Oklahoma Bar Association

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal May 10, 2008 - Vol. 79; No. 13)

During the recent past, I had the opportunity to visit the University of Oklahoma College of Law. During this visit, I entered the Dick Bell Courtroom and was immediately overwhelmed by the majestic beauty of the facility. No one else was in the courtroom, and because it was spring break, the law school was virtually void of students. I sat down and just appreciated the moment — as I looked out the beautiful windows of the east side of the courtroom and imagined the great trials that had taken place in legal history.

Spring into Action

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal March 8, 2008 - Vol. 79; No. 7)

The thoughts are the same each year. I keep thinking that the warmth of the sun and the gentle rains of the season will soon restore the garden world around each of us, once again bringing the flowers and wonderful smells of the season. Oh, I enjoyed the fall, Christmas and the beginning of a new year, but I have grown weary of the cold and long for a change once again.

How Would Your ‘Customers’ Rate You?

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal January 12, 2008 - Vol. 79; No. 1)

One of my compact discs got stuck in the CD player in my car last week. My choices were clear. It was either the radio, the same compact disc all the time or quiet time. I certainly enjoy the quiet time but every now and then I like to choose my own music. My broken compact disc made that difficult. I will admit that the stuck compact disc was one by Jimmy Buffett, a favorite of mine.

The Content of our Character

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal November 3, 2007 - Vol. 78; No. 30)

Today is a time when those seeking political office speak of “family values,” parents counsel their children about “making good choices” and it is often said that we should “do the right thing.” These issues are not of recent vintage. The ancient Greeks are always the first to be mentioned whenever philosophical theory is discussed. All have heard of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.

Back to School

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal September 1, 2007 - Vol. 78; No. 24)

This time of year signifies many changes in our lives. Students are back in school. Teachers are back teaching. Many swimming pools and some amusement parks close. Fashion, although I am told that the custom may not exist as much as is it once did, dictates that white clothes be closeted for the winter and cowboys put up their straw hats and get out the felt ones.

Law Day: An Epilogue

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal May 12, 2007 - Vol. 78; No. 15)

Last week just before Law Day, I received an e-mail from a friend of mine who asked me about “Lawyer’s Day.” She said she had received an e-mail advising her of the opportunity for free legal advice and was given a telephone number for those wanting that advice to call. Naturally, I was amused. I knew what she had received and was able to quickly explain about Law Day and the reasons for its creation.

Heroes: Who Are They?

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal Mar. 10, 2007 - Vol. 78; No. 09)

When I was growing up, I had my heroes. They were usually professional athletes or the stars of the western serials I watched on Saturday mornings.

The Scout Law and the Road to Doing it Right

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal Jan. 13, 2007 - Vol. 78; No. 02)

During 2006, OBA President Bill Grimm graciously allowed me to use a paper he had prepared as the materials for several of the various continuing legal education presentations I made during the year. In that paper, President Grimm related the similarity of scouting character traits and our concept of professionalism. The first thing a Scout must learn is “be prepared.”

Lawyer Jokes — Are We Really That Funny?

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal Nov. 4, 2006 - Vol. 77; No. 30)

I have a close friend who is not especially fond of lawyers in general. She and another friend who lives in Arizona are always sending me cartoons of lawyer jokes. Neither does this out of ill will, but only to tease me about my profession. At least I like to believe that is the reason.

One Day at a Time

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal Sept. 2, 2006 - Vol. 77; No. 24)

Earlier this week I received a call from an attorney’s client who explained he was about to be evicted from his residence and that if that happened, he could lose custody of his children.

Stress and the Legal Profession: Sounding the Charge

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal May 20, 2006 - Vol. 77; No. 15)

Growing up watching television as I did, I heard the sound often. The familiar sound of the bugler leading the charge of the cavalry telling everyone help is on the way. We lawyers know that life can be difficult at times.

Reflecting on What Matters Most

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal March 11, 2006 - Vol. 77; No. 09)

Lately, I have been more introspective. I suppose that turning 60 years of age has that impact upon us. We think more often of the past and reflect back on our careers and enjoy our memories.

For Lucre or Malice

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal January 14, 2005 - Vol. 77; No. 02)

I looked in the mirror the other night and was shocked. I always thought I looked young for my age, but the bald spot on the back of my head caused me to question that fact.

A View from the Back

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal November 19, 2005 - Vol. 76; No. 32)

I looked in the mirror the other night and was shocked. I always thought I looked young for my age, but the bald spot on the back of my head caused me to question that fact.

The First Amendment: Right or Responsibility?

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal August 13, 2005 - Vol. 76; No. 22)

We lawyers are all well acquainted with the U.S. Constitution. Therefore, it is no surprise to you when I mentioned that the First Amendment guarantees that Congress will make no law abridging the freedom of speech.

‘Mentor: A Trusted Counselor or Guide’

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal May 14, 2005 - Vol. 76; No. 15)

The month of May is graduation time. It is a time for those graduating to celebrate and look back and enjoy their accomplishments. It is also, however, a time of uncertainty and perhaps fear of what the future holds.

Rule 1.1: In the Beginning…

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal March 12, 2005 - Vol. 76; No. 9)

I guess that it is not surprising that the very first rule of professional conduct concerns the competence of the lawyer. The rule consists of two sentences, 24 words, and discusses competent representation and what competent representation requires of a lawyer. Not many words but very important ones.

Clean Out Your Closet

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal January 15, 2005 - Vol. 76; No. 2)

Do we ever have enough room for clothes and the usual stuff that we put in our closets? Why are we always trying to push more in without getting rid of the items we know we will never wear again?

Learn from the Cowboy Code

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal November 6, 2004 - Vol. 75; No. 31)

Each year about this time, we should each stop and think about what has happened to our profession within the past year. The key word I use in that sentence is “profession” because we lawyers are “professionals.” Black’s Law Dictionary will not help us with its definitions of these words nor with its definition of the word “professionalism.”

Thanks, Coach Johnson…

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal October 2, 2004 - Vol. 75; No. 28)

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend a sports-related function where Merv Johnson, director of Football Operations at the University of Oklahoma and long-time assistant coach, was the guest speaker. Naturally I thought I would hear “war stories” about college football.

A Second Chance

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal August 8, 2004 - Vol. 75; No. 22)

The other night when I was watching TV and really not paying much attention to it, a singer was introduced for an interview and the person doing the interview mentioned that it had been some time since the singer toured or recorded.

Law Day Gives Lawyers Chance to Reflect

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal April 17, 2004 - Vol. 75; No. 12)

Sometime during the past year, I was at lunch with Anna Jordan, a secretary and friend who works in the Office of the General Counsel. Her husband, Jeff, is a lawyer.

What's Your Brand?

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal February 14, 2004 - Vol. 75; No. 6)

I bet most of you had the same reaction to my question in the headline above as I did when Executive Director John Morris Williams introduced me to the concept at one of our directors meetings at the Oklahoma Bar Association.

It's Not All That Hard.

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal December 13, 2003 - Vol. 74; No.34)

I guess we really try to make things harder than they have to be. Maybe it's just the way life is. Maybe it is something inherent to our profession. Maybe we need more challenges than we already have. We have the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct and the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings to guide the way for us to practice our profession.

Pro Bono Publico

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal November 11, 2003 - Vol. 74; No.30)

It has long been argued that the comparatively minimal use of legal services by low and middle income persons has been due more to the inaccessibility of those services than to the lack of legal problems.

What's Your Game Plan

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal October 4, 2003 - Vol. 74; No.27)

Whenever a client comes in and hires you to represent them, what do you do first? Whatever it is that you do should be done after giving thought to the best way to achieve the objectives of the client pursuant to Rule 1.2, Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct. Football coaches call it a "game plan."

Operating Instructions

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal September 6, 2003 - Vol. 74; No.24)

Recently I needed to have a couple of trees trimmed and a couple more removed because of previous storm damage. Naturally I called someone who did that type of work and was given an estimate of the cost for the work I wanted done. I then acted like some prospective clients.

Is This Commingling?

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal August 16, 2003 - Vol. 74; No.22)

QUESTION: My bank requires that I maintain a nominal amount on deposit in my trust account to cover services fees. Is that commingling ?
ANSWER: Yes, technically, that is commingling.

When is it Safe to Destroy Client Documents?

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal April 12, 2003 - Vol. 74; No.12)

Often lawyers call with the need to destroy client files but are uncertain about what can be destroyed and when it can be destroyed. Neither the Rules of Professional Conduct nor the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings provide specific direction.

FAQs about Fees

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal March 15, 2003 - Vol. 74; No.9)

It took me a while to finally figure out what "FAQ" meant. That acronym was not familiar to me in the early stages. Now after years of answering "frequently asked questions," I am somewhat more educated about FAQs.

No More Grievances for Me?

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal February 15, 2003 - Vol. 74; No.6)

What a thought! No one enjoys receiving a letter marked "Personal and Confidential: To Be Opened by Addressee Only." Yet I tell lawyers in CLE programs all the time that there are two kinds of lawyers - those who have gotten grievances and those who will.

Life in the Real World

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal January 11, 2003 - Vol. 74; No.2)

I have always been amazed by how much my perception of the world can change in just over a week's time. The days before Christmas and the days after the new year begins, although separated by only a few days in time, are so different.

Poor Call Affect More Than Just The Game

by Dan Murdock

(originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal March 16, 2002 - Vol. 73; No.9)

About a month ago, I was in Lawrence, Kansas for a weekend social visit with friends who work for the bar association or the Supreme Court of Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico and Missouri.