September 2023 Tulsa Lawyer Magazine

A Message from the President Michael

TCBA – Making Tulsa a Great Place to Practice Law Since 2005

For me, the road to practicing law was not a conventional one. I grew up in an Air Force family. I never met or knew any lawyers. My dad was a career fighter pilot – the undisputedly coolest job ever. Unfortunately, plagued by chronic motion sickness and bad eyesight, I was not destined to follow in his footsteps. However, the model of service he provided made an impression. So, after finishing my undergraduate degree at OU, I accepted an appointment to the USAF Officer Training School and spent five years on active duty in a support role (outside of a cockpit). Around the time I separated from the Air Force, one of my good friends from OU had just finished at TU Law. Convinced that it couldn’t be that hard and armed with VA education benefits, I decided to give law school a try.

As an older, part-time law student with a full-time job I did not focus much effort on developing a network of future

colleagues during my time at TU. When I was hired by Moyers Martin and actually started practicing in 2005, I regretted that. Luckily, with the encouragement of other attorneys at the firm, I was able to take an active role in the TCBA early on in my career. From starting as a volunteer with the Community Outreach Committee, it wasn’t long before I was asked to serve as a committee chairperson and found myself participating in activities of the Association and Foundation on a regular basis. Through those experiences, I gained valuable insight into issues impacting all areas of legal practice, including the importance of maintaining the high standards of professional behavior we expect from each other and the public expects from us, the value of having a good working relationship between the bench and bar, and practical concerns

(and probably before)

E. Esmond

about funding for the courts and programs that improve access to justice. Along the way, I built relationships with other lawyers who I would inevitably cross paths with in the course of my practice. All of those things made me a better lawyer.

In the spirit of service to the profession, I approach this year as President with a desire to ensure that the TCBA is positioned to continue improving the practice of law for current and future members the way it has for me. I’m confident that the officers, board members, section chairs, and volunteers we have in place are up to the task. And as long as we listen to our fantastic Executive Director, Tami Williams, we’re sure to enjoy great success. If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved in the TCBA, I encourage you to reach out to me or any of the other officers or staff members today.

Sincerely,

Michael E. Esmond TCBA President, 2023-2024

Golden Rule Award

4th Quarter - James C. Milton

We are pleased to honor past TCBA President, James C. Milton, with the fourth quarter Golden Rule award. Jim’s pursuit of justice and due process in the law is remarkable. He zealously advocates for his clients while remaining civil and professional. His soft-spoken manner and gentlemanly approach demonstrate that efficacy is best provided through preparation, knowledge, and diligence rather than haughtiness and bravado.

Jim quietly provides copious hours of heavy-duty pro bono work without ever seeking attention for himself. He mentors young lawyer and answers questions from colleagues thoughtfully and thoroughly. Thank you, Jim, for your dedication to excellence in the practice of law and for investing your time and energy into helping others. We appreciate and celebrate you.

2022-2023 Recipients Previously Recognized

1st Quarter ~ Curtis J. Shacklett

2nd Quarter ~ Kevinn Matthews

3rd Quarter ~ Mark Schwebke

Award Criteria

The Golden Rule award is given to lawyers who make outstanding contributions to their professions, have the highest of ideals, and are willng 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.

GOLDEN RULE

1: capitalized

2: a guiding principle

G&R : a rule of ethical conduct : do to others as you would have them do to you

Letter to our Members

It's membership renewal time for your bar association, and I am here to remind you of why you should be excited about it!

1. You're not just renewing a piece of paper by continuing your bar association membership. You're rejoining a vibrant community of legal professionals who are always ready to serve their clients and work with colleagues to improve the legal community.

2. With your membership, you can access a treasure trove of resources, networking opportunities, and professional development events. Think of it as a VIP pass to the legal world.

3. Need advice, guidance, or a friendly ear to share your legal triumphs and challenges? The bar association is here for you. Members have a support team at the bar, so take advantage of it!

4. Stay in the know! Membership means you receive the latest updates on changes in laws, regulations, and legal practices. Stay ahead of the curve.

5. Let's talk about the perks, people! Special discounts, the courthouse security badge, continuing education opportunities, and exclusive access to oh-so-fun TCBA events!

6. Networking extravaganza! Your bar association is a hub of brilliant legal minds, and renewing your membership means staying connected to a diverse network of professionals. Forge new connections, exchange knowledge, and make friends along the way.

7. Lastly, it's about giving back. By renewing your membership, you're supporting the bar association's efforts to uphold justice, promote legal education, and advocate for the rule of law. Together, we can positively impact our community! Thank you to those who have renewed. I appreciate your continued support. Please don’t hesitate to contact any staff member to assist!

Sincerely,

Tami Williams, Executive Director

AROUND THE BAR...

Member Appreciation Event

Happy Hour at Rosa, July 13th

Smash Room event on July 11th

It seems the youngest of the group had the most stress to let out, that poor dollhouse didn't have a chance. Kirsten and her husband chose to take it out on what everyone wishes they could smash in the office, the printer. Thanks to our Members and their family for coming out to let loose!

2022-2023 President's Awards

Recognized by Outgoing President Philip D. Hixon

Billy Duncan

Billy Duncan served as the first President of the TCBA’s Young Lawyer Division, which replaced the Young Lawyers Committee at the beginning of this year. Billy met with me and Tami Williams several times during the summer of 2022 prior to the beginning of my term to discuss the new Young Lawyers Division. Billy was tasked with developing new bylaws for the YLD board of directors, which he did without complaint. The bylaws were completed in time for approval at the first board meeting of the new fiscal year. With his position, he became an ex officio member of the Executive Committee and attended additional meetings, again, without complaint. Billy ably led the YLD in its first year, introducing new events and projects and setting precedent for future YLD leadership. He was also a participant in the inaugural class of the YLD Leadership Academy. Billy was an important part of a successful year for the YLD and the TCBA.

Kevinn Matthews

What hasn’t Kevinn Matthews done during the year? If the TCBA hosted an event, chances are Kevinn was in attendance or organized it himself. He officially served as the chair of the Bench and Bar Committee and developed another successful series of well-attended Brown Bag CLEs. His unofficial roles exceeded his official role as committee chair. He developed, organized, and promoted CLE events for TCBA sections and committees. Kevinn also served as a recruiter, identifying new TCBA membership and fresh leadership for TCBA sections and committees. Kevinn initiated a series of Tulsa County Courthouse tours, introducing community leaders to the Court’s important work and its underfunded and/or unmet needs. Kevinn volunteered to be the moderator of the Monday night YLD Leadership Academy sessions. He mentored the Leadership Academy participants, along with a host of other young lawyers and TU law students throughout the year. These examples are non-exhaustive. Kevinn was an invaluable resource throughout the year.

OR REMINDERS

Attorney

The attorney must execute the Oath of Attorney to Obtain OR Privileges before a notary public. The attorney submits the notarized oath to the Tulsa County Bar Association and pays a $30 fee. The Tulsa County Bar Association will give the attorney the OR card.

Release of Client

The Attorney submits the Attorney’s Affidavit of Responsibility for the Court Appearance of the Client and Statement by Defendant, along with their OR card and photo ID (driver’s license), to the Deputy Court Clerks. For the release of clients in the custody of David L. Moss, Municipal Deputy Court Clerks will approve the OR form, obtain the signature of the defendant, and issue the release. District Deputy Court Clerks will follow the same instructions for clients surrendered in court. Pursuant to Administrative Order CV2004- 8, each OR will be assessed a preset cash bond of $1.00. Municipal Clerks will issue a receipt and forward the cash to the District Court in the matter prescribed for cash bonds. Minute Clerks will direct the Attorneys to the Criminal & Traffic Division for the payment of $1.00; when presented with the receipt, they shall issue the release.

Recording of OR Bond

OR bonds issued for District Court cases will be forwarded to the Criminal & Traffic Division. The divisional clerks will enter the information into the case docket and the bond screen.

When a Client Fails to Appear

When a client fails to appear for court, the District Minute Clerks will issue the appropriate minute, bench warrant, and Order and Judgment of Forfeiture Suspension of Attorney. The Judge must sign the Order, and the minute clerk will sign the Suspension Notice. The Order and Judgment will be forwarded to the Criminal & Traffic Division for completion of the certificate of mailing and mailing to the Attorney and the Tulsa County Bar Association by first class mail. Mailing to the Tulsa County Bar Association should be directed to the attention of the executive director.

Suspension List

The Tulsa County Bar Association will prepare and maintain the suspension list. The suspension list will be e-mailed to Chief Erik Kitch and Sgt. Tressi Mizzell with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and Judge Mitch McCune at the Municipal Court Clerk’s office. After the initial suspension list is distributed, the list shall be updated and sent when additions or deletions to the list occur.

Outstanding Senior Lawyer

Presented to James K. Secrest, II

Nominated by his peers, the TCBA proudly announces that Jim Secrest II is this year's Outstanding Senior Attorney. Jim receives this award for his outstanding reputation as a lawyer, and his dedicated service to our profession. Mark Smiling never worked as an attorney in Jim's firm, but he worked with Jim on cases, both as cocounsel and opposing counsel over the years. Mark shared that "Jim is an exceptional trial lawyer who is good at trying any case. He has always been willing to help and share information that he could with other attorneys to advance their cases.”

Immediately after obtaining his law degree from the University of Tulsa in 1972, Jim began his legal career as a

Judge Advocate in the United States Air Force. Most of his four-year tour was spent serving as a General Courts-Martial Prosecutor in the Trial Judiciary. Upon discharge, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in Tulsa County for one year. Since 1977, Jim's practice has been concentrated on the defense of civil litigation matters in general liability, product liability, environmental and insurance law, aviation law, and professional liability for hospitals, physicians, nurses, accountants, architects, and engineers. He is a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and American College of Trial Lawyers, a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association, Tulsa County Bar Association, Oklahoma Association of Defense Counsel, and a Charter Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and The American Inns of Court. He is admitted to practice in all federal and state courts within the State of Oklahoma, the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.

Outstanding Young Lawyer

Presented to William "Billy" Duncan

Billy Duncan is this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award.

Billy has been active in the Young Lawyers Division for several years, and this year, he assisted TCBA President Philip Hixon in creating a stand-alone Young Lawyers Board. Not only did he help with the development of its by-laws, but he also served as Chairman of the Board. Billy recruited and encouraged young lawyers to get more active in sections and committees. Billy also helped coordinate the YLD activities like the bowling and softball leagues and the wine-tasting competition, WINe-It-All, that raised $1,000 for the Tulsa County Bar Foundation. In addition, Billy participated in and completed the first YLD Leadership Academy.

Billy is a 2015 graduate of the University of Tulsa Law School. While there, he served as the vice president and delegate of the Student Bar Association, Director of the Board of Advocates, President of the Military Law Society, and Social Chair at Phi Delta Phi Legal Honors Society. His interned at BDO, Tulsa County DA's Office, Barrister Padraic Dwyer in Dublin, Ireland and Wagoner County DA's Office.

Currently, Billy works at Carr & Carr. Before this, he worked at the Oklahoma Tax Commission, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, LaCourse Law, Stratton Law, and BDO USA, LLP.

Billy is passionate about encouraging other young lawyers to participate in the Tulsa County Bar Association. Whether participating in TCBA activities or spending time with his wife Amanda and two daughters, Presley (5) and Zoey (3), he believes investing in the next generation is essential to the bar's future and our community.

Gary C. Clark Distinguished Service Award

Presented to Kara M. Vincent

Kara’s long-time colleague and friend, Stephanie Mitchell, shared the following.

"When I heard that Kara Vincent had been awarded the Gary C. Clark Award for extraordinary service to the Tulsa County Bar and to the legal community, I hoped I would get the chance to share my thoughts on how extraordinary she is. I knew she was fabulous from our first lunch, which happened to be my job interview with her in 2012.

The Gary C. Clark Distinguished Service Award recognizes those individuals who have, over the years, donated their time and talents to the Tulsa County Bar Association, above and beyond what others do. The award is for extraordinary service and contributions to the legal profession. This year’s award goes to Kara Vincent.

Kara graduated from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2009 after having a career as a certified public accountant. She continues to be certified here as well as in Financial Forensics through the American Institute of Certified Public and a Certified Fraud Examiner. She frequently speaks at seminars on topics involving Estate Planning, Litigation, and Fraud and Embezzlement.

Kara has been involved at the Tulsa County Bar Association for as long as I have known her. She hired me in the Fall of 2013, and by the time I realized what was happening, she worked her way onto the Executive Committee. And for the past eight years, she has served as Chair of the Budget Committee, Treasurer-Elect, Treasurer, President-Elect, President, and Past President! I imagine she has left an indelible mark in that Executive Board Room. And she is still maintaining her position as Co-Chair of the Law Related Education/Street Law Committee.

I have seen her leave her indelible mark on her clients, coworkers, colleagues, opposing counsel, and forensic accounting spreadsheets and legal briefs. She is passionate and often answers inquiries with a resounding, “Yes, I can do that!” even before she’s consulted the Rules of Civil Procedure or her daily calendar. She is a creative thinker who always has an idea, a solution in mind, or the willingness to toss out thoughts until one reasonable one develops. She not only serves the Bar. Her passion for working with the Street Law program to teach legal concepts to middle and high school students at KIPP shows that she is not just thinking about Tulsans’ current circumstances. She’s

also making a mark for our future leaders and community members. She has given time and energy to the Women in Transition program in the past and often identifies areas where her knowledge, training and expertise can be shared to improve the lives of the Tulsa community and beyond. She is an extraordinary mentor who teaches, shares, and trains lawyers in the estate planning, probate, and trust litigation areas. Her attitude has always been to share openly for the good of the project, the Bar, and the community.

And her gifts go well beyond the courtroom and the conference room. She’s also kind, patient, supportive, and funny. If you’ve worked with Kara on a project, a case, or a committee, you’ve heard her laugh, received her encouragement, and been glad you were there. I am so happy she has been so active in the TCBA, and I can’t think of a better person to receive this award.

Those who had the pleasure of working with Mr. Clark surely agree that Kara’s selection will make him proud.

CPR/AED/1st Aid Course ~ July 26th

James C. Lang Mentoring Award

Presented to Shena Burgess & Rachel Baker

The James C. Lang Award recognizes a TCBA member who encourages, guides and supports aspiring attorneys. This year, the TCBA is pleased to announce two winners: Shena Burgess and Rachel Baker.

When the TCBA lost Faith Orlowski as chair of the Mentorship Committee in 2021, we knew we had big shoes to fill. Thankfully, these two members picked up the torch that Faith had carried for so many years. Shena Burgess became the committee chair in

Shena Burgess

2022, and Dean Rachel Baker from the University of Tulsa Law School worked with her to renew the program. They created program policies, procedures, and mentor/mentee applications. Not only did they reinvigorate the program, the two worked closely to recruit attorneys who go above and beyond in their professional lives to mentor 19 law students. With these established processes the committee is already set up for success in the new year.

Shena Burgess has practiced law in Oklahoma since 2000. Her practice focuses on cases including, but not limited to, criminal defense in state and federal court, civil litigation, insurance defense, medical malpractice, breach of contract, and product liability. She has extensive experience successfully representing citizens accused of violent crimes, with her previous experience as the Deputy Chief Public Defender for Tulsa County. She also serves as a guest lecturer or invited speaker on criminal law and forensics topics at continuing education seminars for lawyers in law schools, colleges, and high schools in Oklahoma. She also teaches Trial Skills at the University of Tulsa College of Law as an adjunct professor and coach of the American Association of Justice Trial team that competes against law schools nationwide. She is a 2000 graduate of the University of Tulsa College of Law.

Rachel Baker

Rachel Baker was recently named Assistant Director for the Center for Career Development and Professional Engagement at the University of Tulsa after serving as Associate Dean and Director of Professional Development at the TU College of Law since July 2019. Before her service at the University, Rachel was an attorney whose practice focused on all areas of family law, including divorce, paternity, child custody, child support, guardianship, and adoption. She is a 2012 graduate of the University of Tulsa College of Law.

Roger R. Scott Community Service Award

Presented to Timothy Michaels-Johnson, J.D.

to Adult.” The program aims to empower vulnerable young adults with knowledge of tenant rights and responsibilities, interacting with law enforcement, and financial literacy as they enter adulthood without the guidance of parents or family.

Timothy also serves on the Oklahoma Supreme Court Oversight Committee on Uniform Representation of Children and Parents in Cases Involving Abuse and Neglect, Oklahoma State Coordinator for the National Association of Counsel for Children and will be returning to the University of Tulsa College of Law as an adjunct professor teaching Juvenile Law in the fall of 2023.

Timothy Michaels-Johnson, J.D. is this year’s recipient of the TCBA’s community service award. Having earned his Juris Doctorate with Honors from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2011, Timothy Michaels-Johnson focused his career on child welfare. He joined the District Attorney’s Office of Tulsa County and prosecuted deprived child cases for nearly five years. Since 2016, Michaels-Johnson has worked for Tulsa Lawyers for Children representing children and training TLC’s volunteer attorneys. In May 2020, Michaels-Johnson was named TLC’s third Executive Director.

In addition to his work with Tulsa Lawyers for Children, Michaels-Johnson also serves as Co-chair of the Juvenile Section of the Tulsa County Bar Association, where he has coordinated the Juvenile Law Section CLE for the past three years. Every year, Timothy recruits nationally recognized speakers to present quality legal education so that attorneys can better serve and advocate for their clients. He is currently coordinating a workshop for youth ages 17 to 24 aging out of the foster care system called “How

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TCBA Litigation and Energy & Mineral Law Sections to Host Joint Meeting and Lunch

The TCBA Energy and Mineral Section gladly welcomes the joint effort in collaboration with our TCBA Litigation Section colleagues. On Wednesday, September 13th, the TCBA Litigation Section and TCBA Energy & Mineral Section will have a lunchtime meeting at the Summit Club. Alex Telarik and Ethan Mock from Pray Walker will speak on the topic of Unearthing Oklahoma’s Surface Damages Act: Navigating Challenges Injected by New Technology. Our speakers have noted, “Oklahoma’s Surface Damages Act has not been substantially updated since its enactment in 1982.

Since then, introducing new technologies, such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, has created new uncertainties in interpreting the Act. These uncertainties present both risks and opportunities for operators and landowners.” Therefore, we invite you to hear about the scope and limitations of Oklahoma’s Surface Damages Act as Oklahomans deal with the ongoing opportunities and challenges of these issues during Oklahoma’s energy addition.

We also welcome new members into the TCBA Energy and Mineral Section. Please share your insights in building our wide scope of energy interest. Please reach out to our section chair (Buford Pollett, bufordpollett@utulsa.edu) to express your interest in joining the TCBA Energy and Mineral Section.

CLE is graciously sponsored by Pray Walker and they'll be covering the cost of attendees.

Wednesday September 13th

The Summit Club

Registration is required. RSVP via the Tulsa Bar calendar at www.tulsabar.com

Courthouse Security Badge Update:

With input from the Tulsa County Courthouse staff and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the oath required for the security badge now includes the following stipulation:

"I understand that I must comply with all laws and rules, including Rules of Professional Conduct and all rules of the Fourteenth Judicial District Court, and that my failure to do so will result in the loss of my access badge. In addition, without limiting the foregoing, I understand and agree that any of the following will result in the loss of my access badge: (a) any conduct that results in a finding of contempt of court; (b) any act or threat of violence against or physical confrontation with any person in the courthouse; (c) any offense or conduct that the Sheriff deems a direct or indirect threat to the security of the courthouse; (d) any offense or conduct that is a direct or indirect threat to the operations or peaceful environment of the courthouse; (e) any open warrant for any level of offense; (f) any conviction for any crime; (g) failure to follow directions of courthouse security personnel; (h) disbarment or suspension by the Oklahoma Bar Association, or any other State or Federal Bar Association. In accordance with the foregoing, I will immediately surrender my access badge upon request of the Sheriff or Sheriff’s deputy in charge of security, the Court Administrator, or any Judge of the Court."

YLD Softball Season Comes to an End Franden Farris - League Champions!

The winning team pictured above: Franden | Farris | Quillin | Goodnight | Roberts | Ward

VP'S CORNER

Michael P. Taubman

2023-2024 Vice President

Taking the first step… Get involved in TCBA!

This is a time of change. We, speaking in the collective sense as members of the Tulsa County Bar Association (TCBA), turn the page of another organizational year with new leadership, guided by our past successes, but we face certain uncertainties in the future. The costof-living and inflation increases tighten margins and operating budgets, Artificial Intelligence’s immersion into the legal field creeps into the horizon, and finding new, creative ways to engage, grow and retain membership remains a central focus of bar associations. Challenge Accepted – Join Us!

"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."1

One of the most significant writers of American literature, James Baldwin became one of the leading voices of the Civil Rights movement. He became so because he got involved. In the 1962 New York Times essay from which this quote comes, Baldwin challenges that change only comes when we confront our challenges. Sure, one can confront a fear of flying by getting behind the yoke of a Cessna 172, but I suggest that, perhaps, ground school and going tandem to learn a semblance of mastery of the machine would be more productive. TCBA is here for you, the members, to help you and, in turn, learn to help each other.

Artist Paul Cézanne looked to learn as much as he could from artists new and old, and there were exceptional artists across France during his time from whom he assimilated new ideas, both creatively and technically. By engaging in your membership in TCBA, you step into multiple opportunities to learn and grow, both in practice and purpose. TCBA’s free CLE for members provides multiple occasions to hone your craft and/or teach others. Feel the call to leadership? TCBA abounds with opportunities for both the young lawyer and the seasoned attorney to engage. Everywhere you turn in TCBA, we can help you find your way to get involved with one or more of our Committees, Sections, and Events. Find your tribe.

"You have to believe in the long-term plan you have but you need the short-term goals to motivate and inspire you." 3

In 2017, Roger Federer won his eighth singles title at Wimbledon, and he still holds the record today. Federer achieved his successes through planning for the long

2 Cézanne, Paul. Quotes, https://www.paulcezanne.org/ quotes.jsp#:~:text=An%20art%20which%20isn%27t,t%20 an%20art%20at%20all.”&text=Keep%20good%20company%20%2D%20that%20is%2C%20go%20to%20the%20 Louvre.”

1 Baldwin, James. As Much Truth As One Can Bear: To Speak Out About the World As It Is,…, New York Times, Jan. 14, 1962, p. BR11.

3 Federer, Roger. Profile: A Few Lessons in Courage, Self-Confidence and Leadership from Roger Federer, ELF, https://www.elf.agency/news/2017/7/19/a-few-lessons-incourage-and-leadership-roger-federer, 2017.

"Keep good company—that is, go to the Louvre." 2

term that required him to engage in short-term actions. You can do the same. Have a passion for pets? Come see how the Animal Law Committee works in our community to improve conditions in connection with the Tulsa SPCA. Enjoyed editing that law journal? Tulsa Lawyer offers an opportunity to engage with TCBA members across the board, from bench to bar. New and/or recent to the practice of law and unsure where to start? TCBA enters its second year of the newly-reformed Young Lawyers Division, where you can meet and confer with others, while taking part in Young Lawyers Board.

"Hearts are the strongest when they beat in response to noble ideals." 4

Nineteen years ago this September, I took my oath as a lawyer, embarking on the paths that lay ahead in the practice of law. TCBA plays a significant part of that journey, and I am truly grateful for the opportunities TCBA offers to serve our community. As your Vice President, I hope to introduce myself to those who may not yet know me, and I thank all of you who have supported me on my journey and career in the law. I con-

4 Bunche, Ralph. http://www.nobelpeacelaureates.org/r_ bunche.html.

tinue to be excited to be a part of our TCBA and TCBF organizations and to learn and work alongside such talented people. Find your path at TCBA, follow your heart, and challenge yourself to engage – it will pay dividends.

Neil Bogan Professionalism Award

Presented to Ann Keele

After leaving the bench where she served as Special Judge for the Fourteenth Judicial District for the State of Oklahoma from 2019-2023, Ann Keele returned to private practice, joining Hall Estill in 2023. During her time as a Special Judge, Ann presided over the Victim Protective Order, Misdemeanor and Emergency Guardianship dockets in Tulsa and Pawnee Counties. I have no doubt that Ann will bring that same level of proficiency to her clients. Speaking on Ann's qualities for this award, Michael Taubman stated:

"It’s been an honor and a pleasure to work with former Judge Ann Keele within the TCBA and TCBF over several years, so I believe she is a very deserving recipient of the Neil E. Bogan Award for Professionalism. I appeared before her across several dockets over her years on

Lawyers Hel ping Lawyers

Monthly meeting 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.

the bench before her recent return to private practice. Judge Keele personified the term professionalism, not just in how she engaged with attorneys on her dockets, but her effectiveness in dealing with pro se parties. She always treated people before the bench with dignity and respect, even when some faced the worst circumstances and found it difficult to show civility toward the court."

As attorneys, we must strive to maintain highest level of excellence and professionalism, while never forgetting to see things from our client’s perspective. Ann maintains a high level of excellence and respect for the perspectives of others, balancing the arguments of represented and unrepresented persons. Additionally, Ann has exhibited the best aspects of our legal community, serving TCBA and TCBF as president of each over the years, and she demonstrates the professionalism of our Tulsa legal community on a national level before the National Conference of Bar Presidents. This is a well-deserved honor to a worthy recipient.

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: Sept. 14.

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.

Tulsa County FoundationBar 2022-2023 Awards

Recognized by TCBF President Ann Keele

This year, the Tulsa County Bar Foundation is pleased to honor three outstanding members with a TCBF President’s Award: Kevinn Matthews, Brian Keester and Rodney Buck.

Kevinn is always quick to help and proactively promotes the purposes and pursuits of the Foundation and Association. He is a wonderful brand ambassador who brings new resources into the Foundation and Association by seeking out new donors and members. One of Kevinn’s many talents is connecting people and igniting vision. His extraordinary contributions to the Foundation and Association go above and beyond the call of duty, and we are very thankful for his generosity in service.

Brian served as Chair of the Golf Committee and led the way to a very successful golf tournament at Forest Ridge Golf Club. Thanks to Brian’s leadership and hard work, the committee was able to raise $20,000 net proceeds which were awarded to five organizations: $5,000 to Tulsa Veterans Treatment Court, $5,000 to Emergency Infant Services, $5,000 to

Tulsa Lawyers for Children, $2,500 to First Step Male Diversion Program, and $2,500 to TCBF Community Outreach. Brian’s tireless work and go-getter attitude made the tournament a huge success.

Rodney Buck has served on the TCBF Law Day Committee for over twenty-five years. He has overseen the Student Art and Writing Contest program during this time. The contest is designed to stimulate discussion and understanding of the law amount young Oklahomans. Categories include art and writing for grades pre-k through 12th grade, with cash prizes and plaques for winners. Every year he works with the OBA to organize and promote Law Day and this contest to educators across Tulsa County. Rodney also coordinates a reception for Tulsa County student winners, their families, and teachers to attend and be recognized. Rodney has truly demonstrated a long-standing commitment to service to the community on behalf of the Foundation.

Thank you, Kevinn, Brian and Rod for being extraordinary members and volunteers! We appreciate and honor you!

“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.”

~ Sherry Anderson

Golf Committee Supporting Our Community

The TCBF Golf Committee held a reception on July 17th and presented local charitable organizations a combined $20,000 earned from this year’s tournament. Those beneficiaries are Emergency Infant Services, Tulsa Lawyers for Children, 1st Step Male Diversion Program, Tulsa County Veterans Treatment Court, and the TCBF Community Outreach Committee.

Foundation President Ann Keele and golf tournament committee members Michael Thelen, Jim Gotwals, Golf Committee Chair Brian Keester, Emergency Infant Services Executive Director Bill Andoe, and committee member Larry Leonard

Rhiannon Thoreson

Step Male Diversion Development Chair retired Judge Bill Kellough, Development Officer Nancy Collins, and Behavioral Health Case Manager Lindy Myers

1st

Tulsa County Alternative Courts Program Director Ericka Jeffords and Judge Rebecca Nightingale

Amos T. Hall Award

Presented to Kara Vincent and Pierre Robertson

The Northeastern Oklahoma Black Lawyers Association (NOBLA) presents the Amos T. Hall Award to Kara Vincent and Pierre Robertson from the Tulsa County Bar Association for implementing, coordinating, and successfully continuing the Street Law Program.

Amos T. Hall is one of Okla homa’s most significant civil rights lawyers. He was the first African American to be elected to a countywide office and elected as a judge in Oklahoma. As an attorney for the Oklahoma Association of Black Teachers, Mr. Hall led the fight for equal salaries for teachers in the case of Freeman v. Oklahoma City School Board in 1948 and represented Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher in the landmark case Sipuel v. Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma in the same year. He was appointed special judge of the Tulsa County District Court in 1969. In 1970, he was elected associate district judge of Tulsa County and served until his death.

In the spirit of this pioneer, who fought for the education and rights of minority students and teachers, the TCBA is honored to nominate two members, Kara Vincent and Pierre Robertson, for this prestigious award that NOBLA has established in Mr. Hall’s name. They, too, work hard to provide legal life skills to minority youth while also providing mentorship and pathways to careers in law.

In the summer of 2021, Kara and Pierre came together to discuss goals for the upcoming fiscal year in which Kara would serve as President of the TCBA. Kara wanted to work on diversifying those interested in law as a career, and Pierre was highly recommended as a bright young attorney with whom to collaborate. The two decided that utilizing the long-standing Street Law Legal Life Skills Program would be a great way to introduce young people to legal concepts. The Street Law Committee was created to teach young people vulnerable to racism and injustice about their legal rights and responsibilities and to build participants’ knowledge, day-to-day life skills, and confidence to help them advocate for themselves and their communities.

Kara Vincent Pierre Robertson

The program consists of four units that contain 16 different lessons, including Negotiating and Signing a Lease; Rights and Responsibilities during Traffic Stops and Arrests; Introduction to Juvenile and Criminal Laws; Child Abuse & Neglect; Reducing Risk and Building Resilience; and Avoiding and Resolving Credit Issues.

Through financial support and partnerships with TCBA members and various community agencies, Street Law was introduced to Central Middle and High School students through the Zone Academy’s afterschool program in January 2022. The group met weekly with approximately 20 students (when everyone was in attendance), and each session included a lesson, a meal, and a group activity. The meal was provided because Kara and Pierre relied on a vast body of research that shows improved nutrition leads to increased focus and attention, improved test scores, and better classroom behavior. They also believed that exposing students to where attorneys work would be beneficial, so field trips were incorporated and included visits to law firms, the Tulsa County Courthouse, and the Juvenile Justice Center.

The Juvenile Justice Center is where one student had the privilege of meeting the Hon. Martha Rupp Carter. This meeting was particularly memorable because one of our students who had spent time in foster care had the opportunity to talk with a judge and explain how he felt wronged by the system. This judge listened compassionately and acknowledged that the system isn’t perfect, and she was sorry for what he had gone through. While this is not part of the curriculum, this opportunity gave a young man closure and the ability to focus on his future instead of his past.

The Committee also learned during the semester that several of our middle school students had suffered some trauma and were often triggered depending on the course topic. The Committee often served the kids by helping them discuss their emotions and listening to their stories, and then using the unit lessons to educate the students on ways to mitigate or advocate for themselves in the future.

Summer came quickly and ended Street Law for the school year at Zone Academy. Due to time constraints, the committee only covered half of the units. Over the summer, Kara and Pierre continued to refine how the program is presented and moved the program to KIPP University Prep High School. It was deter-

mined that working with High School students allowed more time to focus on the lessons and less time managing students’ behavior and emotions. Middle school students still have some maturing before dealing with sensitive topics discussed during the lessons. While working with middle school students benefited both groups, it became as much about behavior management as it was about education and exposure to legal concepts and careers.

In October 2022, Street Law was launched at KIPP University Prep High School. Meetings were held every Friday morning initially, but this only provided eight students to mentor, so the lesson was moved to the class hour before lunch, which more than doubled our student population to 20 (when all attended) and time with the students. With this time expansion, students began staying after lessons to get more one-on-one time with attorneys and law students. Whether working on a Street Law-related lesson or getting mentorship, the number of students we were engaging began to grow.

In the Spring, the committee was approached about incorporating a mock trial scenario into the program, so the committee quickly pivoted during the last four weeks of school to prepare students for the State v. Goldilocks trial, which is a criminal case that revolves around the testimony of the witnesses on each side. Concepts that were practiced and expanded on by the committee include:

• Criminal v. Civil Law

• Prosecution and Prosecutors

• Defense and Defendants

• Witnesses

• Telling the truth

• Understanding different perspectives

• Responsibility for actions

• Questioning (including direct and cross-exami nation)

• Developing a theory or explanation of the case

• The roles of people in the courts

The committee was pleasantly surprised to see students get excited about the trial! They chose their

roles, broke into teams, prosecution and defense, and got to work. With only a short amount of time to prepare, the committee was hopeful the students would do well but believed we did not have enough time to properly prepare students for the mock trial. Nonetheless, everyone worked hard, and the trial was held at the Tulsa County Courthouse with Hon. Ann Keele presiding. As the committee of attorneys and law students served as the jury, we were impressed by how well-prepared the students were and quickly realized that they had been working on their mock trial roles outside of class!

Ultimately, there were three charges. One was dropped before the trial, and Goldilocks was found guilty of unlawfully and knowingly entering and remaining in a dwelling and not guilty of unlawfully and intentionally damaging a chair.

This summer, the Committee is preparing to include more mock trial scenarios in the Street Law lessons and prepare students to compete in the Oklahoma Bar Association High School Mock Trials.

In Summary Amos T. Hall gave himself to the fight for the education of Black citizens; likewise, Kara Vincent and Pierre Robertson have dedicated themselves to educating disadvantaged young people about their basic legal life skills and inspiring those students to consider a career in law. They know the legal field needs to diversify to adequately represent the many men and women who make up our community and our country. While this journey is long and ongoing, the continued efforts of great leaders like Kara and Pierre keep the spirit alive of former great attorneys like Amos T. Hall and are worthy of recognition for their work.

June 29th ~ Trivia Night Benefitting YLD

Chairs- Kaia Kennedy and Isaiah Brydie

MC/Quiz Master ~ Isaiah

Theme: 2000's and ranged from History to Pop Culture

1st Place - Here 4 the Vibes

2nd Place - Quiz Pro Quo

3rd Place - Dilly Dilly

Team Just Guessin'

Team The Stray Cats

Trivia Night MC-Isaiah Brydie

Gr apevine News

Hall Estill has announced the addition of Shareholder Ann E. Keele to its Tulsa office.

Keele joins Hall Estill after serving as Special Judge for the Fourteenth Judicial District for the State of Oklahoma from 20192023. During her time as a Special Judge, Keele presided over the Victim Protective Order, Misdemeanor and Emergency Guardianship dockets in Tulsa and Pawnee Counties. She was selected as Oklahoma Family Judge of the Year by the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section in 2022 and was named Oklahoma Family Law Attorney of the Year in 2017.

“We feel fortunate to have Ann join the Hall Estill team. With her expertise and experience as a judge and practitioner in family law I believe our clients will be very well served.” said Steve Ray, managing partner for Hall Estill.

Keele’s area of practice includes family law, mediation, divorce and legal separation, as well as paternity and adoption.

In Loving Memory

GableGotwals is pleased to welcome William S. Stringer as an associate in the Tulsa office. His practice focuses on general corporate transactions and tax matters. His experience includes advising on contracts, corporate governance, water rights, trusts, federal regulation, taxation, and tribal issues. Prior to joining the Firm, William was a staff member of the National Tax Office at Ernst & Young, where he drafted legal memoranda for delivery to clients on a host of international tax issues. He also served as a policy specialist at the Native American Finance Officers Association, working alongside the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee to address Taxation issues in Indian Country. He received his J.D. at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., where he was a Georgetown Environmental Law Review member. William received his B.A., cum laude, from the University of Oklahoma.

Graydon Dean Luthey, Sr

1930- 2023

Graydon Dean Luthey, Sr. passed on June 18, 2023. He was born in Topeka, Kansas on September 28, 1930, graduated with a B.A. from the University of Kansas and a J.D. from Washburn University. He was a JAG Officer in the United States Air Force. After active duty, he was Special Attorney to the Insurance Commission for the State of Kansas and General Counsel for the Kansas Department of Revenue. He joined the legal department of Cities Service Company and

became Associate General Counsel and retired from Occidental as Associate General Counsel in 1993. He became of counsel to Hall Estill until 2001. He was a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of the Bars of Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. He is survived by his son Graydon Dean Luthey, Jr., daughter-in-law Debbie Luthey, daughter Lynn Anne Luthey, two granddaughters, and four great-grandchildren. His wife, Anne, predeceased him.

CELEBRATE YOU & SUPPORT TCBF

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.

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 Taubman

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

Treasurer..................................................................... 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 Vincent 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................................................................Rick White

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

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

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 ..............Taylor Williams

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

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

FOUNDATION

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

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 .........Diana Cupps

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

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

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

Diversity................................................................................TBA

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

Pro Bono Co-Chair......................................................Lizzie Riter

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......................................................Dianna Cupps

LindseyADR/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..........................................Anastasia Krich-Mahoney

Health Law ...................................................... ......Brenna Wiebe

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

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

Litigation...................................................................Melissa East

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

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

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.