vOU law students and professors are trying to make the justice
system more accessible to Oklahomans who cannot afford legal
aid.

It was this idea that was behind the formation of the College of
Law’s Pro Bono Referral Program, which matches law-student
volunteers with opportunities for law-related pro bono work under
supervising licensed attorneys, said Judith Maute, director of the
program and law professor.

The pro bono work offers legal services free to those who would
not otherwise be able to afford them, Maute said.

“Oklahoma’s unmet legal needs are enormous,”
Maute said. “The OU Law Pro Bono Program is dedicated to
encouraging a culture of public service among Oklahoma’s
lawyers and law students.”

Maute said she hoped the program would encourage attorneys to
accept pro bono referrals because they could depend on volunteers
to do much of the “heavy lifting.”

First-year law student Helen Brown said increased availability
of legal aid helps the judicial system fulfill its purpose.

“The judicial system was set up for the people, but
it’s become so complicated that regular people can’t
participate in it,” Brown said.

The program, which kicked off in March, has already placed
students at Legal Aid in Oklahoma City and Norman, Oklahoma Lawyers
for Children and Oklahoma’s Indigent Defense System, Maute
said.

Although students can currently do pro bono work at the
college’s legal clinic, Maute said the referral program will
be much less time intensive and will allow access to a broader
spectrum of opportunities.

The program will not only help students help the community, but
will also give them the opportunity to gain experience, said Ashley
Tate, senior student coordinator for the fall and second-year law
student.

“Students can try out different areas of law, gain
invaluable experience, contribute to the unmet legal needs of
Oklahoma, build their resume, and make connections for future
permanent hiring,” Tate said.

The program has already paired 30 to 40 students for the summer
with opportunities matching their interests, Tate said.
hello there & you too