Meet Your Bar Association - President James R. "Jim" Hicks - Oklahoma Bar Association
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ALSO INSIDE: Filing a ‘Reservation of Time’ • At-Home Injuries
Volume 93 — No. 1 — January 2022
Meet Your
Bar Association President James R. “Jim” Hicks
contentsJanuary 2022 • Vol. 93 • No. 1
THEME: Meet Your Bar Association
Editor: Lori Rasmussen
Cover photo of James R. “Jim” Hicks by OBA Communications Specialist Lauren Rimmer
FEATURES PLUS
6 Meet 2022 OBA President Jim Hicks 38 Filing a ‘Reservation Of Time’ Waives
By Dawn Shelton Certain 12 O.S.§2012 (B) Defenses Because
12 Volunteers Who Guide Your Association the Rule Under Young May Have Been
Superseded by Statute
22 OBA Departments and Services By Kraettli Q. Epperson
28 Member Benefits 44 At-Home Injuries: The Blurry Line Between
33 OKBar.org: Your Virtual HQ Compensability and Deniability
By Dawn Shelton By D. Wade Christensen
DEPARTMENTS
4 From the President
48 From the Executive Director
50 Law Practice Tips
54 Board of Governors Actions
57 Oklahoma Bar Foundation News
59 Young Lawyers Division
60 For Your Information
62 Bench & Bar Briefs PAGE 38 – Filing a ‘Reservation Of Time’
64 In Memoriam
67 Editorial Calendar
72 The Back Page
PAGE 44 – At-Home Injuries
From The President
Ulihelisdi Atse Udetiyvsgv
(Happy New Year)
By Jim Hicks
A S A PROUD MEMBER OF THE CHEROKEE
Nation, I wish everyone a Happy New Year. I want
to thank 2021 OBA President Mike Mordy for his hard
assessment can be made of the association.
From that data, we can then proceed with a
search process to find John Morris Williams
work this past year in guiding the association through 2.0. Our goal is to identify and hire a new
the depths of the COVID pandemic along, with the executive director by this fall so they can
gradual reopening of the courts and life in general. As “shadow” the OBA Annual Meeting to be held
he mentioned in his January 2021 message, “I would at the new Oklahoma City Convention Center
like to commend Oklahoma attorneys and the judiciary in November.
in showing empathy, compassion and loyalty to each The 2021 Annual Meeting was a blend
other this past year in working through a difficult situ- of virtual and in-person meetings. A spe-
ation.” In a profession that sometimes lacks civility, the cial highlight was presenting the Liberty
pandemic has shown the need for character and com- Bell Award to Carol Manning, who recently
passion toward our fellow attorneys. retired as OBA Communications Director
Longtime Executive Director John Morris Williams after 26 years of service to the association.
has announced his retirement at the end of 2022. John Lori Rasmussen has ably taken over Carol’s
has been a stalwart champion of the attorneys in this position, and we look forward to many years
state and has represented our association well in his of positive impact going forward. Another
interactions with the Supreme Court, the Legislature retirement is Debbie Brink, the longtime
and local and national bar associations. In a recent assistant to the executive director. Debbie has
meeting with the justices of the Oklahoma Supreme trained her replacement, Alisha Davidson.
Court, many commented on the wonderful relation- Finally, the Diversity Awards Dinner was a
ship John has forged with the stunning success with each honoree regaling
court and how difficult it will be the audience with stories of their journey for
to replace him as executive director. inclusion in the profession. Fellow member
Nevertheless, that will be the goal and author Hannibal Johnson gave a fas-
of 2022. cinating and thought-provoking discussion
The Board of Governors will of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. I especially
likely engage the services of the enjoyed the Ton-Kon-Gah: Kiowa Warriors
Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits to Black Legging Society who presented the
help guide the selection process. It is colors on Veterans Day.
envisioned that a survey of the entire 2022 is shaping up to be a bright new
membership will be undertaken to year for the OBA, and I urge everyone to
better understand the wants, needs become involved in the committees and
and goals of our diverse membership. sections of our organization. I am deeply
From Guymon to Poteau, Miami to honored and humbled by the opportunity to
President Hicks practices Lawton and everywhere in between, lead this organization and will do my best
in Tulsa.
jhicks@barrowgrimm.com every attorney’s voice needs to to bring empathy, compassion and loyalty
(918) 584-1600 be heard so that a comprehensive to every member.
4 | JANUARY 2022 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL
THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL is a
publication of the Oklahoma Bar Association.
All rights reserved. Copyright© 2022 Oklahoma
Bar Association. Statements or opinions
expressed herein are those of the authors and
do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma
Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Volume 93 — No. 1 — January 2022
Board of Editors or staff. Although advertising
copy is reviewed, no endorsement of any
product or service offered by any advertisement
is intended or implied by publication. JOURNAL STAFF BOARD OF EDITORS
Advertisers are solely responsible for the
content of their ads, and the OBA reserves JOHN MORRIS WILLIAMS MELISSA DELACERDA, Stillwater, Chair
Editor-in-Chief
the right to edit or reject any advertising copy johnw@okbar.org AARON BUNDY, Tulsa
for any reason. Legal articles carried in THE
OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL are selected LORI RASMUSSEN CASSANDRA L. COATS, Vinita
by the Board of Editors. Information about Editor
submissions can be found at www.okbar.org. lorir@okbar.org W. JASON HARTWIG, Clinton
BAR CENTER STAFF LAUREN RIMMER C. SCOTT JONES, Oklahoma City
John Morris Williams, Executive Director; Advertising Manager
advertising@okbar.org JANA L. KNOTT, El Reno
Gina L. Hendryx, General Counsel; Jim
Calloway, Director of Management Assistance DAWN SHELTON
Program; Craig D. Combs, Director of BRYAN W. MORRIS, Ada
Digital Content Manager
Administration; Janet K. Johnson, Director of dawns@okbar.org
EVAN ANDREW TAYLOR, Norman
Educational Programs; Beverly Petry Lewis,
Administrator MCLE Commission; Lori KIEL KONDRICK
Digital Content Specialist ROY TUCKER, Muskogee
Rasmussen, Director of Communications;
kielk@okbar.org
Dawn Shelton, Director of Strategic DAVID E. YOUNGBLOOD, Atoka
Communications and Marketing; Richard
Stevens, Ethics Counsel; Robbin Watson,
Director of Information Technology; Loraine
Dillinder Farabow, Peter Haddock, Tracy
Pierce Nester, Katherine Ogden, Steve OFFICERS &
Sullins, Assistant General Counsels
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Les Arnold, Julie A. Bays, Gary Berger, Debbie
Brink, Jennifer Brumage, Cheryl Corey, Alisha JAMES R. HICKS, President, Tulsa; MILES T.
Davidson, Nickie Day, Ben Douglas, Melody PRINGLE, Vice President, Oklahoma City; BRIAN T. HERMANSON,
Florence, Johnny Marie Floyd, Matt Gayle, President-Elect, Ponca City; MICHAEL C. MORDY, Immediate Past
Suzi Hendrix, Debra Jenkins, Kiel Kondrick, President, Ardmore; ANGELA AILLES BAHM, Oklahoma City; S. SHEA
Rhonda Langley, Jamie Lane, Durrel BRACKEN, Edmond; DUSTIN E. CONNER, Enid; MICHAEL J. DAVIS,
Lattimore, Renee Montgomery, Whitney Durant; ALLYSON E. DOW, Norman; JOSHUA A. EDWARDS, Ada;
Mosby, Lauren Rimmer, Tracy Sanders, Mark AMBER PECKIO GARRETT, Tulsa; BENJAMIN R. HILFIGER, Muskogee;
Schneidewent, Kurt Stoner, Krystal Willis,
ROBIN L. ROCHELLE, Lawton; KARA I. SMITH, Oklahoma City;
Laura Willis & Roberta Yarbrough
MICHAEL R. VANDERBURG, Ponca City; RICHARD D. WHITE
JR., Tulsa; DYLAN D. ERWIN, Chairperson, OBA Young Lawyers
Oklahoma Bar Association 405-416-7000
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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL JANUARY 2022 | 5
Meet Your Bar Association
Meet 2022 OBA President
Jim Hicks
Executive Search, Member Outreach are Goals
for Presidential Year
By Dawn Shelton
T HEY SAY THESE THINGS COME IN THREES. Although newly sworn in OBA
President James R. “Jim” Hicks did not anticipate his leadership year would be defined
by the search for a new association executive director, here he is. With John Morris Williams’
announced retirement at the end of 2022, Mr. Hicks said input will be sought from as many
members as possible as part of the search process. He’s up to the challenge. Turns out he’s
been in a similar position twice before.
When Tulsa County Bar and led the task to procure a fair project and a two-year search pro-
Association Executive Director and sound process to find her cess when Saint John’s Episcopal
Sandra Cousins announced her successor. And as a senior warden Church in Tulsa sought a new
retirement in 2013, Mr. Hicks was of his local church, he served for priest. For his service, he was hon-
the incoming TCBA president eight years, leading a major capital ored to receive the Bishop’s Cross
awarded by the Episcopal Bishop
of Oklahoma. And now the search
for a new OBA executive director.
For such a time as this. This
search for the new paid leader of
the bar hits a little different. Not
only will this decision help chart
the next season for the Oklahoma
Bar Association, but Mr. Hicks
will be tasked with finding “John
Morris Williams 2.0,” as he jok-
ingly referred to the upcoming
process. “From my view, John has
done an excellent job.”
They are contemporaries
and friends. Executive Director
Williams led the OBA Young
Lawyers Division, and Mr. Hicks
was chair just a few years later. “I
Jim hikes at Grizzly Lake. was very involved and chair of the
6 | JANUARY 2022 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL
Jim and Nancy attend an OU football game.
Right: An early photo of Jim and Nancy’s twins, Stan and Hannah.
YLD way back. Then when Nancy what you would call mental health
and I were raising our twins, I or Lawyers Helping Lawyers type
didn’t do a lot in those years. They of things. Our speaker’s topic was
went off to college, and I got rein- about personality tests and how you
volved when I had more time.” deal with people. Now that is quali-
fied content, but back then, it wasn’t.
A LITTLE NUDGE We took it to the board, and they
As YLD chair, he remembers approved it for CLE. If it didn’t deal
the group trying something a little strictly with civil procedure or rules
controversial for the times in 1994. of evidence, which are important
“We were having our YLD meet- skills, or traditional CLE, it would
ing at Shangri-La, and we had a lot have been denied. I’m proud we
of trouble getting our proposed CLE were nudging it.”
approved,” Mr. Hicks said. “Back He said an emphasis on self-care
then, they weren’t doing any type of and mental health for members
THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL JANUARY 2022 | 7
helps elevate the profession as much
as it helps individual members.
“It’s a high-stress profession,
and you must have some outside
interests,” he said. “If it’s running.
Golf. Tennis. You’ve got to take
time away. Being involved in the
bar association shows you’re
involved in a profession, more than
just showing up at your office to do
your job every day. It’s not just you.
There’s a whole statewide organiza-
tion trying to make us better.”
The OBA is an organization
Proud alumnus of Beta Theta Pi Enjoying a ski vacation with friends
made up of dozens of commit- Fraternity and family.
tees, from the Lawyers Helping
Lawyers Assistance Program asking members to lead and serve generous and wanted to help, and
to Membership Engagement, on those committees. if they didn’t, they had a good
Awards, Disaster Response and “You feel bad reaching out to reason. It was never, ‘No, I’m not
Relief and more. That’s a reality people and asking them to volun- interested.’ There were a few who
brought home to Mr. Hicks as he teer,” he said. “Everyone, with very never called back, so I figured,
spent the last few weeks of 2021 few exceptions, has been very okay, I’ve got the message!”
The experience helped him
focus and appreciate all the work
the bar association does on the
various committees.
2022 OBA President James “Jim” R. Hicks is of counsel “It’s amazing,” he said. “If
at the Tulsa law firm of Barrow & Grimm PC. He practices you’re not involved, it’s easy to
business and construction-related litigation in state and ignore and not focus on it.”
federal courts. He met his wife, Nancy, when they were Still, Mr. Hicks recognizes that
undergraduates at the University of Oklahoma, and they younger attorneys crave more out
married in 1983 while Mr. Hicks was in law school at TU. of their volunteer service beyond
He was chair of the OBA YLD when their twins were tod- attending meetings.
dlers. Now, the twins are adults. His daughter, Hannah, He said, “They want to be
and her husband, Matt, live in Tulsa with their daughters, involved in charitable legal clinics,
Adrienne and Ellie; his son, Stan, lives in Chicago with his handing out coats and food, giving
wife, Caitlin, and are expecting a baby girl, Mr. and Mrs. of their time. If you’re not involved
Hicks’ third grandchild, in April. in a group doing that, it’s kind of ad
Mr. Hicks, an involved member of the Cherokee Nation, hoc. At least we can try to coordi-
was born in Blackwell, where his namesake great-grandfather nate those programs. If it works in
made the Land Run of 1893. His father was a B-17 pilot Oklahoma City, you can replicate
during WWII, flying missions over Germany from a base in it in Lawton or Guymon. That’s
Ipswich, England. On his mother’s side, his ancestors were helpful to society at large, and it
“old settlers” in Adair County and enrolled members of the makes an attorney feel good.”
Cherokee Nation on the Dawes Rolls of 1906. After living in
Norman, Mr. Hicks’ family moved to Denton, Texas, where THE GOOD, THE BAD
he finished high school. He crossed the Red River again to AND THE UGLY
pursue his undergraduate degree at OU. Mr. and Mrs. Hicks As a prelude to the search for a
live in Tulsa, where they are active members of Saint John’s new executive director, a membership
Episcopal Church. They love to travel and look forward to vis- survey will be sent via email soon.
iting as many county bars and lawyers as possible this year. The Center for Nonprofits has been
hired to craft and distribute the sur-
vey to gauge members’ opinions and
ideas about the OBA and its future.
8 | JANUARY 2022 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNALRight: Jim spends time with granddaughters Adrienne and Ellie. Middle right: Jim and Nancy’s dogs, Lola and Stella. Middle: Jim and Nancy toast nearly 40 years of marriage. Middle left: Avid golfer Jim and friends admire a luxury car during a golf outing. Bottom left: Jim and friends commemorate his hole-in-one. Bottom right: Jim and his team celebrate their first-place win in a golf tournament. THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL JANUARY 2022 | 9
even taking part in bar work. It’s a
time and money saver.
“I live in Tulsa. I might drive an
hour and a half to Oklahoma City
for a one-hour meeting and then
drive home. It’s now so easy to do it by
Zoom – you get the same amount of
work accomplished, and it’s just like
you’re across the table from each other.
You can do it at your office, and I
think that’s been helpful for members
to become involved with committees
because now they can do it maybe
on their lunch hour and not devote
so much time to traveling to the bar
center in Oklahoma City. Before the
pandemic, that didn’t happen.”
VIRTUAL IS HERE TO STAY
Jim attends a wine tasting in Assisi, Italy. Enjoying a trip to Cinque Terre on the For two years, the OBA has
Italian Riviera offered a virtual component to
the Annual Meeting: In 2020, the
meeting was all virtual, and the
2021 meeting offered a mixture of
programming both in person and
online. Mr. Hicks says the 2022 meet-
ing will have both online options
and in-person networking and
programming at the Oklahoma City
Convention Center and Omni Hotel.
Finding a way to continue the
successful tradition of networking
among members is important to Mr.
Hicks. After all, those YLD meetings
and early bar work helped fill up
his Rolodex with names of valued
friends who are also colleagues.
Those friends are now contacts on
his smartphone. And colleagues who
do more than just a job but are part of
a profession and members of the bar.
Jim and Nancy gather with their family for a beach holiday. President Hicks will lead the
OBA through a transformational
“It is a big undertaking and an can take that info and help develop year dominated by the search for
exciting time,” he said. “A survey of a new strategic plan. It’s especially a new executive director. He plans
the membership will help us find helpful to do this after the pandemic to embrace the task and enjoy the
out the good, the bad and the ugly. because life has changed so dra- experience. For such a time as this.
We will be surprised by some of the matically for so many people, and
stuff, but it’s good to know because the practice of law especially.”
if you don’t know about issues or He added that one change the ABOUT THE AUTHOR
certain thoughts, you can’t address pandemic brought on is the nor- Dawn Shelton is OBA
them. That will help us focus on the malization of online tools, whether strategic communications &
type of executive director we need. they be used for court hearings, marketing director.
After we hire that person, he or she depositions, client meetings or
10 | JANUARY 2022 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNALPRESIDENTIAL TRIVIA
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors?
Guiding the organization in the selection of a new executive director given
the retirement of John Morris Williams at the end of 2022.
What is something you wish you knew about practicing law before you entered the profession?
The amazing opportunity to meet people from all walks of life
and learn about their lives, professions and employment.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit?
Online resources.
In a post-pandemic world, what are you most looking forward to?
Traveling and eating out again.
What is the biggest challenge facing the legal profession?
Use of technology and 24/7 communications expectations of clients via email, cell phone and social media.
What phone app could you not live without?
Camera.
Best way to beat stress?
Getting outdoors to hike, playing golf or drinking a glass of wine.
What’s the best book you’ve read this year?
The Compleat Victory: Saratoga and the American Revolution by Kevin Weddle.
If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be a…
Ski lift operator and whitewater rafting guide.
THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL JANUARY 2022 | 11Meet Your Bar Association
Volunteers Who Guide
Your Association
BRIAN T. HERMANSON is why I believe so strongly in the need for continued
President-Elect emphasis on the OBA Management Assistance
Ponca City Program to aid the lawyers of our state in tackling
those issues as they arise.
Background: Born in What is your favorite OBA member benefit? As I said
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, above, I am a big fan of the Management Assistance
moved to Oklahoma in Program. While in private practice, I relied on the
1975. Married Ruslyn information provided by MAP and the programs
in 1981; two daughters: they presented. The ability to be able to pick up the
Brianna, an illustra- phone and find out information from an expert was
tor in Northampton, and is an outstanding member benefit.
Massachusetts, and In a post-pandemic world, what are you most looking
Charlcy, director of music for Community Christian forward to? I have not eaten out at a restaurant in
Church and lives in Stillwater. He and his family over a year and a half. That, along with finally hav-
raised and bred quarter horses for about 25 years ing the ability to get rid of the masks, are high on
before selling the ranch in 2017. my list of things I look forward to the most.
Education: B.A. in history and political science from What is the biggest challenge facing the legal
Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin. J.D. from profession? I believe the lack of professionalism
the OU College of Law. between lawyers is my biggest concern. All law-
What is your most important goal during your yers must understand that they must be truthful to
service on the OBA Board of Governors? My first the court at all times. Also, some attorneys try to
goal is to find an outstanding replacement for our bully their opponents to create an advantage in the
retiring Executor Director John Morris Williams. He courtroom. While I believe aggressive advocacy
will be hard to replace. During my year as president, is certainly appropriate, advocates need to show
I plan on holding Board of Governor meetings respect to the opposing counsel and not try to
throughout the state of Oklahoma. I want the attor- demean or run over them.
neys of Oklahoma to have an opportunity to meet What phone app could I not live without? I probably
the new executive director. I also want to allow use my Garmin app more than anything else.
the Board of Governors to show bar members that Best way to beat stress? I use the television to relax at
we want to meet with them, get to know them and the end of the day. It may be with television shows,
want to listen to their thoughts and concerns. movies, news or sports. I find it lets me put out
What is something you wish you knew about prac- of my mind the things I have been dealing with
ticing law before you entered the profession? during the course of the day.
Before I started practicing law, I wish I had known
how important the business of practicing law is to
a successful practice. When I started practicing, I
was ill-prepared for the running of a small business
and all the financial decisions necessary to make
it successful. Learning how to properly run a law
office was sometimes learned the hard way. That
12 | JANUARY 2022 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNALMILES T. PRINGLE MICHAEL C. MORDY
Vice President Immediate Past President
Oklahoma City Ardmore
Background: I am an Background: I was born
Oklahoma City native in Tulsa and grew up
and third-generation in Ardmore. My wife,
attorney. I live in Christy, and I were
Oklahoma City with married in Oklahoma
my wife, Andrea, and City in 1978 while I was
two sons, Fischer and in law school at OCU.
Harrison. I played bas- We moved to Ardmore
ketball and ran track in high school and continue in 1985, where we currently reside. My daughter,
to be a big basketball fan – particularly the Thunder Nataly, and her husband, Michael, live in Denver
and Jayhawks. After graduating from law school, I and are expecting a baby boy in April or May. My
moved back to Oklahoma City to practice with the son, Chase, and his wife, Jill, live in Los Angeles
firm my parents founded. Currently, I am general with their 4-year-old daughter, Liv.
counsel for The Bankers Bank. Education: I graduated from OU in 1977 and the OCU
Education: I earned my bachelor’s degree from the School of Law in 1980.
University of Kansas, where I double majored in What is your most important goal during your
political science and history. I received my J.D. from service on the OBA Board of Governors? I would
the University of Missouri – Kansas City, where I like to disseminate to the membership the free
was a member of the National Moot Court Team. benefits that are available to OBA members.
What is your most important goal during your What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? The
service on the OBA Board of Governors? membership directory.
Enhancing attorneys’ prestige in our Oklahoma In a post-pandemic world, what are you most looking
community and meeting as many lawyers as I can. forward to? Regular travel.
What is something you wish you knew about prac- What is the biggest challenge facing the legal
ticing law before you entered the profession? How profession? Discovery issues.
much I would need to know about IT to do the job. What phone app could you not live without? Weather
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? app.
Fellowship and the fantastic CLE programs. Best way to beat stress? Go for a jog.
In a post-pandemic world, what are you most looking What’s the best book you’ve read this year? The Bible.
forward to? Shaking hands and less hand sanitizer. If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be a… Park ranger.
My hands are really cracking.
What is the biggest challenge facing the legal
profession? Administrative burdens on small MICHAEL R.
law offices. Between staying on top of technology, VANDERBURG
payroll and other administrative issues, it can be Governor – District No. One
difficult (and very stressful) for smaller offices to Ponca City
obtain clients and actually practice the law.
What phone app could you not live without? Spotify. Background: Born in Little
I love a good history podcast. Rock, Arkansas, cur-
Best way to beat stress? Meditation, yoga, a glass of rently residing in Ponca
wine and/or a good workout. City. Seven years in
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? Hero of private practice, 39 years
Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of of service to local gov-
Revolution by my favorite history podcaster, Mike ernments. Family: wife
Duncan. This book details the inspiring life of is Linda; adult children Robert and Lauren; and
the Marquis de Lafayette and his relationship to grandchildren Isaac, Cort and Ellie.
multiple revolutions. Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science and
If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be a... High school basketball J.D. both from the University of Arkansas.
coach and history teacher.
THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL JANUARY 2022 | 13What is your most important goal during your service in Oklahoma and support the continued relationship
on the OBA Board of Governors? Working to between legal academia, including the three law
improve the OBA’s communications with county bar schools of the state, and the bar association to the
associations and various municipal organizations. best of my capacity.
What is something you wish you knew about prac- What is something you wish you knew about prac-
ticing law before you entered the profession? ticing law before you entered the profession?
I wish I knew how so much good can be accom- Traditional lawyering is litigation, but you are just
plished through government service and how as much of a lawyer when you work in compliance,
personal it is at the local government level. real estate and other transactional or risk manage-
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? The ment roles. Never let anyone tell you otherwise!
Oklahoma Bar Journal. What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? The
In a post-pandemic world, what are you most looking Oklahoma Bar Journal and the brilliant essays and
forward to? Personal travel and live theater. research articles contained within have been a pri-
What is the biggest challenge facing the legal profes- mary source of professional development for me, and
sion? Bringing young people into the profession to I look forward to each monthly issue. I think every
replace an aging and retiring group of individuals. practicing attorney should carve out some time to
What phone app could you not live without? Email contribute to the journal. Seeing your name in print
and messaging. on a scholarly document that benefits the profession
Best way to beat stress? Taking time to play with chil- is a heartwarming reward for the work it involves.
dren and dogs. In a post-pandemic world, what are you most looking
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? Six forward to? I expect to travel to both France and
Amendments: How and Why We Should Change the Germany.
Constitution by John Paul Stevens or Caste: The What is the biggest challenge facing the legal
Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. profession? On the civil side, the challenges of big
If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be… (with glasses) a teacher, data, prohibitively large digital discovery files and
(without glasses) a pilot. restrictive shackles of tort reform have been serious
hurdles. On the criminal side, the high frequency of
light-handed plea agreements has placed domestic
MICHAEL J. DAVIS violence victims in danger repeatedly.
Governor – District No. Two What phone app could you not live without? The
Durant New York Times Crossword app.
Best way to beat stress? The New York Times
Background: I am from Crossword app.
Durant, where I am What’s the best book you’ve read this year? Where the
involved with the Durant Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.
Rotary Club and serve If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be a… Storm chaser.
on the Durant Industrial
Authority Board of
Trustees. I am happily S. SHEA BRACKEN
married to my wife, Katy, Governor – District No. Three
who is from Antlers. In my free time, I cheer for the Edmond
University of Oklahoma Sooners and volunteer with
nonprofit organizations. Background: I grew up
Education: I am a graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma and graduated high
State University, and I received my J.D. from the OU school in Stillwater. I
College of Law in Norman. I also have a Ph.D. in joined the U.S. Marine
criminal justice leadership from the University of Corps after high school,
the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. which included a deploy-
What is your most important goal during your ment to Fallujah, Iraq.
service on the OBA Board of Governors? My goal Following deployment,
has been to serve my fellow attorneys with integrity I completed my education and started practicing
and diligence, prioritize systems that protect the law. I work with Maples, Nix & Diesselhorst and
professionalism and esteem of the legal profession primarily practice catastrophic injury and medical
14 | JANUARY 2022 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNALnegligence cases. I have an amazing wife, Lindsay, knowledge to members in my district and across
and two wonderful daughters, Makenna and Teagan. the state.
Education: B.A. from OSU in 2008; J.D. from the OCU What is something you wish you knew about prac-
School of Law in 2011. ticing law before you entered the profession? Not
What is your most important goal during your able to easily take time off.
service on the OBA Board of Governors? To get What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? The OBA
members more involved with the OBA, especially forums for discussion of various topical issues and
us young lawyers and millennials. questions.
What is something you wish you knew about prac- In a post-pandemic world, what are you most looking
ticing law before you entered the profession? forward to? Traveling and the reduction in back-
Every single family member, friend and distant ordered items.
relative would need “legal advice” on a daily basis. What is the biggest challenge facing the legal
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? The won- profession? The loss of civility.
derful events and networking. What phone app could you not live without? Email
In a post-pandemic world, what are you most looking and calendar.
forward to? Being around people and traveling, Best way to beat stress? Woodworking and spending
especially OSU and Thunder games. time with family and friends.
What is the biggest challenge facing the legal If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be a… Professional traveler.
profession? Dealing with bad internet connections
during Zoom depositions and hearings.
What phone app could you not live without? ESPN ALLYSON E. DOW
and Bleacher Report. Governor – District No. Five
Best way to beat stress? Turn off the Oklahoma State Norman
game, go for a run and listen to relaxing music.
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? A True Background: I am from
History of the United States by Daniel Sjursen. Tulsa. I graduated high
If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be a… Guest Host on TV school from Metro
shows like Booze Traveler – travel the world and Christian Academy and
try different craft beers. attended college at the
University of Oklahoma.
I graduated with a bach-
DUSTIN E. CONNER elor’s degree in account-
Governor – District No. Four ing as well as human resource management in May
Enid 2007. Then, I moved to Texas to work as an internal
auditor and accountant for two different firms. I
Background: I was born and began law school at the OU College of Law and
raised in Garfield County. graduated in May 2012. Since then, I have practiced
I attended Garber schools, primarily in family law and have a firm with my
graduating in 2002. After brother, Shane Henry. I am married to Mick Dow,
law school, I came back to and we have two little boys, Max and Beau. We
Garfield County to serve currently live in Norman.
the community and have Education: B.A. in accounting and human resource
been with Gungoll Jackson management from OU; J.D. from the OU College of Law.
Box & Devoll since graduating from law school. I have What is your most important goal during your
two daughters, Averly and Emerie, and a son, Charlie. service on the OBA Board of Governors? I hope to
I enjoy working with community groups, attending reach more members of the bar and the local com-
Oklahoma State athletic events and spending time munity to bring assistance to any areas needed.
chasing my kids to school and athletic events. What is something you wish you knew about prac-
Education: B.S. from OSU in 2006; and a J.D. from the ticing law before you entered the profession? Time
OCU School of Law in 2011. management is crucial. Work can take over your life
What is your most important goal during your if you allow it to do so. I believe in the saying, work
service on the OBA Board of Governors? Learn all to live rather than live to work.
of what the association has to offer and spread that
THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL JANUARY 2022 | 15What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? The com- What phone app could you not live without? Google
munity. I have met wonderful friends and mentors Maps.
through the OBA, and I would not have had the Best way to beat stress? Maintain a balanced lifestyle
opportunity to connect with them without the OBA. that sets aside sufficient time for family, hobbies
In a post-pandemic world, what are you most looking and other interests.
forward to? I am most looking forward to seeing What’s the best book you’ve read this year? The Last
how people, communities and the world define the Lion, a biography of Winston Churchill by William
“new normal.” Manchester and Paul Reid.
What is the biggest challenge facing the legal If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be a… College professor.
profession? I truly believe the work-life balance is
such a struggle for a lot of attorneys. Work is won-
derful, and it is a way we can truly help the com- BENJAMIN R. HILFIGER
munity, but our own mental health and personal Governor – District No. Seven
boundaries are also very important. It is difficult Muskogee
to prioritize our time.
What phone app could you not live without? Venmo. Background: I was born
Best way to beat stress? Having a consistent relation- in Muskogee, where I
ship with the Lord, exercise and scheduled time off. graduated from high
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? The Judge’s school. I met my wife,
List by John Grisham. Amber, at a singles din-
If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be an… Accountant. Boring, ner on Valentine’s Day
I know. in Austin, Texas. Three
months later, we were
engaged. We have three kids and a dog, and we spend
RICHARD D. WHITE JR. most of our free time at our family cabin on the Baron
Governor – District No. Six Fork River. I work in private practice with my father,
Tulsa Roger Hilfiger, and Jay Cook. I practice in criminal
and family law, and I am also a certified mediator.
Background: I’m from Education: J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans
Long Beach, California, College of Law; M.S. in energy legal studies from OCU
and I currently reside in and BI.S. in multi-disciplinary studies, commerce
Broken Bow. I’m married theory with a minor in communications from OU.
and have five children What is your most important goal during your
and 10 grandchildren. service on the OBA Board of Governors? To repre-
Education: Bachelor’s degree sent my district as best as I can.
in criminal justice from What is something you wish you knew about prac-
California State University Long Beach; J.D. from ticing law before you entered the profession? How
the TU College of Law. fun it is to be in the courtroom.
What is your most important goal during your What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? Fastcase!
service on the OBA Board of Governors? To pro- Free legal research!!!
vide leadership in participation in the governance In a post-pandemic world, what are you most looking
of our bar association during a time of change in forward to? Taking my family on vacations and
our profession and our professional associations. social interaction in large groups.
What is something you wish you knew about prac- What is the biggest challenge facing the legal
ticing law before you entered the profession? The profession? Adapting to technology.
time demands to properly prepare a case for trial. What phone app could you not live without?
They make it look so easy on television. Professionally, Clio.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? Continuing Best way to beat stress? Walking around my neighbor-
legal education offerings. hood with my wife and kids.
In a post-pandemic world, what are you most looking What’s the best book you’ve read this year? Lonesome
forward to? Getting rid of masks. Dove or Beneath a Scarlett Sky.
What is the biggest challenge facing the legal If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be a… Professional student.
profession? Inadequate judicial resources. Justice
delayed is often justice denied.
16 | JANUARY 2022 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNALJOSHUA A. EDWARDS ROBIN L. ROCHELLE
Governor – District No. Eight Governor – District No. Nine
Ada Lawton
Background: I was raised Background: Native of
by my parents, Mark and Lawton and married
Shelia Edwards, in the with three adult kids.
small town of Weleetka Education: Bachelor’s
(go Outlaws!). I went to degree in accounting
OU for college, where I from OU and J.D. from
met my wonderful wife, the University of San
Amanda. I stayed at OU Diego School of Law.
for law school, then moved to Ada to begin my career What is your most important goal during your
as an attorney in private practice. The bulk of my service on the OBA Board of Governors? Bringing
practice is family law and criminal defense, and my local concerns of the bar to the board.
wife works as a special education teacher in Davis What is something you wish you knew about prac-
Education: I graduated from OU with a B.A. in sociology- ticing law before you entered the profession?
criminology in 2007 and received my J.D. from the The great camaraderie of our bar and attorneys
OU College of Law in 2010. in Oklahoma.
What is your most important goal during your What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? CLE.
service on the OBA Board of Governors? I would In a post-pandemic world, what are you most looking
like to increase our community’s knowledge of the forward to? Getting back to traveling.
services that attorneys provide. What is the biggest challenge facing the legal
What is something you wish you knew about prac- profession? Burnout.
ticing law before you entered the profession? That, What phone app could you not live without? Google
for the most part, other lawyers are very helpful with Calendar.
advice and responsive to questions from new law- Best way to beat stress? My dogs Boo, Belini and
yers. In other words, to not be afraid to ask for help. Paisley.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? I appre- What’s the best book you’ve read this year? The
ciate the ability to call the OBA Ethics Counsel for Whistler by John Grisham.
advice when dealing with unusual situations. If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be a… Teacher.
In a post-pandemic world, what are you most looking
forward to? I am looking forward to traveling with-
out restrictions or COVID tests. ANGELA AILLES BAHM
What is the biggest challenge facing the legal Governor – At Large
profession? Protecting the community from Oklahoma City
non-lawyer “legal” advice and informing the public
of the need to seek quality legal representation. Background: I was born
What phone app could you not live without? Google in Berlin, Germany, and
Maps. was raised in an Air
Best way to beat stress? Being creative in the kitchen. Force family. Altus is
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? The Book my “hometown.” My
Thief by Markus Zusak. husband, Mark, has a
If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be a… Barbecue-circuit public accounting firm.
champion! Our daughter, Isabella, is
about to graduate from the Savannah College of Art
and Design.
Education: Undergrad at OU with B.A. in economics
and BAC in accounting. Law school also at OU.
What is your most important goal during your
service on the OBA Board of Governors? To learn,
to educate and to represent. And to hire a first-rate
executive director (big shoes to fill!).
THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL JANUARY 2022 | 17What is something you wish you knew about prac- Best way to beat stress? I haven’t found one yet, but
ticing law before you entered the profession? Not I’m using the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance
to make lawyer jokes. Program to find out.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? The What’s the best book you’ve read this year? I don’t
Legislative Monitoring Committee’s information think I have gotten to finish one yet.
and free CLEs. If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be an… Art gallery owner.
What is the biggest challenge facing the legal
profession? Lack of confidence due to politics in
the judiciary. KARA I. SMITH
What phone app could you not live without? My Governor – At Large
contacts list – and yes, Candy Crush. Oklahoma City
Best way to beat stress? Talking to my hubby.
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? Killers of Background: I was born
the Flower Moon. in Oklahoma City but
If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be a… Teacher. moved to Newalla at an
early age and attended
and graduated from
AMBER PECKIO GARRETT McLoud Public Schools.
Governor – At Large Following a brief stint in
Tulsa private practice, I contin-
ued my legal career as a public servant, as gen-
Background: My hometown eral counsel to the Oklahoma Office of Personnel
is McAlester, but I moved Management, chief assistant attorney general and
twice a school year from chief of the Civil Rights Unit at the Oklahoma
the third grade until Attorney General’s Office and now as general coun-
the seventh grade. Then sel with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. I am
I went to high school also an adjunct professor of law at the OCU School
in Savanna (south of of Law. I have two grown children, Marcel (grand-
McAlester), where I grad- kids Jordan and Allayna) and Kameron (who is a
uated. I have lived in Tulsa for the last 20 years. junior at OSU), and two fur babies, Mojo and Travis.
Education: I graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma Education: I received my B.A. in political science with
State University (alma mater of Reba McEntire and a minor in legal studies (Price College of Business)
North Korean Ambassador Dennis Rodman) in from OU in 1999 and my J.D. from the OCU School
2000 with dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and of Law in 2002.
political science. I received my J.D. in 2003 from the What is your most important goal during your
TU College of Law and a mini-MBA from TU in 2007. service on the OBA Board of Governors? To
What is your most important goal during your honor my duties as a member of the OBA Board
service on the OBA Board of Governors? To serve of Governors and contribute to the efficient and
an organization that has given so much to me. diligent governance of this most esteemed organi-
What is something you wish you knew about practic- zation. I strive to best represent the members of this
ing law before you entered the profession? How to wonderful organization.
set boundaries and thereby preserve space for me to What is something you wish you knew about prac-
just be. ticing law before you entered the profession? I am a
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? Fastcase first-generation lawyer in my family, and I wish I had
and discounts on so many different legal services a better understanding of the legal community and the
like Ruby. profession before entering it. Do not get me wrong, I
In a post-pandemic world, what are you most looking have had some wonderful mentors and colleagues who
forward to? Solo and Small Firm Conferences, like have really helped shape my experiences and career
the next one at the Choctaw Casino and Resort in paths, and to experience things within this great pro-
Durant. fession on your own is something we all have to navi-
What is the biggest challenge facing the legal gate. What I am saying is, there are certain aspects of it
profession? Upholding the rule of law. that if I had better knowledge would have had a more
What phone app could you not live without? Twitter. meaningful impact on my life in this legal profession.
18 | JANUARY 2022 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNALWhat’s your favorite OBA member benefit? I would literature and a minor in classical cultures. A few
have to say the ability to be connected to lawyers months after graduating college, I began my legal
from all over the state through bar service, whether it studies at the OU College of Law. I obtained my J.D.
be volunteering for OBA programs or being involved in 2014.
with sections and committees. I have met lawyers What is your most important goal during your
who I have gotten to know better, like Charles service on the OBA Board of Governors? My main
Chesnut, who I would have probably not met if not goal, and the idea that will flavor all my decisions,
for my involvement with the OBA and OBF. is inclusion. I want the OBA to be for everyone, and
In a post-pandemic world, what are you most looking I want everyone to feel welcome in the OBA.
forward to? Normalcy, unrestricted vacationing What is something you wish you knew about prac-
(I am oh so missing the beach), no mask, a better ticing law before you entered the profession?
appreciation in our society for each other regardless Being right and being clever can rarely co-exist
of our diverse cultures and backgrounds. peacefully in the same oral argument.
What is the biggest challenge facing the legal What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? I’m a very
profession? Diversity and attracting and retaining big fan of the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance
talent. Program. A lot of people don’t realize that as OBA
What phone app could you not live without? Text members, we have access to up to six hours of free,
messaging app. short-term, problem-focused or crisis counseling.
Best way to beat stress? Find time to enjoy life and It’s so comforting to know we aren’t alone, and
unwind. The pandemic has put some restrictions on there’s always help if we need it.
this, but my advice is to find new ways to relax that In a post-pandemic world, what are you most looking
may be right in your own backyard. For me, during forward to? I’m excited to travel again. Leslie and I
the height of the pandemic, I focused on projects in had tickets to go to Italy and Scotland in September
my backyard and enhanced my backyard space. 2020, but the world had other plans. Instead, we ate
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? The best pizza and watched Outlander. Same thing, right?
has to be reading various books of the Bible, then What is the biggest challenge facing the legal
next, I would have to say reading A Promised Land profession? Perception. Both our perception of
by the 44th President Barack Obama. ourselves and the country’s perception of us. As
If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be a… Veterinarian. they say, there’s a reason there are a lot more lawyer
jokes than doctor jokes.
What phone app could you not live without? My
DYLAN D. ERWIN “Podcasts” app keeps me sane and helped me
Governor – YLD Chair through 2020.
Oklahoma City Best way to beat stress? Physical activity has always
been one of the only things that can truly help me
Background: I was born beat stress. My wife and I joke that the better shape
and raised in Lawton. My I’m in, the more stressed I am.
family has been in south- What’s the best book you’ve read this year? As hum-
west Oklahoma since the drum as it sounds, the best book I read in 2021 was
land lottery, and I have Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. I tackled a chapter a
the privilege of calling day for Lent, and it completely changed my outlook
myself a fifth-generation on life, faith and sacrifice – truly no hyperbole here.
Oklahoman. Growing If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be a… College literature pro-
up, my dad practiced at a small firm in Lawton; so I fessor. I distinctly remember standing in my back-
spent my young life being slowly marinated in the yard senior year of college on the phone with my
profession that would ultimately be my own. I cur- dad, trying to determine if I wanted to register for
rently live in Oklahoma City with my wife, Leslie, the LSAT or the GRE. Spoiler: I chose the LSAT.
who is also an attorney, and our daughter, Eloise,
who is not an attorney but, rather, a newborn. In
my free time, I enjoy writing and reading fiction.
Education: After graduating from Lawton High School
in 2007, I attended the University of Oklahoma and
graduated in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in English
THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL JANUARY 2022 | 19Meet Your Bar Association
OBA Departments and Services
S ERVING MEMBERS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITY of the Oklahoma
Bar Association, and staff are responsible for ensuring member services are expertly
delivered. Staff not only maintain daily business operations of the bar center, but also
support leadership’s projects and initiatives to continue to improve your association.
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Phone: 405-416-7014
OBA Bylaws, Article IV, Section 4:
(a) The Executive Director shall keep the roster
of the members of the Association and of the
House of Delegates entitled to vote therein.
He or she shall record and be the custodian
of the minutes, journal and records of the
Association and of the House of Delegates
and of the Board of Governors.
(b) The Executive Director shall act as Treasurer, and
be the custodian of the funds of the Association.
No funds shall be withdrawn except in the
manner approved by the Board of Governors.
(1) The expenditures of the Association Executive Director John Executive Assistant Alisha
shall be in accordance with the Morris Williams Davidson
provisions of the Rules Creating
and Controlling the Oklahoma Bar
Association as promulgated by the Rules Creating and Controlling the OBA, Article VI,
Oklahoma Supreme Court. Section 4:
(2) The Executive Director shall maintain The Executive Director shall perform such
at all times a fidelity bond executed duties and services as may be required by
by a surety company as surety, the these Rules or the Bylaws and as may be
amount thereof and the surety to be directed by the Board of Governors or the
approved by the Board of Governors. President of the Association. He shall also keep
(c) He shall supervise the office of the Association a complete and accurate list of the members of
and its personnel and shall see that the work of the Association; notify delinquent members
the Association is properly performed. He or and certify the names of delinquent members
she shall also perform such other duties as the to the Supreme Court as required by these
House of Delegates, the Board of Governors or Rules; certify to the Supreme Court records
the President of the Association may direct. and other matters as provided by these rules.
22 | JANUARY 2022 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL(Back row) Director Craig Combs, Durrel Lattimore; (front
row) Roberta Yarbrough, Debra Jenkins, Tracy Sanders Director Lori Rasmussen, Kiel Kondrick, Lauren Rimmer and
and Suzi Hendrix Dawn Shelton
ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING DEPARTMENT
MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENTS The department has responsibility for member com-
Administration Department Phone: 405-416-7000 munications and public relations, including:
Membership Department Phone: 405-416-7080 Publishing the Oklahoma Bar Journal, including
Membership Department Email: membership@okbar.org working with the Board of Editors, editing and
proofreading articles, managing advertisements,
The responsibilities of the Administration and graphic design support, as well as copywriting
Membership departments are multifaceted, including: and editing information for news stories and the
Maintaining and updating the member roster FYI and Bench & Bar Briefs sections
Invoicing for senior and nonmember Oklahoma Publishing the electronic Courts & More and
Bar Journal subscriptions eNews newsletters
Processing requests for certificates of good standing Managing and monitoring social media
Assisting committees and sections with Issuing news releases and expediting information
member communications requests from the news media
Maintaining reports for all committees and sections Updating and maintaining website information
Scheduling meetings, both at the bar center for www.okbar.org and other OBA websites
and via video or phone conference Publicizing the Annual Meeting including
Planning and coordinating the Annual Meeting designing the Annual Meeting logo and website
Managing the Legal Intern Program and creating content for special programs like
Finances and human resources in memoriam and awards announcements
Maintaining bar center facilities Working with sections to publish short articles
related to sections’ focus
Working with the Law Day Committee to con-
duct statewide student contests, support county
Law Day chairpersons, coordinate and promote
the statewide Ask A Lawyer day of free legal
advice, produce the Ask A Lawyer TV program
and implement public marketing strategies
THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL JANUARY 2022 | 23 Assisting the Member Engagement Committee Producing MYOBACLE digital catalog of
in its projects, including publication and promo- programs
tion of 15 legal-topic brochures Providing online CLE registration and access
Assisting additional entities, including Awards to materials through MyOKBar and timely
and Diversity committees and the Young application of attendance MCLE credit for
Lawyers Division OBA/CLE programs
Sharing information with members regarding
COVID-19 including court closures and executive OFFICE OF THE ETHICS COUNSEL
orders Phone: 405-416-7055
Publicizing programs for the OBA CLE Email: ethics@okbar.org
Department and communicating information
for MCLE The Office of the Ethics
Communicating with OBA members about Counsel was created
members services, programs and events to assist members with
Surveying OBA members to gauge their conflict dilemmas, confi-
communication needs dentiality questions, com-
munication concerns and
CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT other ethical inquiries
Phone: 405-416-7029 unique to the profession.
Email: clestaff@okbar.org Through the Office of the
Ethics Counsel, mem-
The CLE Department is the state’s leading continuing bers can obtain informal
legal education provider. The staff works to provide rele- guidance and advisory
vant programs to meet members’ needs. To suggest pro- interpretations of the
grams, contact Director of Educational Programs Janet Ethics Counsel Richard Stevens Rules of Professional
Johnson at 405-416-7028. Department services include: Conduct. The Office of
Developing and producing in-person seminars the Ethics Counsel is autonomous from and indepen-
and live webcasts as well as online, on-demand dent of the Office of the General Counsel. Members
programs and audio seminars seeking assistance with ethical questions are afforded
Offering recent seminar materials in print or an attorney-client relationship with the full expectation
electronic format of confidentiality. Responsibilities include:
Coordinating seminars and conferences with Answering ethics questions from members
sections and committees for cosponsored Researching and writing ethics materials for the
events and administrative and webcast website, seminars and the Oklahoma Bar Journal,
services for noncosponsored events as well as presenting OBA/CLE programs on
Planning and coordinating the OBA the topics of ethics and professionalism
Leadership Academy Acting as a liaison to the Bench and Bar,
Professionalism and Lawyers Helping Lawyers
Assistance Program committees and the Legal
Ethics Advisory Panel
Monitoring the Diversion Program and teaching
related classes
OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL
Phone: 405-416-7007
The Office of the General Counsel is charged with the
responsibility of:
Reviewing and investigating allegations of
lawyer misconduct or incapacity
Reviewing and investigating allegations of the
unauthorized practice of law
Renee Montgomery, Gary Berger, Director Janet Johnson and Prosecuting violations of the Oklahoma Rules
Mark Schneidewent of Professional Conduct
24 | JANUARY 2022 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNALYou can also read
