May 2006

YLD HONORS NEW BAR ADMITTEES

The OBA welcomed 108 new attorneys at a swearing-in ceremony on April 21 at the House of Representatives chamber at the State Capitol. Ceremony highlights included speeches on professionalism by Chief Justice Joseph Watt and OBA President Bill Grimm. YLD Chairperson Keri Williams also spoke at the ceremony, utilizing the opportunity to address the hesitancy of many young lawyers to become involved in bar activities and to dispel the myth that bar involvement detracts from one’s job as an attorney.

“My bar involvement has proven every bit as beneficial to me as anything else in my professional development and career. Getting involved in the OBA’s committees and sections has allowed me to get to know judges and opposing counsel on a personal basis…and to make some of the best friends I have,” Ms. Williams said.

“In addition to professional development and networking, I am hopeful that many of you feel as I do: That each of us has a civic responsibility to give back to the public at large. The YLD – which coordinates and oversees several committees that are focused on community service and outreach – provides a good avenue to do just that.”

Immediately after the swearing-in ceremony, the YLD held a reception in the Capitol Building Rotunda for the new admittees and their family and friends in attendance. YLD Director Daniel Zemke, Secretary Rick Rose, and member Lindsey Willis-Andrews were present to serve refreshments, greet the new bar members, and to distribute information, answer questions and promote involvement in the YLD and other OBA committees and sections.

The following Thursday, the YLD hosted a less formal reception and happy hour in the private dining room of the Full Moon Café, located in Tulsa’s historic Cherry Street district. Over drinks and hors d’oeuvres, OBA/YLD Chairperson-Elect Christopher Camp spoke, welcoming the new admittees and encouraging involvement in the OBA. The event was well attended by attorneys both new and not-so-new, including YLD Immediate Past Chair Luke Gaither and TCBA/YLD Chair Molly Bircher. Thanks to everyone who turned out to honor our new admittees, and special thanks to Tulsa attorney Sarah Barry for locally coordinating the event.

THE ‘NEW LAWYER EXPERIENCE’

On April 25, YLD members participated in two big events at the Oklahoma Bar Center. Kicking things off was the inaugural “New Lawyer Experience” program, designed to assist attorneys – both new and seasoned – in “hanging out a shingle.” More than 120 people registered for the full-day event, which provided support and instruction about the most common organizational, marketing, financial, ethical and technological issues facing new solo practitioners. YLD Director Shawnae Proctor, Secretary Rick Rose and Chairperson Keri Williams were on hand before the event and during breaks to answer attendees’ questions relating to the transition from law student to solo lawyer and the opportunities available within the YLD.

OBA DAY AT THE CAPITOL

Also taking place on April 25 was OBA Day at the Capitol. Along with a record number of OBA members, several young lawyers attended the event, which provided bar members the opportunity to visit with state legislators about the OBA legislative agenda and other concerns. Following the event, young lawyer John Branum said:

“I used the OBA Day at the Capitol as an opportunity to encourage my legislators to continue to stand behind our long-standing, well-established, civil jury system and to reject any bill that tried to take power away from the people of Oklahoma and hand it over to big businesses and insurance companies. In other words, I encouraged our legislators to continue to reject so-called ‘tort reform’ and stand up for the families of Oklahoma.”

YLD Director Robert Faulk of Enid also took advantage of the event.

“I really enjoyed spending some time with my legislators and speaking with them about issues that affect our profession,” Mr. Faulk said.