2025 Midwest Clinic Conference

October 17-19, 2025

The Pedagogy of Principled Advocacy: Teaching Through Persistence
“Our people… had unbelievable tenacity.” —Wilma Mankiller

Welcome to the 2025 Midwest Clinical Conference at Oklahoma City University School of Law.

We are honored to host this year’s Midwest Clinical Conference, “The Pedagogy of Principled Advocacy: Teaching Through Persistence.” Inspired by Wilma Mankiller’s unwavering commitment to justice and community leadership, this gathering invites us to reflect on how we cultivate persistence, courage, and ethical clarity in our students. We look forward to engaging in dialogue, collaboration, and shared community as we deepen our collective efforts to prepare lawyers who serve with integrity and purpose.

At Oklahoma City University, our educational philosophy of servant leadership embodied in the motto “Create, Lead, and Serve” creates a learning environment where students develop the same tenacious advocacy that Wilma Mankiller exemplified as the first woman to serve as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Through sustained clinical work, long-standing community partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to ethical practice, OCU Law prepares students to identify unmet legal needs and respond with both competence and courage.

This commitment to principled advocacy is evident in our graduates’ career paths: approximately one-third enter public interest or government service, a rate significantly higher than the national average. These outcomes reflect the school’s success in preparing lawyers dedicated to advancing justice and serving their communities with thoughtfulness and resolve.

We are thrilled to welcome you to Oklahoma City and to this year’s conference, where we hope you’ll find inspiration, solidarity, and renewed purpose in our shared commitment to teach, serve, and advocate with persistence, courage, and integrity.

Call for Proposals

Oklahoma City University School of Law is proud to host the 2025 Midwest Clinical Conference, which will explore how clinical legal education fosters principled advocacy through persistence. Inspired by Wilma Mankiller’s enduring commitment to justice and community leadership, this year’s theme invites reflection on how we prepare students to persevere in the face of systemic barriers, serve with integrity, and advocate ethically across diverse legal and community contexts. How can clinical programs model tenacious, ethical advocacy across different practice areas and community settings? We welcome proposals for workshops, panels, and presentations that highlight teaching methods, ethical frameworks, and community-engaged strategies that equip students to pursue justice with courage, clarity, and commitment.

Important Locations
Oklahoma City University School of Law (“OCU Law”)
800 N. Harvey Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

• Parking located on the east side of the building off Harvey Ave
• Three minute drive or 14 minute walk from hotel