October 2006

YLD Welcomes New Attorneys

The OBA recently swore in 329 new bar members, and the Young Lawyers Division was on hand to welcome them to the association. The swearing-in took place at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Sept. 26. During the ceremony, remarks were made to the new admittees by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph Watt, OBA President Bill Grimm and YLD Chairperson Keri Williams. Following the swearing-in ceremony, the YLD hosted a reception for all new admittees and their families in the fellowship hall. New Attorney Committee Co-Chair Doris Gruntmeir planned the reception which included cookies, punch and information on ways to get involved in the OBA. The YLD also announced two parties to honor the new admittees open to all OBA members. A reception was held Oct. 5 in Tulsa, and the Oklahoma City event is scheduled for Oct. 12. For more information, please contact the New Attorney Committee Co-Chairs Sara Barry at sbarry@gablelaw.com (Tulsa) or John Weaver at jweaver@oktax.state.ok.us (Oklahoma City). 

The ‘New Lawyer Experience’

Many new lawyers may feel overwhelmed and unprepared with the task of setting up their own law practices, so the OBA stepped in to help. The OBA held a free, full-day program called “The New Lawyer Experience” to help new attorneys start their businesses off on the right foot.

The program was held in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa the first week of October, and it provided an overview of the factors to be considered when opening a private practice. YLD representatives attended both sessions, providing written materials and visiting with the new lawyers about YLD participation. YLD board members visited with many of those in attendance about ways to be active in the OBA as well as opportunities for lawyers to better serve their communities through YLD committees. Keri Williams, Rick Rose and Randy Grau addressed the Oklahoma City group while Molly Bircher and Roy Tucker addressed the group in Tulsa.

Young Lawyers Encouraged to Attend Annual Meeting

All young lawyers are encouraged to sign up for the OBA Annual Meeting this year in Tulsa on Nov. 15-17. 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 Casino 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.