Tulsa MagazineLawyerSeptember 2024
Awards & Recognition
A Message from the President Stephanie Jackson
TOGETHER WE WIN!
I am honored to address you as the newly elected President of the Tulsa County Bar Association. It is with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility that I step into this role. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I am committed to serving our esteemed Tulsa County Bar Association with dedication and integrity.
A Vision for the Future
As we look ahead to the coming year, I am excited about the opportunities that lie before us. Our association has a rich history of promoting justice, supporting the professional growth of our members, and serving the community. Building on this strong foundation, my goal is to further enhance our programs, initiatives, and resources to better
meet the evolving needs of our members. Thus, I have outlined a bold vision for the TCBA, focusing on key areas such as leadership development and maintaining a strong commitment to members mental health and well-being. Our association has always been a pillar of support for our members and the community. I am committed to building on this legacy by developing a leadership institute workshop, enhancing member engagement, and maintaining a strong focus on members mental health and wellness.
One of my key priorities will be to increase engagement and collaboration within our bar association. Our collective strength lies in our diversity of experiences, perspectives, and expertise. By fostering a more inclusive and participatory environment, we can and will enhance an inclusive culture that embraces, promotes, and facilitates diversity and inclusiveness where every member, from our seasoned member, recently reclaimed, or newly engaged, has the opportunity to fully participate at all levels of leadership and succeed professionally.
To this end, I will be focusing on several key initiatives:
Professional Development
It is vitally important to continue an intentional focus on building our bench and bar relationships for TCBA members by identifying relevant continuing legal education (CLE) offerings. After observing the tremendous response to our federal judges panel CLE last year, I was committed to ensuring that we included CLE offerings again this term from our federal judiciary, as well as our Tulsa County District Judges. Investing in the professional growth of our members is crucial and having a diverse course offering provides all of us more opportunities for networking. I truly love these opportunities because they allow our judiciary and our members to connect and learn from one another.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Over the next twelve months, as President of the TCBA, I am deeply committed to ensuring that I identify and create as many opportunities as possible for our members to maintain excellent mental and physical health. The demands of our profession can be immense, and it's vital that we support each other in achieving a healthy worklife balance. Volunteering with the TCBA should be a rewarding experience that enhances your professional and personal growth without compromising your well-being. I want to personally encourage all members to prioritize self- care, seek help when needed, and take advantage of the resources we offer, not only through our TCBA, but
also the Oklahoma Bar Association, to manage stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Remember, together we win! And together, we can foster a supportive community that values both professional excellence and personal health.
Leveraging Technology
In an era where technology is transforming every aspect of our lives, I definitely recognize the importance of leveraging technology to improve the association's services. We have a wonderful TCBA resource through our online member portal that is extremely underutilized. In an effort to help members better navigate our TCBA webpage and member portal, I have worked with our TCBA staff to develop a self-help navigation sheet. This will enable us to serve our members more effectively and efficiently with creating accounts, paying invoices, accessing the TCBA’s calendar of events, accessing practice area sections, and navigating the site.
A Call for Engagement
TCBA is the second largest voluntary county bar association in the State of Oklahoma. TCBA membership has a tremendous amount of untapped talent, streaming all the way from our senior attorneys to our Young Lawyers Division. So, the TCBA is excited to introduce The Journey to Leadership in the Tulsa County Bar Association workshop. This workshop consists of a oneday session focusing on the roles and responsibilities for each elected and appointed leadership position within the TCBA, including committee chairs and OBA delegates. Also, participants will learn basic rules of parliamentary procedure in order to gain confidence in running a meeting successfully. In addition to identifying new bar leaders, this workshop can play a key role in engaging with former officers, delegates, and committee chairs by fostering continued participation and sharing of knowledge. With increased involvement, I want all members of the TCBA to feel that their voices are heard.
Salute to Past Leadership
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing President, Mike Esmond, for his exemplary leadership, encouragement, and continued contributions to the Tulsa County Bar Association. His hard work and dedication has set a high standard for me to follow.
Looking Ahead
I encourage each of you to get involved and share your ideas and feedback. Your participation is vital to our success, and I am committed to creating an open and inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. With a clear vision and a commitment to excellence, I am poised to lead the Tulsa County Bar Association into a new era of growth and innovation. I am excited about what we will achieve together and look forward to working with all of you in the year ahead. As many of you have heard me say, and will continue to hear me repeat, “WE WIN TOGETHER!”
Together, let us continue to uphold the principles of justice, professionalism, and service that define our association.
I look forward to serving the association as your President for the next twelve months. Please feel free to reach out to me or Tami Williams with any questions, suggestions, or concerns.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Jackson TCBA President, 2024-2025
Bar Center Closed
Monday, September 2nd
Need your Courthouse Security Badge for 2024-2025?
1 Finish processing payment for your Badge dues.
2 Complete and return to the TCBA Staff your Oath of Attorney to Obtain Courthouse Access Badge. Oaths are available at tulsabar. com > Member Services > Forms Available for Download, by emailing frontdesk@tulsabar.com, or you can pick up/have mailed a physical copy.
3 Mailers started being sent out in August and included the (blue) Courthouse Badge Receipt if you completed Steps 1 & 2. THIS is what you will take to the Public Services Unit of the Sheriff’s Office to be issued your badge.
4 When you go to the Public Services Unit, you must take: 1. Your TCBA issued Badge Receipt, 2. A state photo ID, and 3. You will be required to complete a background check once there. Then you will have your Badge!
Reminders: Both the oaths you fill out and the badges themselves are valid for one year according to the TCBA membership year (September - August). All expired badges MUST be given to TCSO after their expiration date as they are both issued by and remain the property of the TCSO. We have also heard that this Unit may be moving in the next couple of months - we will send virtual notice when this change occurs!
Need your OR Privileges Card for 2024 2025?
1. Finish processing payment for your OR dues.
2. Complete and return to the TCBA Staff your Oath of Attorney to Obtain OR Privileges.
3. If you complete steps 1 & 2, your membership packet that comes in the mail will include your (brown/taupe) OR Card.
Reminder: OR and Courthouse Access privileges can be revoked or suspended at ANY point in time per the instructions in your signed Oaths. If you have questions or need assistance with these, please contact the Membership Director, Heather Heck, at heatherh@tulsabar.com.
Golden Rule Award
4th Quarter - Justin Munn
Justin Munn embodies the timeless virtues instilled in him from a young age—a deep-rooted understanding that lawyers must epitomize professionalism, ethical conduct, and fairness not only before the revered Court, but also towards their esteemed clients, legal peers, and the wider community. He is a beacon of unwavering integrity, setting a lofty standard for all legal professionals to emulate.
In his legal practice, Justin exudes thoughtfulness and compassion, approaching each case with profound consideration and empathy for the individuals embroiled in challenging circumstances. While offering solace and understanding to those in need, he remains steadfast in providing candid assessments of their legal matters and the potential paths ahead. His interactions with clients are marked by sincerity and honesty, ensuring they are wellinformed and empowered throughout the legal process.
Moreover, Justin's interactions with opposing counsel and collaborative partners are characterized by a spirit of courtesy and respect. He diligently endeavors to propel his cases forward while fostering an environment of mutual understanding and cooperation within the legal realm. By upholding a code of conduct that elevates the legal profession's standing, Justin actively contributes to enhancing its reputation both within legal settings and in his personal engagements.
Beyond his legal practice, Justin's dedication extends to mentoring and guiding aspiring law school externs, assisting individuals in navigating the intricacies of the courthouse, and providing valuable insights to those seeking legal advice. Whether engaging in TCBA committee endeavors or offering a listening ear to acquaintances with legal queries, Justin consistently exemplifies a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and integrity, enriching the legal landscape and fostering a culture of mutual support and growth.
For these exceptional qualities and unwavering commitment to the highest standards of legal ethics, Justin is recognized as this quarter's recipient of the prestigious Golden Rule Award, a testament to his exemplary conduct and dedication to promoting fairness and integrity within the legal profession.
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.
Did you know the TCBA has an online Job Bank?
Visit
tulsabar.com and click on Member Services.
Job postings are free for current members and $50 per posting for non-members.
Job postings will stay posted for 30 days unless asked to remove early. TCBA reserves the right to refuse any job posting for any reason.
CELEBRATE & FUND THE FOUNDATION
Michael
Nesser Shaffer Siex
Taubman
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.
2023-2024 President's Awards
Recognized by Outgoing President Michael E. Esmond
Mac Finlayson
Having been in practice since 1976, Mac Finlayson has established a reputation as an excellent attorney and generous community volunteer. He has been an active member and leader of the Rotary Club of Tulsa, a volunteer firefighter and Captain of the Beggs Rural Fire Department, and a mentor and fire safety educator at Celia Clinton Elementary School. On top of all that, Mac has been the chair of the TCBA Pro-Bono Committee since 2020 and an active volunteer with the Courthouse Assistance Program ("CAP") since 2016. In his time as a CAP volunteer, Mac has donated over 400 hours of time in court representing tenants facing eviction on the FED docket. In that time, he handled 296 cases advocating for the rights of tenants who would have otherwise had to struggle to represent themselves. For everything he does, Mac has earned my appreciation and respect.
Elizabeth “Beth” Nellis
Since 2012, Beth Nellis has been a leader and critical part of the ProBono Committee and the Courthouse Assistance Program ("CAP"). What began as an occasional afternoon of paralegal assistance to pro bono attorneys on the FED docket quickly became a passion for Beth. Her commitment increased quickly until she was volunteering nearly full-time. In 2018, when TCBA began administering CAP through the Pro Bono Committee, Beth was offered and accepted the position of CAP Coordinator. During her tenure and due to her efforts, CAP saw nearly 1,000 pro-bono attorney appearances, racked up over 2,600 hours of pro-bono attorney time, and handled over 1,750 eviction cases on behalf of tenants who lacked the resources to hire a private attorney. Beth’s efforts have dramatically impacted thousands of Tulsans and helped many avoid homelessness. Her resignation this past year created a void that will be hard to fill. Thanks, Beth!
Kevinn Matthews
Few people (if any) can match Kevinn Matthews’ commitment to the TCBA. The Bench and Bar Committee can be a uniquely tricky committee to chair, but Kevinn has brilliantly filled that role since 2020 and made it look easy. During the past year, Kevinn led efforts to raise awareness about the use and potential abuse of AI in judicial proceedings, coordinated several popular Brown Bag at the Courthouse CLE seminars, and generally maintained the vitally important relationships between our local judges and lawyers that benefit us all. Outside of the Bench and Bar Committee, Kevinn has been a reliable recruiter and ambassador for the organization. Kevinn has personally brought dozens of TCBA members into the fold and has encouraged, mentored, and promoted them into leadership positions on different sections and committees. He does all of this with a good nature and great sense of humor. Without a doubt, he is one of the reasons that I enjoyed my time as President and I’m proud to be able to recognize him with a President’s award.
Spencer Pittman
Spencer Pittman is an impressive guy. I first met him when he volunteered to lead an initiative to educate the bench and bar about the risks and opportunities associated with the rapid expansion of generative AI and its increased use in the legal profession. He did an amazing job explaining difficult concepts in a way that even I could understand. After that, Spencer volunteered his tremendous talents as a business and corporate lawyer to take on the leadership of TCBA’s Business/Corporate Law section. It was a perfect fit and a great coup for the TCBA, as Spencer was subsequently appointed by Governor Stitt to serve as a member of the Task Force for the Study of the Business Courts, a position that will give him unique insights into the development of the
specialized courts and great knowledge to share with our members. I appreciate everything Spencer has done this past year and look forward to watching the great things he’ll do next.
Lizzie Riter
When Lizzie Riter was a young lawyer (she’s still a pretty young lawyer), she decided to make a positive impact on her community – I’m thankful that she did. The list of her impressive contributions and accomplishments includes serving as co-chair of both the Children and the Law Committee and the Juvenile Law Section since 2020, serving as a Trustee of the Tulsa County Bar Foundation, and holding the office of Secretary of the TCBA. That’s a lot. Over the past year, she and her co-chair, Timothy Michaels-Johnson, coordinated regular CLE programs for the Juvenile Law section, ran the annual TCBA Holiday Challenge to “adopt” families and foster kids to make their holiday season special, and developed a “How to Adult” conference and resource fair to empower and educate young adults who are aging out or have aged out of foster care. She has been a tireless supporter of the TCBA and deserves our appreciation. She also deserves a break – but not too long – before taking on future leadership roles.
Timothy Michaels-Johnson
Over the last several years Timothy Michael-Johnson has emerged as a dynamic and effective leader of the TCBA. He has served as the Co-chair of the Children and the Law Committee and the Juvenile Law Section of the Tulsa County Bar Association since 2020. Over the past year, he and his co-chair, Lizzie Riter, coordinated regular CLE programs for the Juvenile Law section, ran the annual TCBA Holiday Challenge to “adopt” families and foster kids to make their holiday season special, and developed a “How to Adult” conference and resource fair to empower and educate young adults who are aging out or have aged out of foster care. Having focused his career in child welfare, Timothy provided not only great leadership, but technical expertise and reliability to his roles with the TCBA. In my time as President, it never occurred to me that Timothy might not attend a board meeting or show up when we needed him. His level of commitment to his profession, to the community he serves, and to our Association deserves our appreciation and respect.
Mbilike Mwafulirwa
Mbilike is the consummate gentleman lawyer - a fierce and effective advocate with a unique combination of intellect and charm. He has also become a go-to leader and significant contributor to the TCBA. Mbilike served as co-chair of the Litigation Section this past year. Among the many great programs the section put on, Mbilike spearheaded the effort to bring together all available federal magistrate judges in the Northern and Eastern Districts of Oklahoma for a panel discussion about civil litigation in our federal courts. The demand to attend the event was so great that we had to move it to a larger venue. That sold-out event along with all the other great programs and presentations Mbilike and his co-chairs organized resulted in nearly doubling the membership of the Litigation Section. As if his commitment to the Litigation Section wasn’t enough, Mbilike answered the call when we needed him and stepped up to run for – and win – election to the office of TCBA Treasurer. We’re lucky to have such a bright star on our leadership team and it’s my honor to recognize Mbilike with a President’s award.
Recognized by TCBF President Justin Munn 2023-2024 Foundation Awards
Billy Duncan & Michael Thelen
Anyone who participates in or serves on the committee of the Golf Tournament knows how much work and sweat goes into executing this event. Their hard work and commitment were paramount to the event's success. Their efforts have made a difference this year and set a strong foundation for the tournament's future, which holds great potential. The Foundation is truly grateful for their passion and support.
Dan Crawford
Dan is recognized for his exceptional dedication and service as the Chair of Tulsa County’s Ask A Lawyer for over 30 years. His leadership, expertise, and passion have been instrumental in shaping Ask A Lawyer into a trusted resource for countless individuals seeking legal guidance and support. Dan actively recruits volunteers and always shows a willingness to share his knowledge and provide insights that have positively impacted the lives of so many. His years of service genuinely reflect his professionalism and care for those in need of legal assistance. His unwavering commitment to this program has been invaluable and genuinely inspiring to his colleagues.
Catherine Hoopert
Cathy is exceptional at navigating our organization's intricate financial landscape, providing strategic insights, and implementing processes to optimize financial performance. Her meticulous attention to detail, analytical prowess, and practical communication skills have streamlined the Foundation’s financial processes and enabled informed decision-making. Cathy’s professionalism, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the Foundation's economic stability make her a valuable asset to our organization.
Rodney Buck
The Foundation would like to express our deepest gratitude for Rodney’s remarkable dedication and commitment over the past 25 years in overseeing the Law Day Student Writing and Art Contest. His exceptional leadership and tireless efforts have profoundly impacted countless students' lives and helped foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the law within our community. Twenty-five years of service exemplify a level of dedication and excellence that is truly unparalleled. Your hard work, enthusiasm, and genuine care for the participants have left an indelible mark on the contest and created a legacy that will be remembered for years.
Tana Van Cleave & Mary Clement
Tana and Mary deserve applause for their exceptional coordination of this year's Law Day events. Their commitment, organizational skills, and passion for legal awareness have elevated our events and inspired others to get involved. Their dedication and attention to detail made the event a huge success. From engaging book club meetings to insightful workshops, their passion and vision were evident in every aspect.
Michael Taubman
Michael is a hard-working, dedicated team player. His leadership and willingness to go above and beyond are inspiring, and will benefit him in his new role as President Elect of the TCBA. Of particular note, Michael has been involved with the Tulsa Lawyer for approximately 10 years, and has served as the Tulsa Lawyer Editor since 2017. Michael has an innate curiosity about the law and the legal profession, which were evident in the discharge of his duties as the Tulsa Lawyer Editor, and he is being recognized for the valuable contributions he made to this publication and our organization.
Mary Clement Outstanding Young Lawyer
Mary's legal career is marked by diversity and depth. It began in public service, where she handled a wide range of misdemeanors and felonies, including DUIs, drug possession, violations of protective orders, domestic violence, burglaries, and homicide, as an Assistant District Attorney for Tulsa County. Today, she represents clients in a broader spectrum of legal matters, from divorce and custody to criminal charges, estate planning, and trust disputes, demonstrating her versatile and comprehensive understanding of the law.
Mary's legal expertise is diverse, and her commitment to her community is unwavering. This versatility in her practice is a testament to her comprehensive understanding of the law and dedication to providing valuable legal services to her community.
Mary's influence in the legal community is significant. She has been a Co-Chair of the TCBF Law Week Committee for the
past two years, and this year, she assumed the role of Solo/Small Firm Section Chair, a position she plans to hold next year as well. Her leadership skills were further developed as a graduate of the inaugural Leadership Academy Class of 2023. In the 2024-26 term, Mary will represent Solo and Small Firms as a Director at large for the TCBA Board of Directors, succeeding Dan Crawford as Co-Chair of the AskA-Lawyer event. Her plans and continued leadership roles demonstrate her ongoing commitment to the legal community.
Mary's dedication to the legal community is unwavering. She regularly attends YLD Board meetings and is a member of the Lawyer Referral Service and its related committee. Her involvement in supervising and overseeing the program, establishing the panel's rules and procedures, and maintaining the program to expand the public’s knowledge of it demonstrates her commitment to the legal profession.
But Mary is not all about business. She’s also an avid bowler and sponsors a team each year in the Bowling League and at the annual golf tournament.
Lynn Miller Book Club - Upcoming Dates
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.
Outstanding Senior Lawyer
Lynnwood R. Moore, Jr.
Lynn's exceptional career trajectory and unwavering commitment to legal excellence make him a standout candidate for this esteemed recognition. In his role as counsel emeritus at Conner & Winters, Lynn has been a beacon of leadership, guiding and inspiring colleagues through his decades of experience in the legal field. Despite his illustrious career spanning over 40 years, Lynn continues to grace our office with his presence on most days, demonstrating a remarkable dedication to his profession.
Lynn's expertise in general corporate matters, securities regulation, and mergers and acquisitions is unparalleled. He has successfully navigated complex
transactions for various clients across various industries, showcasing his versatility and acumen in the legal realm. His track record includes facilitating initial public offerings, venture capital financings, and significant business combinations, earning him a reputation as a trusted advisor and industry expert.
Not only is Lynn recognized for his legal prowess, but he is also esteemed in the legal community, being listed in prominent publications such as Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, and Super Lawyers. His contributions extend beyond the boardroom, as evidenced by his leadership roles in philanthropic organizations such as Phillips Theological Seminary, Christ United Methodist Church of Tulsa, and the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless. Moreover, Lynn's selfless nature shines through his active involvement in community outreach initiatives, where he generously volunteers his time and resources to support those in need. His compassionate spirit and unwavering dedication to serving others make him a truly exceptional individual, embodying the values of professionalism and altruism that the Outstanding Senior Lawyer Award seeks to honor.
Faith Orlowski Animal Law Award Madison Perigo
This year’s award was given to Madison Perigo, a 3L at The University of Tulsa College of Law. Madison served as the President of Paw Law, the Student Division of the Animal Legal Defense Fund as a 2L and focused on creating meaningful events that raised awareness and generated support for animal causes. Highlights included hosting engaging speakers and organizing fun events like The Cutest Pet Contest and Paw Law Karaoke, all of which aimed to bring attention to issues surrounding animal welfare and the work of organizations like Muddy Paws.
Her dedication to advancing animal welfare extends beyond these activities. Madison believes in giving back to the community and speaking up for those without a voice. She plans to use her legal education and future career to advocate for policies that safeguard both animals and the individuals who depend on them.
James C. Lang Mentoring Award Kathryn Coyle
Kathie is the epitome of mentorship excellence and dedication. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and sharing her profound expertise has not only sculpted the careers of numerous legal professionals but also inspired many others to follow in her footsteps. Year after year, she stands as a beacon of guidance for aspiring lawyers at her firm, Conner & Winters, LLP.
With a rich tapestry of experience that includes serving as a law clerk to Judge William Holloway, Jr, US Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit, Kathie brings nearly five decades of unparalleled wisdom to her practice in estate planning and tax-exempt organizations. Her mastery in crafting intricate estate plans for charitably inclined individuals and a keen
focus on inter-generational issues in charitable giving and wealth transfer sets her apart as a true luminary in her field. Beyond her exceptional client work, Kathie extends her influence to educational institutions, hospitals, civic groups, religious organizations, and more, offering invaluable guidance on formation, tax exemption, and governance matters. Her role in establishing an organization that received the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize is a testament to her remarkable impact on the non-profit landscape.
In addition to her professional achievements, Kathie's dedication to community service shines brightly through her roles as a Trustee of the Tulsa Library Trust, the Women’s Foundation, and the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma. Her leadership as a past president of the Holland Hall Board of Directors and the Green Country Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation exemplifies her unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference.
Hood Corbitt Family Law Award
Todd Alexander
The Family Law Section is delighted to recognize Todd Alexander with the prestigious Hood Corbitt Award. Todd's unique dedication to family law, demonstrated by his admission to practice law in Oklahoma in 1980 and in Texas in 1983, sets him apart. His 44-year career in family law, a field known for its challenges and emotional toll, is a testament to his unwavering commitment.
Most family law practitioners have experienced Todd as an opposing counsel, mediator, Guardian ad Litem, Parenting Coordinator, or mentor. Todd’s passion for people and justice is undeniable, regardless of his role. He is always willing to share his knowledge and insight and help mentor those trying to find their way.
Todd is a zealous advocate, unafraid to settle a case or take it to trial as the situation demands. His preparedness, timeliness, and, most importantly, his honesty make him a formidable opponent and a reliable ally. He doesn't leave you guessing about his stance on an issue and is always forthright about his views and next steps. While sometimes overwhelming, his straightforward and passionate approach leaves no room for ambiguity
Over the years, Todd has generously shared his knowledge and updates in many CLE programs. His twoyear tenure as the Chairperson of the Family Law Section at TCBA is a testament to his leadership and commitment. Todd's dedication to giving back to the community is further demonstrated by his volunteer work, where he provides his legal services for mediation with legal aid clients and serves as a Guardian ad Litem in juvenile cases, all without any cost.
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Roger R. Scott Community Service Award Mac Finlayson
Mac has served as the Chair of the TCBA Pro Bono Committee, where his impactful leadership has brought about notable improvements in the program's effectiveness. His proactive approach and dedication to enhancing the program's capabilities have been instrumental in its success. One of Mac's significant contributions is the development of a comprehensive Eviction Defense Manual. This resource has proven invaluable in guiding volunteer attorneys on the nuances of representing clients effectively. In addition, Mac has taken the initiative to organize and conduct training sessions for volunteer attorneys, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate complex legal issues and provide quality representation to those in need.
Throughout his tenure volunteering for the program, Mac has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to serving the community by attending 76 Evictions Docket appearances since the inception of CAP. In these appearances, he has represented 296 pro bono client cases, dedicating a
remarkable 401 hours to ensuring access to justice for those who might not otherwise have had representation. The value of his contributions is immeasurable, amounting to an estimated $109,162.50 in donated billable hours.
Mac's unwavering dedication to service ideals and tireless efforts in representing parties in the Court's FED program exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and compassion in the legal profession. His consistent presence and willingness to shoulder the responsibilities of advocating for others reflect a deep-seated commitment to positively impacting the lives of those in need. In recognition of his exemplary service and significant contributions to the community, Mac stands as a shining example of selflessness and dedication. His ongoing efforts to support and uplift others through his pro bono work are a testament to his character and commitment to making a difference. Mac's commitment to service embodies the spirit of the legal profession at its best, and he truly deserves appreciation and recognition for his outstanding service efforts.
“Serving Todd as his paralegal for the past ten years has been my honor,” says Kandee Harwood. “During this tenure, there have been many highs and lows, but through it all, I’ve witnessed his drive and determination to be his best. His thoughtfulness, compassion, and consideration have been experienced by all those who have worked with him and for him. Through his knowledge and experience, Todd has gained the trust and loyalty of many clients and their families, where he has served second—and now third—generations.”
Congratulations and thank you to all of our award recipients for your hard work and dedication to the Tulsa County Bar Association and the Tulsa Legal Community
Gary C. Clark Distinguished Service Award
Rodney Buck
Rodney's remarkable dedication to fostering legal education and civic engagement shines brightly through his long-standing involvement with the TCBF Law Day Committee for over twenty-five years. In his pivotal role overseeing the Student Art and Writing Contest program, Rodney has been a driving force in cultivating a deeper understanding and appreciation of the law among young Oklahomans.
The contest, meticulously executed under Rodney's guidance, serves as a platform to ignite meaningful discussions and insights into legal principles for prekindergarten to 12th-grade students. With categories
encompassing art and writing, participants can showcase their creativity and understanding of the law, vying for coveted cash prizes and prestigious plaques. Each year, Rodney collaborates closely with the OBA to orchestrate Law Day festivities and promote the contest to educators throughout Tulsa County, ensuring that the spirit of legal education resonates far and wide. His unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in organizing and championing this initiative exemplify his passion for empowering young minds with legal knowledge and civic awareness.
Furthermore, Rodney's thoughtful coordination of a special reception for Tulsa County student winners, their families, and dedicated teachers underscores his genuine commitment to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of budding legal scholars. By providing a platform for honorees to be acknowledged and applauded for their exceptional contributions, Rodney fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment within the community.
Neil E. Bogan Distinguished Service Award
Thomas M. Askew
Tom Askew has exhibited exceptional dedication, expertise, and ethical conduct in the legal profession. There are many vital reasons why Tom is deserving of such recognition:
• Experience and Leadership: With over thirty years of experience in legal practice, Tom has demonstrated a deep commitment to his profession. His role on the firm’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors showcases his leadership qualities and contribution to the organization's strategic direction.
• Community Involvement: Serving as the Presiding Municipal Judge for the City of Sand Springs and as a Trustee on the City of Sand Springs Planning Commission, Tom has firmly committed to serving his community beyond his legal practice. His involvement in these roles highlights his dedication to making a positive impact beyond his professional responsibilities.
• Professional Recognition: Tom's consistent recognition as a Super Lawyer reflects his expertise and respect within the legal community. His track record of successfully handling numerous jury trials further demonstrates his proficiency and skill as an attorney.
• Ethical Standards: Tom’s understanding of character and integrity is commendable. His ability to courteously and professionally deliver good and bad news to clients
speaks to his ethical conduct and compassion as a legal professional. His commitment to cooperating with opposing counsel and maintaining a levelheaded and analytical approach further emphasizes his strong moral standards.
• Mediation Skills: In addition to his litigation work, Tom's role as a mediator showcases his ability to resolve disputes effectively and amicably. His mediation skills contribute to the legal community by promoting alternative methods of conflict resolution.
Overall, Tom's long-standing commitment to his profession, community involvement, professional recognition, ethical standards, and mediation skills make him a deserving candidate for an award recognizing distinguished service in the legal field.
VP's Corner Billy Duncan
Welcome everyone, to a new year for the Tulsa County Bar Association! We have had exceptional leadership over the past several years, and I am proud to have witnessed all that has been accomplished within the TCBA and our community. I am grateful, honored, and even a bit surprised to have the opportunity to serve as VicePresident and to build upon the legacy of those who have made this Bar Association what it is today.
I’m proud of our community and deeply admire the dedication of our officers, committee chairs, and staff in supporting our city and our attorneys. The TCBA has been doing remarkable things lately. Whether it’s the Street Law program inspiring and teaching the younger generation of Tulsans, the Ask-A-Lawyer event providing opportunities for Oklahomans to speak to attorneys at no charge, or the countless other events and programs the TCBA sponsors, you will find people with a heart for service and the dedication to put it to use.
This year, I would like to focus on you. Primarily, I want to ensure that you are supported in your career and have everything you need to excel. Whether it be mentorship, practice aids, or help hanging your shingle, the TCBA is here as your resource. We are also here to help you unwind and get to know other attorneys as people and friends. We all need a break, and who better to share those breaks with than those who can relate to your struggles and war stories while welcoming you with a smile?
As members of the Tulsa County Bar Association, I invite you to find an area of interest and attend a section meeting, sign up for a social event, or reach out to any of our officers for information about any of the activities the TCBA organizes. No matter your interest, there are sure to be like-minded attorneys you can connect with. My hope is that you will find the sense of community that I have within the TCBA, while also honing your craft and offering a helping hand along the way.
Billy Duncan, TCBA Vice President 2024-2025
Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Leadership Class
The TCBA recognized the Class of 2024 Leadership Academy at the August Executive Committee. Participants networked with county judges and Supreme Court Justice Dana Kuehn as part of its curriculum. All members of the Young Lawyers Division are encouraged to apply for the 24-25 class.
Trevion Freeman, Paul Hood, Isaiah Brydie, Travis Williams, Kyle Trice, TCBA President, Mike Esmond, Madison Cataudella, Caitlin Getchell.
Graduates not pictured in the class photo are Morgan Smith and Eric Yoder.
The 1964 Civil Rights Act: 60 Years of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
By Marvin Lizama, Diversity Committee Chair
One of the most memorable events in the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States is the 1963 March on Washington, D.C. for Jobs and Freedom. It is the cite of the famous “I have a Dream” speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Since then, progressive Americans from all walks of life and from different socioeconomic backgrounds reference Dr. King’s speech as they continue to fight to end discrimination and racism and advocate for racial justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of American life.
This July we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act1, the landmark law that prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. The law is both a civil rights and employment law. It is divided into 12 Titles, each providing for certain protections under the law. Title I barred unequal application of voter registration requirements that acted as barriers to African Americans, and required that voting rules and procedures be applicable equally to all races. Title II outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin in public accommodations. Title III desegregated public facilities and prohibited state and local governments from denying access to public facilities to African Americans and other racial minorities. Title IV desegregated public schools in an attempt to end the “separate but equal” policy in place since 1896. Title V expanded the Commission on Civil Rights created in 1957, and which would lead the way to subsequent Civil Rights Acts being enacted by Congress. Title VI prohibited discrimination against non-whites to obtain federal program benefits and funds. Title VII established equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination by employers on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Title VIII set up requirements for compiling voter registration and voter data in specific areas of the country that had been historically affected through voter disenfranchisement. Title IX provided for the removal of Civil Rights cases from state courts to the federal courts. Title X of the Act established the Community Relations Service, a clearinghouse of sorts for assisting communities in resolving claims of discrimination. Title XI of the Act granted those accused of violations of the Act with the right to a jury trial and set parameters for punishment.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 came a century
1 Pub. L. 88-352, enacted July 2, 1964.
after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation2 in January 1863, a century after the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in April 1863 abolishing slavery, and a century after the civil war. However, impact of the new law on racial justice was slow and faced obstacles every step of the way. One of the main goals of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was to end discrimination against African Americans in public accommodations and end school segregation. The Southern states were vehemently opposed to the law and did little to enforce it. The private business sector specifically argued the new law did not apply to them and refused to follow it. Consequently, the past sixty years since the passage of the Act have yielded decision after decision by the U.S. Supreme Court expanding the implementation of the act.
A series of landmark U.S. Supreme cases led to new protections for all Americans under the law. Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954), held unconstitutional state laws establishing racial segregation in public schools and effectively ended the “separate but equal” rationale that ruled the day since the decision in Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U.S. 537 (1896). In 1956, a three-Judge panel of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, ruled in Browder v. Gayle, 142 F. Supp. 707 (1956), that bus segregation was unconstitutional. Alabama appealed the decision and the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed it. In 1964, the applicability of the new Civil Rights Act was challenged in the landmark case Heart of Atlanta Motel, Inc. v. United States, 379, which held that the Commerce Clause of Article I of the U.S. Constitution gave the Congress the authority to regulate private business and force the private business sector to abide by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized interracial marriages in the landmark decision Loving v. Virginia, 388 U.S. 1 (1967), where the Court struck down laws banning interracial marriages, and ultimately this case was heavily cited in the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015), which held that a fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples.
The impact of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is invaluable and impossible to measure. Without it, racism and discrimination run rampant. History has taught us that much. Thousands of people lost their lives during the struggle, including Emmett Louis Till, who was abducted
2 https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation.
and lynched in Mississippi in 1955. President John F. Kennedy, who proposed the Civil Rights Legislation in June 1963 and was assassinated in November 1963 in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who became the face of the Civil Rights Movement and he was assassinated in April of 1968. Let us not forget that in 1921, the City of Tulsa experience its own race riot when a white mob looted, burned, and killed scores of African Americans in the Historic Greenwood District, then considered the “Negro Wall Street3”. There are scores of unheralded, unrecognized, and/or forgotten people who fought the good fight, and got into “good trouble”—as the late Senator John Lewis so eloquently stated it—all for the sake of racial justice and equality for all Americans.
Had it not been for the creation of the Civil Rights Movement in the late 1890s and its persistent demand to abolish segregation and end discrimination; to outlaw legalized Jim Crow laws in the South; and to end socioeconomic inequality for African Americans, the 1964 Civil Rights Act would not have occurred. Progress under the Act is made thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of people who took it upon themselves to see an end to racial discrimination and socioeconomic inequality in the United States. We recognize their faces and we know their names: Medgar Evers, W.E.B. Du Bois, MLK, Jr., Senator John Lewis, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Mary White Ovington, Rosa Parks, Emmett Louis Till, President John F. Kennedy—the list is endless—but the sacrifices made and the risks taken through grassroots efforts, nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience acts all aided in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Their legacy is an ever-kindled flame of hope for racial justice and equality that burns bright in the hearts of many. Their legacy is the continuing struggle to replace discrimination with diversity and replace racism and hate with equity and inclusion. In the words of Dr. King, Jr.: “we must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope4”.
3 Source: Johnson, Hannibal B., Black Wall Street: From Riot To Renaissance in Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District (2007).
Gr apevine News
TCBA member Robert Don Gifford has been selected to serve an eight year term as Supreme Court Justice (pro tem) for the Pawnee Nation Supreme Court. He is a solo practitioner in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City, and is the current Chair of the OBA’s Military & Veteran’s Law Section as well as a Trustee for the the Oklahoma County Law Library and on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma County Bar Association. Mr. Gifford also serves as a justice on the Comanche Nation Supreme Court and a trial court judge for the Kaw Nation, Iowa Tribe, Seminole Nation, Absentee-Shawnee Tribe, and the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.
BARROW & GRIMM, P.C. IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONS:
John C. Gotwals has become a Preferred Shareholder. He practices in both litigation and generalized legal counseling. His litigation practice consists primarily of family law, paternity matters, probate/trust administration and litigation, guardianships, civil litigation, real estate and business disputes. Outside of the courtroom, John advises his clients on estate planning, entity structure, transactional matters and general corporate advising. Mr. Gotwals graduated from Principia College in 2014 with his Bachelor of Business Administration, and minors in Economics and Philosophy where he also played collegiate soccer for four years. Following his graduation from Principia, John attended the University of Oklahoma College of Law where he graduated in 2017. Prior to joining Barrow & Grimm in 2021, John practiced at James R. Gotwals & Associates, Inc. John is a life-long Tulsan and is actively involved in Tulsa community and surrounding legal community.
Robert W. Hill has joined the firm as an associate attorney. After graduating with honors from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2018, he began his practice with a local tax and estate planning firm. Mr. Hill focuses his practice on estate planning, probate and trust litigation, trust and estate administration, tax matters, and general business matters.
Andie B. Netherland has joined as an associate attorney. Her practice primarily consists of civil litigation on matters concerning business disputes, tax law, and Indian law. Andie received her B.B.A. in Economics from the University of Mississippi in 2018 and her J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 2021. During her time at OU law, Andie served as Managing Editor of the American Indian Law Review and on the Board of Advocates and received various recognitions, including Dean’s
List and Order of Solicitors. Prior to joining Barrow & Grimm, P.C. in 2023, she served as a law clerk in the Eastern District of Oklahoma for the Honorable Magistrate Judge Jason A. Robertson.
Kasey K. Fagin has joined the firm as an associate attorney. He primarily focuses on general civil litigation, including contractual disputes, business torts, construction, and real estate. Mr. Fagin received his J.D. from the University of Tulsa, College of Law in 2020, where he served as an editor of the Tulsa Law Review. He has experience in defending cases involving complex civil litigation and was selected by Super Lawyers as an Oklahoma "Rising Star" in the area of civil litigation.
Abigail E. Bauer has joined the firm as an associate attorney after graduating with honors from the University of Tulsa College of Law in May 2022 and practicing briefly with another firm in Tulsa. Ms. Bauer focuses her practice primarily on business litigation and contract disputes, while also representing clients in other civil litigation matters. Ms. Bauer also handles probate/trust administration and litigation.
Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, LLP (DSDA) congratulates our 26 lawyers who were recognized in the 2025 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. First published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence.
Lawyers named to the Best Lawyers lists are recognized through compiled information based on an exhaustive peer‐review evaluation. For this year’s edition, more than 23 million votes were analyzed resulting in the inclusion of more than 166,779 industry leading lawyers in 150 different practice areas. Lawyers were not required or allowed to pay a fee to be recognized.
DSDA attorneys selected for the 2025 Best Lawyers list include:
• William C. Anderson (Tulsa): Bet-the-Company, Commercial Litigation
• Christian D. Barnard (Tulsa): Family Law
• Jon E. Brightmire (Tulsa): Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Litigation- ERISA, Litigation- Labor and Employment
• N. Lance Bryan (Tulsa): Employment Law -Management, Litigation- Construction
• James R. Bullard (Tulsa): Commercial Litigation, FamilyLaw, Family Law Mediation
• Stuart D. Campbell (Tulsa): Commercial Litigation Law, Family Law Mediation
• Lewis N. Carter (Tulsa): Commercial Litigation
• Lawrence T. Chambers, Jr. (Tulsa): Corporate Law
• H. Wayne Cooper (Tulsa): Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Nathan S. Cross (Tulsa): Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Real Estate Law
• S. Douglas Dodd (Tulsa): First Amendment Law, Litigation
- First Amendment, Media Law
• Amir M. Farzaneh (Oklahoma City): Immigration Law
• Tom Q. Ferguson (Tulsa): Commercial Litigation
• Bradley A. Grundy (Tulsa): Family Law and Family Law Mediation
• D. Ward Hobson (Oklahoma City): Copyright Law, Litigation- Intellectual Property, Trade Secrets Law
• D. Benham Kirk, Jr. (Oklahoma City): Bankruptcy and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/ Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Real Estate Law
• Michael S. Linscott (Tulsa): Commercial Litigation
• Linda C. Martin (Tulsa): Environmental Law, LitigationEnvironmental
In addition, Bradley A. Grundy has been recognized by has been recognized by Best Lawyers as a 2025 "Lawyer of the Year" for Family Law in Tulsa and Linda C. Martin has been recognized as 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation - Environmental in Tulsa. Only one lawyer is honored as the "Lawyer of the Year" for each practice area and metropolitan area, making this accolade an exceptional distinction.
The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America is an honor recognizing extraordinary lawyers who have been in private practice for less than 10 years in the United States. Selections are based entirely on peer review. The following DSDA lawyers have been recognized:
• Matthew T. Crook (Tulsa): Litigation -Construction
• Kaylee P. Davis-Maddy (Oklahoma City): LitigationEnvironmental
• Alexandra J. Gage (Tulsa): Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation -Labor and Employment
• Brian M. Keester (Tulsa): Insurance Law, LitigationConstruction, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability - Defendants
• Sara E. Potts (Oklahoma City): Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation- Construction, LitigationLabor and Employment, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions -Defendants
District Attorney’s office and court room experience will be an invaluable addition to our practice.” Max Malone comes to Pray Walker from the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney. His experience there included work in the juvenile and criminal divisions. While at the District Attorney’s Office Max joined the Special Victim’s Unit and prosecuted cases involving sex crimes, aggravated domestic violence and domestic homicide. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where he was active in the Student Bar Association and was a case editor of the Oil and Gas, Natural Resources, and Energy Journal.
Kimberly Lambert Love of Titus Hillis Reynolds Love recently spoke at the annual Oklahoma Office of Civil Rights Enforcement’s 2024 Employment Law Symposium at the OSU-Tulsa campus. Attendees included Human Resources professionals, attorneys, and business owners/executives. Ms. Love presented on the topic of Employer Dress Codes and Religious Accommodations and provided advice to employers on responding to employee requests for religious accommodations in the workplace. Ms. Love focuses her practice on all areas of employment law and is past chairperson of the labor and employment section of the Oklahoma Bar Association. She frequently conducts workplace investigations into allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and ethical misconduct. She also assists employers in conducting cultural surveys to determine if there are underlying cultural issues that need to be addressed by the company and provides training for companies in a wide variety of employment related topics.
CharneyBrown, LLC is pleased to announce the addition of Margaret Hartman as an associate attorney in their Tulsa office. Ms. Hartman’s practice will focus on energy transactions and oil and gas title opinions.
CharneyBrown, LLC is an Oklahoma-based firm that specializes in oil and gas transaction and litigation for both individuals and corporations, as well as representation in estate planning and probate, insurance, real estate, and other business and commercial matters.
For more information, please visit www.charneybrown.com.
Pray Walker announced Maxfield Malone has joined the Firm’s expanding litigation practice. “We are excited to have Max at Pray Walker and are looking forward to leveraging his wealth of knowledge and legal experience,” says C. Bretton Crane, Pray Walker’s managing partner. “Max’s background at the Tulsa County
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.
C lassified a ds
Jon Starr
Mediator and Arbitrator
Contact DRC for scheduling
918-382-0300
ATKINSON, BRITTINGHAM, GLADD, FIASCO
& EDMONDS is seeking an associate attorney with zero to five years of experience who is proficient in research and writing. Atkinson, Brittingham, Gladd & Fiasco is primarily a defense litigation firm focusing on general civil trial and appellate practice, insurance defense, medical and legal malpractice, and Native American law. Compensation and benefits package will be commensurate with the applicant’s experience. Applicants should submit a resume, writing sample and transcript to James N. Edmonds at jedmonds@abg-oklaw.com.
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
SUMMER MEMBER EVENT HAPPENINGS
July 17th Bowling at the Dust Bowl
July 21st Family Game Day
The TCBA Board of Directors members met in August to discuss and plan for the new membership year.
Doverspike Family enjoying the Taco Bar
Invested in the "So Clover!" board game
Kara Pratt and her family
Heather Glaze's family playing Clue
Micah Felton presenting Workers Comp Case Law Updates
Louden says CLE puts him to sleep
2024-2025 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 ..............................................................Stephanie Jackson Past President.............................................................Mike Esmond
President-Elect.....................................................Michael Taubman
Vice President..............................................................Billy Duncan
Secretary....................................................................Shena Burgess
Treasurer..........................................................Mbilike Mwafulirwa
Budget/Internal Operations........................................John Gotwals
Foundation President ..................................................Justin Munn
Director at Large (1) Large Firm.................................Natalie Sears
Director at Large (2) Large Firm......................................... OPEN
Director at Large (1) Medium Firm.................................Kara Pratt
Director at Large (2) Medium Firm........................Jennifer Struble
Director at Large (1) Small Firm..............................Mary Clement
Director at Large (2) Small Firm...........................Linda Morrissey
Director at Large (2) Public Sector................. Judge April Seibert
ABA Delegate............................................................. Molly Aspan
OBA Delegate..............................................................Philip Hixon
Library Trustee (1).........................................................Julie Evans
Library Trustee (2).................................................... Kim Vojvoda
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............................................................Lacy Williamson
YLD Past-Chair.................................................Colton Richardson
YLD Chair Elect.............................................................Kyle Trice
YLD Vice President...................................................Isaiah Brydie
YLD Treasurer..........................................................Morgan Smith
YLD Secretary..........................................................Kaia Kennedy
FOUNDATION APPOINTMENTS
Law Day Chair ....................................................Tana Van Cleave
Community Outreach................................................ Ashley Webb
Community Outreach Co-Chair...................... Madison Cataudella
Golf Chair................................................................Michael Thelen
Scholarship Chair........................................................Randy Lewin
FOUNDATION
President.....................................................................Justin Munn
Treasurer...........................................................Catherine Hoopert
Trustee........................................................................Jim Gotwals
Trustee...........................................................................Ann Keele
Trustee..........................................................................Rick White
Trustee.........................................................................Lizzie Riter
Trustee ..................................................................Chad McLain
Trustee ...................................................................Kara Vincent
Trustee .................................................................Mike Esmond
TCBA President................................................Stephanie Jackson
TCBA Pres. Elect..............................................Michael Taubman
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Access to Justice...............................................Pansy Moore-Shrier
Access to Justice Co-Chair... .............Katie Dilks
Animal Law ............Katy Inhofe
Bench & Bar........................................................Kevinn Matthews
Bench & Bar Co-Chair ...........Diana Cupps
Children & the Law Co-Chairs.........Lexie Allen / Michael Nesser
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 ............Alan Barker
Mentoring ........Shena Burgess
Military/Veterans ............................................ ......Mitchell Garrett
Nominations & Awards ................................... ..........Mike Esmond
Pro Bono................................................................. Shandi Stoner
Pro Bono Co-Chair ...............Eric Yoder
Professionalism .............Rick White
Membership & Special Events ..........Natalie Sears
Membership & Special Events Co-Chair ...............Kara Pratt
Tulsa Lawyer ...Michael Taubman
SECTION CHAIRPERSONS
ADR/Mediation.................................................Open
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................................................................Shelby Fields
Immigration ................................................................Elissa Stiles
Juvenile Law. .....Michael Nesser
Juvenile Law Co-Chair................................................Lexie Allen Litigation.......................................................... Stephanie Jackson, ............................................Mbilike Mwafulirwa, and Mark Smith
Municipal Law..................................................Rhiannon Thoreson
Paralegals/Legal Assistant.......................................Danna Malone
Paralegal /Legal Assistants Vice Chair.....................Sabrina Nitz
Paralegals / Legal Assistant - Secretary.......................Sheri Ward
Probate/Estate/Elder Co-chairs.........Kelly Jones/ Phillip Jennings
Solo/Small Firm .......................................................Mary Clement Tax Co-Chairs..............................John Gotwals / Lauren Peterson
Technology ...............................................................Trevor Riddle
Workers Comp..........................................Valerie Evans
* Section Chairs will be updated as positions are filled
