October 2023 Tulsa Lawyer Magazine

Fall Happenings

Cover photo - Fall at Tucker Tower, Murray State

"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall."

~F. Scott Fitzgerald, "The Great Gatsby"

A Message from the President Michael E. Esmond

AI’s Suggestions for Preventing Misuse of AI

It seems like every legal publication you pick up these days has an article about artificial intelligence. Far be it from me to miss out on a popular trend. Undoubtedly, many angles to AI’s potentially disruptive impact on courts and the legal profession are worth exploring. Unfortunately, I’m quite possibly the least qualified person to engage in such an exploration. As I found myself wishing there was a quick and easy way to coherently describe the challenges of and solutions to the potential misuse of AI, it hit me - why not ask ChatGPT? Here’s how that went:

ME: How can courts prevent misuse of generative artificial intelligence by attorneys?

ChatGPT: Courts can take several measures to prevent the misuse of generative artificial intelligence (AI) by attorneys:

1. **Transparency Requirements:** Courts can mandate that attorneys disclose the use of AIgenerated content in legal documents or arguments. This transparency allows opposing parties and the court to assess the origin of the content.

2. **Strict Ethical Guidelines:** Establish clear ethical guidelines and professional standards for attorneys' use of AI. This includes rules about ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of AIgenerated content.

3. **Verification and Authentication Protocols:** Courts can require attorneys to provide evidence of the authenticity of AI-generated documents or evidence. This might involve certification from trusted AI providers or forensic analysis.

4. **Educational Programs:** Offer training and education programs for attorneys, judges, and legal professionals to understand the capabilities and limitations of AI. This helps prevent unintentional misuse due to lack of awareness.

5. **Oversight and Monitoring:** Courts could establish oversight mechanisms or committees to review and assess the use of AI in legal proceedings. These bodies could verify compliance with ethical guidelines.

6. **Sanctions for Misuse:** Implement penalties or sanctions for attorneys who misuse AI in ways that violate ethical standards or legal rules. This could include fines, disciplinary actions, or even disbarment in extreme cases.

7. **Regular Updates to Rules:** As AI technology evolves, courts should be prepared to update their rules and regulations to keep pace with emerging challenges and opportunities.

8. **Collaboration with AI Experts:** Engage with AI experts and researchers to understand the latest developments and risks associated with generative AI. This collaboration can inform court decisions and regulations.

9. **Public Awareness:** Courts can play a role in raising public awareness about the use of AI in legal proceedings and the safeguards in place to prevent misuse.

10. **Consultation with Legal Tech Industry:** Collaborate with the legal tech industry to ensure that AI tools designed for legal professionals adhere to ethical and legal standards.

By combining transparency, education, oversight, and enforcement, courts can create an environment where generative AI is used responsibly and ethically by attorneys while upholding the integrity of the legal system.

If this answer reads like a compilation of points made by many authors and commentators, it’s because that’s where ChatGPT “learned” them. Several of ChatGPT’s “ideas” align with steps the TCBA is taking to improve the ability of our members to navigate the changing landscape AI is creating.

Fortunately, several Association members (who are not me) have a strong grasp of artificial intelligence technologies and are generously volunteering their time and talent. For example, Spencer Pittman and Caroline Guerra Wolf are developing a CLE to educate the bench and bar about the pros and cons of AI technology. As Chair of TCBA’s Technology Committee, Pansy Moore-Shrier will also be sharing insights and providing educational content to improve our members’ understanding of important issues. Spencer and Caroline have also accepted Kevinn Matthews's invitation to provide a report to the Bench and Bar Committee about developments in other jurisdictions, best practices, and Oklahoma Supreme Court positions that might inform actions, if any, to be taken at the local level to address the use of AI by attorneys and courts.

As AI’s impact on the legal profession continues to evolve and expand, TCBA is embracing the opportunity to be a leader in educating our members and facilitating discussions to allow judges and policymakers to implement appropriate measures to ensure the promise of AI is realized without unintended consequences or misuse. If you’re interested in helping in these efforts, please contact us to volunteer.

Sincerely,

Michael E. Esmond TCBA President, 2023-2024

TAKEN

OR PRIVILEGE 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 CV-2004- 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.

• 7:00 am - Free breakfast at the VFW. 1109 East 6th Street Tulsa, OK

• 10:45 am - All TCBA volunteers & participants should meet at our designated location no later than 10:45 am.

• TCBA will have a banner and float.

• 11:00 am - Parade Kick Off with prayer/salute and war birds.

• The American Legion is hosting a lunch after the parade at Veterans Park. Watch for more details.

TCBA Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet

Featured Speaker - John Erling

Philip Hixon, 2022-2023 TCBA President, presenting the gavel to incoming President, Mike Esmond

Pierre Robertson & Kara Vincent Amos T. Hall Award Recipients

Philip Hixon & Billy Duncan, Outstanding Young Lawyer Award recipient

Carl & Kara Vincent

Mark Schwebke, 3rd Quarter Golden Rule winner.

Rod Buck, Foundation Award Recipient and TCBF Pres. Ann Keele

James Secrest II, Outstanding Senior Lawyer Award Recipient with Judge Wiseman and James Secrest III

Shena Burgess & Rachel BakerJames C. Lang Mentoring Award Recipients

Philip Hixon, Kevinn Matthews & Ann Keele

Tips for Better Zooming

Check out these tips and reminders to improve your videoconferencing experiences and ensure you are ready for any virtual CLE or meeting:

1. Upgrade your tech: Invest in noise-canceling headphones, a webcam, or a laptop stand for better audio and video quality.

2. Ensure a strong internet connection: Use an extra-long patch cord and avoid using your home network if used by others.

3. Prioritize security: Use paid videoconferencing tools that offer features like passwords, waiting rooms, and screensharing locks for enhanced security. Avoid using free services.

4. Dress appropriately: Always be fully dressed and presentable, even if you're only visible from the waist up.

5. Avoid distractions: Never drive while on a videoconference, and use Zoom or similar apps' settings to touch up your appearance.

6. Adjust camera positioning: Place your camera at eye level or slightly above to maintain a flattering angle.

7. Optimize lighting: Position a lamp behind your camera to reduce shadows and dimness caused by overhead or backlighting.

8. Practice good etiquette: Turn on your camera for better engagement, use your full name on screen, and be attentive and mindful of your facial expressions.

9. Use engagement tools: Utilize features like raising your hand or saying "hi" to identify yourself when not everyone is visible on screen.

10. Communicate effectively: Include meeting requests and login information in the same email, and mute your audio when not speaking.

11. Mind your background: Avoid unprofessional distractions, and consider using a virtual background or a tidy environment.

12. Combat Zoom fatigue: Remember that not every meeting requires a videoconference; consider setting up a phone call instead.

Sanders Reach, C., and Ward-Reichard, C. (2023, September 11). Tips to pump up your videoconferencing game, Your ABA Newsletter, https://www.americanbar. org/news/abanews/publications/youraba/2023/0911/ pump-videoconference-game/?utm_medium=email&utm_ campaign=YOURABA&promo=YOURABA&utm_ source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=&utm_ term=&utm_id=718745&sfmc_id=67507966

LAW DAY 2024 PREVIEW

The Law Day Committee is excited to announce that Law Day 2024 will celebrate 66 Years of Law Day on Route 66. Just as the classic Route 66 mother road connected cities across our nation, Law Day celebrates how the rule of law, civics, and commitment to democracy connect the people across our community and nation. Each year, the American Bar Association selects a Law Day theme. The 2024 theme is “Voices of Democracy,” which recognizes that in democracies, the people rule. For nearly 250 years, Americans have expressed their views and wishes by voting, and the United States will hold its 60th Presidential election. In keeping with the theme of Voices of Democracy, we will be promoting voter registration Law Day events and encouraging fellow citizens to participate in the 2024 elections. The Law Day Committee is also bringing back several favorite events and activities from years past, including Ask-a-Lawyer on May 1, the Law Day Luncheon, student art and writing contests, and the book club.

As a new event in honor of 66 years of Law Day on Route 66, the Law Day Committee will also host a free family-friendly movie night screening of the Pixar movie “Cars.” in late February or early March.

There are many opportunities to participate in Law Day, from planning with the committee to attending any of the variety of Law Day events going on throughout the year. The Law Day Committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month, and all TCBA members are welcome to join in to lend a hand in making this the best Law Day yet.

2024 THEME

The Voices of Democracy Law Day theme encourages Americans to participate in the 2024 elections by deepening their understanding of the electoral process, discussing issues in honest and civil ways, turning out to vote, and, finally, helping to move the country forward after free and fair elections. In this way, Americans ensure that our government remains responsive to the wishes of the people. We invite all Americans to join us on May 1, 2024, to celebrate Law Day by lifting their voices to strengthen our democracy.

LAW FIRM OPPORTUNITY Associate Attorney Full-Time

A long-established AV-rated Oklahoma litigation firm is accepting Associate Attorney candidates for its Tulsa office. With over 90 years of legal integrity and a competitive compensation package, this is an exceptional place to grow in your career and build professional relationships. Email your letter of interest, resume, qualifications, and experience in confidence to Kerry Lewis, klewis@rhodesokla.com.

CELEBRATE YOU & SUPPORT TCBF

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.

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

Michael P. Taubman 2023-2024 Vice President

Summer’s Last Songs –That's a Bummer, Man!

The heat of the Oklahoma summer stretched a bit longer this year, or so it seemed. By the time this comes to your desk, we’ll start seeing the change of seasons in Oklahoma – hopefully! Tulsa County District Court Rule 10 certainly made it more comfortable, so thank you to our Judges for that respite.

Yes it's been quite a summer, as I stare down the screen to write this Labor Day weekend, the ding of another email arriving distracts me with news of Jimmy Buffett’s demise. The songs of the endless Summer fell silent, like the cannons he sang about that ceased to thunder. Now, you may ask yourself, how did I get here – wait, scratch that, wrong artist and song for this segment. They say things like this come in 3’s, and within a day of Buffett, there was the announcement of the death of Steve Harwell, followed by Gary Wright the next day. What do Jimmy Buffett, Steve Harwell and Gary Wright have to do with the price of tea of in China? Follow the bouncing ball.

Health is at the core of this. Parrotheads commiserate and recall that Utopia known as Margaritaville (not the restaurants), and we learned the cause of Buffett’s death. An aggressive form of cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma, that Buffett battled for the last four years while touring, inspiring, and making life just a little bit better through his performances, if just for awhile. Discussing Buffett’s skin cancer diagnosis at home, the kids seemed perplexed, inquiring how “he died from skin cancer?” When they were just little kids, I guess we never explained why we slathered them in sunscreen as kids. Jimmy gave us a perfect opening now in their young adulthood to discuss it – hopefully, prevent them from having it in the future.

Like the brightly colored Flamingos one might see at Buffett’s Labor Day weekend show, one of the colors of Fall is pink – breast cancer pink to be more specific. Komen Tulsa Race for the Cure is set for September 23, 2023 this year, and, even if you can’t participate by running, you can support someone else who is and/or who has fought breast cancer. In sports from the pee-wee level or the pros, you’ll see community support for breast cancer awareness with athletes donning pink socks, pink jerseys, or even pink helmets in October. Now, there are many forms and colors of cancer that one could discuss, but the most devastating is always the one that has touched you, your family and loved ones. If something doesn’t seem right, get in and get it looked at by your doctor. Be sure to make time for regular check-ups.

How does Steve Harwell figure into this?

Harwell, former founding member and lead singer for the 90’s band, Smashmouth, died from acute liver failure at 56 years of age. While there are several potential causes for this condition, Harwell’s musical career from the 90’s until he stopped performing in 2021 was marked by several medical issues related to his years of substance abuse. According to Robert Hayes who managed Smashmouth, Harwell dealt with multiple health conditions in the years prior to entering hospice before his death, specifically Harwell had battled addiction and substance abuse during his musical career according to Hayes.

If all the world’s a stage and we its players, it comes as no surprise that sometimes performers fall subject to issues of addiction and substance abuse. It happens in many lives, sometimes beginning at birth,

suffered in childhood, or habits developed over time in which one loses control. Addiction and substance abuse know no boundaries, touching the lives of that person on the corner, parents, and professionals. We are fortunate in our legal community to offer outreach to members through the Lawyers Helping Lawyers program.

You’ll find information about Lawyers Helping Lawyers advertised monthly in Tulsa Lawyer, or you can get more information at the website http:// www.okbar.org/lhl. As stated on the website, this “confidential program assists OBA members who are having difficulties that adversely affect their practice. Difficulties can be from a variety of sources – not just drugs and alcohol but also depression, stress, relationship challenges and gambling.” Remember also that Oklahoma’s 988 mental health crisis line is available for you 24/7 to connect you or a loved one to local services and mobile crisis teams, including immediate communication and connection to 911, if needed. As the LHL slogan says, REACH OUT, and know others are there for you.

Finally, Labor Day drew to a close with the passing of Gary Wright after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia six years ago, according to his son. Wright is probably known to most as an individual artist for his 1975 album The Dream Weaver, which contained his biggest hit Dream Weaver. Still, Wright’s life encompassed much more.

According to Mayo Clinic’s website, “Lewy body dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. Protein deposits called Lewy bodies develop in nerve cells in the brain. The protein deposits affect brain regions involved in thinking, memory and movement.”1 Some people experience visual hallucinations, changes in alertness, and attention. You may recall that Robin Williams was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, and he had been experiencing paranoia, confusion, and insomnia, among other symptoms, before his suicide. 2

Wright lived a long life before the last six years of his passing at 80. He studied medicine in college, even commencing medical school in New York, before he left to pursue his music in late 1960’s London. During his tenure in the European music scene, Wright met and played with George Harrison and Ringo Starr, including on Harrison’s debut solo All Things Must Pass and later touring with Ringo’s All Starr Band. As I come to the end of this, I’m not quite sure how to close, so I borrowed the words from the song playing overhead…

1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lewy-body-dementia/ symptoms-causes/syc-20352025.

2 https://www.parkinson.org/blog/awareness/robinwilliams#:~:text=Before%20Robin%20Williams%20was%20 diagnosed,Body%20Dementia%20difficult%20to%20diagnose.

“I'm growing older but not up My metabolic rate is pleasantly stuck Let those winds of time blow over my head I'd rather die while I'm livin' than live while I'm dead.”3

3 “Growing Older But Not Up”. Track #4, Coconut Telegraph, MCA, 1981. Jimmy Buffett, 1980.

AROUND THE BAR...

The TCBA partnered with Access to Justice Foundation on 7/20 to do a Summer Social outside the Tulsa County Courthouse and try to beat the heat with Frios popsicles.

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. Learn

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

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

Mental Health First Aid Course - Aug 30th

Bench and Bar kick off meeting

National Conference of Bar Professionals

TCBF President 2022-2023, Ann Keele was a guest speaker on a panel at the NCBP Conference in Denver in August. The topic was "Building a Next Gen Bar." Below: Stephanie Jackson, 2022-2023 TCBA VP, Ann Keele and Tami Williams, TCBA Exec. Director.

Swearing In

Rebecca Nightingale swore in Shannon Taylor on August 21 as the new Special Judge for the Tulsa County District Court.

Member Appreciation Event

July 23rd - Shuffles board game cafe in downtown Tulsa. Taco buffet, games and game navigators, and fun!

GableGotwals Paralegal Mentors Miss Oklahoma 2023 and First-Runner Up

After Sunny competed in 2021, she aged out of the organization. That is, until this January when Miss America announced the age deadline would be extended to 28 to allow women seeking postgraduate degrees to continue competing for scholarships.

“The Miss Oklahoma Organization provides over $2 million in cash and in-kind scholarships to contests every year,” said Tracie. “The assistance isn’t just for those who win – but for all who compete in the state and local competitions.”

At the national level, millions of dollars in scholarships are awarded through the Miss America program, building on ten decades of women leaders and scholars across the country.

Sunny, a first-generation high school and college graduate, is pursuing a master’s degree in education. In 2023, she earned the title of Miss Norman at 27 years old and went on to compete in Miss Oklahoma. The evening Sunny won the Miss Oklahoma title was a night to remember, Tracie said.

Service, scholarship, style, and success are the four values represented by the points of the Miss Oklahoma crown. GableGotwals paralegal Tracie Calvin says her friend and former mentee, Miss Oklahoma 2023, Sunny Day, is a living example of those qualities.

Tracie has been involved in the Miss Oklahoma Organization since 2004, when she became the Executive Director for the Miss Skiatook Area Pageant.“The philanthropic sorority I was a part of sponsored Miss Skiatook as a fundraiser for those in need,” Tracie said. “When the sorority sister who directed the pageant had to step down, I volunteered to take over her responsibilities.”

Tracie was the Executive Director of Miss Skiatook until she founded the Miss Oil Capital pageant in 2009. Both pageants are local preliminaries for Miss Oklahoma.“Once we have our local winner, I assist them with preparation for the state pageant,” Tracie said.

In 2020, Tracie met Sunny Day, who won the Miss Oil Capital title just before the pandemic. The Miss Oklahoma and Miss America pageants were canceled that year, but contestants were invited to participate in the 2021 competition.

“Sunny took the opportunity and placed fourth runnerup in the 2021 Miss Oklahoma pageant,” Tracie said. “Since we had an extra year of preparation together, we became very close. I consider her a personal friend.”

Sunny and Tracie’s 2023 mentee, Miss Oil Capital, Mia-Lynne Smith, made it to the top 10. Then the top 5 - then, were the last two standing.

“I had said all week that I thought they would be the last two girls,” Tracie said, with a laugh. “It was the highlight of my service to this organization to have them win Miss Oklahoma and first runner-up this year.”

Sunny, a teacher in a school with a predominately atrisk student population, exemplifies the core values of the Miss America organization, Tracie said.

“She is mature, intelligent, and her personal story shows you should never give up on your dreams,” Tracie said. “She came from poverty and homelessness as a child. Despite that, she graduated from the University of Oklahoma, was named the 2020 Teacher of the Year and Next Gen 30 under 30 in Education in 2021.”

Tracie said she is motivated to continue volunteering for Miss Oklahoma because of the opportunities for professional development, community service, and sisterhood the organization provides young women. Her grandchildren both participate in the Oklahoma Star mentoring program for girls between five and ten years old.

“Both of my granddaughters have gained so much confidence through the program,” Tracie said. “I’m proud to be associated with an organization that empowers, motivates, and supports young women and their dreams and promotes and encourages community service.”

Miss Oklahoma and Tracie Calvin

GableGotwals has partnered with Miss Oil Capital for several years through co-sponsoring program book ad pages and colleagues donating time for mock interviews.

“I am very grateful for GableGotwals’ support and for many of my peers and colleagues who have supported the Miss Oil Capital organization,” said Tracie.

Tracie said that she is excited to be celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Miss Oklahoma pageant this year, especially due to her connection with Sunny.

“Six Miss Oklahomas have been crowned Miss America,” she said. “I totally believe that Sunny Day could become the seventh.”

About the Miss America Organization

Miss America is more than a title, it’s a movement of empowering young women everywhere to dream big, to insist that their voices be heard and to inspire change in the world around them. Miss America membership gives you access to a variety of professional development, networking, scholarship, and community service opportunities yearround.

Miss Oil Capital and Tracie Calvin

Gr apevine News

Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, LLP (DSDA) congratulates our lawyers who have been selected for the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers 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 13 million votes were analyzed resulting in the inclusion of more than 142,926 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 2024 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, Family Law, Family Law Mediation

• Stuart Campbell (Tulsa): Commercial Litigation

• 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

• Michael J. English (Oklahoma City): Commercial Litigation, Oil and Gas Law

• Tom Q. Ferguson (Tulsa): Commercial Litigation

• 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, Real Estate Law

• Michael S. Linscott (Tulsa): Commercial Litigation

• Linda C. Martin (Tulsa): Environmental Law, Litigation

-Environmental

• William F. Riggs (Tulsa): Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

• Moura A.J. Robertson (Tulsa): Collaborative Law - Family Law, Family Law, Family Law Mediation

• Varley H. Taylor, Jr. (Tulsa): Tax Law

In addition, Linda C. Martin has been recognized by Best Lawyers as a 2024 "Lawyer of the Year" for Environmental Law in Tulsa and Varley H. Taylor, Jr. has been recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” for Tax Law 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.

For the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch [United States]™, an honor recognizing extraordinary lawyers who have been in

private practice for less than 10 years in the United States and based entirely on peer review, the following DSDA lawyers have been recognized:

• Matthew T. Crook (Tulsa): Litigation - Construction

• Kaylee P. Davis-Maddy (Oklahoma City): Litigation

-Environmental

• Alexandra J. Gage (Tulsa): Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation - Labor and Employment

• Brian M. Keester (Tulsa): Insurance Law, Litigation

-Construction, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability - Defendants

• Sara E. Potts (Oklahoma City): Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation - Construction, Litigation

- Labor and Employment, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendants

• Elizabeth V. Salomone (Oklahoma City): Commercial Litigation, Health Care Law, Insurance Law

2023-2024 TCBA CONTACTS, COMMITTEE & SECTION CHAIRS

www.tulsabar.com

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

1446 South Boston, Tulsa, OK 74119-3612

Executive Director

Tami Williams

tamiw@tulsabar.com

Ext. 1002

Membership Director CLE, Sections & Committees

Heather Heck heatherh@tulsabar.com

Ext. 1001

Front Desk Coordinator General Inquiries frontdesk@tulsabar.com

Ext. 1000

Accounting accounting@tulsabar.com

Lawyer Referral & Community Resource Navigator

Jeril Haug jerilh@tulsabar.com

Ext. 1003

Tulsa Lawyer Editor - Michael Taubman michael@tulsafirm.com

Associate Editor - Milly Dunlap

Tulsa Lawyer Submissions - tulsabarnews@yahoo.com

TCBA OFFICERS

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

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

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

Vice President......................................................Michael 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 Pratt

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......................................................Kevinn Matthews

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

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

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

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

Diversity................................................................................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........................................................Diana Cupps

Bankruptcy Hon. Paul Thomas

Business/Corporate........................................Whitney Humphrey

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

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

Employment Law ............................................ ....................Open Family Law..........................................Anastasia Krich-Mahoney

Family Law Co-Chair ...Jordan Dalgeish

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.