Inspired Honors College Student Already Eyeing a Successful Future in Law

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NORMAN, OKLA. – Megan Benner, a University of Oklahoma Honors College health care business student and Pre-Law Scholar, has her sights set on success in the future. Only in her third year, Benner has already accrued an academic resumé that would be the envy of many students. Still, she feels larger accomplishments are on the horizon.

“I think I’ve developed my resumé for that exact reason: growth,” said Benner. “Through each class, volunteer activity, and professional experience, I believe I have become a more well-rounded student and person. I remember [a saying] once, ‘Growth comes from a wealth of experiences,’ and I couldn’t agree more.”

In the fall semester of 2024, she plans to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) to enter her post-graduate academic phase. Law has been influential in Benner’s journey as a student.

“I’ve always found it fascinating how the law impacts nearly every aspect of life,” she said. “Whether you’re driving down the street or getting dressed for work, there’s a law protecting you, whether you’re aware of it or not. This broadness is appealing to me because the areas for inquiry are endless.”

Benner currently serves as the president of the OU Mock Trial, an experience she described as “a lot of work, but it doesn’t feel like a lot of work.” OU Mock Trial is a competitive team activity wherein students assume the roles of both attorneys and witnesses to provide a unique opportunity for undergraduate students interested in law and acting to prepare for their future careers. Last year saw Benner serve as vice president and help lead the team to the Open Round Championship Series tournament in Memphis.

“As the president of a student-led team, there are a lot of responsibilities that go into preparing 20 people for out-of-state competition,” said Benner. “I’ve learned how to manage finances, organize group travel, and plan practices all while teaching 2 or 3L law school material.

“I consider it all a privilege,” she continued. “There is nothing I want more than to give back to the organization that has given me my sense of purpose and the people who have become my second family. Of course, I couldn’t get it all done without the help of my two wonderful vice presidents, who have been nothing short of diligent and reliable.”

Benner plans to apply her undergraduate education once she gets to law school by pursuing health care law.

Already, Benner has researched the underrepresentation of women in senior positions within firms to complete her honors curriculum. The inspiration came from the character of Jessica Pearson in the USA Network TV show Suits. The practice, she says, confirms her confidence in the many hours of study and reading required for a J.D.

“The research itself has reignited my curiosity,” said Benner. “I think discovering laws I’ve never heard of and licensure requirements I’m unfamiliar with is preparing me for both the content of law school and the career steps that follow graduation. I’m learning about the bar admission process far earlier than many law students do, and it has given me a new appreciation of what being a lawyer entails.”

She hopes that the work will allow her to influence how law firms retain diversity at senior levels. The goal is to benefit women in the field of law, especially working mothers. Benner feels complacency has negated progress within the culture of firms and hopes her expertise and voice can lead to valuable change.

In addition, Benner has served as a legal intern at the Oklahoma Indigents Defense System and a board fellow in the JCPenney Leadership Program, where she joined 74 Price College of Business students. There, she received individual recognition for writing the best Strengths Reflection deliverable.

Benner anticipates graduating with her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in December 2024 and applying to law schools across the country.