October 2005

YLD Welcomes New Attorneys

The OBA recently swore in 300 new bar members, and the YLD was on hand to welcome them to the association. The swearing-in took place at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church on Tuesday, Sept. 27. YLD Chair Luke Gaither was one of a few bar members who had the privilege to speak at the ceremony. Chair Gaither spoke about the benefits of becoming involved in the YLD and the OBA. 

Following the official ceremony, the YLD sponsored a reception in which YLD members answered questions from the new admittees about the YLD and its committees. The division provided punch and cookies along with information on the two statewide receptions honoring the new bar members in October.  

The first of these receptions is being held on Thursday, Oct. 6 at McNellie’s Pub House from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 409 E. 1 st St. in downtown Tulsa. The second new attorney reception will be held on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Landrun Room at the Bricktown Brewery at 1 N. Oklahoma Ave. in downtown Oklahoma City. 

In addition to the new admittees, ALL lawyers, young and seasoned, are invited to attend these events. These receptions are informal, come-and-go gatherings.  Food and beverages will be provided, as well as information on the YLD and its new committees and leadership opportunities for next year. Please contact New Attorney Reception
Co-Chairs Sara Barry in Tulsa (sbarry@gablelaw.com) or Debra Charles in Oklahoma City (dcharles@plico-ok.com) if you have any questions regarding these events.

YLD Board Lends a Hand at the Justice House

In place of their traditional monthly board meeting, the YLD Board of Directors volunteered a day of service at the OBA Justice House, which the OBA is building in partnership with Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity. Board members installed and painted siding, installed trusses, decked the roof, nailed down the support boards and cross bracing for the roof, in addition to other projects. Among the board members participating were Nathan Johnson, Randy Grau, Rick Rose, Shanda Cusick McKenney, Mark Antinoro, Luke Gaither, Chris Camp, Kimberly Warren and Keri Williams. 

Board member Randy Grau noted, “Attorneys are dedicated to serving our clients and working to achieve a positive result. This project allows us the opportunity to serve in an even greater capacity by reaching out to a family in the community that needs a helping hand. It is rewarding to get out from behind our desks and out of the courtroom and show how much we care about enriching the lives of fellow Oklahomans.”  

Board member Mark Antinoro explained, “As lawyers, we often do not have the opportunity to actually build or create something tangible. This experience allowed us to do that, and that was tremendously rewarding. It was very gratifying, knowing that through our efforts, a needy family is going to have their own piece of the American Dream.”

Young Lawyers Encouraged to Attend Annual Meeting

All young lawyers are encouraged to attend the OBA Annual Meeting this year in Oklahoma City on Nov. 2-4.  There are wonderful CLE and programming opportunities available to YLD members, as well as great networking opportunities (including the infamous YLD suite).  As in the past few years, the YLD will host its annual Viva Las Vegas Night with craps, roulette, blackjack, prizes and more.  We will also have our
YLD Annual Meeting in conjunction with the conference. Please register now at www.okbar.org or via the registration form in your bar journal.