functions. The Lawyer Referral Service (chaired by Cathy Hoopert) continues to function, but is entirely online or by telephone at this point. The TCBA CLE Committee (chaired by Lizzie Riter) has offered free CLE using videoconferencing software and is making arrangements to expand this capability. The TCBA Pro Bono Committee (chaired by Mac Finlayson) assisted in examination of the pandemic’s impact on the forcible-entry-and-detainer docket at the Tulsa County Courthouse. And the TCBA Access to Justice Committee (chaired by Shena Burgess) worked with the Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation (and its Executive Director Katie Dilks) in enlisting volunteer attorneys and identifying a mechanism to match them up with potential clients needing pro bono services who might not be served by our friends at Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc.
For example, when the methods of filing pleadings and documents were restricted, the TCBA pursued information on whether and how email filing would be allowed, and helped circulate the information to our members and all Tulsa attorneys. As the elected officials at the Tulsa County Courthouse began to contemplate re-opening the Courthouse, the TCBA and its Access to Justice Committee (chaired by Shena Burgess) stepped into action by providing insight into the concerns held by Tulsa attorneys. Ms. Burgess worked diligently on materials to provide to the District Judges and other elected officials on these issues, appeared at meetings to discuss the issues, and followed up in response to questions. My year as TCBA President runs out on August 31. But the months of March through May seem like a blur. Kim Hays (past-President of the OBA) emailed me in the midst of the above flurry of activity to remind me that the year that I plan and the year that I experience were always going to be different. It was just a matter of finding out how different.
Throughout this time period, updates and administrative orders were issued like wildfire. The TCBA circulated these orders to its membership as quickly as it could, with the risk of over-filling our members’ email inboxes at times. When issues were spotted, the TCBA and its members would assist in bringing these issues to the attention of the Courthouse.
Win Gift Cards to Local Restaurants & Businesses by Participating Online During June! Each online TCBA event will include a gift card giveaway to a local small business or restaurant. So keep joining TCBA online for your chance to win!
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Resource Page
Visit our COVID-19 information page
Just click the link at the top of our webpage, www.tulsabar.com
A quick resource with links to press realeases and notices for Tulsa County Courts, OSCN, Northern District of Oklahoma, OBA, Dept. of Health, State & District Administrative Orders and more.
