June 2024 Tulsa Lawyer Magazine

Tulsa MagazineLawyer

Happy Juneteenth! A Message from the President Michael E. Esmond

“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do.”

– Barack Obama

For my first three years of high school, I attended Hampton High School in Hampton, Virginia (Go Crabbers!). We moved to Virginia from Las Vegas the summer before my freshman year. It took some time to adjust from the Nevada desert to new surroundings near the Chesapeake Bay. Hampton was also a much older city, with historical roots tracing back to 1610, very different than the more modern Las Vegas which was predominantly shaped in the 20th century. As I learned during my time in Hampton, part of its historical significance is that it was home to Point Comfort, where in late August 1619, an English privateer ship landed with more than 20 captives seized from Africa. These unwillingly dislocated people were among the earliest enslaved Africans brought to the British colonies that would become America.

While I have long been familiar with the history of Point Comfort that ushered in the era of slavery in America, the history of how slavery actually ended after the Emancipation Proclamation is something I’m embarrassed to admit I only recently learned. A couple

of years ago, not long after Juneteenth became a federal holiday, I wrote a short article about the holiday for my VP’s Corner section of the Tulsa Lawyer. In the unlikely event you did not read my article, Juneteenth marks the day June 19, 1865 – 246 years after slaves were first brought to Point Comfort, two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, and two months after General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox – when Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were free.

Learning and writing about Juneteenth in 2022 was an occasion for me to dig beyond superficial knowledge of the holiday and attempt to gain a better understanding of its significance. I’m glad I took the time to do it, but it left me searching for something new and interesting to write about Juneteenth 2024. When I came across President Obama’s quote above, his focus on Juneteenth as a celebration of progress stood out. While the holiday has its origins in a specific date, it seems that date is better viewed as a significant step or tipping point in the progress to emancipation – not a “mission accomplished” moment.

Several important events in the abolition of slavery occurred after June 19, 1865. For example, ratification of the 13th Amendment in December 1865 provided constitutional protection against slavery in the United

States. And, while word of emancipation surely spread to enslaved people in Indian Territory during 1865, it was not formally abolished by the Five Civilized Tribes until the Reconstruction Treaties of 1866.

While the Reconstruction Treaties gave rise to and continue to be a source of vigorous debates and disagreements, there is universal agreement today that the emancipation of black slaves and the abolition of slavery was a necessary and just term of those treaties. In testimony before the United States Senate’s Committee on Indian Affairs in 2022, the Honorable Chuck Hoskin, Jr., Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, said:

The enslavement of other human beings and the subsequent denial to them and their descendants of their basic rights is a stain on the Cherokee Nation. It is a stain that must be lifted. Mr. Chairman, I offer an apology on behalf of the Cherokee Nation for these actions. Just as important, I offer a commitment to reconciliation.1

I admire Chief Hoskin for his unequivocal statement. Like creating a national holiday to celebrate Juneteenth, our willingness to acknowledge hard truths is necessary to ensure that the history of slavery will not be denied or erased from our conscience.

The story of Juneteenth and the abolition of slavery in America demonstrates the power of the law, whether

established by proclamation, constitutional amendments, or treaties, to effect change. At the same time, the delay in the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in places like Texas illustrates the limitations and challenges of transforming law into practice. It is a reminder to us, as lawyers, of the ongoing need for advocacy and vigilance to continue pursuing the promise of equal justice under the law.

If you’re interested in learning more about Juneteenth or celebrating the holiday, the annual Tulsa Juneteenth Festival will take place June 13-15, on historic Greenwood Avenue. The festival “serves as a safe space to exist in the fullest expression of yourself, as human, free and worthy of the joy of liberation.” Details are available at tulsajuneteenth.org.

Sincerely,

Michael E. Esmond TCBA President, 2023-2024

1 Oversight Hearing on “Select Provisions of the 1866 Reconstruction Treaties between the United States and Oklahoma Tribes,” 117th Cong. 11 (2022).

Golden Rule Award

3rd Quarter - Gwen Clegg

The TCBA is delighted to announce that Gwendolyn “Gwen” Clegg is the TCBA’s third-quarter Golden Rule Award winner. In June 2023, Oklahoma's legislature passed the Family Representation Advocacy Act, a landmark legislation. This act established the Family Representation Advocacy Program and authorized the establishment of a statewide central office of parent and child representation in child welfare cases, including interdisciplinary representation. In January 2024, the Administrative Office of the Courts contracted with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma to develop this office, now known as the Oklahoma Office of Family Representation (OFR). And who better to lead this office than Gwen, the former program director for the Oklahoma Parent Defense Team? Her role as the Director involves administering the legislative program and organizing the central office housed in Tulsa, a testament to her leadership and expertise.

Gwen graduated with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern State University in 1994. Subsequently, she earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa College of Law in May 2000. Upon completing her degree, Gwen was honored with the prestigious Order of Barrister's Award and the Lawyering Skills certificate. Since graduation, Gwen has dedicated her career to zealous advocacy of parents and children facing the child welfare system.

Gwen's influence in the legal field is not just significant; it's profound. She has served as a contract attorney for parents and children in Rogers County, a contract attorney for parents in Tulsa County, a parent attorney within the inaugural launch of the Tulsa County Safe Babies Court, Program Director for the Parent Defense Team pilot in Tulsa County, and a voting member of the Oklahoma Supreme Court Oversight Committee for the Uniform Representation of Children and Parents in Cases involving Abuse and Neglect. Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping the legal landscape.

Gwen has served as an officer of the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Juvenile Law Section and continues creating MCLE opportunities for the section. She actively provides education about the child welfare system, parent representation, and the significant impact of interdisciplinary representation. Gwen has shared her wealth of insight with the Children and the Law Division of the American Bar Association,

Oklahoma Bar Association Juvenile Law Section, Tulsa County Bar Association Juvenile Law Section, Oklahoma Children's Court Improvement Program, and Tulsa Lawyers for Children, to name a few. Since July 2021, Gwen has served on the American Bar Association’s National Parent Representation Steering Committee and various sub-committees, endeavoring to share the highest standard of parent representation with a national audience.

GOLDEN RULE

1: capitalized G&R : a rule of ethical conduct : do to others as you would have them do to you 2: a guiding principle

Wednesday, June 19 Juneteenth

Thursday-Friday, July 4 & 5 Independence Day

Award Criteria

The Golden Rule award is given to lawyers who make outstanding contributions to their professions, have the highest of ideals, and are willing to mentor to those with less experience. Criteria for Award:

1. Recognizes the ethical and professional obligations as an officer of the court, as well as the spirit and intent of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

2. Practices ethically and honestly and is true to his/her word.

3. Strives for the traditional goals of moral excellence.

4. Exhibits the highest standards of fairness and integrity.

5. Sets a model example for conduct with members of the Bar and the Judiciary, not only by words but more importantly deeds.

6. Is civil, courteous and respectful towards the court and his/her opponents.

7 Is loyal to his/her client without trickery and deception and without using abusive practices or misleading the court or opposing counsel.

8 Avoids the temptation to make his/her client’s case into a personal vendetta.

9 Conducts himself/herself in a manner that improves the image of the legal profession in the eyes of the public.

“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”

~ Benjamin Franklin

LAW DAY STUDENT WRITING & ART CONTEST WINNERS

The TCBF Law Day Student Art & Writing Contest Reception was hosted May 9th at the TCBA. Winners were invited to bring their families for cupcakes and cookies and pick up their winning submissions.

McKenna Shelton - 6th Grade Writing

William - PreK Art

Avery Oyeyo - 2nd Grade Art

Benjamin Block - 8th Grade Writing

Avery Oyeyo2nd Grade Art (2)

Samuel Gross3rd Grade Art

Avery Berk - 7th Grade Art

Levi Plum - OBA Winner

Bella Curran - 11th Grade Art

Juliet & Izzy Foster - OBA & TCBA Winners

Jo Shaw - 10th Grade Writing

Maddox Hancock - 6th Grade Art

Tulsa Lawyer

2024 Liberty Bell Award Presented to Gwen Freeman

The Liberty Bell Award is given to a non-lawyer who has promoted a better understanding of the rule of law, encouraged great respect for the law and the courts, stimulated a sense of civic responsibility, or contributed to good government in the community. It is also one of the most prestigious awards presented by the Tulsa County Bar Foundation. This year’s award is given to the Tulsa County Election Board Secretary, Gwen Freeman.

Gwen began her career in broadcasting and worked in Tulsa, Nashville, and Kansas City before being appointed Secretary of the Tulsa County Election Board by the Oklahoma Senate in 2017. Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith states that Gwen “displayed dynamic leadership, foresight, and enthusiasm” and “invigorated the workplace atmosphere upon her arrival.” She streamlined processes and capitalized on technology to create a more engaged and effective workforce, thus helping Gwen be reappointed as Secretary in 2019 and 2023.

As James Rea eloquently put it in his nomination, “Gwen is a professional public servant, a leader in her profession and the community, and a true force of nature.” Her unwavering commitment to accountability, transparency, and the strictest adherence to election laws and ethics has earned her the trust of Tulsa County public officials and voters alike. Gwen maintains voter registration records for 382,000 voters and 251 precincts. She conducts elections for all federal, state, and county elections, plus ten municipalities, 14 school districts, 1 Technology Center, and 2 Rural Fire Departments. She spends her free time conducting community outreach events to educate the public about the election process. During the COVID pandemic, Gwen supervised all elections flawlessly, all while ensuring the integrity of the election process and the safety of voters and staff.

Gwen’s commitment to free and fair elections will help ensure that in our country’s 60th Presidential election, Tulsa County voters can continue to exercise their right to vote and trust in the election process.

The Liberty Bell Award was established more than 50 years ago to acknowledge outstanding community service. The Liberty Bell is presented to a non-lawyer who has promoted better understanding of the rule of law, encouraged greater respect for law and the courts, stimulated a sense of civic responsibility, or contributed to good government in the community. The Liberty Bell Award is one of the most prestigious awards the Tulsa County Bar Foundation can bestow on an individual or group of individuals. Nominees may be an individual or a group that has: promoted better understanding of the rule of law, encouraged a greater respect for law and the courts, stimulated a sense of civic responsibility, contributed to good government in the community.

Street Law Mock Trial

KIPP University students enrolled in the Street Law program have spent the last four months working on modeling the roles of attorneys, plaintiffs, defendants, and jury members in a civil legal case. The students reviewed multiple cases to present and decided on Scott Walker v. Tanya Brewster, which involves a five-year-old who was severely wounded by a gunshot wound. The mother is sued for negligent storage of a firearm and negligent supervision of the minor child responsible for bringing the gun into the home.

This took place under the instruction and guidance of the Street Law Committee, which includes TCBA members and TU College of Law students. The Honorable Sharon Holmes presided over the trial in her courtroom on Friday, April 5th

Before the trial, students toured the District Attorney’s office and enjoyed lunch while preparing for the trial in the Tulsa County Public Defender’s Office. The mock trial began with Opening Statements. The Plaintiff called their two witnesses (Direct & Cross), and then the plaintiff restated their case. Next, the defense called their two

witnesses, and the examination went the same.

After the defense called their witnesses, the plaintiff and defense made closing statements. After the closing statements, the jury deliberated and determined that the defendant was not liable for damages.

The TCBA and Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Graves McLain, McAfee & Taft, Gable Gotwals, and Moyers Martin, sponsors whose generous contributions made this year's program efforts a success.

Lynn Miller Book Club - Year Round Dates

May 28

The Lincoln Highway, Amor Towles

June 18

The Year of Living Constitutionally, A.J. Jacobs

July 23

Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules, Edited and Introduced by David Sedaris

September 24

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, Margareta Magnusson

October 8

The Nickel Boys, Colson Whitehead

November 26 H is for Hawk, Helen McDonald

• Registration is open for TCBA members for the Lynne Miller Law Day Book Club by emailing mruppcarter@yahoo.com

• Registration is limited to the first fifteen registrants.

• All Book Club sessions are at the Bar Center and start at 5:30PM.

2024 Brunton-Will CLE Award Presented to Hugh Roberts

The Brunton-Will CLE award is presented once a year to an outstanding Tulsa County attorney who has demonstrated excellence in routinely teaching CLE courses. The award honors someone committed to helping educate and instruct attorneys in the everchanging world of law. This year’s recipient is Hugh M. Robert.

Hugh has consistently demonstrated his willingness to share his extensive legal knowledge with others. Whether it’s through an article for the Journal of the Oklahoma Association for Justice or a CLE on Crisis Management for Non-Profits, Hugh is always ready to impart his wisdom. This spirit of sharing may have originated during his time as a student at the University of Tulsa College of Law, where he served as Articles Editor for the peer-reviewed Energy Law Journal. Hugh's contributions extend beyond academia, as he has also shared his insights in publications in the ABA Energy Committee Newsletter and Tulsa Business & Legal News. His expertise in understanding the legal implications of serving on non-profit boards has made him a sought-after presenter for attorneys and nonprofit organizations across the state.

Hugh is a Principal with Sherwood & Robert and focuses on complex litigation cases, including business transactions, business torts, business dissolution, breach of contract, nursing home negligence, real estate transactions, probate/trust actions, and real estate condemnation. He also represents and works with non-profit foundations and organizations, advising them on state and federal compliance issues, policy and procedure best practices, intellectual property and licensing, and board governance issues. Hugh serves as outside general counsel to businesses of varying sizes and assists individuals with contracts, business acquisitions, real estate transactions, human resources matters, and risk assessments. He has experience helping individuals with estate planning needs and assessments for asset protection, tax planning, and overall strategizing for business succession. Hugh does private mediation on various cases, including business torts, business disputes, business dissolutions, contract disputes, personal injury, and non-profit/homeowner’s

association disputes. He also serves as an Adjunct Settlement Judge for the United States District Court for the Northern District.

Hugh is also co-founder and Board President of Lawyers Fighting Hunger, Inc., a non-profit that raises money to help feed the hungry. Each year, attorneys from Tulsa, Norman, and Oklahoma City join forces to raise money to purchase Thanksgiving and Easter meals for Oklahomans in need.

OWA SSO MOCK TRIA L

The Owasso High School Mock Trial team has set a new standard of excellence in the state mock trial competition sponsored by the Oklahoma Bar Foundation. They are the only team in 44 years to make the semifinals ten straight years and the State Finals 9 straight years, and have won the State title 5 times. Their consistent success is a testament to their hard work and dedication. The team is coached by Tulsa attorney Ken Ray Underwood and Judge Daman Cantrell.

TCBA Member Profile: Damario Solomon-Simmons

The month of June opens with the Tulsa Race Massacre, which occurred over 18 hours from May 31 to June 1, 1921. The events that destroyed the area called Black Wall Street is one of the worst racial violence incidents in U.S. history, yet largely unknown in 1921 outside of local media. By contrast, Juneteeth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, preceding those devastating events by 55 years. On March 29th, Solomon-Simmons and Eric Miller presented before the Oklahoma Supreme Court on behalf of Lessie Benningfield Randle and Viola Fletcher, the last two living survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre. On May 10, 2024, Viola Fletcher, affectionately called Mother Fletcher, turned 110, with Lessie not far behind at 109 years of age. Sadly, another survivor and their co-plaintiff, Hughes Van Ellis, did not live to see their case argued, dying in 2023 at the age of 102. When asked about the impact of Van Ellis’ death, Solomon-Simmons stated his surprise: “it was strange because we had been working since law school, 20+ years, and we’d had gotten very close. It still hurts.” Discussing their presentation of the case, Damario stated that they “felt good after the arguments, did everything we could for the Supreme Court to make their decision to overcome the motion to dismiss to get back on track. Time is of the essence, so we want the Court to act with deliberate speed to get an answer while people are still alive.”

Growing up amid the struggles of a single parent home with a mother suffering a debilitating illness, Damario

Solomon-Simmons’ experiences are spoken of with a mix of pain and pride in how his mother provided for him and his brother, the support of grandparents, aunts, uncles and extended family. Solomon Simmons graduated Booker T. Washington, which inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2014 among the ranks of its many distinguished members.1 Damario remarked that he was honored, but acknowledged he was not the student at that time in life that he learned to be later. Starting college and dropping out, albeit briefly, he moved to Dallas with then-girlfriend, now wife, Mia. He returned to attend the University of Oklahoma, playing linebacker for the Sooners, and he graduated with honors and his Bachelor’s Degree in African & African-American Studies. After earning a Master degree in Adult & Higher Education, he went to law school becoming the first African-American recipient of the University of Oklahoma’s College of Law’s Joel Jankowsky Award for most outstanding law graduate.

When Damario received the 2015 Men of Distinction honor, Harvard Law Professor Charles J. Ogletree was quoted as saying about Damario that his “intellect, judgment, and commitment are unparalleled.” 2 TCBA members, Kevinn Matthews and Danny Williams worked alongside Solomon-Simmons on the MVP: Fatherhood Weekend program, organized annually by Damario from 2013-2020. The program taught young men basic life skills such as money 101, using tools, CPR, tying a tie, and how to survive encounters with the police. Matthews remarked about its impact and Damario’s leadership that “I was fortunate to have both parents, and I learned the value of having a father, but didn’t appreciate it until I didn’t have my own around.”

Damario Solomon-Simmons roots in Oklahoma history and law run deep. In 2023, Solomon-Simmons won a victory before the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal court for Freedmen descendants, restoring eligibility for citizenship. What drew him to this case, he explained, was his family’s history with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, stating: “when I first learned about these stories from my father talking about [Mikko Cow Tom, a signer 1866 Creek Treaty3 and 4th Great Grandfather of Solomon-Simmons], I did not think it was real.” He explained how the historic black towns in Oklahoma came into existence due to large numbers of Native American black Freedmen. Solomon-Simmons connection to Oklahoma spans generations, from Great Grandparents, Jake and Rose Simmons, and other family, such as Jonnie Mae Simmons who grew up on the family’s allotment, and John W. Simmons, an original allottee who spoke Creek his entire life. It has been a “tremendous honor to stand on the shoulders of my ancestors to take up this fight that they

fought before me.” One of the works of Nikita Gill, an Irish born poetess of Eastern Indian descent, titled “Ancestors”4 recites:

Your ancestors did not survive everything that nearly ended them for you to shrink yourself to make someone else comfortable.

This sacrifice is your warcry, be loud, be everything and make them proud.

No doubt, Damario Solomon-Simmons’ efforts have made his ancestors proud.

Endnotes

1 Previous Inductees — Hall of Fame (bt whalloffame.org)

2 https://tulsaworld.com/archive/men-of-distinction-2015-damario-solomon-simmons/article_ b01563a4-bfe9-50fd-9cdf-a6a120f82332.html

3 https://www.indian.senate.gov/wp-content/ uploads/documents/CHRG-117shrg50076.pdf

4 https://www.instagram.com/p/ CAXtOn0pFWr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_ link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

2024 NEW BAR ADMITTEES

A total of 172 people took the Oklahoma Bar Exam in February 2024, and 69 passed. Those individuals were admitted into the Oklahoma Bar Association on Tuesday, April 23, at a ceremony at the Visual and Performing Arts Center on the Oklahoma City Community College Campus. The TCBA would like to recognize these individuals and welcome them as new admittee members!

Briana Acuff

Elissa Andrews

Cheyenne Barnard

Gavin Boone

Fallon Cochlin

Cheyenne Donatello

Jordyn Fox

Grayson Glover

Claire Hale

Amy Hernandez

Grady Holloway

Michael Kidman

Chris Lewis

Greg Loeffler

Garret Maxey

Jacob Popp

Jansen Rigney

Hannah Stidman

William Stringer

Ariel Subourne

Amy Sullivan

Jattelyn Taylor

Megan Wagner

Diversity Development Committee Member Spotlight: Dennis Baker, Esq.

The Tulsa County Bar Association’s Diversity Development Committee is proud of its members and what they accomplish in their profession. Meet Dennis Baker, an attorney and former law enforcement professional. Dennis is of Euchee tribal descent and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. He is a graduate of the University of Tulsa where he earned an English degree and a law degree.

Mr. Baker has spent his professional career answering the call to public service. He served as a Tulsa Police Officer for ten (10) years before joining the Federal Bureau of Investigation after obtaining his law degree. He served in the Federal Bureau of Investigation for twenty-three (23) years. First as a Special Agent—where he was part of various task forces dealing with international and domestic terrorism, counterintelligence, cyber crimes and national security; and later in his career as a Special Assistant to the Deputy Director of the FBI in Washington D.C., and finally as the Chief of the FBI office in St. Louis, Missouri.

Dennis Baker joined the TCBA’s Diversity Development Committee as a continuation of his call for service to his community. After spending most of his professional career in law enforcement, he is returning to private practice in Tulsa. He wants to open doors for more people from all backgrounds to enter the legal field, specially Native People as the need for tribal attorneys continues to increase given the amount of tribal law litigation going on now and expected to increase in the future.

Throughout his prestigious career in public service, Dennis has experienced first hand the important role that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives play in the success of any organization. During his

tenure in the Tulsa Police Department, he was part of the transformation of the Department into the diverse and inclusive professional police force that it is today. But it is not always easy to find qualified candidates, especially from underrepresented groups, to fill and satisfy the need to hire a professional work force that resembles the community it serves. In his tenure with the FBI, Dennis was privy to the great strides the FBI makes with diversity as it seeks to recruit candidates from all backgrounds and the agency seems to be ahead of everyone when it comes to implementing diversity, equity and inclusion policies to make the agency better.

Dennis Baker’s professional career has provided him with a unique perspective into the DEI question. After retiring from the FBI and before returning to Tulsa to start his private practice and become a candidate for Congressional office, Dennis served as the Director of Security at Sandia National Laboratories in Livermore, California. Dennis witnessed proof of the positive impact that DEI initiatives have in the private sector. The State of California, for example, supports DEI policies and initiatives for leadership roles in the fields of state operations, procurement, information technology and human resources. Dennis acknowledges the issue of diversity, equity and inclusion is not something voters are talking about in Oklahoma in this moment, but he believes it is just a matter of time before we are all taking about it.

It Is Time to End the Blight of the Tulsa Race Massacre on Oklahoma History and Law

Eric J. Miller & Damario Solomon-Simmons

Attorneys for plaintiffs Lessie Benningfield Randle and Viola Fletcher

Sitting in the well of the courtroom on March 29, 2024, facing the Oklahoma Supreme Court with the public benches filled to overflowing, Lessie Benningfield Randle and Viola Fletcher, the last two living survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre, watched an hour of oral argument. These two women, both of them 109 years old, have waited over a century for their claims to be heard on the merits in a court of law. At the core of their case, they claim that the defendants, who include the City and County of Tulsa along with the State National Guard, engaged in a public nuisance when they burned 40 city blocks to the ground, destroying Ms. Randle’s and Ms. Fletcher’s families’ homes.

What makes a nuisance public is the invasion of some right or interest shared by a whole community. The Oklahoma Supreme Court last addressed the state’s public nuisance law in 2021 in State ex rel. Hunter v. Johnson & Johnson, 499 P.3d 719 (2021). In Hunter, the Supreme Court made clear that the interest at the heart of a public-nuisance action is a propertybased claim, and a limited one at that. The central holding of the Hunter case restricted “public nuisance liability to defendants (1) committing crimes constituting a nuisance, or (2) causing physical injury to property or participating in an offensive activity that rendered the property uninhabitable,” Id. at ¶18, and it established that the relevant conduct is “unlawful [criminal or property-based] conduct that annoys, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, or safety of others.” Id. at ¶ 19.

The Hunter court made it clear that public nuisance, with its focus on property damage, is available “to address discrete,

localized problems, not policy problems.” Id. at ¶39. Public nuisance remedies injuries to a circumscribed neighborhood sitting on some identifiable parcel of land, and is not available to remedy “public policy matters that should be dealt with by the legislative and executive branches,” id., such as the wrongs of racial oppression in Oklahoma generally, or Tulsa in particular. Nonetheless, where individuals or governments— including municipal governments—take actions that blight other people’s property, then the State of Oklahoma has routinely, and without extraordinary controversy, vested its trial courts with the jurisdiction and authority to remediate the pollution or destruction of property through the equitable remedy of abatement, which is more or less a form of specific performance requiring the injuring party to undo the damage it has done to another’s property.

The Tulsa Race Massacre, though deeply historically significant in the history of the United States, is legally quite straightforward on the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s 2021 decision in Hunter. Though the scale of the property damage was enormous, Oklahoma has seen whole towns targeted for property damage a number of times in its history, and has allowed public nuisance law to abate the damage caused as early as 1907. Markwardt v. City of Guthrie, 18 Okla. 32 (1907). What happened in Greenwood, Oklahoma, the Black district of Tulsa, on the night of May 31-June 1, 1921, fits within these histories of municipal destruction.

The history of the Massacre is, hopefully, by now familiar. On that night, about five-thousand white people used violent and often deadly force to remove eight thousand African American residents of the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma, from their homes, which were then torched, destroying over 1,200 homes and razing 40 city blocks to the ground.

The National Guard, along with the City and County police, helped organize small groups of men into groups, called patrols, furnished them with pistols and rifles, and deputized white civilians to command them, often using veteran “exservicemen,” who were members of the Home Guard. Their

Left: Devastation of Greenwood District after Race Riots, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, American National Red Cross Photograph Collection, June 1921. (Photo by: GHI/Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

official duty was to “gather up all negros and bring them to the station.” According to the estimate of Major Daley of the Oklahoma State National Guard, more that 5,000 armed white men were part of the organized patrols. At least 300 Black people were murdered. In the aftermath of the massacre, the Chamber of Commerce supervised the kidnapping and unlawful detention of 5,000 Black people who were held under armed guard in internment camps around the town. Three-thousand people fled to other towns and cities around Oklahoma and the United States.

In late 2023, Judge Wall, presiding over the district court of Tulsa County dismissed Ms. Randle’s and Ms. Fletcher’s case with prejudice, deciding that they had to meet a heightened pleading standard by stating their abatement remedy with specificity, as well as opining that the plaintiffs could not state an abatement remedy as a matter of law. This heightened pleading standard was not limited to public nuisance claims; even if it were, it introduced a comprehensive revision of the State of Oklahoma’s notice pleading standard and presents a comprehensive hurdle to plaintiffs’ lawyers across the state. In addition, the trial court ignored the plaintiffs’ claims that the defendants had destroyed, blighted, and taken possession of property in the Greenwood neighborhood: property that the defendants’ still owned. At the plaintiffs argued in our petition and before the Oklahoma Supreme Court, there are a variety of ways in which the defendants could remediate that property damage, and these ways constitute the sort of specific performance contemplated by the remedy of abatement.

Ms. Randle’s and Ms. Fletcher’s argument has always focused on property damage: that is what brings it squarely within even the most narrow definition of public nuisance.

Before both the trial court and the Oklahoma Supreme Court, defendants have tried to make this a case that is directly about race relations in Oklahoma. But this is a case about one neighborhood in one city in the State: that the neighborhood happens to be a majority-Black one does not make this a racerelations case, and should not disqualify that neighborhood from falling under the law of public nuisance as it has been applied to other neighborhoods around the state.

At the end of oral arguments, Justice Yvonne Kauger commented that, “Regardless of what happens, we will make sure that will never happen again. It will be in the history books.” We hope that this case will also be in the law books as a precedent to show that the Oklahoma notice pleading standard applies to all cases in this jurisdiction, including public nuisance ones, and that the remedy of abatement is available to remedy the blight that has afflicted this neighborhood, this community, and these two people, Lessie Randle and Viola Fletcher, for too long.

Eric Miller

Damario Solomon Simmons

Law Day 2024

Law Day 2024 Recap

This year marked the 66th year of Law Day and TCBA celebrated in spectacular fashion on Route 66. Our Law Day Luncheon on April 26 was held at the University of Tulsa right off Historic Route 66. Our luncheon speaker was Route 66 historian and author Michael Wallis who shared a story of the magic and personal impact connecting with the Mother Road

At the luncheon we highlighted our 50- and 60-year attorneys, along with our Liberty Bell Award winner Gwen Freeman of the Tulsa County Election Board and BruntonWill CLE Award winner Hugh Robert. Turnout was strong with twelve table sponsors and 160 total attendees including Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith and her deputy James Rea, students from the Street Law Program at KIPP Tulsa University Prep, and the Owasso High School Mock Trial team.

Tulsa County students turned out and won big this year in the Law Day Student Art & Writing Contest. Eight Tulsa-area students won prizes in the state-wide OBA competition and another twenty-two won the TCBA contest. Winners picked up their certificates and prizes at a reception hosted at the Tulsa County Bar Center on May 9.

Ask-a-Lawyer, held on May 1, had 43 attorney volunteers who answered 550 calls from Oklahomans across the state. Dan Crawford celebrated his 35th year at the helm of Ask-a-Lawyer and we are thankful for his dedication to such a worthy community service.

The Law Day Book Club continues to meet monthly to share and connect in conversation over a wide range of books. This year the book club hosted two author events. In partnership with Magic City Books, the Law Day Book Club hosted author Justin Jones at the Bar Center to discuss his latest novel The Devil’s Smokehouse. The Book Club also had local attorney and author Mark Darrah join in conversation with Book Club chair and Law Day committee member Martha Rupp Carter about his book of essays A Catalogue of Common People.

Planning is already underway for our 2025 Law Day celebration and activities. If you’d like to join the committee and be part of connecting the mission and spirit of Law Day with our fellow attorneys and the greater Tulsa community, please email Heath Heck at heatherh@tulsabar.com.

James Rea, Chief Deputy County Commissioner, District 2, Ann Keele, Gwen Freeman, Karen Keith, County Commissioner, District 2.

Golf Committee Hosts Reception for Beneficiaries

The Golf Committee hosted a reception for the recipients of this year’s successful charity golf tournament. Guests from Coffee Bunker, Iron Gate, and Tulsa Lawyers for Children gathered to take photos and accept their financial donations from the Foundation.

Coffee Bunker and Iron Gate received $5,500, and Tulsa Lawyers for Children received $5,000.

The Foundation would like to thank its committee of volunteers for their instrumental role in making this year’s event a success: Committee Co-Chairs Billy Duncan and Michael Thelen, Jim Gotwals, Paul Hood, Larry Leonard, Lauren Peterson, Kyle Trice, Brad Williams, Heather Heck, and Tami Williams.

Jim Gotwals; Brad Williams; Dr. Michael Horton, Executive Director of the Coffee Bunker; Marcia Graham, Director of Donor Relations for Coffee Bunker; Jim Lyall, Coffee Bunker Board President; Billy Duncan; and Michael Thelen.

Michael Thelen and Billy Duncan join TLC s Program Coordinator Andrea Prokop, Senior Staff Attorney Savannah Mendenhall, Executive Director Kalan Lloyd, Staff Attorney Lexie Allen, TU Law Extern Jacque Ruhl, and Jim Gotwals.

Iron Gate Executive Director Carrie Henderson, Michael Thelen, Billy Duncan, Volunteer Coordinator Heather Crim, and Jim Gotwals

Multiple offices available at 91st & Yale in professional growth corridor of South Tulsa. Easy access to Creek Turnpike and Riverside Drive.

Office space includes common area, conference rooms, storage, rest rooms, kitchenette and ample parking. Furnishings and common receptionist optional. Classic finishes and private entrance available. If interested, please contact Sean Jacoway at (918) 392-5209.

Golf Reception Mixer

What's Your Extra?

Jon P. (“JP”) Ray Litigation Associate Attorney Atkinson, Brittingham, Gladd, et. al.

Extras: Runner. Street Law Volunteer. Golfer. Traveler.

How do you make time to do the above? Wake up at 5 am but go to bed by 9 pm. (and I live and breathe by my iPhone calendar).

The TCBA wants to recognize what our members do outside involvement in law. If you want the opportunity to be featured, please reach out to Heather Heck at heatherh@tulsabar.com.

Are there any other "extras" you are looking to add to your list? Run the OKC Memorial Marathon.

If you could give advice to encourage others to get involved in "extras", what would it be? I’ve found that the “extras” help to balance the longevity of the legal practice.

Kelly A. Smakal, Smakal Munn, P.C.

Domestic and Probate Litigation

Practice Extras: Parenting, and being present for my girls, first and foremost! (I have 2 amazing daughters) Next: Triathlons, and individual running, cycling, swimming, etc. Completed IRONMAN 140.6 May 2022, IRONMAN 70.3 May 2023; the IRONMAN is 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles on the bike, and 26.2 mile run.

How do you make time to do the above? Get up early, go to bed early, and SCHEDULING is EVERYTHING!

Are there any other "extras" you are looking to add to your list? I am currently working toward running a marathon in every state. I have 12 states down, with Pennsylvania completed Sunday, May 5, 2024. I will (hopefully/maybe) start to work toward another IRONMAN after my youngest daughter graduates high school in May 2025; and will also bump up my pace of finishing a marathon in every state. Most of 2021 through May of 2023, I was mostly learning to cycle and swim, and running took a back seat.

If you could give advice to encourage others to get involved in "extras", what would it be? It is so worth it!!! The people I have met, and friends I have made, are truly inspirational and amazing! It also feels pretty

amazing to accomplish a bucket list goal. IRONMAN’s slogan is ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

Are you riding in the Tulsa Tough? What are you doing and what's your motivation? I will be doing the Fondo on Saturday and Sunday, currently thinking the shorter Piccolo distances (30-45 miles) because there are lots of fun stops with food and festive drinks, and I am just trying to have fun and enjoy activities this year (as opposed to last couple of years really pushing, since I was a beginner on the bike and swim). I am motivated to ride, and do all the things, because it is fun to challenge yourself, to accomplish new things, and to stay active and get outside!!! All good things!

43

Fun With Numbers

(A recap of ASK-A-LAWYER 2024)

Attorneys…..1 paralegal…..1 3L Legal Intern….. 1 Scottie dog named Fletch…. 13 VOIP phones……2 dozen donuts…..5 pizzas……… 550 callers………

WHAT DO ALL THESE HAVE IN COMMON?

They all came together on May 1st at the TCBA Center for the 48th annual ASK-A-LAWYER program. The program, despite technological issues beyond our control, was still a huge success! First the exciting numbers:

It has been decades since we had this many Attorneys participating. The response from TCBA members was almost overwhelming. We haven’t had 13 phone ‘lines’ up and running for somewhere over 20 years. Talking with 550 callers during our 12-hour marathon was not the most I have ever witnessed, but when combined with OKC the total number of calls between our 2 cities was around 850. (Once again, Tulsa leads the State!)

In addition to the live calls, roughly 500 email questions were answered. I do not recall ever having such a huge internet response. Having a paralegal and intern present to help with logistics and assistance was indispensable. Fletch the Wonder Dog was a calming influence as well. Now the not so exciting numbers:

Due to some critical technical issues with our internet call providers, there were (in my opinion) hundreds of call failures both here and in OKC. For some reason, the providers set up our system this year so that every phone

rang (both here and in OKC) for every call! This meant that whoever was fastest ‘on the draw’ by tapping the ACCEPT CALL pop up window would get it.

Speaking for myself, for every 5 calls that popped up on my phone, I was only able to actually answer 1 call. Between someone beating me to the punch by answering the phone within a half second (literally), combined with the significant call drops, I believe we missed out on hundreds of other calls. I think there were so many callers attempting to reach us, that the system was crashing throughout the day. Someone from the Bar Association was in near constant contact with our internet providers during the marathon trying to deal with and resolve the issues.

Even though I will no longer be the Chair for this program here in Tulsa, I assure you this internet problem will not happen again! Discussions are already underway to remedy this for next year.

I leave you all with this: it has been both a pleasure and a privilege to have been able to participate in this program for 35 consecutive years. I have had the opportunity to speak with over 2000 callers during this stretch of time. There have been many memorable calls that I remember, even decades later.

I am convinced now that the program is safe, that it will continue and that it will prosper. Thanks again!

Dan Crawford, Chair

CERTIFIED COURTROOM REPORTER –

TULSA COUNTY

Position: Certified Shorthand Reporter (District Judge and Pool Openings)

Location: Tulsa County Courthouse, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Hiring Officials: District Judges Kevin Gray and Doug Drummond, Court Administrator, Kim Hall (pool positions)

Salary: Pursuant to Statute

Benefits: State paid annual and sick leave, insurance, and retirement

Necessary Qualifications: Certified by the Oklahoma CSR Board and as required by Oklahoma Statutes

Resumes should be directed to: Kim Hall, Court Administrator

Tulsa County Courthouse, 500 S. Denver, Room 637

Tulsa,OK 74103

kim.hall@oscn.net (918) 596-5400

Lawyers Helping Lawyers

Monthly meetings led by a Lawyers Helping Lawyers Committee member. The small group discussions are intended to give group leaders and participants the opportunity to ask questions, provide support and share information with fellow bar members to improve their lives – professionally and personally.

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

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.

Learn more at okbar.org/lhl/

FAMILY LAW SECTION MEETING NOTICE

Join us for the virtual meeting Friday, June 7 at 12PM of the Family Law Section.

More information and registration at www.tulsabar.com

This meeting will feature speakers from two new programs: the Parent-Child Assistance Program or "PCAP" and the Family Representation and Advocacy Program or "FRAP" .

In Memory of... Steven W. Vincent

Steven W. Vincent passed away April 24, 2024. He had been dutifully representing his clients up until the day before, which was his passion. Slightly disheveled and sporting a Winnie-the-Pooh tie, he rushed to the Tulsa County Courthouse daily to find those unfortunate citizens who didn’t have enough money to hire a lawyer so he could help them. However, he was the worthy adversary nobody saw coming. He’d gotten more not-guilty verdicts than the other side would like to admit, but they highly respected him for it. Any lawyer that needed help with

a case could expect him to cover it without expecting anything in return.

Tulsa County will suffer a great detriment without his altruistic nature. The halls of the courthouse, or his “office”, will be much more subdued without his daily “howdy”.

Steve’s memorial service was held Wednesday, May 1 at 2 p.m., Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 601 N. Lake Dr., Sand Springs, OK, 74063

Gr apevine News

Jesse Lee Allen has joined the Tulsa law firm of Savage O’Donnell Affeldt & Weintraub as Of Counsel. He most recently served as Secretary of Interior Affairs for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, a cabinet position confirmed unanimously by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council. He primarily practices in the areas of tribal law, real estate, business transactions and estate planning. Mr. Allen received his J.D. from the University of New Mexico Law School in 2013.

member of the American Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association and Tulsa County Bar Association, and is admitted to practice in the United States District Courts for the Northern, Eastern and Western Districts of Oklahoma.

Sanders & Associates, PC is pleased to announce that Jatelyn M. Taylor was sworn in on April 23, 2024 as a new practicing attorney for the Great State of Oklahoma. Jatelyn will continue her employment with Sanders & Associates as a licensed attorney. Jatelyn is a joy to work with, she is passionate about the law and using the law to help others. It is such a pleasure to see ambition and dedication in this new generation of attorneys. Sanders & Associates, PC is proud of her accomplishments and excited to watch her accomplish much more throughout her legal career.

The Tulsa law firm of Atkinson, Brittingham, Gladd, Fiasco & Edmonds announces that Andrew G. Wakeman has become a shareholder in the firm.

Andrew Wakeman graduated with Highest Honors from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2006. While in law school, Mr. Wakeman served as an editor on the Tulsa Law Review, and was awarded the Order of the Curule Chair. Prior to law school, Mr. Wakeman attended the University of South Alabama where he received a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration.

As a litigator, Mr. Wakeman has defended cases involving automobile negligence, insurance breach of contract, insurance bad faith, and medical malpractice and has taken numerous cases to trial as both first and second chair counsel. Mr. Wakeman is currently a

Pray Walker, a full-service law firm located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, announced that Paul Hood has joined the firm as an associate attorney. “We are very excited to have Paul join our growing commercial litigation practice,” says C. Bretton Crane, Pray Walker’s managing partner. “His skills and background will be valuable to our clients as we serve their needs.”Originally from Mandeville, Louisiana, Paul earned his bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and law degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. Paul’s expertise includes complex business/commercial litigation, employment and labor law, personal injury, and insurance cases.

Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, LLP (DSDA) welcomes Joanne F. Hurley, Meagon R. Eagon and Anna M. Sanger. Joanne and Meagon will practice law in our Oklahoma City office and Anna in our Tulsa office.

Originating her legal career in Chicago, Joanne brings her legal experience to Oklahoma. She joins DSDA as an attorney of counsel to guide clients on business and commercial transactions. She works extensively with real estate developers, small to midsized businesses and start-ups, non-profit organizations, franchisees, and associations in complex transactions and day-to-day business affairs. She has handled multiple asset and equity purchases, as well as complicated real estate transactions. Joanne graduated with her Juris

C lassified a ds

The Law Firm of Atkinson, Brittingham, Gladd, Fiasco & Edmonds is currently seeking an associate attorney with minimum 5 years of experience in litigation, bad faith a plus. The associate in this position will be responsible for court appearances, depositions, performing discovery, interviews and trials in active cases filed in the Oklahoma Eastern, Northern, and Western Federal District Courts and Oklahoma Courts statewide. Atkinson, Brittingham, Gladd, Fiasco & Edmonds is primarily a defense litigation firm focusing on general civil trial and appellate practice, insurance defense, medical and legal malpractice, and Native American law. Salary is commensurate with experience. Please provide your resume, references and a cover letter including salary requirements to dbrown@abg-oklaw.com

Doctorate from DePaul College of Law and was previously a six-time recipient of Super Lawyers® recognition for Business Law in the Chicago region. Meagon is an associate litigation attorney focused on complex litigation and insurance defense matters. She has experience defending companies across Oklahoma against premises liability disputes. In addition, she has handled matters involving securities fraud, intervenor actions and broker/dealer disputes. Meagon earned her Juris Doctorate from the Oklahoma City University School of Law as a Merit Scholar while also being recognized on the Faculty Honor Roll and the Dean’s List for being an outstanding academic student. Previously, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in legal studies from East Central University.

Anna rejoins DSDA as an experienced associate attorney focusing on transactional matters involving land use, zoning and real estate. Recently, she added to her legal training and expertise by earning an LL.M. in agricultural and food law from the University of Arkansas where she studied federal administrative rulemaking, water law and food safety regulation. Anna applied her legal knowledge as an intern of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, issuing title opinions for the Natural Resource Conservation Service, drafting closing instructions for Rural Development loans and assisting with Forest Service litigation. She received her Juris Doctorate with honors from the University of Tulsa College of Law.

2023-2024 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 ...................................................................Mike Esmond

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

President-Elect....................................................Stephanie Jackson

Vice President...................................................Michael P. Taubman

Secretary.................................................................... Lizzie Riter

Treasurer..................................................................C. Austin Birnie

Budget/Internal Operations........................................Barrett Powers

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

Director at Large (1) Large Firm.................................Austin Birnie

Director at Large (2) Large Firm................................ Natalie Sears

Director at Large (1) Medium Firm.........................Jennifer Struble

Director at Large (2) Medium Firm..................................Kara Pratt

Director at Large (1) Small Firm............................Linda Morrissey

Director at Large (2) Small Firm..................................Mark Smith

Director at Large (2) Public Sector.................. Judge April Seibert

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

OBA Delegate..............................................................Philip Hixon

Library Trustee (1)..................................................... Kim Vojvoda

Library Trustee (2)........................................................ Julie Evans

Presiding Judge .......................................... Hon. Dawn Moody

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

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

TU Law School Student Representative ...................Eugene Flynn

TU Law School Representative.................................. Natalie Frost

YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION BOARD

YLD Chair.........................................................Colton Richardson

YLD Chair Elect...................................................Lacy Williamson

YLD Vice President........................................................Kyle Trice

YLD Treasurer......................................................Pierre Robertson

YLD Secretary..........................................................Kaia Kennedy

FOUNDATION APPOINTMENTS

Law Day Co-Chairs ..............Tana Van Cleave and Mary Clement

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

Golf Co-Chairs..............................Billy Duncan & Michael Thelen

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

FOUNDATION

President.....................................................................Justin Munn

Vice President...........................................................Billy Duncan

Treasurer...........................................................Catherine Hoopert

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

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

Trustee..........................................................................Rick White

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

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

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

Trustee .......................................................................Kara Vincent

TCBA President.......................................................Mike Esmond

TCBA Pres. Elect..............................................Stephanie Jackson

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Access to Justice...............................................Pansy Moore-Shrier Animal Law .............Katy Inhofe

Bench & Bar........................................................Kevinn Matthews

Bench & Bar Co-Chair ...........Diana Cupps

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

Children & the Law Vice Chair..........Timothy Michaels-Johnson CLE..................................................................Pansy Moore-Shrier

Diversity Development...........................................Marvin Lizama

Diversity Development Vice-Chair ...........Matt Ingham

Fee Arbitration.............................................................Scott Savage 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 ...........Philip Hixon

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

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

Public Relations/Social Media ..................................Collaborative

Special Events ..........Natalie Sears

Tulsa Lawyer................................................... ...Michael Taubman

Young Lawyers Division...................................Colton Richardson

SECTION CHAIRPERSONS

ADR/Mediation...........................................................Diana Cupps Bankruptcy ..Hon. Paul Thomas

Business/Corporate................................................Spencer Pittman

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

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

Employment Law ............................................ ........Jessica Vaught

Family Law Co-Chairs..........................Anastasia Krich-Mahoney ..............................................................................Jordan Dalgleish

Health Law ...................................................... ......................Open

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

Juvenile Law Co-Chair........................Timothy Michaels-Johnson Litigation.......................................................... Stephanie Jackson, ............................................Mbilike Mwafulirwa, and Mark Smith

Municipal Law..................................................Rhiannon Thoreson

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

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

Probate/Estate/Elder Co-chairs................................. ...Kelly Jones ................................................................................Phillip Jennings

Solo/Small Firm .......................................................Mary Clement

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

Technology .....................................................Pansy Moore-Shrier

Workers Comp...........................................................Valerie Evans

* Section Chairs will be updated as positions are filled