At the University of Oklahoma College of Law, career preparation starts early because it has to. The legal job market is evolving quickly, with some employers now recruiting law students before they’ve taken their first final. OU Law’s Career Development Office (CDO) meets this moment head-on. From the very beginning, students are supported and equipped to navigate a range of career opportunities with clarity and confidence.
With a 94% employment rate in each of the past two years, OU Law’s outcomes are a direct reflection of its mission. The College is committed to providing exceptional value through hands-on, practice-ready legal education. That mission begins in the very first semester.
Career Readiness Starts on Day One
The CDO’s first-semester programming is more than a roadmap to a first internship. These trainings are a launchpad for long-term professional development. The office offers an individualized, integrated series of events and advising sessions designed to help students identify their goals, understand the market, and build their professional presence early in their law school experience.
“Our programs are designed to help every student develop a foundation for success,” Director of Career Development, Katie Spencer said. “It’s about identifying your path, gaining practical skills, and learning how to present yourself with professionalism and purpose.”
First-Semester Programs That Make a Difference
During their first semester, 1Ls participate in a thoughtfully structured series of programs, including:
- Career Foundations Course: A seven-week co-curricular course introducing students to career timelines, resume strategies, legal markets, and professional identity.
- Individual Career Planning: Personalized advising sessions tailored to each student’s career aspirations and internship search goals.
- Intro to CDO Small Groups: Informal discussions that introduce students to the office and initiate career conversations in a welcoming environment.
- Networking Events: From September to November, the CDO facilitates 13 employer networking events, along with weekly “Table Talk Tuesdays,” offering ongoing opportunities to connect with practicing attorneys at firms from across the region.
- 1L Mock Interview Week: A hands-on experience where students receive individualized feedback from legal professionals to refine their interview skills.
- 1L Professional Identity Night: A unique event that challenges students to think deeply about how they show up as professionals, now and in the future.
Collectively, these programs introduce 1L students to the various ways to practice law, the steps they can take to enter these various markets, and how to succeed along the way.
Preparing for the Whole Profession
Whether students are interested in litigation, transactional work, public service, private practice, or alternative careers, the CDO provides tools that translate across the profession. Its work reflects OU Law’s belief that practical preparation should be universal and accessible to every student.
“OU Law has so many resources that have helped me critically think about my professional identity.” 3L Mahak Merchant, said. “The CDO team, the professors, Brittany and Ellie have all been reliable guides, encouraging me to take ownership of my career path while supporting me at every step.”
Rooted in Readiness, Powered by Purpose
Career development should not be an "add-on" to a legal education. That's why we embed it into the student experience. The CDO ensures that every student has the support they need to turn legal education into a meaningful career. It is one more way OU Law continues to deliver on its promise of accessibility, value, and real-world outcomes.
Learn more about how OU Law prepares students to lead from day one here.