OU Law Students to Hold Pop-Up Clinic at Norman Veterans Center

Media Contact:
Rachel Egli
Director of Events and Continuing Legal Education
Office: (405) 325-2011
r.egli@ou.edu

University of Oklahoma College of Law students will provide free legal assistance to veterans during a pop-up clinic, scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Norman Veterans Center, 1776 E. Robinson St.

Under the supervision of faculty attorneys, students enrolled in the OU Legal Clinic and members of OU Law’s Military Law Society will be available to provide document preparation for:

• simple wills
• power of attorney
• advance directives
• transfer on death deed
• nomination of guardian

The pop-up clinic is a come-and-go event, and appointments are not necessary. Veterans seeking assistance will need to bring a photo ID.

“It is an honor to provide the veterans of this community with access to necessary legal services, recognizing their contribution and sacrifice in defending this country’s rule of law,” said Interim OU Law Dean Katheleen R. Guzman. “OU Law instills a high value for pro bono legal work in its students, and opportunities such as this provide them with not only a valuable hands-on experience, but a greater appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”

Through its legal clinics, OU Law has a strong history of advocating for those in the community. In the college’s Civil Clinic and Criminal Defense Clinic, students represent clients from Cleveland and McClain counties who would not otherwise be able to afford counsel. During the 2018-2019 academic year, students in the OU Legal Clinic helped a revolving caseload of 222 cases, made 213 court appearances, opened 98 new cases and assisted 56 children with 46 guardian ad litem cases.

“A continuing goal of the Legal Clinic is to give our students a variety of opportunities where they get to use their legal training to provide quality services to those in our community who might otherwise not be able to obtain representation,” said Rebekah Taylor, assistant professor of clinical legal education at OU Law. “With this clinic, we’re reaching out to a specific group – our veterans – to help them create the legal documents they need to protect their own financial interests, as well as provide for their families in the future.” 

Instilling the importance of pro bono work and public service is a hallmark of an OU Law education. In the 2018-2019 academic year, OU Law students completed 11,477 hours of pro bono and public service.

For more information about the Veterans Pop-Up Clinic, please contact Rebekah Taylor at rebekah.taylor@ou.edu or (405) 325-3702.

Founded in 1909, the OU College of Law is one of the nation’s premier law schools. OU Law offers small sections and class sizes that encourage a strong sense of community; accomplished faculty with international expertise; and a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology. The OU College of Law is the academic home of more than 800 students enrolled in the juris doctor program, the John B. Turner Master of Laws Program, the master of legal studies program and various dual degree programs. For more information about OU Law, visit law.ou.edu.