(OKLAHOMA CITY – June 19, 2008) The Oklahoma Bar Association is accepting nominations for its annual awards presentations.

Nominations must be received by Aug. 13, and the awards will be presented to recipients at the OBA annual meeting Nov. 19 - 21 in Oklahoma City.

Gary Clark of Stillwater chairs the statewide committee that will review the nominations and select award winners.

“The bar association recognizes the importance of honoring those who serve as role models, so we have awards in several categories,” he said. “Perhaps you were extremely impressed with the professionalism your lawyer displayed while handling your case. We also want to honor those who accept pro bono cases or perform their job with true integrity.”

Several categories are open to non-lawyers who have impacted the legal community.

“Nominate someone who has made a difference through their work with children or the less fortunate, or by helping to promote public understanding of legal issues,” Clark said. "There is something special about being recognized by one's peers in your profession."

More information and a list of award categories are available by calling (405) 416-7000 or visiting the OBA Web site at www.okbar.org.

To nominate an individual or organization, send a letter explaining why the candidate should receive the award. Please limit the letter to five pages. No form is necessary to submit an entry. Nominations must be received by the deadline. Mail the nomination to OBA Awards Committee, Oklahoma Bar Association, P.O. Box 53036, Oklahoma City, OK 73152 or e-mail to melissab@okbar.org.

The 16,000-member Oklahoma Bar Association, headquartered in Oklahoma City, was created by the Oklahoma Supreme Court to advance the administration of justice and to foster and maintain learning, integrity, competence, public service and high standards of conduct among Oklahoma's legal community.