Oklahoma Law Professors
Rule Two, Section 6 of the Oklahoma Rules Governing Admission to the Practice of Law allows attorneys admitted in another jurisdiction that are employed as law professors at an ABA accredited law school in Oklahoma to be granted a Special Temporary Permit to practice law in Oklahoma without taking the Oklahoma bar exam. Law professors must devote their full-time to the teaching of law.
Please also see the Oklahoma Miscellaneous page to view the qualifications for a temporary permit to practice while waiting to take the bar exam or the results of that exam.
Practice
The practice of law is limited to assisting attorneys licensed in Oklahoma as a consulting or testifying expert, representing clients in a law school clinical program, or providing pro bono services.
Application and Certification
Attorneys do not have to comply with Rule Two, Section 2 (NCBE Character and Fitness Report) but must file an Application. The application includes:
- A certificate from the clerk of the highest appellate court of the state where the applicant last practiced showing that the applicant has been admitted and is a member of good standing of the bar of that state.
- A certificate from the law school Dean or Registrar employing the applicant showing the date of the applicant’s employment, the terms of the employment, and the applicant’s professorial rank.
Termination
The right to practice law in Oklahoma terminates when the employment ceases, unless the person is admitted to practice in Oklahoma pursuant to another rule.
The temporary permit of any person who takes the bar exam expires on the date that the successful applicant is sworn in. The temporary permit of any person who fails the bar exam is revoked effective immediately upon the announcement of the results of the bar exam.