YLD MIDYEAR MEETING

The YLD Midyear Meeting will be held from June 19-21, in conjunction with the annual Solo and Small Firm Conference at Tanglewood Resort on Lake Texoma. The event offers outstanding CLE, social events and networking opportunities.

Early bird registration is May 30.

THE NEW LAWYER EXPERIENCE

On May 6, YLD members participated in “The New Lawyer Experience: Hit the Ground Running” CLE event at the Oklahoma Bar Center. The full-day event provided support and instruction about the most common organizational, management, marketing, financial, ethical and technological issues facing solo practitioners. YLD Directors Shawnae Proctor Robey and Joe Vorndran were on hand to provide OBF Fellow information to attendees.

YLD DIRECTORS VISIT NATION’S CAPITAL

YLD Directors Kimberly Warren, Molly Bircher and Doris Gruntmeir (also the ABA District Representative) represented Oklahoma at the ABA Spring Conference, April 17-20 in Washington, D.C. The ABA Section of Litigation was meeting in D.C. during the same time as well as ABA Day at the Capitol. The ABA/YLD Spring Conference provided extensive networking opportunities for young lawyers, a forum for CLE and professional development programming, and a Diversity Summit.

Friday’s programming started with an entertaining and informative plenary session entitled “Real to Reel: Images of Ethics and Professionalism in the Courtroom” presented by the ABA Section of Litigation. The session paired movie clips with ethical issues providing an entertaining look at serious issues facing lawyers. The day continued with excellent CLE programming, including an Introduction to Securitized Lending, Changes in Anti-Trust Law, Presenting Winning Legal Arguments to Administrative and Trial Judges, Resolving Business Disputes with China, and Positioning Yourself for a Promotion. The ABA Journal co-sponsored a Writers Workshop that addressed writing for publications. The afternoon continued with CLE programming opportunities including International Trade Law, Pursuing Careers in Mediation/Arbitration, False Claims Act/Qui Tam Litigation, Working as a Lawyer Outside the USA, and a practical panel discussion on Preparing for Your First Trial. That evening, conference attendees were treated to a dinner and reception at Union Station.

The meeting was capped off with the YLD Summit entitled “Diversity: the Next Generation.” This summit provided an opportunity for round table discussions on dealing with diversity issues including how to not only promote and retain diversity within the legal profession, but also how to ensure the voices of those diverse members of the profession are heard.

YLD WELCOMES NEW ATTORNEYS

On April 25, 94 new lawyers were sworn in in the Supreme Court Courtroom at the State Capitol. There were three ceremonies at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. Ceremony highlights included speeches by Chief Justice James R. Winchester and OBA President J. William Conger. YLD Chairperson Kimberly Warren also spoke at the ceremony, encouraging young lawyers to become involved in bar activities.

Immediately following each ceremony, the YLD hosted a reception for the new members and their families and friends. Light refreshments and snacks were served.

The YLD hosted a reception in Tulsa for the new admittees on Wednesday at the Sonoma Bistro & Wine Bar. The Oklahoma City event is scheduled for Thursday, May 15 at Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse from 6 – 8 p.m. All lawyers are invited to attend this informal event. The YLD will provide food and beverages, as well as information on how to become involved in YLD committees and activities.