May 2023 Tulsa Lawyer Magazine

2022-2023 TCBA CONTACTS, COMMITTEE & SECTION CHAIRS

www.tulsabar.com

PHONE: 918-584-5243 FAX: 918-592-0208

1446 South Boston, Tulsa, OK 74119-3612

Executive Director

Tami Williams tamiw@tulsabar.com

Ext. 1002

Membership Director CLE, Sections & Committees

Heather Heck heatherh@tulsabar.com

Ext. 1001

Front Desk Coordinator General Inquiries

frontdesk@tulsabar.com Ext. 1000

Accounting accounting@tulsabar.com

Lawyer Referral & Community Resource Navigator

Jeril Haug jerilh@tulsabar.com

Ext. 1003

Tulsa Lawyer Editor - Michael Taubman michael@tulsafirm.com

Associate Editor - Milly Dunlap Tulsa Lawyer Submissions - tulsabarnews@yahoo.com

TCBA OFFICERS

President ......................................................................Philip Hixon

Past President...............................................................Kara Vincent

President-Elect............................................................Mike Esmond

Vice President......................................................Stephanie Jackson

Secretary....................................................................... Lizzie Riter Treasurer.............................................................. Michael Taubman Budget/Internal

FOUNDATION

President.................................................................Hon. Ann Keele

Foundation Vice President...........................................Justin Munn

Treasurer......................................................................Philip Hixon

Trustee.................................................................... Hon. Ann Keele

Trustee........................................................................ Justin Munn

Trustee......................................................................... Philip Hixon

Trustee...........................................................................Lizzie Riter

Trustee.......................................................................Chad McLain

Trustee...........................................................................Jim Gotwals

Trustee Catherine Hoopert

Trustee................................................................ Michael Taubman

TCBA President......................................................Philip D. Hixon

TCBA Pres. Elect.......................................................Mike Esmond

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Access to Justice..........................................Pansy Moore-Shrier

Animal Law ..........Katy Inhofe

Bench & Bar Kevinn Matthews

Children & the Law....................................................Lizzie Riter

Children & the Law Vice Chair..........Timothy Michaels-Johnson

CLE...............................................................Pansy Moore-Shrier

Diversity......................................................Ruth Addison Martin

Fee Arbitration............................................................Gary Crews

Law Related Education / Street Law.............................Co-chairs

....................................................Pierre Robertson , Kara Vincent

.Lawyer Referral .......Karen Wilkins

Membership Services....................................................Kara Pratt

Mentoring ......Shena Burgess

Military/Veterans ...Mitchell Garrett

Military/Veterans Co-Chair Hon. David Guten

Nominations & Awards ........Kara Vincent

Pro Bono............................................................... Mac Finlayson

Pro Bono Co-Chair......................................................Aaron Tifft

Professionalism ...........Rick White

Public Relations....................................................Steve Layman

Social Media.................................................... ....Collaborative

Special Events .......Natalie Sears

Tulsa Lawyer Michael Taubman

Young Lawyers Division...........................................Billy Duncan

Morrissey

Director at Large (2) Public Sector.........................Hon. Ann Keele

ABA Delegate............................................................. Molly Aspan

OBA Delegate................................................................Rick White

Library Trustee (1)........................................................ Julie Evans

Library Trustee (2)..................................................... Kim Vojvoda

Presiding Judge .......................................... Hon. Doug Drummond

Chief Judge, U.S. District Court ...................Hon. John F. Heil, III

Chief Judge, Tulsa Municipal Court..........Hon. Gerald Hofmeister

TU Law School Student Representative Stephanie Acquario

FOUNDATION APPOINTMENTS

Law Day ................................................Hon. Martha Rupp Carter

Law Day Co-Chair....................................................Mary Clement

Community Outreach................................................ Ashley Webb

Golf Chair...................................................................Brian Keester

Scholarship Chair.......................................................Randy Lewin

Submission, Grapevine & Advertising- Visit www.tulsabar.com

Subscriptions to Tulsa Lawyer are available for $40.00 a year to those who are not Tulsa County Bar Association members or others who do not currently receive the publication. Contact tamiw@tulsabar.com

Tulsa Lawyer is a monthly publication of the TCBA. The TCBA does not necessarily share or endorse the opinions expressed in the materials published. The views are those of thoughtful contributors. Similarly, advertising does not imply endorsement by the TCBA of products or services or any statements concerning them.

SECTION CHAIRPERSONS

ADR/Mediation..........................................................Melissa Fell

ADR/Mediation Co-Chair ....Lauren Lindsey

Bankruptcy Hon. Paul Thomas

Business/Corporate......................................Whitney Humphreys

Criminal Law ........Daniel Levy

Energy & Mineral Law...........................................Buford Pollett

Employment Law............................................. ....Jonathan Shook

Family Law ..Jordan Dalgleish

Health Law ......Brenna Wiebe

Juvenile Law. ..........Lizzie Riter

Juvenile Law Co-Chair.......................Timothy Michaels-Johnson

Litigation...............................................................Mark A. Smith

Litigation Co-Chair......................................Mbilike Mwafulirwa

Municipal Law............................................................Cassia Carr

Paralegals/Legal Assistant....................................Kathryn Keener

Paralegal /Legal Assistants Vice Chair.....................Gloria Jones

Probate/Estate/Elder.......................................................Co-chairs

................................Kelly Hunt, Phillip Jennings, John Gotwals

Solo/Small Firm .............................................Colton Richardson

Tax...........................................................................John Gotwals

Technology ...................................................Pansy Moore-Shrier Workers Comp.........................................................Valerie Evans

* Section Chairs will be updated as positions are filled

Philip D. Hixon

A Message from the President 2022-2023

IT’S TIME TO SHOW UP!

You might be surprised at the number of notable and witty sayings regarding showing up. In preparing this article, I found a website entitled “110 Show Up Quotes to Motive You Everyday.” Another site touted “75 Inspirational Quotes on the Power of Showing Up.” Although there was noticeable overlap between the two sites, both contained a continuum of aspirational commentary on the simple, but significant, act of showing up.

Showing up can be a source of personal achievement and satisfaction. The accomplished and sainted Mother Theresa counseled, “Just show up and things will happen.” Politician Ron Nehring observed, “The world is run by those who show up.” Similarly, Woody Allen quipped, “Eighty percent of success is showing up,” and then (correcting his math), “If 90% of success in life is showing up, the other 10% depends on what you’re showing up for.”

Communities also benefit from, and are dependent on, someone showing up. Consider the following observation, if in doubt. Author John Updike wryly noted, “The world keeps ending but new people too

dumb to know it keep showing up as if the fun’s just started.” Especially amidst the stubborn pall of apathy that seems to linger post-pandemic, showing up can be so meaningful. Musician James Taylor is credited with saying, “I can’t thank you enough for showing up. It’s not the same without you.”

The May issue of the Tulsa Lawyer is the annual election issue. In these pages, you will find the biographies of aspiring officers, directors, and OBA delegates, among others. Many of these attorneys have dedicated significant time to our Association for several years. Others fall within Mr. Updike’s “new people” (without, however, the sarcastic slight to their intelligence) who want to keep the party going. Whether old or new, these are the people who are willing to show up and make our Association the valuable resource it is for our members and our communities. We should all thank them for showing up. Our Association wouldn’t be the same without them.

Although it is too late to run for an elected position this year, it’s never too late to show up. Planning for the 2023-2024 fiscal year is underway. President-Elect

Mike Esmond is recruiting committee and section chairs for next year. If one of them appeals to you, reach out to him. Soon, we will be taking applications for our next YLD Leadership Academy. If you’re interested and have been practicing for less than 10-years, reach out to one or more members of this year’s class (all of whom have expressed an interest in planning next year’s Academy). The CAP program always needs volunteers and provides a valuable resource to those in need. The Association’s Street Law program will be entering its third year. If you’re wanting something low key, showing up for a committee or section meeting benefits us all.

In any event, opportunities abound. I encourage you to vote in the Association’s election. I also encourage you to consider and explore other avenues the Association provides to improve self and community. It’s time to show up!

Lawyers

Hel ping Lawyers

Tulsa Meetings are held 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the office of Scott Goode, 1437 S. Boulder Ave., Ste. 1200, Tulsa. scottbgoode@gmail.com

Meeting Dates: May 11, June 8, July 13, Aug. 19, Sept. 14.

Philip D . Hixon TCBA President, 2022-2023

https://www.therandomvibez.com/show-up-quotes

https://sayingimages.com/quotes-on-showing-up/

Oklahoma City Meetings are held 6-7:30 p.m., Visit okbar.org for dates or email debraj@okbar.org. In-person meetings in Oklahoma City are held at the office of Tom Cummings, 701 NW 13th St., Oklahoma City. The group will also meet virtually at the same time using BlueJeans. Email debraj@okbar.org for login information.

If you need support... reach out!

Candidates for the Tulsa County Bar Association

2022-2023 Elections present their credentials in this issue of Tulsa Lawyer.

There are no contested positions this year. If a candidate did not provide an answer for a particular question, the question is not listed under their credentials.

The candidates were asked the following questions:

• Firm/Employer Name & Position

• Year of Admission to Practice

• Years in Practice in Tulsa

• TCBA Offices, Committees (last 5 years)

• OBA Offices, Committees (last 5 years)

• Outside/Community Activities (last 5 years)

• If elected, what are your goals for this office?

• Which qualities that you bring to this office do you want members to consider when voting for you?

President - Michael Esmond

Moyers Martin, LLP / Partner

Year of Admission to practice law: 2005

Years in practice in Tulsa: Since 2005

TCBA Offices / Committee Chairs (last five years):

• Vice President (current)

• Treasurer (2020 – 2021)

• Budget Chair (2019 – 2020)

OBA Offices, Committees (last five years):

• OBA Delegate

Outside / Community Activities (last five years):

• Pause for Paws, Board Member

• Tulsa County Bar Foundation, Trustee (2012-2017)

If elected, what are your goals for this office:

My goal as President-Elect will be to support the President’s agenda and begin planning for 2023-2024. That planning will include getting actively involved with as many committees and sections as possible to identify, promote and recruit future leaders of the organization. I want to place particular emphasis on growing our membership and encouraging greater participation in all of the tremendous programs and activities of the TCBA.

Which qualities that you bring to this office do you want members to consider when voting for you:

In an uncontested election, my nomination and acceptance stand out as important factors for voters to consider. Beyond that, my experience as an officer and board member of the TCBA and a former trustee of the TCBF has equipped me with valuable insight into the Association’s operation and programs that will help me navigate the inevitable challenges we will face and advance the mission for the benefit of our members.

President Elect - Stephanie R. Jackson

Law Office of Stephanie

R. Jackson, P.C. / OwnerManaging Attorney

Year of Admission to practice

law: 2018

Years in practice in Tulsa: 5

TCBA Offices / Committee Chairs

(last five years):

• Board Vice President, 2022-2023

• Board Secretary, 2021-2022

• Law Related Education Committee, Co-Chair, 2020-2021

OBA Offices, Committees (last five years):

• OBA EPPT Committee, Tulsa Liaison 2020-2023

* EPPT Medicaid Subcommittee, Member 2021

* EPPT Legislative Subcommittee, Member 2021

Outside / Community Activities (last five years):

• TU Law Alumni Board, 1921 Race Massacre Coalition, Co-Chair, 2020-Present

• TU Alumni Board, Member, 2019-Present

• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Tulsa Alumnae Chapter, Emergency Response Team, Chair, 2019-2021

• David E. and Cassie L. Temple Foundation, Trustee,

Board Secretary, 2019-Present

• Family Safety Center, Board of Directors, 2019-2022

• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Washington, DC, Grand Chapter, National Constitution & Bylaws Committee, Member, 2013-Present

• Holland Hall School, Board of Trustees, 2015-2021, Audit & Risk Management Committee Chair, 2020-2021

If elected, what are your goals for this office:

If elected my goals are to work cohesively with the other elected members of the board, and to perform the duties of President Elect in accordance with the TCBA bylaws by ensuring a strong relationship with the board’s president to stay connected with our programs during this upcoming fiscal year to make meaningful selections of committee vice chairs to support and advance committee efforts. Further, I will continue to maintain a pulse on TCBA and TCBF programs, projects, and committee efforts to develop meaningful relationships to support committee efforts, CLEs, long range planning, and other approved events.

Which qualities that you bring to this office do you want members to consider when voting for you:

The qualities that I bring to the office of secretary that members should consider when voting for me are (1) commitment, (2) integrity, (3) professional and personable, and (4) exceptional relationship developer and steward.

and supporting the Tulsa County Bar Association through your service.

To all of our Officers and Delegates....

Vice-President - Michael P. Taubman

Attorney, Welsh & McGough, PLLC

Year of Admission to practice law: 2004

Years in practice in Tulsa: 18+

TCBA Offices / Committee Chairs (last five years):

• Treasurer, (2022-present)

• Budget, Chairperson (2021-2022)

• Fee Arbitration, Member (2015-present)

• TCBF, Member (2021-present)

• Tulsa Lawyer, Chairperson (2016-present)

OBA Offices, Committees (last five years): None

Outside / Community Activities (in last five years):

• Knights of Columbus Council 1104, Treasurer (2016-present)

• Comets Lacrosse, Inc.(d/b/a Tulsa Alliance Lacrosse), Board Member (2015-present) Treasurer (2022-present)

• American Inns of Court, Council Oak/Johnson Sontag Chapter (2020-present)

If elected, what are your goals for this office:

My goals for this position of Vice President are to assist the President and our Board Members with the continuing development of TCBA’s outreach and service to the attorneys and Tulsa community. I look forward to facilitating the implementation of our TCBA initiatives, helping to communicate our efforts, and execute on the programs and activities of the coming membership year.

Which qualities that you bring to this office do you want members to consider when voting for you:

From my experience working with the TCBA and other nonprofit and/or client service focused organizations as well as my own practice of law, I believe that I’ve developed skills with planning and forecasting demand, managing projects and personnel, and budgeting and accounting for organizational expenses. My years of service in both the TCBA and TCBF provide a foundation of understanding the organization and operation of our entity, and I am committed to our continued success built by my predecessors.

Secretary - Lizzie Riter

Stinnett Law

Year of Admission to Practice: 2016

Years in practice in Tulsa: 5+ years

TCBA Offices / Committee Chairs (last 5 years):

• CLE - Chair 2018-2020,

• Co-Chair of the Children and the Law, 2020-Current

• Co-Chair of the Juvenile Law Section, 2020-Current

• Co-Chair of the Law Day Committee, 2021-2022

• Chair of the Law Day Committee, 2020-2022

• Tulsa County Bar Foundation Trustee 2021-Current

OBA Offices, Committees (last 5 years):

• Member of the Appellate, Juvenile, and Family law sections.

• Volunteer Attorney for TLC 2018-2019

Outside / Community Activities (Last 5 years):

• Member of the Junior League of Tulsa

If elected, what are your goals for this office:

My goal is to maintain an organized and clear of record of each Bar Association and Executive Committee meeting. Additionally, I will timely submit my notes to ensure each member has a chance to review and submit amendments. I will continue to preserve the records, books, and history of the TCBA.

Which qualities that you bring to this office do you want members to consider when voting for you:

My experience includes planning and forecasting. I am methodical with an eye for detail. I find fulfillment in being of service. Additionally, I am an effective communicator with a vested interest in preserving an objective, organized record for the TCBA. The TCBA is a wonderful organization that hosts several programs that not only better the legal community of Tulsa, but Tulsa County as a whole. For that reason, I love being a member of the TCBA. I would the love the opportunity to do more to help the TCBA moving forward.

Library Trustee - Kim Vojvoda

Attorney & CPA at Pray Walker

Photo not available

Year of Admission to practice law: 1993

Years in practice in Tulsa: 30

TCBA Offices / Committee Chairs (last five years):

• Library Trustee, 2021-2023

OBA Offices, Committees (last five years): None

Outside / Community Activities (in last five years):

• TCBA First Responders Will Clinic Volunteer 20212023 Past President of the Tulsa Chapter of Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants

• Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma Volunteer

• Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma – Tulsa Fundraising Team

If elected, what are your goals for this office: To continue the work, I currently perform as a Law Library Trustee. The Tulsa County Law Library Board benefits from continuity of service of its Trustees and my continued service is in the best interest of the Board.

Which qualities that you bring to this office do you want members to consider when voting for you:

I take serving as Law Library Trustee seriously and routinely attend and participate in our monthly Law Library Board meetings.

Monday May 29, 2023

Treasurer - C. Austin Birnie

Conner & Winters, LLP (Partner)

Year of Admission to Practice: 2014

Years in practice in Tulsa: 8 - 9 years

TCBA Offices / Committee Chairs (last 5 years):

• Budget Chair (2022-2023)

• Director at Large – Large Firm (2019-2023)

OBA Offices, Committees (last 5 years):

• Alternate Delegate (2018)

Outside / Community Activities (last 5 years):

• Tulsa Opera Board of Directors (2018 - present)

If elected, what are your goals for this office:

This past year, I served as the Budget Chair, where I worked with the Board’s executive committee to oversee the TCBA’s budget and internal financial operations. As Treasurer, I intend to use my experience with the TCBA’s finances to ensure that the TCBA remains financially strong, with an eye toward increasing membership and other revenue, and with a commitment that expenditures are made responsibly to meet the needs of the Tulsa legal community. I want the TCBA’s members to feel that their investment in this organization is worthwhile, and that they see a value in the services the TCBA provides.

Which qualities that you bring to this office do you want members to consider when voting for you:

I have served on the TCBA Board of Directors for four years, and during that time have diligently worked with the Board to oversee and improve the great resources the TCBA offers to this community. As Budget Chair, I have gained a thorough understanding of the TCBA’s internal financial operations, which will be a valuable asset to my role as Treasurer. I look forward to using my experience with the Board to serve you this upcoming year.

Director-at-Large 2 yr, Solo/Small Firm: Linda Morrissey

Outside / Community Activities (Last 5 years):

• Okla Academy of Collaborative Professionals

Board of Directors

• American Academy of Certified Financial Professionals

Which qualities that you bring to this office do you want members to consider when voting for you:

TCBA Offices / Committee Chairs (last 5 years):

• OBA Delegate

• TCBA Board

OBA Offices, Committees (last 5 years):

• Alternative Dispute Resolution Section - Vice Chair

• Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Section

Strengthening the working relationship between the TCBA and the judiciary; promoting a relationship between the TCBA and the TU Law School. To promote the TCBA in the legal community, encourage support for law students and new lawyers, and expand programs for lawyers. Experience; Dedication to the legal community; Perseverance; Ingenuity; Reliable; Conscientious

2 yr, Mid Size Firm: Jennifer L. Struble

Coffey, Senger, Woodard, Partner

Year of Admission to Practice: 2003

Years in practice in Tulsa: 20

Director-at-Large

2 yr, Large Firm: C. Austin Birnie

Conner & Winters, LLP (Partner)

Year of Admission to Practice: 2014

Years in practice in Tulsa: 8 - 9 years

TCBA Offices / Committee Chairs (last 5 years):

Director at Large. I have been a member of the Litigation and Appellate committees.

OBA Offices, Committees (last 5 years):

• Director at Large

• I have been a member of the Litigation and Appellate committees

Outside / Community Activities (last 5 years):

I have been involved in my neighborhood in various ways, including leading the 5300 Club Pool, Inc. (Community pool) and actively participating in the Hoover Neighborhood Association and the Lortondale Neighborhood Association.

If elected, what are your goals for this office:

My goals for the office is to assist the named Committee Chairs in accomplishing their goals, Assisting the Director of the Bar Association with anything she needs help with, and encourage membership and participation by South Tulsa law firms who find it difficult to make it to noon committee meetings.

Which qualities that you bring to this office do you want members to consider when voting for you:

I have served the bar association for 15 years in various elected and appointed positions. I have institutional knowledge but a willingness to change and evolve as needed.

TCBA Offices / Committee Chairs (last 5 years):

• Budget Chair (2022-2023)

• Director at Large – Large Firm (2019-2023)

OBA Offices, Committees (last 5 years):

Alternate Delegate (2018)

Outside / Community Activities (last 5 years):

Tulsa Opera Board of Directors (2018 – present)

If elected, what are your goals for this office:

As Director at Large, I intend to continue working with the Board to ensure that the TCBA maintains its commitment to serving the needs of our legal community and the Tulsa community as a whole, through offering relevant CLE programs, expanding our lawyer referral program, and participating in community events.

Which qualities that you bring to this office do you want members to consider when voting for you:

I have served on the TCBA Board of Directors for four years, and during that time have diligently worked with the Board to oversee and improve the great resources the TCBA offers to this community. As Budget Chair, I have gained a thorough understanding of the TCBA’s internal financial operations, which will be a valuable asset to my role as Treasurer. I look forward to using my experience with the Board to serve you this upcoming year.

Larry Leonard and Gerald Hilsher March 2010

Young Lawyers Division 2023-2024

Board

President - Colton Richardson

Richardson Richardson

Boudreaux, Associate Attorney

Year of Admission to Practice: 2019

Years in practice in Tulsa: 4

TCBA Offices / Committee Chairs (last 5 years):

• Co-Chair of YLD

• Vice Chair of YLD

OBA Offices, Committees (last 5 years):

• YLD of TCBA

Outside / Community Activities (last 5 years):

• Chair of the Board of Non-Profit Operation Aware

If elected, what are your goals for this office: Build community with young lawyers through events.

Which qualities that you bring to this office do you want members to consider when voting for you: Integrity, influence, and community building.

President Elect - Lacy Pullium

GableGotwals, Associate Attorney

Year of Admission to Practice: 2019

Years in practice in Tulsa: 4

TCBA Offices/Committee

Chairs (last five years): YLD Vice Chairperson

OBA Offices, Committees (last five years): Health Law Committee

Outside / Community Activities (last five years):

• Junior League of Tulsa - Gem Gala Vice Chair, Provisional Liaison, Social and Hospitality Chair

• Oklahoma Association of Defense Counsel

• Co- Chair of the Young Lawyers Division

• Inns of Court - Hudson-Hall-Wheaton chapter

If elected, what are your goals for this office: Increase the number of events, members attending meetings/events, and fundraising more money for YLD.

Which qualities that you bring to this office do you want members to consider when voting for you: Outgoing, organized, calm and collected.

Vice President - Kyle M. Trice

Smakal Munn, P.C.

Year of Admission to Practice: 2022

Years in practice in Tulsa: 1+

TCBA Offices/Committee

Chairs (last five years):

• YLD Secretary

• Golf Committee

OBA Offices, Committees (last five years): N/A

Outside / Community Activities (last five years): TU Law School Extracurriculars, Chair 2020-2021

If elected, what are your goals for this office:

My goals would be to support the YLD as needed, but specifically to increase the member population as a whole, the turnout of members at events, and to organize events that draw attorneys of various ages that raise funds for bigger and better YLD events in the future.

Which qualities that you bring to this office do you want members to consider when voting for you: The qualities that I bring and that I believe would facilitate the VP position, and YLD as a whole, are: my organizational skills; my ability to think outside the box; my willingness to reach out to others for fund raising, venues, and donations, etc.; and, finally, I believe I have the ability to lead when necessary, but I also realize when being a team player benefits the YLD and TCBA organizations.

Treasurer - Pierre Robertson

Tulsa County Public Defender Office

Year of Admission to Practice: 2020

Years in practice in Tulsa: 3

Outside / Community Activities (last five years):

• Vice President, 1st Step Male Diversion Program;

• Vice President, Northeast Oklahoma Black Lawyer Association

If elected, what are your goals for this office:

Chairs (last five years):

TCBA Offices/Committee

• Streetlaw Co-Committee Chair

• Member of Pro Bono Committee

OBA Offices, Committees (last five years):

OBA Delegate

My primary goal is to ensure I maintain accurate records of funds allocated to the YLD board. I will also present a budget to the Tulsa County Bar Association, to further the funding and development of the YLD board, for the following term.

Which qualities that you bring to this office do you want members to consider when voting for you:

I enjoy working with others to achieve a common goal. I believe my experience working on various committees and with people from different backgrounds makes me a strong candidate for this position.

Secretary - Kaia Kennedy

Brydie & Associates, PLLC –Associate Attorney

Year of Admission to Practice: 2021

Years in practice in Tulsa: 2

TCBA Offices/Committee

Chairs (last five years): None

OBA Offices, Committees (last five years): None

Outside / Community Activities (last five years):

NextGen Under 30 Award, 2022

If elected, what are your goals for this office:

I would like to see TCBA YLD cultivate a thriving and involved membership. I believe the first few years of practice in the law can feel very competitive and lonely without both peers and mentors within reach. I have experience this myself in life after law school and have worked hard to change that for myself personally through networking, cultivation relationships with mentors, and simply put - trial and error with opposing counsel and opposing parties in practice. However, TCBA and YLD will certainly be an amazing continuous resource for myself and for many other present and future Tulsa

lawyers to come. My goals for the office of the Secretary specifically include: (i) keeping the upmost organized system of information and recorded meeting minutes in order to accurately inform the other board members and the members of TCBA, and TCBA YLD, (ii) to maintain efficiency in meetings of the board and members, and (iii) ultimately bring ease to the processes of the office of the Secretary in order to focus on the items of most importance such as learning opportunities, camaraderie among young and experienced lawyers in Tulsa, and to ultimately grow the membership of TCBA YLD.

Which qualities that you bring to this office do you want members to consider when voting for you:

I believe I bring a level-headed as well as enthusiastic personality to any group I involve myself in. I am not afraid to speak my mind and give my opinion but have learned from experiences in leadership settings throughout high school, college, law school, and my short professional career the importance of listening carefully to detail and considering the many sides of information offered. Specifically for the office of the Secretary, I believe my attention to detail and my ability to carefully listen while meetings are ongoing will serve me and the TCBA YLD well in recording accurate and organized minutes. My work in this position will allow the Board to effectively inform members as to streamline the processes of the board and allow for the growth of the division/YLD.

Profiles for

• Employer & position

• Year admitted to practice

OBA DELEGATES 2022-2023 Election Profiles

Each of the nominees for OBA Delegate was asked to provide the following information:

Stacy Acord

• Member of McDaniel Acord, PLLC

• 22

• 22

• My goal as a Tulsa County delegate is to support and advocate for the best interests of the Tulsa County Bar Association by listening to TCBA members seeking to further the objectives of the TCBA through ethical and professional advancements for the bar and its members.

Christopher Uric Brecht

• McDaniel Acord, PLLC; Partner

• 2009

• 14

• To be a representative for family law and adoption practitioners in the State of Oklahoma, as well as bringing the unique and diverse perspective as an public gay man representing several members within the LGBTQ+ community.

• Years practicing in Tulsa

• Their goals are for the office of OBA Delegate

Michael Esmond

• Moyers Martin, LLP / Partner

• 2005

• 18

• I want to ensure that the vital role of the OBA is preserved and that its mission continues to be advanced in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the members of the TCBA and residents of Tulsa County.

D. Mitchell Garrett, Jr.

• Garrett Law - Partner

• 2005

• 18

• As a private practice attorney at a small firm, I would work to ensure that the voice of the solo and small firm is heard, and not dismissed by larger interest. I want to continue to contribute to the Leadership’s efforts to reach out to the under served in Oklahoma. My goals would be to effectively represent the voice of the members of the Tulsa County Bar and their wishes at the OBA.

Scott B. Goode

• Military Law Group, PLLC

• April, 2006

• 17 years in Tulsa practice

• I would be honored to serve as a Delegate for the TCBA and, in doing so, would help ensure that the TCBA has a presence at any and all events and meetings in which topics of interest to the Tulsa Bar are decided and discussed. I would ensure that our voices are heard and would also be a strong advocate for us practicing attorneys here in the Tulsa area. We are one of the largest groups of lawyers in this State and our representation at Bar and other legal events should reflect the same.

James R. Gotwals

• James R. Gotwals and Associates, Inc.; of Counsel to Barrow & Grimm

• 1975

• 48

• To provide experience and knowledge in determining issues that are important to the public and attorneys. I do my best to stay current on issues determined by the Delegates and ethically and effectively represent the TCBA.

Sabah Khalaf

• Khalaf Law Firm - Owner

• 2010

• 12

• I’ll continue to represent my constituents as a delegate to the OBA. 10. I’m organized, engaged, and work hard.

Kimberly K. Moore

• Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Staff Attorney

• 2005

• 18

• I have been an OBA Delegate for many years. I would like to continue to serve the TCBA and Tulsa attorneys by acting and doing what is in the best interest for the members of the TCBA.

Linda Morrissey

• Barnes Law PLLC and Mediation by Morrissey through DRC

• 1980

• 43

• Strengthening the working relationship between the TCBA and the judiciary; promoting a relationship between the TCBA and the TU Law School. To promote the TCBA in the legal community, encourage support for law students and new lawyers, and expand programs for lawyers. Experience; Dedication to the legal community; Perseverance; Ingenuity; Reliable; Conscientious

Justin B. Munn

• Attorney with Smakal Munn, PC

• 1998

• To represent the TCBA's membership and their interests at the state level with the OBA, and to act as a liason between the TCBA and OBA for the TCBA members.

Barrett L. Powers

• GableGotwals, Of Counsel

• 2015

• 8

• To effectively represent and advocate for the interests of the TCBA.

Deborah A. Reed

• Sterling Oaks Law Firm, Managing Member

• 11+

• 10+

• If elected I will faithfully attend the OBA Annual Meeting to perform my duties on behalf of the TCBA. I will prepare to vote knowledgably on behalf of the TCBA. I have several years of experience in this position as well as other leadership positions in the State Bar. I seek to serve my community and fellow attorneys.

Pierre D. Robertson

• Tulsa County Public Defender Office

• 2020

• 23

• My goal is to encourage attorneys to be more involved with the Oklahoma Bar Association. I will also attend the Annual Meeting to review pending matters and cast my vote as needed.

Morgan Smith

• Associate Attorney at Jones, Gotcher, & Bogan, P.C.

• 2019

• 4

• I would work to serve and communicate the interests of our legal community at the annual meeting.

Ashley R. Webb

• Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison and Lewis - Partner

• 2004

• 19 years

• To continue to address, and make more accessible to the membership, the ongoing, ever-evolving issues that define our relationship as individual practitioners with the Bar Association. Now, more than ever, it is important for that relationship to be helpful and responsive as we address our practices both in one of Oklahoma’s largest markets, and throughout eastern Oklahoma.

Faith Orlowski Animal Law Award

Cheyenne Barnard

The Animal Law Committee established the Faith Orlowski Animal Law Award in 2021 to honor Faith’s commitment to animals and her willingness to volunteer her time and skills to advance their welfare. It is presented to a law student member of the TCBA who is committed to advancing the welfare of animals.

This year’s winner is Cheyenne Barnard. Cheyenne is a 3L at the University of Tulsa College of Law. She has been a dedicated and active member of the Animal Law Committee since her first year. She regularly attends committee meetings and volunteers at our events. She has been a strong leader at TU Law as Article Editor and Executive Managing Editor of the Energy Law Journal, Executive Director of the Public Interest Board, Student Bar Association Delegate, and a Street Law committee member and volunteer. All on top of taking law school classes!

Cheyenne is the first to sign up to volunteer at our annual Santa Paws photos event and is a cheerful elf, entertaining the pups and helping Santa, the animals’ people, and the other elves. She not only shows up but also recruits our other elves from the law school to help at the event.

In addition to these many activities, Cheyenne has served as the President of TU’s PAW Law. This law student group is affiliated with the Animal Legal Defense Fund and shares its mission to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system. Further, she has been essential in connecting the TCBA Animal Law Committee with PAW Law to expand the Animal Law Committee and engage law students with the TCBA.

I believe that Cheyenne’s willingness to volunteer her time and talent to support the TCBA and her fellow law students and to work to advance the welfare of animals, makes her a great candidate for the Faith Orlowski Animal Law Award.

“You can judge a man's true character by the way he treats his fellow animals.”

~ Paul McCartney

Liber t y Bell Award 2023 Matt Lay

The TCBF is proud to award Matt Lay the 2023 Liberty Bell award. Matt is a lifelong public servant and first responder. He serves as President of the Tulsa International Association of Fire Fighters Local 176 and has served as a firefighter in Tulsa since 2005. Before serving as a Tulsa firefighter, Matt served our country in the United States Army from 2003 to 2009. He has dedicated his life to helping people and serving his community. Matt is qualified and well-deserving in considering the Liberty Bell Award criteria.

First, he has promoted a better understanding of the rule of law by serving as a guest lecturer in Labor Law for MBA coursework at TU Collins College of Business, as a guest speaker/role player at Tulsa Tech CLEET Basic Peace Officer Academy, and as a guest speaker at Tulsa Tech Criminal Justice/Practical Law Program for area High School students.

Second, Matt has encouraged tremendous respect for law and the courts by instructing first responders across the United States and Canada through the International Association of Fire Fighters to bolster compliance with “Sunshine Laws” and organizational guidance during the COVID-19 Pandemic, as well as fostering working partnerships between public safety entities and local law firms, District Attorneys, the Office of the Attorney General, Judges, and the Courts.

Third, he has stimulated a sense of civic responsibility by assisting Folds of Honor with expanding their scholarship program for military families to include first responders and facilitated the first award on behalf of a local fallen firefighter. Matt has also organized a detachment of firefighters to assist the Little Light House Spring Garden Party, benefitting free education to special needs kids in the Tulsa area. Additionally, his firefighters bought new backpacks to give away while volunteering at the Tulsa Dream Center Back-to-School Bash to assist local students with school supplies. He has worked with the Leadership of the Cherokee Nation to conduct the North Tulsa Fall Festival, support the tribe’s outreach to its citizens, provide standby medical services, and disseminate fire safety education resources. He highlighted and volunteered at Bit-by-Bit Equine Therapy to help kids with special needs develop physically and build confidence. Matt partnered with the StoneBrooke Homeowners Association to host the residents of the Tulsa Girls Home being escorted by firefighters for a fun and safe Halloween trick-or-treat experience. Moreover, he facilitated Tulsa Firefighters’ participation. He volunteered as part of the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign the weekend before Christmas to “ring the bell,” raising funds for our community’s needy families.

Lastly, Matt has contributed to good government in the community by writing and advocating for critical legislation, from city ordinances to state statutes and federal laws, in subjects related to public safety, first responder benefits, mental health, and economically targeted investment policies. He worked with the Attorney General to ensure local government compliance with the Open Records and Open Meetings Act. Plus, Matt serves on the Tulsa World Community Advisory Board to advocate and educate readers on various policy issues and core public services. Matt has served on several boards and councils in service to his profession and community, including the Planning Commissioner for the City of Jenks from 2014 to 2018, the Executive Board for the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association from 2014 to 2019, and the Board of Trustees for the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System from 2014 to currently.

Thank you to the members who took the recent Access to Justice Committee Survey!

These are the five winners of the $50 gift cards:

Craig Abrahamson

Mary Clement

Victoria Eller

Colten Kidd

Robert Stubblefield

VP'S CORNER Stephanie Jackson

TCBA Vice President 2022-2023 May

Day

May Day, May Day . . . Springtime is in full swing with Summertime knocking at its door! We celebrate so many awesome events during the month of May, from Mother’s Day to Memorial Day. You all know I am all about embracing the call of spring, the vibrant and vast array of colors of life, and the warmth of having great friends, colleagues, and family to share memories.

I have said it before, and I will say it again, being a part of the TCBA community is an honor and a privilege. Earlier this year, I challenged each of you to reconnect with other colleagues that may not be a part of the TCBA. This May, I encourage you to strengthen those TCBA community bonds. Whether it’s setting up a lunch date with a member to get to know them better, or sending an encouraging word to a TCBA member, your TCBA committee volunteers, or one of our amazing TCBA staff members, it’s important to let your fellow community member know just how important they are to you. Those small, random acts of kindness go a long way in keeping those fires for serving in our Tulsa community ignited.

Talking about keeping the fire ignited, thank you to our Law Day chairs, Retired Judge Martha Rupp Carter and Mary Clement, who along with their amazing committee, put in the work to make this year’s event successful. Please help me in saluting their hardworking committee, Rodney Buck (Student Art & Writing, Chair), Mary Bundren, Judge Daman Cantrell, Dan Crawford (Ask-A- Lawyer, Chair), Heather Heck, Lizzie Riter (First Responders Will Clinic, Chair), David Tracy, Tana Van Cleave, and Tami Williams. The TCBF Law Day Luncheon was held on Friday, April 28 and featured speaker Chief Chuck Hoskin,

Jr., who serves as the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. I also want to give a special thanks to those who attended this year’s luncheon and to our generous sponsors.

Finally, if you need some great ideas for bonding or connecting with other TCBA members and potential members this month, let me take the lead in keeping the flames of inspirations flowing by providing some fun events happening at the TCBA this month:

• May 10 – TCBF Annual Charity Golf Tournament

• May 17 – 12:00 noon - Brown Bag CLE – Appellate Court Do’s & Don’ts Part 2 with the Hon. Stacie Hixon and the Hon. Jane Wiseman

• May 15 – 22 – YLD Softball League Play

• May 18 – Tequila Cocktail Class – Member Event @ The Vault

These are just a few of the events and activities that you don’t want to miss. It’s Your Move! Grab a friend and let’s rekindle those community bonds and reconnect in May!

As always, if you have ideas to share, would like to serve on a committee, or have a TCBA project or program you would like to see highlighted, please reach out to me or Tami Williams.

Stephanie Jackson TCBA Vice President, 2023-2024

Will Brunton CLE Award Kevinn Matthews

As chairperson of the Bench and Bar Committee, Kevinn has taken pride in reinvigorating the Brown Bag CLE program after the COVID closures and has coordinated 12 Brown Bag CLEs since February of 2022, including Supreme Court Justices Dana Kuehn and John Reif, Court of Civil Appeals Judges Jane Wiseman and Stacy Hixon, and several District and Special Judges to speak on various topics. Additionally, he has helped sections find CLE speakers on related issues and helped create cross-section programming that has increased member participation in sections and renewed interest in

membership from attorneys who had lost touch with the bar.

He has eight Section CLE credits under his belt in the 202223 membership year alone. Kevinn also finds value in educating members and the public on other issues. He coordinated the Judicial Forum held in late October before the District Judge Candidates held their election in November, which was live-streamed on social media and watched by many members and non-members alike.

Celebrate Spring!

In hopefully the last event using covid protocols, Lawyers Fighting Hunger had volunteers from many firms that helped assemble 1000 bags that included canned veggies, fruit, fresh potatoes, salad, and a ham. Lawyers Fighting Hunger partnered with over 20 agencies to distribute the bags including Parkside, the VA, Dayspring Villa, EduRec, Women in Recovery, Emergency Infant Services, and many more.

Lawyers Fighting Hunger plan to return to the full festival again this November. Planning for the event will begin in June. If you are interested in donating or volunteering, please contact Hugh Robert at hugh@smr-law.com or 918-359-2709.

(L to R): Hugh Robert and Kevinn Matthews (front), Trent Siever and Dalton Hallum (back)

Sandra Day O’Connor Award Hon. Daman Cantrell

The Award is designated to go to an ‘educator’ who has significantly impacted the lives of students of all ages. The TCBF is proud to give this year’s award to the Honorable Daman Cantrell. For over 30 years, he has promoted education for children of all ages through many forms of volunteerism.

Whether managing and supervising mock trials involving the story of Goldilocks for little kids or working with troubled youth year after year at the

former Lakeside Group Home, this year’s winner has prioritized youth education. In addition to successfully working with high school students in Mock trials for well over three decades, he has worked to help educate Law School students with learning opportunities through his offering of ‘virtual internships.’ Additionally, Judge Cantrell speaks to high school assemblies across Tulsa County about the judicial process and the law.

TCBA GIVING BACK ~ March 18th

Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma

Volunteer Day

Corporate Counsel Section

On March 20th , the Corporate Counsel Section hosted attorney Hannah Frizzell from the firm Norman Wohlgemuth Chandler Jeter Barnett & Ray, for a one-hour CLE titled “Anti-Trust Laws: The NCAA and NIL Group Licensing” to a packed board room at the Bar Center. The audience included two judges, one being her father, Honorable Gregory Frizzell, judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma.

Rose Rock Energy Panel

Introduction by Dean Taylor and Dean Griffin

Mark Banner presented with is team from Hall Estill

After event networking lunch with Curds and Whey catering and ice cream from Rose Rock Microcreamery

Presentation by Kean Miller, LLP

Energy and Mineral Law Chair Buford Pollett introduces Susan Lindberg of GableGotwals

Member Event Charcuteray Night

"Thank you SO MUCH for this class!! It was absolutely the best virtual experience I’ve ever had. The food was to die for, and the instruction was easy to follow. The way she broke everything down and explained it was perfect. I have never been able to do anything like this, and now I can’t wait to try more! Thank you so much again. I’ll be on the lookout for any more classes like this!"

- Stephanie Collingwood

Grapevine News

The shareholders of Crowe & Dunlevy have elected attorney Adam W. Childers to serve as the firm’s President and CEO and named four other attorneys to serve on its Executive Committee.

In addition to Childers, J. Robert “Bob” Kalsu was elected as Vice President of Economics. Joining Childers and Kalsu on the Executive Committee are Kari Hoffhines, Kayci B. Hughes and David M. Sullivan

The Executive Committee is responsible for managing all aspects of the firm’s day-to-day business operations. The firm also named Cynda C. Ottaway as Chair of the Board and Malcolm E. Rosser IV to serve as the Board’s Vice-Chair, each being honorary positions bestowed upon the firm’s most senior shareholders.

An experienced trial attorney and litigator, Childers is the Chair of the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group. He also serves as an Administrative Law Judge at the Oklahoma Department of Labor and is a member of the Oklahoma Academy for State Goals. A graduate from and member of the Order of the Barristers at the University of Oklahoma College of Law, Childers received his undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma where he was Captain of the Speech and Debate team. Kalsu chairs the firm’s Aviation & Commercial Space Practice Group and has concentrated his career in the practice of commercial and business law, aviation title, finance and regulatory law and related matters. He is a graduate of Southern Methodist University School of Law and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma. Hoffhines is a member of the firm’s Real Estate and Banking & Financial Institutions Practice Groups. She is a graduate of Oklahoma City University School of Law and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.

A shareholder in the firm’s Tulsa office, Hughes focuses her practice on commercial litigation. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma.

Sullivan is Chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property and Technology group. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law and Oklahoma State University where he earned his undergraduate degree.

A graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law, Ottaway chairs the firm’s Private Wealth & CloselyHeld Business Practice Group. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma.

Rosser is a shareholder in the firm's Tulsa office and co-chairs the firm's Real Estate Practice Group. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law and Oklahoma State University for his undergraduate degree.

Birthdays are for Giving

By being a member of the TCBA, you are also a member of the Tulsa County Bar Foundation. As a general rule, the funds that come into the Foundation are the result of a fundraising event for our community, and the monies raised are immediately distributed back out into the community through non-profit organizations.

In an effort to assist the Foundation, we have implemented a monthly “Fund the Foundation” program. To participate we are asking each member who has a birthday this month to consider making a donation to the Foundation. You can do so with the QR Code shown here.

If you are not currently a Fellow, please consider joining that program. As a thank you (and let’s be honest, an encouragement to other members), if you donate before the 10th of the month we will include a shout out to you in the next issue of Tulsa Lawyer Magazine.

If you wish to donate or join the Fellows program, please contact Tami Williams at tamiw@ tulsabar.com.

Sincerely,

Philip Hixon, TCBA President 2022-2023

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