Our Interview With Shenice Freeman, Clinical Administrator of The HEROES Clinic at Oklahoma City University School of Law

‍Juris Education interviewed Shenice Freeman, Clinical Administrator of The HEROES Clinic at Oklahoma City University School of Law, for an exclusive look at what sets the school's Pre-Law Scholars program apart.

What makes Oklahoma City University School of Law’s HEROES Clinic uniquely valuable for law students?

What makes Oklahoma City University School of Law’s HEROES Clinic so valuable is that it places students directly in the middle of real community impact. Students aren’t just studying legal theory—they’re sitting across from veterans and justice-involved individuals who need help navigating complicated legal issues like expungements, fines and fees, or barriers to employment.

It’s powerful because students see how the law affects someone’s everyday life. They learn quickly that access to justice isn’t just about knowing the law—it’s about listening, understanding someone’s story, and helping them move forward. That kind of experience is difficult to replicate in a traditional classroom.

How does participation in the HEROES Clinic enhance students’ real-world legal skills and readiness for practice?

The clinic gives students hands-on experience that mirrors what practicing attorneys do every day. They interview clients, review records, identify legal options, and work through the process of preparing filings and documentation.

But beyond the technical skills, they develop the interpersonal skills that are just as important in legal practice. Many of the individuals they meet have experienced trauma, incarceration, or systemic barriers. Students learn how to communicate clearly, show empathy, and build trust while still maintaining professionalism.

By the time they leave the clinic, they’ve had real client interactions and understand how legal advocacy works in practice—not just in theory.

What measurable outcomes or long-term impacts have you observed among law students who participate in the HEROES Clinic?

One of the biggest impacts we see is a shift in how students think about the role of the law in people’s lives. Many come into the clinic interested in practicing law, but they leave with a deeper understanding of access to justice and the barriers people face after involvement with the justice system.

We’ve also seen students gain confidence very quickly. After working directly with clients and legal documents, they’re more prepared for internships, clerkships, and eventually practice because they’ve already experienced the responsibility of helping someone navigate a real legal issue.

In many cases, the clinic also inspires students to stay connected to public interest work, pro bono efforts, or justice reform long after they graduate. It becomes a defining part of their legal education.

Juris Education is proud to interview experts at the nation's most renowned law schools for insights on what makes their programs unique and how they shape career-ready law students.