Dear Friend & Colleague:
As we walk the halls of our courthouses or visit with colleagues, we hear of cases of child abuse, cases of elderly neglect, and a myriad of other problems. Some we see on television or read about in newspapers, but most cases will never make the news. One area that is sure to make the news is when a lawyer isn't doing his or her duty and serving clients and community as they have sworn to do.
You need to learn more about the Oklahoma Bar Foundation, or for those who are familiar with Bar service, the OBF. Not only does OBF work to help abused children and the elderly and other benevolent programs, but it also brings validation to our profession. OBF helps to remind us of our duty and helps us to better serve the community. We can leave our busy law practices, general counsel and government positions behind and refocus on areas that enrich our lives and the lives of others.
OBF is the official charitable arm of your organized bar. We were the third such entity to be formed in the United States. OBF represents all lawyers in Oklahoma, and OBF represents Oklahoma to the nation. Did you know that, since 1986, the OBF has awarded over $5,000,000 to programs such as Law-Related Education in grades K through 12 and High School Mock Trial Programs; court appointed special advocates and other child advocacy programs; family law, literary and senior programs; scholarships, research and legal clinics; various legal service providers serving those people who cannot afford a lawyer, and many other worthy causes? OBF gives to programs you work with and programs you agree with. OBF gives to programs that are vitally needed. So why haven't you joined the Fellows program?
There are 15,096 members of the Oklahoma Bar Association; the OBF has 1,266 Fellows at this writing. If you are not already one, you must commit to becoming a Fellow - today. If you are already a Fellow, you must continue your annual contribution as a Sustaining Fellow.
The Fellows commitment will cost you a tax deductible contribution of $100/year (a mere $8.33/month or an amount less than the change most of us put in to what used to pass for an ash tray in our cars!) Recently admitted attorneys can now take advantage of special reduced contribution plans.
On another front, you may have heard OBF plans to ask the Supreme Court to amend Rule 1.15 of the Rules of Professional Conduct as it pertains to our IOLTA program. The change would require that all lawyers that maintain trust funds, with certain exemptions, shall participate in this very worthwhile program. We have carefully researched the issue and have accumulated a wealth of information which points to the overwhelmingly positive impact this change will make. It has become clear to your OBF Trustees that we must catch up to our sister states and do a better job of promoting our profession and serving our state and its citizens. This can be accomplished through our proposed change to Rule 1.15.
Oklahoma is one of only two states that still maintain strictly voluntary IOLTA programs. Moreover, in March of this year, the United States Supreme Court found that a mandatory IOLTA program was constitutional, making the time right for this important change.
The good that can be accomplished through IOLTA is only limited by our imaginations. Certainly, you will be given an opportunity to express your views, and we invite them. All we ask is that you first review materials we have put together. Please review the notice posted in this Bar Journal. Copies of the proposed amendment and important information concerning the OBF proposal may be viewed at www.okbar.org/obf. After reviewing the information, if you still aren't convinced, pick up the phone and call me.
Join us as an OBF Fellow, become an advocate for IOLTA, and OBF will only make you proud.
Sincerely,
Mart Tisdal |
