Prof. Robert Linz, Legal Research
About
Robert Linz is the associate director of the law library. In this role, he teaches legal research and assists with library administration. Prior to joining OU, Professor Linz worked as a law librarian at the University of Colorado Law School where he managed the public services department, taught legal research, and helped develop and maintain the law library website and oversaw various digitization projects. He authored a text on researching Colorado law, Colorado Legal Research, published by Carolina Academic Press. He also published articles on research methods, Colorado state bibliographies, and various library resources and technologies. He enjoys photography and taking care of his family.
Alli Vandervorst, 3L Teaching Assistant
Hey everyone, my name is Jessica (she/her) and I am a 2L from Carthage, Missouri. Prior to law school at OU, I received a BA in Psychology from the University of Missouri (MIZ!) in 2020. After undergrad, I worked as a clerk at a personal injury law firm in my hometown specializing in medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, and wrongful death cases. As a 2L I am a problem writer for the External Competitions Committee for the Board of Advocates, member of the Billings, Exum, & Frye Moot Court team, and am involved in various organizations such as OAWL, Immigration Law Society, and the Criminal Law Association.
Outside of school you can find me reading, hiking, watching Chiefs games, or playing with my two cats, Hank and Korra (any ATLA fans?). I am always down to grab a coffee, go for a walk, or meet over chips and guac to talk – law school related or not! Please feel free to reach out to me via text (417-434-4713) or email (jessica.thomas@ou.edu) to set up a meeting. I look forward to getting to know you and working together!
Prof. Zachary Schmook, Legal Writing
I joined the University of Oklahoma College of Law faculty in Fall 2017 as an Assistant Professor in the Legal Research & Writing Program.
Prior to joining the College of Law, I was the Deputy Director and Managing Attorney for the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council (EHOC), a nonprofit dedicated to ending housing discrimination. At EHOC, I represented both the organization itself and individual clients. I litigated cases before state and federal trial and appellate courts, as well as administrative actions with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and state administrative agencies.
I’ve previously worked with my alma mater, the Washington University College of Law as an Adjunct Professor teaching both Mediation and Legal Writing and as a Clinical Supervisor for the Civil Rights and Community Justice Clinic.
I’m originally from Maryland, which is where I went to undergrad. The collage to the left also includes pictures of my two daughters, Layla and Jocelyn. My wife Audrey is an instructor at Balance.Yoga.Barre, and teaches classes in Norman and OKC.
In addition to my work at OU, I am an Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. After serving for more than a decade as a Medical Logistics Officer (with overseas service in Honduras, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Panama), I am currently serving as a Civil Affairs Officer with a unit in Tulsa.
Zachary Schmook 