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Joshua Heard

695

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Finalist

Bio

My current educational goals are to obtain my Juris Doctorate. With this degree, I will become a medical malpractice and personal injury attorney. While that is not exactly corporate law I will be suing corporations, businesses, and hospitals. My goal is to open up my practice and help people get their life back in order after a tragic event or an injury. I chose this career path for three main reasons: it’s good for private practice, issues can be settled outside of court, and I can restore people's lives.

Education

Oklahoma City University

Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
2025 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Law

North Carolina Central University

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Political Science and Government

Oklahoma City Community College

Associate's degree program
2019 - 2022
  • Majors:
    • Political Science and Government

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Law Practice

    • Dream career goals:

      lawyer

    • Intern

      Trinity Legal Group
      2024 – Present1 year
    • Intern

      Hinton Legal Group
      2022 – 20242 years

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Oklahoma Food Bank — Volunteer
      2023 – 2024

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Joe Gilroy "Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan" Scholarship
    My current educational goals are to obtain my Juris Doctorate. I was accepted into Oklahoma City Law School for Fall 2025. I plan to graduate in 2028 and begin my legal career. With this degree, I will become a medical malpractice and personal injury attorney. My goal is to open up my practice and help people get their life back in order after a tragic event or an injury. I chose this career path for three main reasons: it’s good for private practice, issues can be settled outside of court, and I can restore people's lives. Through my internship, I learned a lot about the life of a private practicing attorney. There was a lot of work involved but there seemed to be a little more freedom involved with it. The only downside I can see to that is getting clients. Per my second reason, I found that a lot of issues that come up in the field of tort law can be settled outside of the courtroom. Depending on the situation at hand, I would much rather prefer mediation between the parties rather than litigation. However, depending on the nature of the case I will use litigation to settle the dispute. Lastly, the reward of giving someone their life back after a traumatic experience is worth it. From my understanding, personal injury attorneys can be seen fighting for the underdog, which I’ve heard is called “lawyering with purpose”. In some cases, I may have to fight for an employee who’s been in a workplace accident and trying to get compensation or may have to help with a medical malpractice suit or wrongful death. The victims of these claims are often fighting against larger corporations and powerful people. Some of these people think they’re above the law and can’t be touched, but in the end, all actions have consequences and justice will be served. Overall, the variety of cases to work with and the ability to help others pushed me to become a personal injury and medical malpractice attorney. The main resources I need are a legal education and network. I have some experience in the legal field currently. I was an intern for solo practitioner law firm Hinton Legal Group in Oklahoma City. My internship at Hinton Legal Group further solidified my determination into the legal profession, as I delved into personal injury and medical malpractice cases alongside attorney Roderick Hinton. Uncovering evidence and navigating the intricacies of discovery felt like solving a compelling mystery, fueling my passion for advocating on behalf of those in need. I have not considered how I will fund my future legal firm. However, the biggest challenge is the massive debt that comes with law school, this scholarship and others I'm applying for could alleviate the debt I will be taking on
    Providence Memorial Law Scholarship
    Twenty-four years ago, I was born three months premature with only a 70% chance of survival. For the first three and a half months of my life, my home was the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where I could not speak for myself or breathe on my own. My survival was in the hands of doctors, nurses, family members, and insurance providers who fought for me when I couldn’t fight for myself—who spoke up for me when I had no voice. Looking back, this experience shaped who I am today: resilient, determined, and deeply aware of the power—and necessity—of having a voice. Khalil Gibran’s words, “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars,” resonated with me. My struggle as an infant wasn’t just a fight for survival; it sparked a lifelong understanding of what it means to be voiceless and, later, how to use one's voice to fight for others. I noticed how many vulnerable individuals are overlooked or left unheard in society as I grew older. This realization fueled my desire to help and advocate for those facing struggles, whether in the courtroom or life. Law is more than just a career for me—it’s a way to turn personal adversity into meaningful change. I am driven by the goal of fighting for justice and ensuring the rights of marginalized communities are never ignored. My current educational goals are to obtain my Juris Doctorate. With this degree, I will become a medical malpractice and personal injury attorney. While that is not exactly corporate law I will be suing corporations, businesses, and hospitals. My goal is to open up my practice and help people get their life back in order after a tragic event or an injury. I chose this career path for three main reasons: it’s good for private practice, issues can be settled outside of court, and I can restore people's lives. Through my internship with Hinton Legal Group, I learned a lot about the life of a private practicing attorney. There was a lot of work involved but there seemed to be a little more freedom involved with it. The only downside I can see to that is getting clients. Per my second reason, I found that a lot of issues that come up in the field of tort law can be settled outside of the courtroom. Depending on the situation at hand, I would much rather prefer mediation between the parties rather than litigation. However, depending on the nature of the case I will use litigation to settle the dispute. Lastly, the reward of giving someone their life back after a traumatic experience is worth it. From my understanding, personal injury attorneys can be seen fighting for the underdog, which I’ve heard is called “lawyering with purpose”. In some cases, I may have to fight for an employee who’s been in a workplace accident and trying to get compensation or may have to help with a medical malpractice suit or wrongful death. The victims of these claims are often fighting against larger corporations and powerful people. Some of these people think they’re above the law and can’t be touched, but in the end, all actions have consequences and justice will be served. Overall, the variety of cases to work with and the ability to help others pushes me to become a personal injury and medical malpractice attorney.
    Margot Pickering Aspiring Attorney Scholarship
    Twenty-four years ago, I was born three months premature with only a 70% chance of survival. For the first three and a half months of my life, my home was the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where I could not speak for myself or breathe on my own. My survival was in the hands of doctors, nurses, family members, and insurance providers who fought for me when I couldn’t fight for myself—who spoke up for me when I had no voice. Looking back, this experience shaped who I am today: resilient, determined, and deeply aware of the power—and necessity—of having a voice. Khalil Gibran’s words, “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars,” resonated with me. My struggle as an infant wasn’t just a fight for survival; it sparked a lifelong understanding of what it means to be voiceless and, later, how to use one's voice to fight for others. I noticed how many vulnerable individuals are overlooked or left unheard in society as I grew older. This realization fueled my desire to help and advocate for those facing struggles, whether in the courtroom or life. Law is more than just a career for me—it’s a way to turn personal adversity into meaningful change. I am driven by the goal of fighting for justice and ensuring the rights of marginalized communities are never ignored. While graduating in May 2024 from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, two courses, Constitutional Law and Public Policy, sharpened my analytical thinking and made me more determined to advocate for justice and equality. But it’s not just academic knowledge that drives me. I’ve sought opportunities to work directly with people whose struggles remind me of mine. As a youth counselor mentoring boys aged 8 to 12, I worked with children who, like me, had often been overlooked or misunderstood. Many faced insurmountable challenges, but I made it my mission to show them that they could overcome these obstacles. Watching them grow in confidence, resilience, and hope reinforced my commitment to advocacy. It also deepened my understanding of the importance of mentorship and its role in empowering others—something I hope to continue in my legal career. My internship at Trinity Legal Group further reinforced my desire to become an advocate. In this role, I met clients whose stories of hardship and resilience were humbling. I sat in on client meetings, helped draft legal documents, and worked on cases related to family disputes and housing issues. But what struck me most was how many of these clients had no one to speak for them. I saw myself in them in many ways—people fighting for survival. Their struggles reminded me of my fight for life as an infant, and it fueled my determination to become a compassionate, effective advocate for those whose voices cannot be heard. I am particularly drawn to the Oklahoma City Law School due to its commitment to social justice and community service. The Civil Litigation opportunities available resonate with my own values, offering an opportunity to put theory into practice while assisting those who are often denied legal representation. I am eager to contribute to this mission and further cultivate my skills in a supportive and dynamic environment. I aim to honor the resilience I have learned throughout my life, using it as a driving force to create a more just society. Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of joining the Oklahoma City Law School community and contributing to its legacy of excellence and service. I was accepted into the 2025 Fall Semester at Oklahoma City University
    John Young 'Pursue Your Passion' Scholarship
    In 2020, I found myself at a turning point in my academic journey. While pursuing my associate's degree in chemistry at Oklahoma City Community College, the pandemic shed light on my true passion and calling. As racial tensions escalated, and the story of attorney Bryon Stevenson's triumph in "Just Mercy" unfolded before me, I was deeply moved. Witnessing the impact of the legal system on Walter Macmillan’s life ignited a fire within me to pursue a career in law and fight for justice. This pivotal moment inspired me to transition from medicine to political science and pursue a career as an attorney. My internship at Hinton Legal Group further solidified my determination, as I delved into personal injury and medical malpractice cases alongside attorney Roderick Hinton. Uncovering evidence and navigating the intricacies of discovery felt like solving a compelling mystery, fueling my passion for advocating on behalf of those in need. This transformative journey has crystallized my resolve to become a dedicated personal injury and medical malpractice attorney, committed to upholding justice and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. My current educational goals are to obtain my Juris Doctorate. With this degree, I will become a medical malpractice and personal injury attorney. While that is not exactly corporate law I will be suing corporations, businesses, and hospitals. My goal is to open up my practice and help people get their life back in order after a tragic event or an injury. I chose this career path for three main reasons: it’s good for private practice, issues can be settled outside of court, and I can restore people's lives. Through my internship, I learned a lot about the life of a private practicing attorney. There was a lot of work involved but there seemed to be a little more freedom involved with it. The only downside I can see to that is getting clients. Per my second reason, I found that a lot of issues that come up in the field of tort law can be settled outside of the courtroom. Depending on the situation at hand, I would much rather prefer mediation between the parties rather than litigation. However, depending on the nature of the case I will use litigation to settle the dispute. Lastly, the reward of giving someone their life back after a traumatic experience is worth it. From my understanding, personal injury attorneys can be seen fighting for the underdog, which I’ve heard is called “lawyering with purpose”. In some cases, I may have to fight for an employee who’s been in a workplace accident and trying to get compensation or may have to help with a medical malpractice suit or wrongful death. The victims of these claims are often fighting against larger corporations and powerful people. Some of these people think they’re above the law and can’t be touched, but in the end, all actions have consequences and justice will be served.
    Bulkthreads.com's "Let's Build Together" Scholarship
    I want to build my own injury law firm. My goal is to open up my practice and help people get their lives back in order after a tragic event or an injury. I chose this career path for three main reasons: it’s good for private practice, issues can be settled outside of court, and I can restore people's lives. Through my internship with Hinton Legal Group, I learned a lot about the life of a private practicing attorney. There was a lot of work involved but there seemed to be a little more freedom involved with it. The only downside to that is getting clients. Per my second reason, I found that a lot of issues that come up in the field of tort law can be settled outside of the courtroom. Depending on the situation at hand, I would much rather prefer mediation between the parties rather than litigation. However, depending on the nature of the case I will use litigation to settle the dispute. Lastly, the reward of giving someone their life back after a traumatic experience is worth it. From my understanding, personal injury attorneys can be seen fighting for the underdog, which I’ve heard is called “lawyering with purpose”. In some cases, I may have to fight for an employee who’s been in a workplace accident and trying to get compensation or may have to help with a medical malpractice suit or wrongful death. The victims of these claims are often fighting against larger corporations and powerful people. Some of these people think they’re above the law and can’t be touched, but in the end, all actions have consequences and justice will be served. Overall, the variety of cases to work with and the ability to help others pushes me to become a personal injury and medical malpractice attorney.
    Career Test for Future Lawyers Scholarship
    Twenty-four years ago, I was born three months premature with only a 70% chance of survival. For the first three and a half months of my life, my home was the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where I could not speak for myself or breathe on my own. My survival was in the hands of doctors, nurses, family members, and insurance providers who fought for me when I couldn’t fight for myself—who spoke up for me when I had no voice. Looking back, this experience shaped who I am today: resilient, determined, and deeply aware of the power—and necessity—of having a voice. Khalil Gibran’s words, “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars,” resonated with me. My struggle as an infant wasn’t just a fight for survival; it sparked a lifelong understanding of what it means to be voiceless and, later, how to use one's voice to fight for others. I noticed how many vulnerable individuals are overlooked or left unheard in society as I grew older. This realization fueled my desire to help and advocate for those facing struggles, whether in the courtroom or in life. Law is more than just a career for me—it’s a way to turn personal adversity into meaningful change. I am driven by the goal of fighting for justice and ensuring the rights of marginalized communities are never ignored. Two internships solidified my legal career. My internship at Trinity Legal Group further reinforced my desire to become an advocate. In this role, I met clients whose stories of hardship and resilience were humbling. I sat in on client meetings, helped draft legal documents, and worked on cases related to family disputes and housing issues. But what struck me most was how many of these clients had no one to speak for them. I saw myself in them in many ways—people fighting for survival. Their struggles reminded me of my fight for life as an infant, and it fueled my determination to become a compassionate, effective advocate for those whose voices cannot be heard. My internship at Hinton Legal Group further solidified my practice, as I delved into personal injury and medical malpractice cases alongside attorney Roderick Hinton. Uncovering evidence and navigating the intricacies of discovery felt like solving a compelling mystery, fueling my passion for advocating on behalf of those in need. This transformative journey has crystallized my resolve to become a dedicated personal injury and medical malpractice attorney, committed to upholding justice and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. My goal is to open up my practice and help people get their life back in order after a tragic event or an injury. I chose this career path for three main reasons: it’s good for private practice, issues can be settled outside of court, and I can restore people's lives. Through my internship, I learned a lot about the life of a private practicing attorney. There was a lot of work involved but there seemed to be a little more freedom involved with it. The only downside I can see is getting clients. Per my second reason, I found that a lot of issues that come up in the field of tort law can be settled outside of the courtroom. Depending on the situation at hand, I would much rather prefer mediation between the parties rather than litigation. However, depending on the nature of the case I will use litigation to settle the dispute. Lastly, the reward of giving someone their life back after a traumatic experience is worth it.