal Defense Clinic. Through the Legal Clinic, she has helped prepare hundreds of students to become confident, practice-ready attorneys while expanding access to legal services for Oklahomans.
“Professor Taylor has dedicated her career to serving the people of Oklahoma, preparing the next generation of lawyers, and leading with integrity in every role she has held,” said Dean Anna Carpenter. “She brings remarkable judgment, deep compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public service. We are incredibly proud of her and know she will serve Cleveland County with distinction.”
Before joining the faculty, Taylor began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Cleveland County District Attorney’s Office before entering private practice, where she represented clients in criminal defense, family law, guardianships, juvenile matters, and expungements. She returned to her alma mater in 2017 and has since become a respected educator, mentor, and advocate for experiential legal education.
Throughout her career, Taylor has been an active leader in Oklahoma’s legal community. She has served on the Cleveland County Bench and Bar Executive Committee, participated in the Oklahoma Bar Association Leadership Academy, coached OU Law’s nationally competitive arbitration teams, and contributed to numerous university and community initiatives. Earlier this year, she received the Robert E.L. Richardson Law Faculty Award in recognition of her excellence in teaching and service.
The College congratulates Judge-designate Taylor on this well-deserved appointment and looks forward to the impact she will continue to make in service to the people of Oklahoma.