The Work Life Balance Committee is a relatively new committee, formed in 2006. The committee’s purpose is to promote awareness of work life balance issues unique to the legal profession and to demonstrate the OBA’s commitment to fostering a cultural acceptance of work life balance initiatives within the Oklahoma bar. In this regard, the committee’s work is meant to support the work of the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Committee by promoting proactive measures towards healthy living.

This year, the committee has chosen as its theme: The Law: Love It, Don’t Leave It. In furtherance of this message, the committee has featured articles on lawyers who have found ways to combine their love of law with other pursuits outside the law. In addition, the committee is currently working on ideas to promote healthy living programs for law firms, solo practitioners and other members of the legal community. The committee is sponsoring a Fun Walk at the 2007 Annual Meeting with proceeds to benefit the newly formed Lawyers Helping Lawyers Foundation.

The committee continues to maintain a Web page on the OBA Web site devoted to work life balance issues. The Web page offers a host of information to help attorneys accomplish professional development and growth while also achieving fulfillment in their personal lives. The information provided includes sample work life balance employment policies and practices, practical advice on work life balance issues, and substantive articles related to this topic. In addition, the ever-growing number of Web resources on work life balance issues are cataloged.

Not only is information provided through the Web site, but the committee also continues to publish articles about work life balance in the OBA journal. The committee is working on a 2008 theme issue of the OBJ devoted to work life balance.

The committee remains extremely appreciative of the guidance and counsel of the OBA staff and their continued enthusiasm and willingness to support the committee’s goals and objectives.

Melanie J. Jester
Chairperson