Brunton-Will CLE Award: Sabah Khalaf

Judicial Q&A

Judge Greg Blackwell Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals

What area(s) of the practice of law did you find most interesting?

I've been fascinated with appellate law since the beginning of my legal journey. I am thriving doing the work of the Court of Civil Appeals because it requires two things that I truly enjoy: deep thought about the law and building a consensus around the truth. I’m humbled and privileged to have been given the opportunity to come to work each day to serve the trial bench, the bar, and the people of Oklahoma doing what I love. ·

Please explain your philosophy of public involvement and practice of giving your time to community service. How do you anticipate your personal philosophy would translate to your service at the Court of Civil Appeals?

As an appellate judge, I’m blessed with two full-time attorneys on my staff. As a former federal law clerk, I’m a big believer in term judicial clerkships and have elected to make one of these positions open to new lawyers for one-year terms. Although I do not view this as true community service—as I think the Court and I stand to gain from the practice as much as the clerks—I am hopeful that the program, especially if followed by other appellate judges throughout the state, will increase the judiciary’s engagement with the bar, our law schools, and the general public. Although it’s early days, thus far, the program has been a great success. ·

Who or what has inspired you most in your professional life and why?

In my opinion, in the world as it was meant to be, parents are the best role models for their children. Both my parents, but my mother especially, have made my world nearly perfect in this regard. She raised two children while becoming a CPA, working for a large accounting firm, and then starting her own (very successful) accounting practice out of our home. She's been a fantastic role model for my sister, me, and just about anyone she’s ever interacted with. She has been a model of perseverance, determination, and consistency, for which I’m genuinely grateful. ·

What have you found most challenging about your job?

Although we are writing primarily to correct errors and resolve specific cases, our words have consequences that can affect not just that case, but the law of the state and more importantly the people of Oklahoma as a whole. Although we must consider each sentence carefully, the volume of our work also demands a certain celerity in drafting opinions. Balancing these two competing interests has been, and will likely always be, one of the most challenging aspects of this role.

What was the most valuable piece of advice you received during your career as an attorney.