Their reasons for choosing a legal career varied from enhancing teaching and community service skills to winning a family argument.

Regardless of why, 146 first-year students eagerly started coursework Aug. 23 at the University of Tulsa College of Law.

Before the start of the school year, they participated in an intensive week of activities to introduce them to the legal career.

In addition to classroom sessions and the required reading of John Grisham’s “Innocent Man,” they also toured the federal and state courthouses and had a luncheon meeting at the Tulsa County Bar Association.

Those events were followed by a community service day Aug. 18 that found them assigned to various locations and activities.

Kim Edwards and Adam Kaltenbach were among the students assigned to Life Senior Services.

They had the opportunity to interact with program participants, said Mike Fauvell, site manager.

Edwards, from Dallas, said she found the Life Senior Services administration and staff friendly and helpful.

She said she chose TU because she found the law school staff more personable, wanting students to succeed.

Regarding the community service day, she said the participants liked the attention of the young students and enjoyed “hanging out with us.”

“I already have learned something from them,” she said. “I met a man who had a PhD and was a university professor in Indiana,” she said. “It is important to listen to the elderly, who have many life experiences and understand the contributions they have made to society.”

The experience was a unique way to give back to the community, Kaltenbach said.

“These senior citizens of Tulsa have been around, and it’s great to have them share their experiences,” he said. “They have welcomed us, and hopefully it will be possible to give back to them.”

Edwards, a former high school teacher, said she will use her law degree to help teachers — and students, in some cases — in different areas where they might need legal assistance.

Kaltenbach, from Tulsa, said his choice for a legal career derives from the influence of his parents.

“Dad is a doctor, and mom is a teacher,” he said. “They always instilled in me and have set an example of willingness to help.

“I feel that I have the ability to be of service as a lawyer.”