The Oklahoma Supreme Court amended its Licensed Legal Internship program rules in a divided decision issued Nov. 17, 2025, with changes taking effect immediately despite significant opposition from four justices.
The court issued an order approving amendments to Rules 2 and 6 and Regulation 7 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of the State of Oklahoma Licensed Legal Internship program. The application to amend these rules was filed on May 20, 2025, setting in motion a process that culminated in the split decision.
Chief Justice Rowe authored the order, which was joined by Justices Winchester, Edmondson, Combs and Jett in a 5-4 majority. The decision faced substantial opposition, with Vice Chief Justice Kuehn writing a separate dissenting opinion joined by Justices Darby and Kane. Justice Gurich concurred in part while also dissenting in part from the majority's decision.
The amendments primarily affect Rule 2, which governs eligibility requirements for obtaining a limited license as a Licensed Legal Intern. Under the revised Rule 2.1, law student applicants must meet several specific requirements to qualify for the internship program.
The new eligibility standards require students to have successfully completed half of the required academic hours in a law school program leading to a Juris Doctor Degree, as mandated by American Bar Association Accreditation Standards. Critically, these hours must include completion of Professional Responsibility, Evidence, and Civil Procedure I and II courses.
The rule allows students to apply while enrolled in courses that, upon completion, will satisfy the academic requirements. This provision provides flexibility for students who are currently taking the required courses but have not yet finished them.
Additionally, applicants must maintain a graduating grade point average at their law school, though the specific GPA threshold was not detailed in the available portions of the order. The rule also requires approval from the student's law school, ensuring institutional oversight of the internship application process.
The Licensed Legal Internship program serves as a bridge between law school education and professional practice, allowing qualified students to gain practical experience under supervision while still completing their legal education. These programs have become increasingly important in legal education as schools and the profession recognize the value of hands-on experience in preparing future attorneys.
The amendments reference several prior interpretations of the rules, including Interpretations 98-2, 2002-1, and 2022-1, suggesting the court has regularly refined these requirements over the years to address practical concerns and evolving educational standards.
The court's jurisdiction to amend these rules stems from its inherent authority to regulate the practice of law within Oklahoma, including oversight of legal education and internship programs that prepare students for eventual bar admission.
The immediate effective date of the amendments means that current and prospective legal interns must comply with the new requirements right away. This timeline suggests the court viewed the changes as necessary and appropriate for implementation without delay.
The divided nature of the decision, however, indicates substantial disagreement among the justices about the wisdom or necessity of these particular amendments. Vice Chief Justice Kuehn's decision to write a separate dissenting opinion, rather than simply join in dissent, suggests specific concerns about the majority's approach that warranted detailed explanation.
Justice Gurich's partial concurrence and partial dissent indicates agreement with some aspects of the amendments while opposing others, though the specific points of agreement and disagreement are not detailed in the available portions of the order.
The Oklahoma legal education community will need to adapt quickly to these new requirements. Law schools must ensure their internship programs comply with the amended rules, while students seeking internship opportunities must verify they meet the new eligibility criteria.
For students currently in law school or considering legal education in Oklahoma, these amendments may affect planning and course selection strategies. The specific requirement for Professional Responsibility, Evidence, and Civil Procedure courses means students must prioritize these subjects early in their law school careers if they wish to participate in the internship program.
The amendments also reflect ongoing efforts by state supreme courts nationwide to balance practical legal education with academic rigor, ensuring that students gain meaningful experience while maintaining appropriate educational standards.
Legal internship programs remain a valuable component of legal education, providing students with supervised practice opportunities that enhance their preparation for the bar examination and eventual legal practice. The Oklahoma Supreme Court's amendments appear designed to ensure participants in these programs have sufficient foundational knowledge before undertaking practical legal work.
The full text of Exhibit A, which contains the complete amended rules, provides additional detail about the specific changes implemented by the court's order.