Become an OBF Fellow early in your law career — something nice for your wall, something impressive for your resume and something that helps your community!

It pays to become a member of the OBF Fellows program early in your law career! In 2003, Oklahoma Bar Foundation President Mart Tisdal took steps to add a Young Lawyers Division representative to the OBF board to give YLD members a greater voice in the Foundation. Since November 2005, I have had the pleasure of serving as your YLD representative to the Oklahoma Bar Foundation. As a member in good standing of the Oklahoma Bar Association, you are automatically a member of the OBF. There is another important avenue for your lawyer participation in the OBF, the Fellows Program. Now, I am extending you an invitation to join the Fellows Program and help further our efforts.

What we do

Founded in 1949, the OBF is the third-oldest state bar foundation in the United States, an achievement that all Oklahoma attorneys can be proud of. Throughout the state of Oklahoma wherever there are programs in our communities helping people, you will find the OBF doing its work. Since 1986 OBF has awarded more than $7 million to programs such as High School Mock Trial and other school Law-related Education programs in grades K through 12; children’s pro bono legal service and advocacy programs; family law and seniors programs; law student scholarships, research and legal clinics; statewide legal service providers serving those who can least afford a lawyer; and many other worthy causes. OBF helps in the financial support of programs that directly affect individuals and communities across Oklahoma, and as a direct result, brings great credit upon our profession.

How to become a Fellow

Especially for young lawyers, there’s not a better time to join the OBF than right now! Past OBF President Jimmy Goodman took steps to create a reduced giving category for our newest members of the OBA. First-year lawyers who pledge to become OBF Fellows on or before Jan. 2 of the year immediately following their admission may pay only $25 per year for two years, then only $50 for three years, and then at least $100 per year thereafter until the $1,000 pledge is fulfilled. Lawyers admitted three years or less at the time of their pledge may pay only $50 per year for four years and then at least $100 per year thereafter until the $1,000 pledge is fulfilled. New lawyers should not pass up this opportunity!

Of course, for those of us who have been practicing more than three years, we have the option of paying our pledge to the OBF in installments of $100 per year for 10 years, which is pocket change of only $8.33 per month! Because the OBF is the official 501(c)(3) charitable arm of your organized bar association, your contributions may be tax deductible! In appreciation of your becoming a Fellow and helping the community and your profession, you will be presented a beautiful, unique “Lady of Justice OBF Fellow Plaque.” This plaque demonstrates to clients and others that you and your profession give something back to the community that is needed and greatly appreciated. More details are located at www.okbar.org/obf see OBF Fellows Program or contact the office at (405) 416-7070 or by e-mail at foundation@okbar.org.

Become a part of OBF and the work being done on behalf of all Oklahoma lawyers. Become a Fellow today! Gifts are used to carry out the ongoing mission of “…Advancing education, citizenship and justice for all.”

Sincerely,

Brett D. Cable

Young Lawyers Division Representative to the Oklahoma Bar Foundation Board