Awards – Annual Meeting

2025 Oklahoma Bar Association Awards

Awards Luncheon
Thursday, Nov. 6

General Assembly
Friday, Nov. 7

Law School Luncheons
Friday, Nov. 7

The Following Awards Will Be Presented During Annual Awards Luncheon | Thursday, Nov. 6

Yvonne Kauger Trailblazer Award
to an OBA member or members who by their significant, unique visionary efforts have had a profound impact upon our profession and/or community and in doing so have blazed a trail for others to follow

Justice Yvonne Kauger, Oklahoma City

Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Kauger, who retired in 2024, has opened doors for women in the legal community and has set an example for the profession throughout her career. From serving as the first female staff attorney at the Oklahoma Supreme Court to founding The Sovereignty Symposium, she has greatly impacted not only the profession but the state as a whole. She is regarded as greatly influential on the course of the law in Oklahoma and revered by the community for the paths she has blazed in and out of the courtroom.

She put herself through the OCU School of Law and graduated first in her class in 1969. She was hired as the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s first female staff attorney in 1972 and was appointed by Gov. George Nigh as only the second woman named to one of Oklahoma’s highest courts in 1984. She was the first woman to serve as vice chief justice and chief justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, and she was the last chief justice to address a joint session of the Legislature on the state of the judiciary.

Justice Kauger has made her mark on the legal profession, including directing the implementation of the Oklahoma Supreme Court Network and overseeing the development of the highest court’s official website and universal citation system. She has been a mentor to many, making a difference in their lives and careers. Her honors include being inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame, named a distinguished alumna by OCU and Southwestern Oklahoma State University, recognized as the Red Earth Ambassador of the Year, adopted by the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes of Oklahoma and twice commended with the Governor’s Arts Award, among countless other awards and honors.

Award of Judicial Excellence
for excellence of character, job performance or achievement while a judge and service to the bench, bar and community

Judge Theresa Dreiling, Tulsa

Judge Theresa Dreiling has honorably served Oklahoma’s courts throughout her distinguished career, first as a clerk for the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals and then as a special judge in Tulsa County since 2007. Over her 18 years on the bench, she has exemplified the qualities of fairness, patience and integrity that define the judiciary. Every advocate and litigant who has appeared before her received thoughtful attention and a fair hearing, whether represented by counsel or appearing pro se.

Judge Dreiling has dedicated her career to public service. She is regarded by the legal community as generous with her time, mentoring others and sharing her knowledge in CLE programs and other bar association activities. Through her exemplary character, professional achievement and dedication to public service, Judge Dreiling has strengthened both the bench and the bar while making a meaningful difference in her community.

Liberty Bell Award
for nonlawyers or lay organizations for promoting or publicizing matters regarding the legal system

Judy Spencer, Oklahoma City

Judy Spencer has been instrumental in the Oklahoma High School Mock Trial Program since its inception in 1980. Beginning as a participant coach and later serving for many years as the statewide mock trial program coordinator, she has devoted decades of service to inspiring young people and promoting understanding of the legal system.

For many, Ms. Spencer is the first name that comes to mind when thinking about mock trial. Through her work, countless Oklahoma high school students have gained not only practical knowledge of the law but also the confidence and skills to pursue careers in the legal profession. Many practicing attorneys today trace their first spark of interest in the law back to mock trial experiences made possible by Ms. Spencer’s efforts. She has worked tirelessly for the OBA to encourage a love of law in students and make the Oklahoma High School Mock Trial Program what it is today.

Joe Stamper Distinguished Service Award
to an OBA member for long-term service to the bar association or contributions to the legal profession

Randall J. Snapp, Tulsa

Randall J. Snapp has devoted more than 30 years to the practice of law and service to the legal profession. In 1993, he joined the Tulsa office of Crowe & Dunlevy and has since built a distinguished career in employment law, workers’ compensation and commercial litigation. He has counseled and litigated a full range of employment issues and has represented management and employers in complex matters in both state and federal courts. He also served as vice president of administration for the Tulsa office of Crowe Dunlevy for 18 years.

He has been involved in various law practice sections, including the ABA Labor and Employment Law Section and the OBA Workers’ Compensation Section and the Labor and Employment Law Section, of which he served as chair. His service extends beyond bar associations, though. He frequently lectures on employment-related subjects and previously served as an adjunct instructor teaching human resources law at Tulsa Community College. In addition, Mr. Snapp serves on the adjunct settlement judge panel of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma and conducts private mediations for matters involving employment law and workers’ compensation. His community involvement includes leadership roles with Tulsa Ballet, Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Green Country (board president), the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma (board president), Bishop Kelley High School (board president) and the Catholic Leadership Institute. Mr. Snapp has also been awarded the James Woods Green Medallion by the University of Kansas School of Law. Mr. Snapp’s dedication to his work and community reflects the highest ideals of the legal profession.

Alma Wilson Award
for an OBA member who has made a significant contribution to improving the lives of Oklahoma children

Lori McConnell, Shawnee

Assistant District Attorney Lori McConnell has spent her career protecting Oklahoma’s children with compassion, integrity and an unwavering pursuit of justice. She is known for handling some of the most difficult cases with meticulous legal skill and a deep empathy for victims.

Her work extends beyond the courtroom as well. She collaborates with child advocacy centers, law enforcement agencies and community partners to ensure children receive protection and care. As a mentor to prosecutors and investigators, she raises the standard of how child-centered cases are handled statewide. Ms. McConnell uses the law to protect and empower the most vulnerable. Now, serving the Pottawatomie County District Attorney’s Office after a distinguished tenure in Oklahoma County, she has become a cornerstone in the prosecution of child abuse and sexual assault cases. Ms. McConnell’s tireless efforts embody Justice Alma Wilson’s legacy of empowering vulnerable youth through the law, and her work has improved the lives of countless children.

Neil E. Bogan Professionalism Award
to an OBA member practicing 10 years or more who for conduct, honesty, integrity and courtesy best represents the highest standards of the legal profession

Gary C. Clark, Stillwater

Gary C. Clark exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and courtesy that the Neil E. Bogan Professionalism Award was created to honor. His distinguished career spans decades of service, including 30 years in private practice, then four years as general counsel for the OSU Foundation and later as senior vice president and general counsel at OSU, where he served for 13 years. In these roles, Mr. Clark's calm, measured approach and unwavering integrity guided colleagues through complex challenges and earned him lasting respect across the OSU community and beyond.

His impact extends throughout the legal profession. He served as president of the OBA in 2002 and the Tulsa County Bar Association from 1993 to 1994, and he has been recognized as an outstanding senior lawyer by the Tulsa County Bar Association. A dedicated mentor, Mr. Clark continues to share his wisdom and encouragement with younger attorneys, modeling professionalism in both word and action. He has exemplified integrity and civility throughout his career. His humility, fairness and commitment to service make him a deserving recipient of this award.

John E. Shipp Award for Ethics
to an OBA member who has truly exemplified the ethics of the legal profession either by 1) acting in accordance with the highest standards in the face of pressure to do otherwise or 2) by serving as a role model for ethics to the other members of the profession

Taylor Henderson, Oklahoma City

Taylor Henderson has been a devoted public servant since graduating from law school in 2011. Since 2018, she has served as the director of the Oklahoma Council on Judicial Complaints, a state agency charged with investigating allegations of judicial misconduct. During her tenure, she has earned the trust and respect of judges across the state due to her dedication to fairness for all parties involved in council proceedings and her ability to balance a steadfast adherence to the rules while maintaining respect for the position of a judicial officer.

Although the vast majority of judges serve with honor and are above reproach, the reality of her heavy duty at times requires asking the hardest questions of our state’s highest leaders and, in the worst of times, seeking public discipline of a judge or even removal from office. Though it is done with no joy, she fulfills her duty with the understanding that long-term public confidence in our judiciary requires facing the hardest days head-on; however, it can still be accomplished with kindness and compassion to everyone involved.

While at the Council on Judicial Complaints, she has worked relentlessly to enhance judicial education related to not only ethics but all facets and subject matters important for a judicial officer to capably and ethically perform their duties. Notably, she was instrumental in establishing a week-long judicial college for new judges set to take the bench, which has enabled dozens of new judges to receive the training they would otherwise not have had.

Ms. Henderson exemplifies ethical leadership and attitude. Her work continues to inspire confidence in those around her and serves as a model for the entire legal profession.

Earl Sneed Award
for outstanding continuing legal education contributions

Mbilike Mwafulirwa, Tulsa

Mbilike Mwafulirwa has made outstanding contributions to continuing legal education. His consistent excellence in researching, organizing and teaching CLE that is relevant and thought-provoking has distinguished him as both an innovator and a leader in the field of CLE.

Mr. Mwafulirwa is an attorney at Coffey, Senger, Hancock & Harmon, and he previously worked at Brewster & De Angelis. As co-chair of the Tulsa County Bar Association Litigation Section for the past three years, he has expanded the scope and impact of its CLE programming. His courses regularly draw record attendance, often requiring larger venues to accommodate audiences of more than 100 participants. By bringing in distinguished judges and experts, he has created both practical and memorable programming. He has also fostered collaboration among TCBA sections, co-hosting events with other sections to address timely, complex topics. Beyond his work with the TCBA, he teaches at the TU College of Law, leading courses on artificial intelligence and its impact on the legal profession. Through his writing, teaching and CLE leadership, he continues to equip attorneys with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in a rapidly evolving landscape. Mr. Mwafulirwa has worked tirelessly to further legal education within the profession.

Outstanding Young Lawyer Award
for a member of the OBA Young Lawyers Division for service to the profession

Laura Talbert , Oklahoma City

Laura Talbert’s dynamic leadership reflects the spirit of the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award. For the past seven years, she has been deeply involved in the OBA Young Lawyers Division, where she has held several leadership positions, including secretary, treasurer, chair-elect, chair and now immediate past chair. Her steady guidance and enthusiasm have helped strengthen the division and expand opportunities for young lawyers across the state.

Beyond her YLD leadership, Ms. Talbert has been a driving force in OBA initiatives, serving on the Access to Justice Committee and the Solo and Small Firm Conference Planning Committee and lending her time to various community service projects, like Wills for Heroes. She is also active in public service as a council member for the Child Abuse Training and Coordination Council and an Oklahoma delegate to the Uniform Law Commission, which she was appointed to by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

Balancing these roles with a demanding career as an administrator at Oklahoma Human Services, Ms. Talbert has brought passion, energy and dedication to her work. She has set an example of how young lawyers can lead, serve and inspire.

Outstanding Service to the Public Award
for significant community service by an OBA member or bar-related entity

Sue Ann Arnall, Oklahoma City

Sue Ann Arnall is admired for her extraordinary commitment to criminal justice reform and broad efforts to improve the lives of Oklahomans. She has devoted significant effort to criminal justice reform, focusing on reducing incarceration rates and addressing disparities. Ms. Arnall has worked tirelessly for the benefit of the public to create systemic change.

She began her professional career in the energy industry before dedicating her time, leadership and resources to philanthropy and systemic change. She founded and has served as president of the Arnall Family Foundation. Through the foundation, she has made criminal justice reform a central focus. She has been a driving force behind the creation of the Oklahoma County Diversion Hub, a model that connects individuals with resources to achieve stability and avoid further justice system involvement. Her leadership and philanthropy, totaling more than $60 million in support, have transformed countless lives and communities. Ms. Arnall’s advocacy, generosity and determination have made her a catalyst for lasting change, and her service stands as a model of how one individual can elevate both the profession and the public good.

Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Service
by an OBA member or bar-related entity

Del Gustafson, Tulsa

Del Gustafson has shown extraordinary dedication to serving Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens. Since joining the Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma Pro Bono Panel in 2017, he has given generously of his time and talents, most notably through his weekly volunteer work at the Tulsa Day Center.

For the past three years, Mr. Gustafson has spent four hours every Tuesday at the Tulsa Day Center assisting individuals experiencing homelessness. He has shown compassion by helping clients complete forms, providing counsel and advice and working closely with LASO staff to ensure that cases are taken care of. His commitment has amounted to more than 200 hours of pro bono service each year, far exceeding the ABA’s aspirational standard of 50 hours annually.

Mr. Gustafson approaches this service not for recognition but out of a genuine love for helping others. He has made it his mission to use his knowledge to help the underserved and vulnerable. Through his unwavering commitment to pro bono service, he embodies the very best of the legal profession and has set an example for others to follow.

Maurice Merrill Golden Quill Award
for the author of the best written article published this year in the Oklahoma Bar Journal

Martha Rupp Carter, Tulsa

Martha Rupp Carter is awarded the Maurice Merrill Golden Quill Award for authoring “‘Whatcha Gonna Do?’ A Primer on Oklahoma’s Attorney Discipline Process,” which appeared in the December 2024 issue of the Oklahoma Bar Journal.

Ms. Carter is a retired Tulsa County district court judge. She serves the OBA as chief master of the Professional Responsibility Tribunal and on the Board of Editors for the Oklahoma Bar Journal. She received her J.D. from the OU College of Law in 1980.

Maurice Merrill Golden Quill Award
for the author of the best written article published this year in the Oklahoma Bar Journal

Randall J. Yates, Tulsa

Randall J. Yates is awarded the Maurice Merrill Golden Quill Award for authoring “End-Running the First Amendment in Public Schools? Lessons on the State Actor Doctrine From Oklahoma’s Religious Charter School Case,” which appeared in the April 2025 issue of the Oklahoma Bar Journal.

Mr. Yates is a director in the Tulsa office of Crowe & Dunlevy. He practices in the areas of appeals, government and tribal affairs and complex commercial litigation. Mr. Yates is a member of the firm’s Appellate, Litigation & Trial and Indian Law & Gaming practice groups. He is also the past chair of the OBA Appellate Practice Section.

The Following Awards Will Be Presented During General Assembly | Friday, Nov. 7

Outstanding County Bar Association Award
for meritorious efforts and activities

Tulsa County Bar Association

The Tulsa County Bar Association has been committed to serving attorneys, advancing the legal profession and strengthening the Tulsa community. Over the past year, the TCBA has provided exceptional professional development, including 84 hours of free CLE, mentorship, leadership opportunities and more.

The TCBA also fosters strong professional bonds through social and networking opportunities, from leagues and tournaments to family-friendly events, creating a welcoming and collegial bar community. The association invests in the next generation of lawyers through its Young Lawyers Division Leadership Academy, mentorship program, complimentary membership and opportunities for law students in the county.

The association also helps the community. Projects like Street Law, the revitalized Court Assistance Program and the annual holiday challenge fundraiser are just a few examples of how they demonstrate dedication to legal access and public service. The TCBA’s celebration of Law Day is also notable, including hosting Ask A Lawyer, student writing and art contests, the Lynn Miller Law Day Book Club and a luncheon and awards ceremony. The TCBA remains steadfast in its mission to educate, assist and empower both its members and the broader community. Through innovative programs, thoughtful leadership and a deep sense of civic responsibility, the TCBA sets the standard for what a county bar association can accomplish.

Golden Gavel Award
for OBA Committees and Sections performing with a high degree of excellence

OBA Membership Engagement Committee

The OBA Membership Engagement Committee, co-chaired by Tim DeClerck of Enid and April Moaning of Oklahoma City, has demonstrated leadership and innovation. The committee consistently works to ensure the OBA is best serving its members and the public.

In 2025, the committee revitalized a long-stalled project to update the OBA’s free legal information brochures, ensuring Oklahomans once again have access to accurate, easy-to-understand information on essential legal topics, like family law and real estate. The committee has also expanded its focus to engaging law students early in their careers and cultivating long-term connections. They have worked diligently to ensure members can take pride in their profession and their status as Oklahoma lawyers, specifically.

Since its formation in 2021, the committee has consistently delivered meaningful results. Highlights include spearheading membership surveys that identified critical needs, improving communication strategies and enhancing member benefits – such as boosting Fastcase usage through OBA-specific training programs. Their survey-driven approach has directly shaped OBA offerings, from improved online platforms to more inclusive Annual Meeting experiences. Through forward-thinking vision and dedication to member service, the Membership Engagement Committee has exemplified excellence and the spirit of the award.

Hicks Epton Law Day Award
for individuals or organizations for noteworthy Law Day activities

Garfield County Bar Association

The Garfield County Bar Association has exemplified the spirit of public service and legal education that the Hicks Epton Law Day Award was created to honor. Their 2024 and 2025 Law Day activities showcase an impressive commitment to bringing the law to life for the public.

The GCBA has introduced students to the justice system through courthouse mock trials, beginning in 2024 with a fifth-grade class and expanding in 2025 to include 80 students from multiple schools, presided over by Judge Sean Hill. The mock trial featured a K-9 presentation by the sheriff’s department, a civics lesson and a courtroom roleplay where students served as jurors. These interactive events, paired with civics lessons and demonstrations, sparked curiosity and understanding of the rule of law among young citizens.

The association has also directly helped the community through a Law Day wills clinic for seniors with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Ask A Lawyer and annual courthouse staff appreciation brunches. Their clothing drives and financial contributions to local nonprofits have further reflected the county bar’s broad dedication to community well-being.

By combining legal outreach, community service and education, the Garfield County Bar Association has strengthened public trust in the legal profession and embodied the legacy of Hicks Epton.

Outstanding Senior Law School Student Award

To Be Presented During Law School Luncheons | Friday, Nov. 7

Law School Luncheons will be held following the conclusion of the OBA Annual Meeting and require a separate registration.

Connect with your fellow law school alumni from the OU College of Law, OCU School of Law or TU College of Law luncheon. The luncheons include featured speakers and recognition of outstanding senior law students. Contact your law school for more information and to register.

OCU School of Law, Jonathan “Jon” Edwards,

Jonathan "Jon" Edwards is a third-year law student at the OCU School of Law and an Oklahoma native. Prior to beginning law school, he graduated from OU with a major in marketing. In law school, he has been on the dean's list and faculty honor roll every semester, and he has been awarded nine CALI Excellence for the Future awards for earning the highest grade in his legal courses.

Mr. Edwards is currently a staff editor for the Oklahoma City University Law Review, a member of the Energy Law Association and an academic fellow serving as a teaching assistant to a law professor for contracts. He is also a member of the ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition moot court team and was awarded for being one of the top speakers at the 2024-2025 Philadelphia Regional Competition. Mr. Edwards plans to practice civil litigation as an associate attorney at DeWitt, Paruolo & Meek after graduation.

OU College of Law, Gracyn Ross

Gracyn Ross is a third-year law student at the OU College of Law, where she has built a distinguished record of leadership and advocacy. She currently serves as co-president of the Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Chapter of the Black Law Students Association, carrying forward the chapter’s legacy of empowering students and championing diversity in the legal profession. She previously held roles as secretary and 1L representative for the chapter.

Ms. Ross has developed a well-rounded legal background through both public service and private practice. She was selected as an ABA Steiger Fellow and worked at the Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Unit. She has also been a Stevens Fellow, working as a law student volunteer in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in Chicago, and an intern at Phillips Murrah PC in Oklahoma City.

In her second year of law school, she competed in the Thurgood Marshall Memorial Moot Court Competition, where she and her partner placed third in the regional competition and advanced to the semifinals at the national competition.

Her excellence and determination have been recognized with multiple scholarships, including the Caylor Family Scholarship, the T. Ray Phillips III Memorial Scholarship, the Judge Ralph G. Thompson Scholarship, the Oklahoma City Chapter of the Association of Black Lawyers Ozella Willis Memorial Scholarship and a national scholarship through the American Association of University Women, a global nonprofit organization founded in 1881 that works to advance gender equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.

Ms. Ross has balanced her many academic and professional achievements with working as a dance teacher at a local Norman studio throughout college and law school. Originally from Wichita, Kansas, she has made Oklahoma her home, earning her bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in African American studies from OU.

TU College of Law, Morgan Williams

Morgan Williams has been selected as this year’s OBA Outstanding Senior Law Student from the TU College of Law. She is the top student in her class and has been named to the faculty honor roll throughout her time in law school. Ms. Williams is a repeat CALI Award recipient with the top grade in contracts, constitutional law I, legal writing II, veterans law, evidence workshop and agency and partnership. Additionally, she earned first place in the 1L Negotiation Competition in 2023 and later earned second place in a motion for summary judgment competition.

She is an executive editor for the Tulsa Law Review, and she was honored for producing the best overall paper and the best below-the-line edits in spring 2025. Her excellent skills in writing and research are demonstrated in her upcoming publication, “In Re Match Group Derivative Litigation: The End of MFW’s Carrot & Stick System,” 61 Tulsa L. Rev.

Ms. Williams is involved in the law school community as well. She serves as a teaching assistant in the college’s legal writing program and is a student member of the Curriculum Review Committee. She also served as a student panelist for the university’s Inaugural Justice Dana Kuehn Symposium on Justice and Law. Off campus, she has served as a judicial extern in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma for Chief Judge John F. Heil III and Judge John D. Russell and as a summer associate for Hall Estill. Ms. Williams will earn her J.D. from the TU College of Law in May 2026.

OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION

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