As we reach the midpoint of the year, I reflect with pride on the progress we have made in support of our members and the practice of law across the state. This year, our focus has remained clear and consistent: to provide meaningful resources, relevant education, and practical support to help Oklahoma lawyers succeed in their work and better serve their clients.

EXPANDING CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

One of our most significant accomplishments this year has been the continued growth of our continuing legal education (CLE) offerings. We have delivered a wide range of programs tailored to the evolving needs of legal professionals in Oklahoma. From recent state and federal case law updates to new topics such as legal technology and ethics in digital communications, our CLE courses remain timely, practical, and directly applicable to daily legal practice. We have also expanded access to these offerings through both live and on-demand formats, helping attorneys in all corners of the state efficiently meet their requirements and sharpen their skills.

ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND PRO BONO INITIATIVES

The OBA’s ongoing commitment to accessible and affordable justice for all continues to be a cornerstone of our service to the public and our profession, and “access to justice” has been a primary focus for 2025 OBA President Ken Williams. In May, the OBA hosted its annual Ask A Lawyer community service event in conjunction with Law Day. The high number of calls and emails we received this year emphasizes the need for the expansion of these types of services. Additionally, a YLD-sponsored Wills for Heroes event is scheduled for Aug. 16 in Durant, which will assist military service veterans and first responders with their estate planning needs. Community-facing efforts like these have helped address legal needs in areas such as family law, landlord/tenant disputes, veterans' issues, and expungements.

Collaborations with nonprofit community partners – such as the Access to Justice Foundation, Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Bar Foundation – are critical to further enhancing the quality of legal services available to the public. For all of those who volunteer to provide pro bono legal services in some capacity, thank you for contributing your time and expertise. It speaks proudly of your commitment to the profession’s deep sense of duty and service.

PRACTICE SECTION GROWTH AND MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

Engagement across our practice sections has increased steadily, creating new opportunities for collaboration, resource sharing, and peer connection. Most sections have continued to offer CLE programming tailored to their specific area of law, ranging from criminal and civil litigation to estate planning, real property, and beyond. Our MyOKBar Communities website and section meetings have become valuable spaces for members to stay informed, ask practical questions, and build professional networks.

Additionally, our in-person events have returned with strength and enthusiasm. This year, the Solo & Small Firm Conference returned in its original format, and our members embraced the chance to reconnect, exchange ideas, and celebrate achievements within the legal community. These events remain essential to building the relationships that support long-term professional growth and collegiality.

As a heads up, the OBA Annual Meeting will be returning to the fall: Mark your calendars for Nov. 6-7 in Oklahoma City at the Sheraton Downtown Hotel. It will be strictly bar business this year, and we are hopeful the format change will be another success for the OBA.

SUPPORTING THE PRACTICE OF LAW ACROSS THE STATE

Whether you’re a solo practitioner in rural Oklahoma or part of a larger firm in Tulsa or Oklahoma City, our goal is to help you practice more effectively and with greater confidence.

We understand the needs of our members are diverse and often shaped by geography, firm size, and practice type. That’s why we continue to focus on practical resources that support the day-to-day demands of Oklahoma lawyers. OBA Practice Management Advisor Julie Bays is standing by to assist with law office technology and management concerns, and Ethics Counsel Richard Stevens is always available to discuss your ethics and professional responsibility questions. And remember, these services are available at no cost to every Oklahoma lawyer as an OBA member benefit.

LOOKING AHEAD: STAYING FOCUSED AND MISSION-DRIVEN

As we enter the second half of the year, our mission remains clear: to serve the profession by supporting attorneys in their practice and upholding the principles of justice, professionalism, and public services. The programs, services, and initiatives we offer are evaluated with one central question in mind: Will this enhance the quality of services our members can provide to their clients? This clarity of purpose allows us to stay grounded while continuing to innovate and respond to changes in the legal landscape.

We thank you, our members, for your continued involvement, feedback, and dedication. We look forward to the work ahead and to continuing our shared commitment to excellence in the legal profession across Oklahoma.