Happy Holidays
TULSA LAWYER
In this Issue
A Message from the President
Kara Vincent 2021-2022 TCBA President
Pg. 2
Golden Rule Award 1st Quarter
Kimberly Moore Pg. 8
Immigration Law: Giving the Gift of Hope By Lorena Rivas, Esq
December 2021
2
Welcome to December
4
Golden Rule Award - 1st Quarter
5
CAP Stats - WOW!
6
TCBA Member Event - Sunday, December 12th The Nutcracker Performance
7
Judicial Dinner 2022 ~ February 22nd
9 TCBA Member Event - December 9th Charcuteray 10
Holiday Challenge
12
VP's Corner: Overcoming Poverty Mike Esmond
YLD Bowling Is Back!
13
Member Opportunities
14
The Military and Veterans Committee 28 DAY VIRTUAL FITNESS CHALLENGE
15
2nd Annual Juvenile Law Day CLE December 8, 2021
16
Happy Birthday!
Implicit Bias and Persuasion - Dec. 3rd CLE Pansy Moore-Shrier
17
Member Event Picture Review
Holiday Stress? Lawyers Helping Lawyers Group Discussion
18 Trust, But Don’t Verify? By Mac Finlayson 22
TCBA Bundled Event Sponsorship Opportunities!
24
TCBA Individual Event Sponsorship Opportunities!
25
Lawyers Against Pawverty - Pinot's Palette Event January 20th
27
Veteran's Day Parade and Challenge Kickoff
28
2021 LIVE FALL/WINTER CLE SCHEDULE
29
CLE Agendas - Annual Criminal Hodgepodge & Annual Estate Planning CLE's
33
Committee & Section Meeting Information
34
Judicial Dinner Auction Wish List
35 Grapevine 37
Classifieds
A Message from the President Kara Vincent
Welcome to December For the majority of our community, December is about • 8 CLE credits remaining to be achieved by December peace, love and joy. For attorneys, well, I won’t say 31 . Unfortunately, there are none in your field of practice. So, you settle for whatever is available (as that it’s not about those things, but if I were writing the 12 Days of Christmas for those of us practicing law, it a side note – this is not a problem for members of the could look something like this in December: TCBA. Check out our extensive list of FREE CLE offerings this month). • 12 clients who decided that December 15 was the best time to, “you know, get all of this wrapped up • 7 lunch hours spent ordering gifts online and hoping that the shipping crisis doesn’t keep them from before the end of the year,” Even though you asked getting here on time. them in September, October, and November to let you know if they needed it done by the end of the • 6 briefs to be written before you can mentally take a year. It could be a merger, it could be complicated tax break for the holidays. driven estate planning, it could be both. Regardless • 5 days of vacation. Oh wait…that’s just the hope… – they just want it finished by December 31 . you will work at least two of these days. • 11 emails from “that client.” The one who writes 5 single spaced paragraphs in each email, sends them • 4 candles, chocolates, mugs, and popcorn tins received from various clients and vendors. all within 3 hours of each other, includes at least 3 attachments in each described as “proof” that the • 3 days of vacation. Mind you, these will not all be other party is a lying, cheating, thieving scoundrel, taken together, but rather carved out over a 5-day includes comments like, “the judge needs to see period of time. Also, when you decide not to this,” and is annoyed that you haven’t digested it all answer email during one of these days…there will and responded by the end of the day. be a “perceived” crisis by a client who is wondering why you didn’t respond on December 25 when they • 10 emergency phone calls from a family law client have an emergency. who over the weekend has unilaterally decided that because his/her ex isn’t vaccinated, the children • 2 moments of solitude at 5:30 am when you are shouldn’t be spending any time with him/her while trying to catch up on all the work. they’re out of school in December. • 1 judge that tells all parties involved that if they can’t • 9 clients who haven’t paid their bill this month… work it out, he will see them back in his courtroom these clients usually include the “11 email client” or at 3:00 on December 24 . they were referred to you by him or her. st
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2 Tulsa Lawyer
Oh yeah…and a partridge in a pear tree…FA LA LA LA It’s not about you. It’s not about me. It’s about us. LA - LA LA LA LA! (capitalized because this is yelled, We have to care for the people around us. Booker not sung) T. Washington is quoted as saying, “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” It’s Sounds horrible, doesn’t it? It’s not. And, even if true. Change your focus and you can change someone you experience one or two of these, more than likely else’s life – while you also change yours. you won’t experience them all. We all know what the stressful parts of being an attorney are. There are also The month of December can be magical – even in light wonderful parts. They include: of the difficulties that come with our jobs. However, the magic doesn’t just happen. We make it happen. We focus outwardly to assist the larger community and, in • Helping clients reach their goals • Protecting clients who can’t protect themselves the end, we find the peace, love and joy that we seek. • Taking care of co-workers and employees • Creating environments in the workplace that Given there are 12 major religious holidays during December, I will sign off this month’s letter by wishing help foster a better work/life balance • Developing connections with excellent clients you all a wonderful holiday season – whatever holiday who appreciate what we do, pay us fair you are celebrating. compensation for the work we do, and pay it I also wish you blessings for a prosperous new year – on time. you know, after you collect from the 9 clients in January! These aren’t numbered because all of these things happen routinely in our work and they are the reason Sincerely, we are all still practicing law. For most of us, during Kara Vincent this time of year, we are reminded of all that we have TCBA President, 2021-2022 and we are grateful to be practicing law. In the end, it’s all about perspective. How do we perceive the work that we do? How do we perceive our lives? Most of us became attorneys out of a desire to help people. We do that for compensation in our practices, and we do it outside the walls of our offices because we understand that there is a bigger picture involved. If you are a member of a committee of the TCBA, you know that goals of the committees are to reach out and assist the larger community. We do that through pro bono activities. Maybe you also do this through your church, or maybe you do it on your own. In whatever way it is accomplished, the goal is to multiply our resources by working together. In this coming year, I challenge you to find one thing each month that you can do for someone who can’t return the gesture. Join a committee at the TCBA if you don’t already have an outlet for volunteering or devote some time with a non-profit that aligns with a goal you’re passionate about. If you have children, take them with you when you volunteer. You will be helping someone else and teaching your children to do the same.
Golden Rule Award 1st Quarter
Kimberly Moore Kimberly Moore served as President of the Tulsa County Bar Association this past year, 20202021, during a challenging time. She managed to accomplish a lot during her tenure and provided much needed leadership. Kimberly has served multiple roles with the TCBA over the last several years, including secretary, 2011-13; treasurer, 2014-15, and director at large, 2015-17. Committees assignments include special events, 2014-16; Law Day, 2010-12 and Law Day chair, 2012; pro bono committee, 2013-present, and Legally Pink. 2013. She is an attorney with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma where she serves as the Statewide Housing Advocacy Coordinator. She has served the underprivileged throughout her 16- year legal career. She also served as an Oklahoma Bar Association delegate, 2013-2017; OBA alternate delegate, 2010-12; YLD board of directors, 2008-11, and OBA Law Day committee, 2017. Perhaps her greatest qualification to receive the Golden Rule Award is her demonstrated ability to work effectively with pro se litigants. Having served as an attorney with Legal Aid for 15 years, she has worked with hundreds of pro se litigants. She is patient, respectful and supportive but most importantly, compassionate. Kimberly epitomizes the kind of person worthy of receiving a Golden Rule Award. Linda Morrissey shared..."I’ve enjoyed working with Kimberly in her role as the President of the Tulsa County Bar Association. She is a team player who will
GOLDEN RULE
1: capitalized G&R : a rule of ethical conduct: do to others as you would have them do to you 2: a guiding principle 4 Tulsa Lawyer
step up to get the job done, whatever the job is. For example, I recently suggested the TCBA form a group called Lawyers Supporting Law Students in order to provide law students a resource and support system when dealing with particular challenges. Kimberly was the first person I called, and she immediately jumped on board and agreed to work with me and Dean Rachel Baker to launch the program. It’s truly amazing to me that she has assumed a leadership role at TCBA given all of her other responsibilities.” She went on to add that "Kimberly Moore is a phenomenal lawyer and wonderful person. Some 20 years ago, Kimberly served as my judicial extern, so I worked side by side with her for a long time and came to appreciate the kind of person she truly is. During that time, I was particularly impressed with her dedication to her grandparents, whom she cared for while attending law school and working as my judicial extern. Although she had tremendous responsibilities as her grandparents’ primary care taker and as a single mom to her two young sons, she managed to complete her externship duties with excellence, and never expressed stress about the demands on her. Those are qualities that reveal a person’s character, “when no one is watching." Millie Otey shared..."I worked closely with Kimberly for YEARS doing pro Bono on the Landlord /Tenant docket. I believe she is a fine example of a career philosophy that has focused on helping people. She stepped up every time to help the less fortunate in our community. She was always prepared; yet, if a case dropped into her lap with only a moment’s notice, she knew the law so well that she could help a person quickly, which resulted in no delay and a satisfactory resolution for both sides. She truly deserves this award." Congratulations to Kimberly Moore!
Golden Rule Award Criteria The Golden Rule award is given to lawyers who make outstanding contributions to their profession and have the highest of ideals and are willing to mentor to those with less experience. Criteria for Award: 1. Recognizes the ethical and professional obligations as an officer of the court as well as the spirit and intent of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
CAP
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
• VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR "CAP"- COURT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FORCIBLE ENTRY & DETAINER ("EVICTION" DOCKET)
• MONDAY - THURSDAY AFTERNOONS
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 by 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.
• BEGINNING AT 2PM
• JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER 500 W. ARCHER • FREE PARKING.
CONTACT:
BETH NELLIS, CAP COORDINATOR
bethnellis@cox.net or 918-760-3945
Year-to-Date CAP Statistics: • 58 Court Appearances • 141.75 Hours • 138 cases (40-JUA's; 60-CDC Declarations; 13-Dismissed) • Billable Equivalent of $49,615 (at a billing rate of $350/hour)
December 23th & 24 th December 31st
JOIN US FOR THIS TCBA MEMBER HOLIDAY The Nutcracker Performance Sunday, December 12th @ 2:00pm EVENT! • Tulsa Performing Arts Center
• Purchase 1 packet of 2 tickets for $40 • Limit of 1 packet per TCBA member • Limited number of tickets available so purchase quick!
Judicial Dinner 2022 The Tulsa County Bar will host a special celebration for the
Honorable Douglas Drummond
Presiding District Court Judge for Tulsa County and the Tulsa County Judicial Members.
Thursday, February 3, 2022 Cocktails & Silent Auction at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. The Downtown DoubleTree Ballroom 616 W Seventh Street, Tulsa, OK 74127 This dinner serves as a fundraiser for support of the Tulsa County Judiciary. Proceeds from the dinner are made available to the Judiciary for much needed equipment and repairs that could otherwise not be addressed in the limited budget the court receives from the State. TCBA Member Tickets: $100 Individual or $175 Couple Non Member Tickets: $150 Individual or $300 Couple Gold Sponsor = $3,000.00 - only five available for this event Includes 4 preferred seating tickets to the event Firm will be listed as a Gold sponsor Firm logo will be prominently featured on all advertising Signage will be displayed at the event
Silver Sponsor = $1,750.00 Includes 2 preferred seating tickets to the event Firm will be listed as a Silver sponsor Firm logo will be prominently featured on all advertising Signage will be displayed at the event
Immigration Law: Giving the Gift of Hope By Lorena Rivas, Esq.
For most people, holidays remind them to approaching, my firm, especially my associate attorney show their appreciation towards others by buying gifts, Elissa Stiles, got to work. With less than a week left, preparing delicious dinners, and spending time with we were assigned to help an individual and his family family and friends. Refugees are not most people. complete the necessary paperwork to be able to request humanitarian parole to be allowed to enter the United The United States began the refugee program in States. Even though this man had helped the U.S. 1948 when Congress enacted legislation for displaced armed forces in the past, there was no immediate way European refugees.1 It expanded to help displaced to guarantee his escape. Further, the Taliban made individuals fleeing Communist regimes in Yugoslavia, communicating with our clients difficult by shutting China, Vietnam, Korea, and Cuba, and then help down the electrical network, creating great danger for individuals fleeing environmental disaster and war-torn their journey to the airport. While we could certainly countries. Currently, it is managed through the Office of file the necessary forms and documents with the U.S. Refugee Resettlement (ORR). For the past few years, Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as soon the focus had been toward helping Central American as possible, we were powerless as to helping the clients families and children find refuge in the U.S., but recently, beyond that. The best we could offer was information with the announcement of the end of the 20-year war shared amongst nationwide immigration attorneys via in Afghanistan, the U.S. has begun to welcome Afghan Facebook posts and WhatsApp groups. At the time of people escaping the Taliban controlled country. this printing, as far as we know, our clients are still in My firm’s involvement in assisting Afghan Afghanistan. refugees surged from a desperate Facebook post from However, there have been some Afghans that Professor Miriam Marton, the Director of the Tulsa have been able to successfully escape. Some have Immigrant Resource Network (TIRN) at the University arrived in Oklahoma, and thousands are on their way. of Tulsa. Always willing to help people escaping Oklahoma is set to receive hundreds of Afghanistan violence and disasters, Professor Marton took the refugees. 3 Only California and Texas are receiving initiative to quickly establish a plan to help the large more. State Faith leaders and organizations, such as the extended family of one of TIRN’s past client. Without First United Methodist Church and Catholic Charities, knowing anything about the procedure and what it all have begun collecting donations to help the families entailed, I volunteered the services of our firm because settle in their new homes in keeping with the Oklahoma “dirty immigration attorneys”2 aren’t afraid to roll up Standard where we welcome and help out those in time their sleeves and get to work in a time of need. of need. As a first generation American and proud With the deadline of the U.S. evacuation fast daughter of Mexican nationals, I know that standard and love this state’s roots and potential for generosity. 1 Office of Refugee Resettlement: An Office of the Administration for Families & Children, History, https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/ about/history. 2 See generally Diego Aranda Teixeria, What a ‘dirty immigration attorney’ does for clients¸ Dec. 19, 2017, AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION, Student Lawyer, https://abaforlawstudents. com/2017/12/19/what-it-means-to-be-a-dirty-immigration-lawyer/.
8 Tulsa Lawyer
Refugees and immigrants share one common thread during the holidays—they are thankful for the opportunities the United States has given them. The 3 CHRIS POLANSKY, Oklahoma Welcomes Hundreds of Afghan Refugees—Despite the State GOP’s Objections, NPR, Sept. 29, 2021, https://abaforlawstudents.com/2017/12/19/what-it-meansto-be-a-dirty-immigration-lawyer/.
In response to these difficulties, many nonprofits, including TIRN at the University of Tulsa, are recruiting volunteer attorneys to help with the filing of asylum requests and forms. Please reach out to Professor Miriam Marton at the University of Tulsa if you would like to volunteer. No experience is necessary. There is no better way to embody the holiday season than giving the gift of hope through your legal skills to a refugee who is seeking shelter in our great country, just like another well-known refugee family from 2,000 years ago who sought shelter in Bethlehem.
Lorena Rivas, Esq. The Lawyers of Kendall Whittier United States is gritty and tough, but compared to the war-torn and violence saturated countries that most immigrants are from, including those fleeing Central America, the U.S. is a breath of fresh air. During the holidays, immigrants are thankful for that—thankful for their job, thankful for the roof over their head, thankful for the schooling for their children, thankful for the liberty to worship as they wish, thankful to be alive, and most especially, thankful for the helping hand from an American. Another common thread shared by immigrants and refugees during the holidays is their hope to one day be reunited with their loved ones left behind. Holidays are meant to be spent with loved ones and family, and for many, they have not seen their families for decades. They painfully knew that when they made the journey here. Freedom and opportunities have their price. There is nothing simple when it comes to immigrating to the United States or gaining lawful status in the U.S. Our immigration laws are filled with inconsistencies, punitive consequences, and tangled procedures, as well as subject to the political leanings of the adjudicator. Thus, while getting to the U.S. is a battle in and of itself, the refugees from Afghanistan and Central American still have uphill battles to win their case in immigration court and/or submitting their appropriate and compelling paperwork to be allowed to remain in the U.S. and gain lawful status.
Holiday Challenge 2021 Adopt a Family OR Sponsor a Foster Child It’s almost that time of year! While there are many charities worthy of your support, we hope you will consider supporting the two organizations chosen by the TCBA Children & the Law Committee, TCBA Juvenile Law Section and TCBF Community Outreach Committee this year. Per our usual challenge, families are available for adoption through Family & Children Services. In addition, we will also be sponsoring foster kids through the Fostering Connections holiday program. Cash donations will be used to purchase $75 Visa gift cards for teenagers in the foster care system. Please contact Lizzie Riter at riterlizzie@gmail.com to sign up or if you have any questions. Thank you for your support!
Join us in making this holiday season special for families in our community!
Tulsa Lawyer 11
VP'S CORNER Mike Esmond
TCBA Vice President 2021-2022
“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice.”
~ Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela’s view of overcoming poverty as an act of justice was grounded in his belief that the right to dignity and a decent life was a fundamental human right that requires protection. In that same spirit, members of the TCBA and TCBF generously devote their energy to countless organizations that help to improve the lives of needy Tulsans. Some of my earliest and fondest memories of participation in the TCBA and TCBF were working on the Community Outreach Committee under the leadership of Jodi Jayne (now Judge Jayne) and Chad McLain, and later serving as chair of the Committee myself. The Committee is currently chaired by Ashley Webb, and has been for the past several years. While some of the programs have changed over time, the central focus of the Committee has not. It continues to support charitable causes, like the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless and Family & Children’s Services, that strive to provide dignity and a decent life to Tulsans in need. While the Committee does good deeds all year round, its work during the holiday season is especially rewarding. Last month, the Committee coordinated one of its regular Eat Out for a Cause events, where Dalesandro’s donated 20% of food sales on November 18th for the benefit of Fostering Connections, an organization that strives to improve the lives of abused and neglected children in Tulsa and contiguous counties. This month, the Committee, in partnership with the TCBA Children & the Law Committee and the TCBA Juvenile Law Section, is conducting the annual Holiday Challenge to “adopt” families for the holidays through Family & Children’s Services and raise 12 Tulsa Lawyer
money to benefit children in foster care through Fostering Connections’ holiday program. These initiatives of the Community Outreach Committee help to make the holiday season special for families in our community. If you see Ashley, be sure to thank him for his dedication to the TCBA and the Community Outreach Committee and ask him how you can get involved.
TCBA Volunteer Opportunities
Check out the options below and reach out to any TCBA staff member for questions or assistance. www.tulsabar.com or 918-584-5243 Holiday Challenge 2021- Adopt a Family or a Foster CAP Phone Bank (NEW) – CAP is now offering a Kid. Sign up with Lizzie Riter at riterlizzie@gmail. phone consultation option for anyone who wants to com assist the CAP program. People in need can call the LRS line and get paired with a participating attorney Street Law (NEW) – There is a new joint committee for a 30 minute phone consultation only related to initiative underway that aims to provide legal life evictions or landlord/tenant issues. Be sure to check skills and mentorship to middle and high school out the new Landlord Tenant Resource Page on the students from west and north Tulsa through the Zone TCBA website! afterschool program. We plan to launch in the spring and are looking for lawyers, legal educators, and CAP volunteers – The FED docket runs Monday thru paralegals, who can assist with providing already Thursday from 2-5p and the Pro Bono Committee is prepared law lessons. The time commitment is one-two always looking for volunteers. Earn one hour of CLE hours. Contact Tami Williams if you are interested in credit by watching the virtual training. joining this joint committee to plan and check out our big announcement in the January issue.
The Military and Veterans Committee
28 DAY VIRTUAL FITNESS CHALLENGE Benefitting the Tulsa Veterans Treatment Court Learn more about the Veteran's Treatment Court here.... https://issuu.com/tulsacountybarassoication/ docs/10-21_tl_web/18
Register before December 10th!
The 28-day Virtual Fitness Challenge kicked-off on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2021. Participants may continue to register until December 10, 2021. After December 10, registration for the event will be closed. The Fitness Challenge itself will consist of 5 different physical challenges (push-ups, sit-ups, burpees, planks, and a walk/run/combo) each with a varying level of difficulty depending on your current fitness level, and each increasing in intensity over the course of 28 days. No restrictions as to what or how much you have to do. The goal is simple- make it through your 28 days.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Registration is $30 per person, and you can sign-up online at www.tulsabar.com or by emailing Julie Rivers at JulieR@tulsabar.com. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I SIGN UP? Following registration, you will receive 28-day calendars for all 5 of the events, each listing the daily exercise goal you should try to accomplish. Again, you can do as many of the challenges as you want. This is a virtual challenge so, you are encouraged to post pictures and/or videos of your daily challenge experience directly to the TCBA’s social media using the tag #TCBAVETS. This will be a great way to share your daily success, encourage and support others, and help spread the Fitness Challenge online. So be sure to tag your friends! You will also receive email updates and invitations to some of our virtual and/or in-person events.
HOLIDAYS CAN BE STRESSFUL...
Lawyers Helping Lawyers Group Discussion
The law is an intellectually rewarding area in which to work but can be very challenging. Practicing law can be very stressful. If things ever seem to be too much for you or for someone else to handle, you are not alone. The Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance Program cares and is here to help. LHL offers monthly meetings so that you might share with a friendly ear whatever issues you face and discuss options. • Meetings - every second Thursday • The topic of conversation changes of the month each and every month. • 1437 S. Boulder Ave, Ste 1200, • Dinner will be provided. Tulsa, OK • Please RSVP for meeting and • Time - 5:30pm dinner planning.
918-984-9095 14 Tulsa Lawyer
Scott@militarylawok.com Tulsa Lawyer 15
2nd Annual Juvenile Law Day December 8, 2021 ~ 9:00AM - 4:30PM 7 Credit Hours, Including 2 Hours of Ethics Timothy Michaels-Johnson - Moderator 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. ICWA 101 with Chrissi Ross Nimmo, Deputy Attorney for Cherokee Nation
General
10:00 a.m. -10:50 a.m.: McGirt Update with Chrissi Ross Nimmo, Deputy Attorney General for Cherokee Nation 11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.: Ethics Panel with Judge Theresa G. Dreiling, Tulsa County Juvenile Court (E) 12:00 p.m. –1 2:30 p.m. Lunch Break 12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.: Juvenile Law Procedures with Judge Martha Rupp Carter, Tulsa County Juvenile Court 1:30 p.m.–2:20 p.m.: Coping with Vicarious Trauma Among Lawyers with Dr. Inbar Cohen, Haruv USA, OU-Tulsa (E) 2:30 p.m.–3:20 p.m.: Tips & Tricks: How to Best Use an Interpreter & Help Me Help You Ensure a Good Record with Yvette Hart, Bilingual Services, LLC and Ann Craft, CSR 3:30 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.: Protecting the Integrity of the Therapeutic Process with Christine Umeh, Family Defense Practice Leader, Still She Rises Please note that by signing up, you are registering for all of the included sessions. Our CLE's will be hosted on Zoom this year and you will receive a separate, individualized link for each session and will need to click on that link to enter each virtual session. To receive CLE credit, you will need to complete a participation verification requirement such as emailing a password that is given by the presenter. If you compete all of the included sessions, you could earn up to 7 credits hours, including 2 hour of ethics.
December Birthday? We value your membership and we want to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY this month. As a bar association, we are striving to take care of our members as well as taking care of the community. If there’s anything we can do to help you, please let us know. We are here to support your business and we want you to be successful. We are working hard this year to expand our reach into the community. As you are aware, by being a member of the Tulsa County Bar Association, you are also a member of the Tulsa County Bar Foundation. The Foundation owns the Association building and the building next to it. The rentals received from those two buildings help in the maintenance of those buildings. However, 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 nonprofit organizations. In an effort to assist the Foundation, we have implemented a monthly “Fund the Foundation” program. We’re 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 you see to the right.
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 December, we will include a shout out to you in the January Tulsa Lawyer Magazine. We are working to take care of you and by taking care of you, we hope to better take care of the community. If you wish to donate or joint the Fellows program, please contact Tami Williams or Julie Rivers and they can assist you. Again, we value your membership and if you need anything, please let us know. Happy Birthday and wishes for a wonderful year ahead. Sincerely, Kara Vincent, TCBA President
Implicit Bias and Persuasion presented by Pansy Moore-Shrier
DATE: December 3rd, 2021 TIME: 12p-1p CREDITS: 1 hour Ethics Sign up now... see page 28 for sign up information.
When we, as lawyers, have an unconscious preference for (or aversion to) a person or a group of people, even without conscious knowledge, it plays into the ethics of our job as an attorney. Learn techniques to prevent unconscious bias and persuasion in this one hour session with Pansy Moore-Shrier. 16 Tulsa Lawyer
TCBA FALL MEMBER EVENTS ~ THANKS FOR JOINING US!
Food Truck Event - October 26th
Thunder Basketball Jim Milton and wife Robin Milton.
Octoberfest 2021
Left: Jennifer Barnett, wife of Travis Barnett and Michelle Taubman, wife of Michael Taubman. Below: Taubman brothers enjoying Oktoberfest! Kevin, Stuart and TCBA member, Michael.
Trust, But Don’t Verify? By Mac Finlayson I learned a long time ago it is dangerous for a lawyer to sign a proof of claim in bankruptcy. Why? Because filing a false claim is a bankruptcy (and therefore federal) crime. See, Tit. 18, U.S.C., §§ 152, 3571. The same holds true for monthly operating reports in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case made as declarations under penalty of perjury. See, Tit. 28, U.S.C. § 1746. The lawyer does not keep the records that substantiate those claims unless he or she is the claimant. Even if the lawyer does not have the requisite intent to commit a crime, there’s Rule 11. If that isn’t enough, there is the time and expense of having to explain yourself to the Court (and possibly, federal prosecutors) that should be cause for concern. By verifying the petition, a lawyer represents that he or she has done the requisite research to support the verification, knowing the lawyer does not keep the books and records of the client and often is verifying, under oath, allegations that have been given to him or her by others. Rarely, if ever, are those records audited by the lawyer. For that reason, I require my clients to have a knowledgeable employee, the owner or president, execute the verification of petitions I file in state court. Even more dangerous, in my opinion, are the affidavits and orders mandated by either statute or local rules for use in the small claims division of the district court. See, Tit. 12, Okla.Stat.2002, § 1753. Those forms simply have a blank that is filled in with no room for an accounting or much of an explanation. Those forms are signed under oath and must be either notarized or signed in front of the court clerk. See, Tit. 12, Okla.Stat.2002, § 1754.
A substantial number of FED actions are adjudicated by default, possibly as many as around 80%. Accordingly, and to support such a default, the required affidavit mandated and used to adjudicate those defaults, which typically result in someone losing their housing, becomes critically important. Anecdotally, Tulsa has a high occupancy rate that I have heard exceeds 97% occupancy of rental properties. An eviction, aside from in many instances preventing a tenant from renting a new residence or apartment, presents the dilemma that alternative housing is often unavailable. Many landlords in Tulsa County participate in the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) program provided by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The HAP program, is administered by what are known as Public Housing Authorities (locally by the Tulsa Housing Authority or THA) under the Housing Choice Voucher program. The HAP contract is between the THA and landlord. Under the HAP contract, THA agrees to pay housing assistance payments to the owner on behalf of a specific family leasing a specific unit. In practice, THA pays (using HUD funding) a substantial portion of a qualifying tenant’s rent (not to exceed 40%) directly to the landlord. That tenant typically pays a much smaller portion of the overall rent to the landlord. Through this contractual arrangement, substantial responsibilities are imposed on the landlord. The leased premises are subject to periodic THA inspections. Also, they must meet specific Housing Quality Standards (HQS) at the inception of the lease and throughout the lease term, and the likely outcome for failing to meet these standards is THA must take action against the owner, which can include the recovery of overpayments, suspending HAP payments, abating or reducing HAP payments, or terminating HAP payments under the contract if the owner (not the tenant) is responsible for the breach.
Tulsa County uses a form substantially similar to the one mandated by § 1753 for forcible entry and detainer (FED, or eviction) actions, which are initially heard in the small claims division to determine the right to possession of the property, regardless of the amount in controversy. If the amount exceeds $10,000.00, the case is returned to the assigned district judge for a With that background, the real purpose of this determination of damages. See, Tulsa County Local article results from recent attempts by landlords to Rule CV 6; Also see, Tit. 12, Okla.Stat.1994, § 1148.14. collect in FED actions (with that superficial “affidavit”)
the HAP payment from the tenant. We have had more than one occasion where the tenant has been able to prove the leased premises failed inspection, and the deficiency was not cured. As a result, THA suspended the HAP payment to the owner, and the tenant was able to prove he or she timely made her portion of the HAP payment to the landlord. Such conduct by owners seeking to collect the terminated HAP payment is prohibited. The tenant is not responsible for payment of the portion of rent to owner covered by the HAP payment. See, 24 CFR § 982.451(b)(4)(ii). Additionally, 24 CFR § 982.310(b)(2) provides “…[t]he PHA [here, THA] failure to pay the housing assistance payment to the owner is not a violation of the lease between the tenant and the owner. During the term of the lease the owner may not terminate the tenancy of the family for nonpayment of the PHA housing assistance payment. [Emphasis added.]” This brings us back to issues surrounding Rule 11, which has been codified in Oklahoma at Tit. 12 Okla. Stat.2013, §2011. Sanctions can be initiated sua sponte (see, § 2011.(C)(1)(b)), and must be limited to what is sufficient to deter repetition of the offending conduct or comparable conduct by others similarly situated,
including non-monetary sanctions. See, § 2011(C)(2); Also, see, Warner v. Hillcrest Medical Center, 1995 OK CIV APP 123, 914 P.2d 1060, 1064 (Because Oklahoma statute that permits imposition of sanctions for filing pleading, motion, or other paper without reasonable inquiry as to whether it is well-grounded in fact and warranted by existing law is based on Federal Rule 11, court is permitted to review appropriate federal case law to aid in its interpretation and application of rule to facts in individual case.); In re: Hensley, 249 B.R. 318 (USBC, WD Okla. 2000) (Lawyers required to purge offending language from all pending Chapter 13 plans by modification of same and certify to the Court in writing their compliance within ten days or appear for show cause hearing); In re: Lemons, 205 B.R. 327 (USBC, WD Okla. 2002) (Debtor’s counsel admonished on the record and directed to purge offending language in pending cases. Similar conduct in the future will subject counsel to monetary sanctions and the entire bar is placed on notice). One last item of concern: the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C.A. § 1692, et seq. (FDCPA). Continued on page 21...
Tulsa Lawyer 19
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Without getting too deep in the weeds on the FDCPA, suffice it to say one local landlord lawyer commented the collection of rent and eviction is not a “debt” for purposes of the FDCPA. The Second Circuit respectfully disagrees and ruled the collection of back rent falls within the FDCPA’s definition of a “consumer debt.” Romea v. Heiberger & Associates, 163 F.3d 111, 114 (2 Cir., 1998). Further, Romea held the statutory notice (three-day demand notice required by New York law, similar to Oklahoma’s five-day notice to quit) was a “communication” under the FDCPA (id., at 116) and was not legal process subject to exclusion (id., at 117). Thus, the demand notice may require the FDCPA notices if not given by the owner of the property. nd
Also, note, the issue involving the FDCPA’s applicability to litigating attorneys was addressed in Heintz v. Jenkins, 514 U.S. 291, 115 S.Ct. 1489, 131 L.Ed 2d 395 (1995), which extended the FDCPA’s coverage to “... attorneys who ‘regularly’ engage in consumerdebt-collection activity, even when that activity consists of litigation.” Id., at 1493. Where is the exposure? The FDCPA prohibits conduct related to debt collection if it has, as its natural consequence, the harassment, oppression, or abuse of any person (§ 1692d), it prohibits the use of false, deceptive or misleading representations or means in collecting a debt (§ 1692e), and prohibits a debt collector from using unfair or unconscionable means to collect or attempt to collect a debt (§ 1692f). Each of these sections identify or list specifically proscribed acts, without limiting the generality of these concepts.
have no logical relation to one another. Peterson v. United Accounts, Inc., CA 8 (N.D.) 1981, 638 F.2d 1134 (among others). Enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (or, the “CFPB”) is authorized. See, § 1692l(a), (b)(6). Civil enforcement may involve a class action (§ 1692k(a)(2)(B)). If there is a bright spot, it is that there is a one-year limitation calculated from the time of the violation within which to bring and FDCPA action. Then, there is the issue of attorney fees for the successful debtor’s counsel, which is a force, if not a driving force, in FDCPA litigation. See, § 1692k.(a) (3). While damages may be limited, attorney fees are not. See, In re: Martinez, 2001 WL 980277 (Bankr. M.D. Fla. 2001), where the bankruptcy court awarded the maximum statutory damages of $1,000.00, no actual damages, and over $29,000 in attorney fees and costs (debtor’s counsel had sought over $100,000 in fees and costs). Martinez is not an isolated decision in the scheme of FDCPA litigation.
Whether a tenant will prevail is not the ultimate or practical issue. Having defended a number of FDCPA cases for the debt collector, even if the trial court finds the suit was brought in bad faith and for the purpose of harassment allowing the court to award the debt collector reasonable attorney fees (§ 1692k.(a)(3)), the debt collector will have to collect those fees against someone who likely has no reasonable probability of having any non-exempt assets, much less enough to satisfy the debt collector’s attorney fees. The “debt collecting” lawyer It is a violation of the FDCPA to fail to give the will still have to pay his or her attorney. Remember, notices required by the FDCPA § 1692e (the “mini- when you’re dealing with a broke person, you’re dealing miranda”) warning and debt verification notice (§ 1692g. with a broke person. That’s the cleaned up version of the (a)(1)-(5)). old saying. It will cost the debt collector. Most significantly, however, it is a violation of the FDCPA to attempt to collect a debt that is not owed. § 1692f prohibits the “…[c]ollection of any amount (including any interest, fee, charge or expense incidental to the principal obligation) unless such amount is expressly authorized by the agreement creating the debt or permitted by law. The FDCPA also provides for concurrent jurisdiction between federal and state courts without regard to the amount in controversy. § 1692k(d). An FDCPA suit is not a compulsory counterclaim in a state action to collect the underlying debt, as the two claims
Think twice about executing those affidavits, be sure you know what the numbers are that comprise the total amount sought in the FED action, and whether they are authorized.
Mac D. Finlayson Eller & Detrich
2022 Bundled Sponsorships
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22 Tulsa Lawyer
Contact Tami Williams tamiw@tulsabar.com or 918-584-5243 Ext. 1002
The Official Sponsor of the Tulsa County Bar Association Special Thanks to the following TCBA Sponsor: Silver Sponsor
Your TCBA is excited for the coming year! Come be a part of it with us!
INDIVIDUAL EVENT SPONSORSHIPS
Grab your opportunity to be a part of the TCBA & TCBF events! Your support makes YOUR Bar Center Great! Contact Tami Williams tamiw@tulsabar.com or 918-584-5243 Ext. 1002 (Parade has passed, but you still have time to join the Challenge! Sign up by Dec. 10th. See page 14!)
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Lawyers Against Pawverty Event benefitting the Tulsa County SPCA
Thursday, January 20th • • • • •
Pinot’s Pallet, Jenks Riverwalk location 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Option of in-person class or virtual Cost $47.50 per person $15.00 of each registration will be donated to Lawyers Against Pawverty to benefit Tulsa SPCA
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Thank You to all of the Veteran's Day Supporters! Special Recognition to the sponsors of the 28 Day Fitness Challenge Kickoff Event at the Nov. 11th Veterans Day Parade!
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Judge Ann Keele & Brendon Hall supporting the TCBA Veteran's Challenge benefitting the Tulsa County Veteran's Treatment Court.
TULSA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION, INC. 2021 LIVE FALL/WINTER CLE SCHEDULE
VIRTUAL SPACE IS LIMITED AND PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED •
Register at www.tulsabar.com
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Be sure to update your viewing devices zoom account prior to logging in for CLE.
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All seminars will be held virtually through Zoom.
Schedule is tentative and seminars are subject to change.
Materials will be emailed to pre-registered attendees before the seminar. Paper copies are not provided.
NON-MEMBER RATES: 1.0 HR $50 2.0 HR $75 3.0 HR $100 4.0 HR $125 5.0 HR $150 6.0 HR $175 7.0 HR $200 8.0 HR $225
Unless exempt, every active and senior member must complete a minimum of 12 Oklahoma MCLE approved credits during the calendar year. NEW IN 2021 - two of the 12 credits must also be approved for legal ethics. 28 Tulsa Lawyer
Annual Criminal Law Hodgepodge Tuesday - December 14th
9AM - 4:20PM (10 minute breaks between each presentation) 7.5 Credit Hours, Including 1 Hour of Ethics 9:00 a.m. -9:50 a.m. 10:00 a.m. -10:50 a.m. 11:00 a.m -11:50 a.m. 12:00 p.m. -1:20 p.m. 1:30 p.m. -2:20 p.m. 2:30 p.m. - 3:20 p.m. 3:30 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.
DUIs & DPS - Sabah Khalaf, Tulsa DUI Guy Winning at Trial - Alexis Gardner, Gardner Law Firm Sentencing in Federal Court - Gary Davis, Gary Davis Law Group Case Law Updates - Barry Derryberry, Assistant Federal Public Defender Ethics - Sheila Naifeh All Things McGirt - Brett Chapman, Khalah Law Firm Sex Crimes at Prelim - Lee Berlin, Berlin Law Firm
Don't miss this annual favorite CLE!
Annual Estate Planning Day Moderated by Henry Will Thursday - December 16th
7.0 Credit Hours, Including 1 Hour of Ethics
9:10 a.m. -10:00 a.m. Recent Oklahoma Law Developments, Including New Oklahoma Uniform Power of Attorney Act & Oklahoma Decanting Act - Isaac Helmerich, Hall Estill 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Recent Federal Tax Law Developments of Interest to Estate Planners Bill Chevaillier, Mysock, Chevaillier & Birdsong 10:50 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Break 11:00 a.m - 11:50 a.m. Recent Charitable Tax Law Developments of Interest to Estate Planners Clint Swanson, Swanson Law Firm 11:50 a.M. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch Break 1:00 p.m. - 1:50 p.m. Litigation: Discussion of Selected Local Trust Cases Judge Kurt Glassco & Steve Balman, Shook & Johnson 1:50 p.m - 2:40 p.m. Keeping the Farm in The Family and Related Estate Planning Goals and Strategies Riley and Laurel Kern, Tallgrass Estate Planning 2:40 p.m. - 2:55 p.m. Break 2:55 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. An Overview of the Many Federal Benefits Available to Estate Planners Amy K. Hart, Hart Law Office - Bartlesville 3:45 p.m. - 4:35 p.m. Interesting Ethics Cases in 2021 - James C. Milton, Hall Estill 4:35 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Concluding Remarks: "Don't Forget Everything Else Out There" - Henry Will - Moderator
TCBA Committee & Section News Committees
Meeting Dates & Chairs
Access To Justice Committee - Monthly on the last Tuesday of the month at 12 p.m. Chair, Pansy Moore-Shrier Animal Law Committee - Monthly on the 3rd Wednesday at 12 p.m. Chair, Katy Inhofe
Bench & Bar Committee - Bi-monthly on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 12 p.m. Chair, Kevinn Matthews Children & the Law/Juvenile Law Section - Monthly on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 12 p.m. Children & the Law Chair, Lizzie Riter. Juvenile Law Chair, Timothy Michaels Johnson. TCBF Community Outreach Committee - Monthly on the 3rd Tuesday at 12 p.m. Chair, Ashley Webb
TCBF Golf Committee - Monthly on the 2nd Monday at 12 p.m. Chair, Kimberly Moore Law Day Committee - Monthly on the last Thursday at 12 p.m. Chair, Lizzie Riter
Lawyer Referral Service Committee - Bi-monthly on the first Thursday at 12 p.m. The next scheduled meeting is Nov 4th. Chair, Karen Wilkins Pro Bono Committee - Monthly on the 1st Monday at 12 p.m. Chair, Mac Finlayson
Sections
ADR Mediation Section - Monthly on the 1st Tuesday at 12 p.m. Chairs, Melissa Fell & Stephanie Mitchell Bankruptcy Section - Bi-monthly at 12 p.m. Jan. 20th, Mar. 17th, May 14th, July 14th. Chair, Paul Thomas Children & the Law/Juvenile Law Section - Monthly on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 12 p.m. Children & the Law Chair, Lizzie Riter. Juvenile Law Chair, Timothy Michaels Johnson. Family Law Section - Monthly on the 3rd Friday at 12 p.m. Chair, Jordan Dalgleish
Litigation Section - Monthly on the 3rd Thursday at 12 p.m. Chair, Mark A. Smith
Paralegal Section - The 2nd Thursday of the month at 11:45 a.m. Meetings are virtual until further notice. Chair Kathyrin Keener Tax Law Section - Quarterly meetings on the first Wednesday of the month at 12 p.m. Chair-Ashlee Crouch
TCBA Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm
32 Tulsa Lawyer
Grapevine News
TCBA member Andrew Morsman announces the opening of his private practice, Morsman Law, PLLC, in Jenks. Mr. Morsman has practiced in civil litigation for 37 years. He is available to represent individuals and small businesses in civil matters and litigation. He is also available for short-term retention by firms needing assistance in litigation, legal research and writing, representation in cases of conflict of interest, document review and analysis, and court appearances. He can be contacted at Andrew@ morsmanlaw.com or 918-992-0245. We are pleased to announce that the following six persons have been elected as Members of Frederic Dorwart, Lawyers, PLLC: Steve Johnson. Steve has been Of Counsel to FD Law for the past 5 years. Mr. Johnson works primarily on mergers & acquisitions and financing transactions for the Firm’s clients. Mr. Johnson joined the Firm after a distinguished career with the multinational law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and later as a Managing Director of Corporate Finance at Hilltop Securities, Inc. (formerly known as First Southwest Company). Mr. Johnson practices in FD Law’s Dallas office. Stan Eigenbrodt. Stan has over 30 years of broadbased experience in securities, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, compliance and risk management matters. Most recently Stan served for 16 years as the Chief Legal Officer of Behringer, a sponsor of public and private real estate and real-estate related funds. Stan began his legal career at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, where he practiced for over 10 years. Mr. Eigenbrodt practices in FD Law’s Dallas office. Eric Swenton. Eric has over 15 years of legal experience and has been a lawyer at FD Law for seven years, working on a variety of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt financings, entity reorganizations, major oil & gas transactions and federal & state securities law matters. Before joining the Firm Eric was a partner at the Dallas, Texas law firm Strasburger & Price LLP. Eric is based in FD Law’s Tulsa office. Kyden Creekpaum. Kyden has over 12 years of legal experience, and has been a lawyer at FD Law for 5 years, working on international transactions, internal and external investigations and general litigation matters. Kyden joined the Firm after spending several years with the multinational law firm Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP, where he worked in that firm’s Washington D.C. and Paris, France offices. Kyden is based in FD Law’s Tulsa office.
John Gawey. John has 8 years of legal experience, and joined FD Law in 2018, where he has represented lenders, companies and investment funds in connection with a variety of matters, including lending transactions, acquisitions, dispositions, and asset-based financings. Before joining the Firm, John spent 5 years practicing in New York City as a lawyer at the multinational law firm White & Case LLP. John practices in FD Law’s Tulsa office. David Leimbach. David has 8 years of legal experience, and joined FD Law in 2019, where he has worked on a wide range of commercial and complex litigation matters, including securities, corporate, and construction disputes. Before joining FDL, David was a clerk to the Honorable Gregory K. Frizzell of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, and practiced in New York City at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and Herbert Smith Freehills LLP. David is based in FD Law’s Tulsa office.
Tery DeShong (TU JD 1991) will be the new Executive Director for the Tulsa Child Protection Coalition, effective November 1, 2021. DeShong will focus on overseeing the CPC programs, strategic planning and advancing the mission to promote protection, justice, and healing for abused and neglected children in Tulsa County by optimizing systems collaboration, advocacy, training and practices. DeShong was the former Legal Counsel for the Tulsa Health Department, served 14 years with the State of Oklahoma in child support enforcement, and for the past few years, taught at various higher education institutions. Tery and her wife moved back home to Tulsa from Dallas in March of 2020. Hall Estill announced 37 of its attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion on the Super Lawyers annual list of the state’s top attorneys. Of the attorneys selected, 13 attorneys were named as Rising Stars, a prestigious recognition for upand-coming attorneys. Of the group honored, two Hall Estill attorneys were recognized for additional excellence among their peers. Elaine R. Turner, shareholder and director, has been named a Top 25 Female Attorney in Oklahoma, as well as a Top 50 and Top 10 attorney in Oklahoma. James C. Milton, shareholder and director, has been named a Top 50 Attorney in Oklahoma. “We’re always proud of the commitment and service our attorneys provide to our clients and the community. Being acknowledged by their peers in this way is a true testament to our attorneys’ level of expertise and skill,” said Mike Cooke,
managing partner for Hall Estill. “We are especially proud of Elaine and Jim for their additional recognition.” Super Lawyers has been recognized by bar associations and courts across the country for the legitimacy and rigor of its selection process. Attorneys are selected using a rigorous, multi-phase rating process including peer nominations and evaluations combined with third-party research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, and the lawyers recognized represent no more than 5% of the lawyers in the state. Launched in 1998, Rising Stars is a list that recognizes the top up-and-coming attorneys in the state. To qualify for this award, candidates must be 40 years old or younger or have been practicing for 10 years or less.
Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, LLP (DSDA) is excited to welcome back Christian D. Barnard. Joining DSDA as a partner, he will be a part of our family law team and a valued member of our Tulsa office. Christian’s practice centers on all areas of family law, including prenuptial agreements, legal separation, divorce disputes and the related division of personal and business property and debts, alimony and child support payments, child custody, guardianship matters, and adoptions. He also represents clients in mediation and litigation related to the modification of custody, alimony, and child support orders. Previously, Christian received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa College of Law and received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. He also earned recognition to the 2022 Best Lawyers® list for Family Law in Tulsa. This is his third consecutive year to be named for this honorable achievement.
MEMBER BENEFIT ~ LIVE STREAMING WELLNESS CLASSES
VISIT THE TCBA FACEBOOK PAGE
Wednesdays Pilates 4:15pm - 4:45pm
Yoga Flow
12:15pm-12:45pm Flow through different postures in a specific sequence. We will build some warmth in the body while focusing on core strength and balance.
Instructor - "Toni" Caroline Meeks
www.embodiedworks.net @BodyByToni
34 Tulsa Lawyer
Certified Yoga Teacher - Trauma Informed Yoga & Gentle Somatic Yoga. NASM Certified Personal Trainer - Corrective Exercise & Exercise Therapy Specialist. Licensed Massage Therapist - Myofascial Release & Chronic Pain Specialist.
Classified Ads STEIDLEY & NEAL, PLLC, is searching for an associate attorney with 2-4 years’ experience in Insurance Defense for its Tulsa office. Competitive salary and other benefits commensurate with level of experience. Looking for a motivated candidate interested in providing assistance to a partner. Applications with be kept in strict confidence. Send resume to Steidley & Neal, located in CityPlex Towers, 53rd Floor, 2448 E. 81st St., Tulsa, OK, 74137, attention Dwain Witt, Legal Administrator. STEIDLEY & NEAL, PLLC, is searching for an associate attorney with excellent research and writing skills with 5-7 years of experience for its Tulsa office. Competitive salary and other benefits commensurate with level of experience. Looking for a motivated candidate interested in providing research and writing support for civil litigation, with an emphasis in insurance defense. Applications will be kept in strict confidence. Send resume and writing sample to Steidley & Neal, located in CityPlex Towers, 53rd Floor, 2448 E. 81st St., Tulsa, OK, 74137, attention Dwain Witt, Legal Administrator.
Coffey, Senger & Woodard seeks associate attorney with 5-7 years of experience in areas of transportation and insurance defense. Excellent benefits. Salary range is $55,000 to $75,000 D.O.E., plus bonuses. Send resume to Amy Wojtalewicz, amy@cswlawgroup. com. Statewide law firm with offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City is seeking attorneys for both offices with 3+ years of experience in litigation. Compensation DOE. Excellent benefits, support and atmosphere to develop your practice. Submit confidential resume, references, writing sample and compensation requirements to OklaLawFirm@gmail.com.
Jon Starr
Mediator and Arbitrator Contact DRC for scheduling 918-382-0300
URGENTLY HIRING Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma (LASO) is seeking to hire attorneys for the positions below (locations listed next to each). All positions are responsible for providing legal assistance to eligible clients of the program and to be an integral part of the organization’s efforts to be a partner in the state justice community. • Attorney – Public Defender’s Office (for OKC) • Oklahoma City County Health Department MLP (for OKC) • Housing Attorney (for OKC) • Eviction Attorneys (for locations – Tulsa, Lawton, Weatherford, Hugo, Enid) • Eviction Paralegals (for locations – Tulsa, Lawton, Weatherford, Hugo, Enid, Guymon, Woodward, Ardmore) • Staff Attorney (for Tulsa) • MSW Parent Representative Program (contract for Tulsa) • Parent Attorney (contract for Tulsa) • Medical Legal Attorney (for Lawton) • Victims of Crime (VOCA) Attorney (for Lawton) • Staff Attorney (for Muskogee) Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma offers staff exceptional benefits to include employer-paid health and dental insurance, an employer-funded pension, generous paid leave, and training, just to name a few. But the best benefit LASO offer is for attorneys to Make a Difference. If you or someone you know has the passion to provide access to justice with us, please apply at: https://www.legalaidok.org/employment/ LASO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
2021-2022 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
Front Desk Coordinator
General Inquiries
frontdesk@tulsabar.com Ext. 1000
Membership Director Accounting CLE, Sections & Committees accounting@tulsabar.com Julie Rivers julier@tulsabar.com Ext. 1001 Lawyer Referral & Community Resource Navigator frontdesk@tulsabar.com
Tulsa Lawyer Editor - Michael Taubman michael@tulsafirm.com Associate Editor - Milly Dunlap Tulsa Lawyer Submissions - tulsabarnews@yahoo.com
TCBA OFFICERS
President................................................................ Kara Vincent Past President......................................................... Kimberly Moore President-Elect.........................................................Philip D. Hixon Vice President.......................................................... Mike Esmond Secretary.............................................................. Stephanie Jackson Treasurer................................................................. Lesa Creveling Budget/Internal Operations..................................Michael Taubman Foundation President ............................................Hon. Ann Keele Director at Large (1) Large Firm................................. Austin Birnie Director at Large (2) Large Firm.......................... Philip Hixon Director at Large (1) Medium Firm........................Jennifer Struble Director at Large (2) Medium Firm.................. Kara Pratt Director at Large (1) Small Firm...........................Linda Morrissey Director at Large (2) Small Firm...........................Tamera Childers Director at Large (2) Public Sector.........................Hon. Ann Keele ABA Delegate............................................................. Molly Aspan OBA Delegate................................................................Rick White Library Trustee (1)......................................................Kim Vojvoda Library Trustee (2)........................................................ Julie Evans Presiding Judge ..................................... Judge William LaFortune U.S. District Court .................................. Hon. John Dowdell C.J., Tulsa Municipal Court............................. Hon. Gerald Hofmeister TU Law School Student Representative............... Trevion Freeman
FOUNDATION APPOINTMENTS
Law Day ......................................................................Lizzie Riter Community Outreach................................................ Ashley Webb Golf Chair.......................................................... ...Kimberly Moore 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.............................................................. ...Hon. Ann Keele Foundation Vice President............................................Justin Munn Treasurer..................................................................... Philip Hixon Trustee....................................................................... Lizzie Riter Trustee........................................................................ Chad McLain Trustee......................................................................... Jim Gotwals Trustee................................................................Catherine Hoopert Trustee...........................................................................Rick White Trustee..................................................................Michael Taubman TCBA President..........................................................Kara Vincent TCBA Pres. Elect....................................................Philip D. Hixon
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Access to Justice..........................................Pansy Moore-Shrier Animal Law..................................................... ..........Katy Inhofe Bench & Bar.................................................... Kevinn Matthews Children & the Law......................................... ........Lizzie Riter Children & the Law Vice Chair..........Timothy Michaels-Johnson CLE ................................................................. ...Michon Hughes Diversity Development...........................................Deborah Reed Fee Arbitration................................................. ..........Gary Crews Law Related Education..........................................................TBD Lawyer Referral............................................... ........Kara Wilkins Membership Services....................................................Kara Pratt Mentoring......................................................... ......................TBD Military/Veterans ............................................. ...Mitchell Garrett Military/Veterabs Co-Chair.............................. Hon. David Guten Nominations & Awards.................................... ..Kimberly Moore Pro Bono............................................................... Mac Finlayson Professionalism................................................ ...........Rick White Public Relations....................................................Steve Layman Social Media.........................................................Collaborative Special Events.................................................. .......Natalie Sears Tulsa Lawyer.................................................... Michael Taubman Young Lawyers Division..............................Colton Richardson Young Lawyers Division............................... ........Billy Duncan
SECTION CHAIRPERSONS
ADR/Mediation..........................................................Melissa Fell Bankruptcy....................................................... ........Paul Thomas Business/Corporate.......................................... .............................. Criminal Law................................................... ........Daniel Levy Employment Law..............................................Kassidy Quinten Energy & Mineral Law.................................... .......Ryan Pittman Family Law...................................................... ..Jordan Dalgleish Health Law ...................................................... ..... Kristen Evans Health Law Vice Chair..................................... Whitney Dockrey Juvenile Law.................................................... ..........Lizzie Riter Juvenile Law Co-Chair.......................Timothy Michaels-Johnson Litigation...............................................................Mark A. Smith Municipal Law.......................................................................TBD Paralegals/Legal Assistant.......................................Karlyn Apon Paralegal /Legal Assistants Vice Chair............ Kathyrin Keener Probate/Estate/Elder......................................... ....................TBD Tax ......................................................... .....Ashlee Crouch Technology ...................................................Pansy Moore-Shrier Workers Comp................................................. ............................ * 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.
Tulsa County Bar Association 1446 S. Boston Ave. Tulsa, OK 74119
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