The Legal Industry in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s legal industry is closely tied to the state’s diverse economy, with key sectors such as energy, aerospace, manufacturing, and agriculture shaping legal practice. These industries create demand for attorneys specializing in regulatory compliance, environmental law, corporate transactions, and intellectual property. The state’s legal market includes a mix of large national firms, regional practices, and boutique firms that serve Oklahoma’s growing business community.
Oklahoma City serves as the state’s primary legal hub, home to some of the largest law firms in the region. McAfee & Taft, the largest law firm in the state, provides full-service legal representation across corporate law, labor and employment, and litigation. Crowe & Dunlevy, another major firm with offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, has a long-standing reputation in business law, energy law, and regulatory matters.
Oklahoma’s economy heavily influences legal practice areas. The state’s strong energy sector, led by oil and gas production, requires legal expertise in environmental regulations, mineral rights, and corporate transactions. Additionally, Oklahoma has a growing aerospace and defense industry, generating legal work in government contracting, compliance, and intellectual property. The state’s manufacturing and agricultural sectors also contribute to legal demand, particularly in labor law, business litigation, and regulatory compliance.
With a well-established legal network and steady demand for attorneys, Oklahoma offers a strong market for legal professionals across multiple industries. The presence of major law firms and corporate legal departments ensures opportunities for lawyers specializing in high-demand practice areas.
Is it Difficult to Practice Law in Oklahoma?
Practicing law in Oklahoma requires meeting specific educational and licensing requirements set by the Oklahoma Board of Bar Examiners. Attorneys who meet the necessary qualifications and develop expertise in key practice areas can find strong opportunities in the market.
State Requirements for Practicing Law
To be admitted to the Oklahoma Bar, applicants must earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Oklahoma administers a state-specific bar exam, which includes the following components:
- Oklahoma Essay Exam (OEE) – Covers various aspects of Oklahoma state law, including civil procedure, property law, and contracts.
- Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) – A standardized multiple-choice test that assesses knowledge of fundamental legal principles.
- Multistate Performance Test (MPT) – Evaluates practical lawyering skills through real-world legal scenarios.
In addition, candidates must pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) with a minimum score of 75, demonstrating their knowledge of professional ethics. All applicants must also complete a character and fitness review to ensure they meet the moral and ethical standards required to practice law in the state.
Competition and Opportunities
Oklahoma’s legal job market is stable, with demand for attorneys in key industries such as energy, healthcare, corporate law, and litigation. Oklahoma City and Tulsa serve as the state’s primary legal hubs, offering opportunities in both large firms and corporate legal departments. Attorneys specializing in oil and gas law, environmental regulations, and government contracts often find strong employment prospects due to the state’s significant energy and aerospace industries.
While the state provides steady opportunities for legal professionals, the market can be competitive, particularly for positions at top firms. New attorneys must work to differentiate themselves through specialization, networking, and professional development. However, Oklahoma’s lower cost of living and strong industry presence make it an appealing location for attorneys seeking a sustainable and rewarding legal career.
