The year began with a board retreat to discuss goals and new projects for 2007:
- Convert the format of the OBA-FLS Journal to a newsletter;
- Develop the OBA-FLS Web site;
- Maintain consistent communications with FLS members through e-mail and Web site;
- Formulate the OBA-FLS mission statement;
- Create a resource through volunteer and low cost private attorneys so that children in all family law cases will be represented by a guardian ad litem (“GAL”);
- Recruit new attorneys to participate in the FLS section as board members;
- Encourage FLS members to become active individual advocates as to legislation that affects their practice;
- Educate the FLS members about collaborative law, to provide additional avenues for revenue, and to provide a component for its members and their clients that does not involve litigation;
- Create a “brand” for the FLS section;
- Recognize and honor past FLS leadership.
Over the course of the year, other matters involving the FLS membership arose. Certain members of the FLS board were invited to serve on the GAL manual sub-committee, created by Michael Evans, AOC Director. The FLS board was asked to submit an amicus curiae brief in a case involving a lien filed by a domestic relations attorney.
OBA Executive Director John Williams approached the FLS board with a request for a commitment of $5,000 to provide free counseling services and other resources for “at risk” attorneys, suffering from depression or substance abuse. The FLS board responded enthusiastically, giving a long-term commitment (5 years) totaling $10,000.
The Practice Manual committee met with the OBA to discuss long-range plans to post past FLS-OBJ journals on the Web site, create a link for an electronic FLS Practice Manual, and post the FLS-OBJ Journal online as a newsletter. Members of the FLS board met with President Beam and John Williams to coordinate the 2007 convention schedule, to optimize access to programs and events for FLS members.
Past leaders were contacted to forward a written summary of what was accomplished during their respective terms. A luncheon to honor the past leaders was scheduled for the annual meeting.
At this time, the Oklahoma County GAL project is due to begin between Oct. 15, 2007, and Nov. 1, 2007. Over 125 attorneys from the FLS e-list alone volunteered their time and skill for the project.
An “informal” brand for the FLS board was adopted, to create a sense of cohesiveness and fun. A “formal” logo was selected and forwarded to the Board of Governors. While the logos were rejected, the BOG confirmed that the FLS board was to utilize the “official” OBA logo as part of its “brand.”
Letters to the past FLS leadership were forwarded in the spring of 2007. The FLS mission statement was adopted. The FLS board has reviewed the newsletter disseminated by another section as a possible prototype for the FLS newsletter.
The electronic meeting reminder has been consistent and in overall compliance with the OBA protocol. Meetings were heavily attended, with two exceptions. Monthly CLE topics were selected for topical issues relating to family law practitioners. The summer FLS seminar, “How Stoned is too Stoned?” was successful, with significant positive response from the attendees.
The first seminar devoted to GAL representation, a “basics” course, has been created and will be presented in December 2007. Plans have already been formulated for an advanced GAL seminar, to address current trends in GAL representation, and provide a forum for experienced GALs to share ideas and concerns about this important area.
The GAL manual sub-committee was placed on “hold” by the Supreme Court later in the year. However, because of the research completed by FLS board members sitting on the sub-committee, new ideas and suggestions for GAL seminars and training projects were developed.
The FLS board members successfully recruited new attorneys to sit on their respective committees. The theme for the new recruits became: One person, one job.
Still in progress, in the “idea” stage, are the OBA-FLS journal format and the Web site. The FLS board continues to discuss these two areas, with short-term and long-term goals.
Pauline Tessler, one of the creators of “collaborative divorce” will be the keynote speaker at the OBA-FLS annual meeting on Thursday. There may also be a collaborative divorce workshop, if the collaborative state group has the financial resources available to underwrite it.
The FLS board remains committed to its role of leadership and mentoring within the section. The FLS board looks to create a long-term strategy, as more new members join and new leadership evolves.
Donelle H. Ratheal
Chairperson
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