Oklahoma Bar Journal
Meet Your Bar Association | Volunteers Who Guide Your Association
BRIAN HERMANSON
President
Ponca City
Background: Born in Milwaukee; married to Ruslyn. Two daughters -Brianna, an illustrator living in Northampton, Massachusetts, and Charlcy, a church music director living in Stillwater; Mr. Hermanson is the district attorney for Kay and Noble counties and lives in Ponca City.
Education: Graduated from college at Caroll College, recently renamed Caroll University, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, with a double major in political science and history and a minor in business; received a J.D. from the OU College of Law; was president of the Student Bar Association, on the National Moot Court Team and inducted into the Order of the Barristers. Also served as governor of the ABA Law Student Division and received the Golden Key Award from the ABA.
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? It is my hope that over the next year, we can regain some normalcy back after this long period of COVID. The Board of Governors will go out across the state this year to reengage with the lawyers throughout Oklahoma. My goal will be to reestablish contact with our volunteers and strengthen our resolve to improve the practice of law and make it more enjoyable.
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? Some of my best memories about the practice of law revolve around the friends I have made through my volunteer work with the OBA. Legal work can be incredibly stressful, and we need to bring joy into our lives. I find the people who I have worked with in these volunteer activities bring so much fun and laughter into my life. Also, we need to have involved attorneys protecting the practice of law. It seems that we as a profession are under attack from many sides, and we need to be ready to do what we can to ensure the practice is robust.
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? It seems that there is more and more stress in the practice of law. We have more and more demands in our daily work, and it seems that people are more and more aggressive in their dealing with their fellow lawyers. We need to bring that professionalism back and, with the help of the courts, turn the courtrooms into an appropriate level of civility.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? My favorite benefit is the Management Assistance Program. The help that it provides to the practicing lawyer is priceless. Every attorney needs to reach out to the program to learn what it can do to help your practice.
What technology gadget could you not function without? I could not last five minutes without my iPhone. I find that I am doing more and more of my work on the iPhone. I do so much of my research on it as well as scheduling, meeting and, strangely enough, communicating.
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? No time to read for fun. You are more likely to find me in front of the television at the end of the day.
MILES T. PRINGLE
President-Elect
Oklahoma City
Background: I am an Oklahoma City native and third-generation attorney. I live in Oklahoma City with my wife, Andrea, and two sons, Fischer and Harrison. I played basketball and ran track in high school and continue to be a big basketball fan – particularly the Thunder and Jayhawks. After graduating from law school, I moved back to Oklahoma City to practice with the firm my parents founded. Currently, I am general counsel for The Bankers Bank.
Education: I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, where I double majored in political science and history. I received my J.D. from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, where I was a member of the National Moot Court Team.
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? Improving engagement with our members and enhancing the prestige of attorneys in Oklahoma
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? Mahatma Gandhi is often quoted, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” The profession has given us a lot. Attorneys are leaders and should set an example. It is important to give back and improve our communities, personally and professionally.
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? One is communication. We have more ways to communicate with clients and colleagues, but that communication may be less effective. The OBA has great CLE on communications, technology resources/recommendations and staff to help.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? Fellowship. Whether through a section, CLE or service on the Board of Governors, I enjoy spending time with my fellow attorneys the most.
What technology gadget could you not function without? My iPhone
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? The Verge by Patrick Wyman
KENYON (KEN) WILLIAMS JR.
Vice President
Tulsa
Background: I was born in Tulsa but grew up in the (then) town of Skiatook. My grandparents were well known for the Williams Greenhouse they operated for many years, and because my grandmother was the Southwestern Bell switchboard operator who knew everyone’s business. Even so, we were still “newcomers” after the family moved there in the early 1940s. Dad was a steel salesman, and Mom was a high school English teacher. I have three brothers; two of us are lawyers, and two are dentists. Teresa and I married in 1974, two weeks before I started law school. Our first child, Kenyon, was born the same day I received my bar exam results in 1977. Our daughters, Kristen and Kara, were born after we moved to our rural home near Skiatook Lake, where we still live. Teresa taught and worked as a public school librarian until she retired. Our focus is on family (our adult children and eight grandchildren) and church. I serve as one of the elders of The Park Church of Christ in Tulsa. Teresa and I love to travel, which is the closest thing to a hobby, except for our love of reading and cooking shows.
Education: My education was at TU for seven years – petroleum engineering and then law.
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? My goal in every level of service for the Tulsa County and Oklahoma bar associations has been and remains to communicate to non-lawyers the high level of professionalism I have observed among our members during my 45 years of practice. As many have heard me say, Oklahoma lawyers are some of the finest people I have ever met.
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? Because our license is a privilege and not a right. We should always be looking for ways to elevate the regard of non-lawyers for our profession. Service volunteering is certainly one way to do so.
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? From my service on the OBA Professional Responsibility Tribunal and several of our recent CLE programs, I have come to believe the stress of our profession has resulted in a disproportionate percentage of our members falling victim to substance abuse. Our Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance Program is a wonderful resource for our members.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? Clearly, our continuing legal education system is extremely helpful. I, and I think many of our members, particularly enjoy the opportunities to combine social events with CLE, such as the annual Solo & Small Firm Conference and the Annual Meeting.
What technology gadget could you not function without? I suppose I could function without my iPhone, but I would not be happy. Today is not like the old days when pay telephones were ubiquitous, and all I needed to keep in touch was a bag of quarters…
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? I just finished rereading the Childe Cycle series by Gordon Dickson, one of my all-time favorites.
JAMES R. (JIM) HICKS
Immediate Past President
Tulsa
Background: Born in Blackwell and raised in Denton, Texas. Live and work in Tulsa. Married to Nancy since 1983 with twin children, Hannah and Stan. Three grandchildren ages 13, three months and nine months
Education: OU – bachelor’s degree; and TU College of Law – J.D.
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? Onboarding the OBA’s newly hired executive director, Janet Johnson
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? Because our work is a profession, and participation in the bar association supports the profession and helps us focus on the goals of our special licenses.
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? Time crunch and stress. The OBA provides services to assist with office technology and stress management techniques and services.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? Fastcase legal research
What technology gadget could you not function without? iPhone
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? The Compleat Victory: Saratoga and the American Revolution by Kevin Weddle
MICHAEL R. VANDERBURG
Governor – District No. One
Ponca City
Background: I come from a military family and moved around when very young, but I was raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, for the majority of my youth. My family consists of my wife, Linda; two adult children, Robert Vanderburg and Lauren Manaugh; plus three grandchildren, Isaac, Cort and Ellie. Linda and I are semi-retired and live in Ponca City, where I do volunteer work, serve as a juvenile judge for municipal court and recently took up golf.
Education: A bachelor's degree in political science and a J.D., both from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? I want to see improvement in the communication between the state bar and the county bar associations, but I am also working on legislative amendments on how the court system (all levels) treats the truly indigent.
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? Lawyers frequently see people in their worst moments and in conflict situations. Volunteering allows us to help improve the lives of others without the issue of adverse litigants or the stylized conflict of courts. There can be more creativity in the problem-solving skills we already possess.
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? The biggest challenge I see is that the aging bar is not recruiting enough young people to replace the older generations of lawyers. Even now, we do not reach all the people who could benefit from legal advice. This problem is, therefore, likely to get worse rather than better.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? Widely available CLE opportunities in a variety of formats
What technology gadget could you not function without? Laptops and cell phones – no question
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? I am currently reading The 1619 Project.
JOHN E. BARBUSH
Governor – District No. Two
Durant
Background: Born in Oklahoma City. Raised in the suburbs of Chicago. Attended college on an athletic scholarship and am proud to be the first member on either side of my family to graduate from college. Returned to Oklahoma for law school, where I had the good fortune to meet my future wife. Moved from Edmond to Durant in January 2022 so my wife, Judge Amy J. Pierce, could serve the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma as the chief district court judge. We have two children: Ella, a senior, and Mac, a freshman. I enjoy watching my kids compete in their respective sports, golf and “lake life” since the relocation.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ambassador University before attending the OCU School of Law
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? To serve in such a way that the judges and attorneys who mentored and assisted me throughout my legal career would be proud
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? If those who witnessed and benefitted from the service of others to our bar association are not willing to step up when necessary, eventually the bar association as we know it will no longer exist.
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? I believe a lack of mentorship on both ends of the legal career spectrum (new attorneys having to go out on their own straight out of school who “don’t know what they don’t know” and older attorneys who are on their own who might not realize it is time to transition into a different role or retire) is one of the biggest issues the bar association is facing. I know from my time in the Bar Leadership Academy that it was an issue the OBA recognized. I hope that during my time as governor, the OBA will figure out ways to encourage collaborations between these two groups on each side of the spectrum because, to me, that seems like a possible solution. I believe the “business” of private practice is the biggest obstacle to coming up with a solution.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? The Oklahoma Bar Journal
What technology gadget could you not function without? Google Maps on my phone. I would be lost without it.
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? For All Who Love the Game by Harvey Penick. Mr. Penick is considered one of the best golf instructors in history, and he wrote this book for female golfers based on his experiences with some of the best to ever play the game. I reread it before my daughter competed in the Native Youth National Golf Championship this summer and utilized parts of it in her preparation both physically and mentally as well during the tournament, and I have no doubt that using some of Mr. Penick’s advice helped her win the championship.
S. SHEA BRACKEN
Governor – District No. Three
Edmond
Background: I grew up and graduated from high school in Stillwater. I joined the U.S. Marine Corps after high school, which included a deployment to Fallujah, Iraq. Following deployment, I completed my education and started practicing law. I work with Maples, Nix & Diesselhorst and primarily practice catastrophic injury and medical negligence cases. I have an amazing wife, Lindsay, and two wonderful daughters, Makenna and Teagan.
Education: Bachelor’s degree from OSU in 2008; J.D. from the OCU School of Law in 2011
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? To spread the word of the amazingness of the OBA and get OBA members more involved and engaged
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? It is a way to pay it forward and truly make a difference. I have been fortunate to have amazing mentors over my career who have helped me at the drop of a hat. The legal community is an amazing group that will go to great lengths to help others, and everyone truly benefits when we serve and help one another.
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? What is the appropriate dress attire for events and meetings these days?? It seems like every event or group gathering has a different type or style of dress attire – what is business casual, what is snappy casual, what is formal attire, can I wear sneakers with a suit? Is this shirt and pants appropriate? Of course, the incredible staff at the OBA are more than willing to help with anything you may ever need. If the OBA staff isn’t sure of the answer, they will find you one. You can also always reach out to any member on the OBA website and get an answer.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? The wonderful events. It is a great way to mingle and network with OBA members from all walks of life. Plus, what is better than a free lunch, free dessert or free drink!
What technology gadget could you not function without? Google Maps and Outlook Calendar. How did people know where to be and when without our phones telling us? Oh, and it is much easier to have Google tell you where and when to turn instead of trying to read printed-off directions from MapQuest while driving.
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell. It’s an excellent insight into how others think.
DUSTIN E. CONNER
Governor – District No. Four
Enid
Background: I was born and raised in Garfield County. I attended Garber schools, graduating in 2002. After law school, I came back to Garfield County to serve the community and have been with Gungoll Jackson Box & Devoll since graduating from law school. I have two daughters, Averly and Emerie, and a son, Charlie. I enjoy working with community groups, attending Oklahoma State athletic events and spending time chasing my kids to school and athletic events.
Education: Bachelor's degree from OSU in 2006; and a J.D. from the OCU School of Law in 2011
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? My goal for 2023 is to attend a local bar activity in every county that encompasses my district.
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? Our organization relies upon an active bar to continue to excel. While the employees at the bar are invaluable to the association, it takes all of us, as attorneys, to volunteer our time to serve on committees to ensure the bar is properly represented by our members and the committees and boards are active and working toward accomplishing the goals of our organization.
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? I think one challenge OBA members are encountering is the hangover from the pandemic. We’ve all seen the reduced attendance at events and the desire to stay away from the bubble.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? The community message boards for the various sections and committees. Being able to interact with other attorneys and bounce questions off others is invaluable. It also allows those with a wealth of knowledge the ability to pass that knowledge on to others.
What technology gadget could you not function without? I, like so many others, would not be able to function without my computer and the associated “gadgets” of scanners and printers.
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? Anything by Stan and Jan Berenstain
ALLYSON E. DOW
Governor – District No. Five
Norman
Background: I am from Tulsa. I currently live in Norman with my husband and two sons. I enjoy spending time with my family, going on vacation and exercising.
Education: I graduated from the OU College of Law in 2012.
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? To help serve the members of the bar association as a whole and to help bridge the gap between leadership and the general members.
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? Giving back to the community is important because it helps others learn and grow.
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? It appears that members at large are struggling with work/life balance more than ever before. The OBA is working hard to provide great content through CLE programs to help provide guidance in this area.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? The community and fellowship
What technology gadget could you not function without? My iPhone. I cannot decide if it is a blessing or a curse that I am always accessible by email.
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? The Crossing by Michael Connelly
RICHARD D. WHITE JR.
Governor – District No. Six
Tulsa
Background: I’m from Long Beach, California, and I currently reside in Broken Arrow. I’m married and have five children and 11 grandchildren.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from California State University Long Beach; J.D. from the TU College of Law
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? To work with our new executive director and other board members in transitioning to new leadership
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? To keep our bar association effective and relevant, we need talented members to serve and volunteer for the many tasks that can only be accomplished by those within our membership. Serving and volunteering bring about numerous benefits not only to those we serve but to those volunteering their services.
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? The legal profession is evolving. Technology and an ever-greater demand for resources are continuing to bring new challenges. The OBA, as the preeminent lawyers association in Oklahoma, can address these challenges and work in cooperation with others to find appropriate solutions.
What's your favorite OBA member benefit? As a member of the Board of Governors, I appreciate the opportunity to meet new members throughout the state. As a member of the OBA, I find the continuing legal education offerings to be a great benefit.
What technology gadget could you not function without? Google Maps
What's the best book you've read this year? Black Wall Street 100 by Hannibal B. Johnson
BENJAMIN R. HILFIGER
Governor – District No. Seven
Muskogee
Background: I was born in Muskogee, where I graduated from high school. I met my wife, Amber, at a singles dinner on Valentine's Day in Austin, Texas. Three months later, we were engaged. We have three kids and a dog, and we spend most of our free time at our family cabin on the Baron Fork River. I work in private practice with my father, Roger Hilfiger, and Jay Cook. I practice criminal and family law, and I am also a certified mediator.
Education: J.D. from the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law; master’s degree in energy legal studies from OCU and a BIS in multi-disciplinary studies, commerce theory with a minor in communications from OU.
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? To represent my district as best as I can
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? To provide a resource for their community
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? The abundance of technology available is overwhelming at times. The OBA can help research what is available and then provide an easier way for attorneys to read up on the latest without the worry of being sold something.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? Fastcase! Free legal research!!!
What technology gadget could you not function without? Clio app
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
NICHOLAS E. THURMAN
Governor – District No. Eight
Ada
Background: I grew up most of my life in west Texas but graduated from Weatherford High School in Oklahoma. After that, I attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where I played for the varsity basketball team. I began dating my wife, Hannah, while in law school at OCU, and she was attending the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Luckily, I was able to find an internship with the District Attorney’s Office in Honolulu, where I found my passion for prosecution. My wife, Hannah, and I, along with our two children, Faye and Booker, currently live in Ada, where I am the assistant district attorney. We enjoy traveling and being outside.
Education: I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford and then attended the OCU School of Law.
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? I hope to further the community’s understanding and knowledge of an attorney’s role, especially in a prosecutorial position, in seeking not only justice but a fair and equitable outcome that provides the best result for the victim, the community and the defendant.
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? As attorneys, we not only counsel our clients in legal matters but in life matters as well. In this role, we are meant to be quintessential examples of what truth should be, and it is our responsibility to be pillars of our community.
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? As more and more young attorneys join our ranks, there continues to be a growing disconnect between our more experienced attorneys and the incoming ones, especially in rural areas. I believe there is a strong desire in young attorneys for mentorship. As a first-generation attorney, I was unaware of the resources available for mentorship, and I don’t believe there is a strong representation by other prosecutors in the OBA for this type of mentorship. I would hope to see a stronger presence of OBA mentors in rural areas and a more positive representation of prosecution in this aspect.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? I appreciate the wide variety of CLE programs provided.
What technology gadget could you not function without? I don’t think I’m alone in saying my phone.
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? Crazy Love by Francis Chan
JANA L. KNOTT
Governor – District No. Nine
El Reno
Background: I grew up in Minco. I now live in El Reno with my husband, Brian, and our two sons, Brecken, who is eight, and Bricen, who is six. I practice at Bass Law in El Reno, where my practice focuses primarily on appellate litigation. I previously chaired the OBA Appellate Practice Section and currently serve on the Oklahoma Bar Journal Board of Editors. I am also currently serving a two-year term as president of the El Reno Public School Foundation.
Education: I spent two years in Vernon, Texas, on a softball scholarship at Vernon Junior College, where I graduated with an associate’s degree. I finished my undergraduate education at OU and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2008. I attended the OCU School of Law, where I earned my J.D. in 2011.
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? Get members involved not just in the OBA but also in their local bar associations
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? When we serve and volunteer alongside other lawyers, we get to know them as people and not just as opposing counsel in an adverse situation. Getting to know other attorneys outside of day-to-day practice helps build cordiality and professionalism, which we desperately need.
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? Burnout and mental health issues in the legal profession, which often make it difficult to retain talented individuals our profession needs. The OBA can help by continuing to raise awareness about the issues lawyers struggle with and encouraging programs like the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance Program.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? I’m a little biased because I’m on the Board of Editors, but I really enjoy the Oklahoma Bar Journal.
What technology gadget could you not function without? My Surface Pro!
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
ANGELA AILLES BAHM
Governor – At Large
Oklahoma City
Background: I was born in Berlin, Germany. My mother is German, and my father was in the Air Force. I moved a lot as a young child until our move to Altus. My husband, Mark, owns a public accounting firm. Our daughter, Isabella, works as a copywriter for an advertising firm in New York City. We love traveling, exploring new places, dining with friends and generally being outdoors.
Education: Undergraduate at OU with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a baccalaureate degree in accounting. Law school at OU
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? To help educate our membership and the public on a variety of subjects, including the value proposition of our state bar
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? Participation in the bar allows you to expand your network significantly, which is invaluable. This can turn into increased or varied business. You’ll expand your resources across the state, which in turn can benefit you and your clients. And more importantly, there are so many ways to serve your community in general, whether it is by helping to educate a legislator about the effect of a piece of proposed legislation or participating in the Oklahoma Lawyers for America’s Heroes Program. There are so many opportunities.
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? This is stressful work as a general statement. If there are ways to reduce that stress through access to tools or certain CLE programs, we want to do that.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? Courts & More – it’s a great resource
What technology gadget could you not function without? My iPhone
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? We Are All the Same in the Dark by Julia Heaberlin
TIMOTHY L. ROGERS
Governor – At Large
Tulsa
Background: I grew up in Owasso and now live in Tulsa with my wife, Christa, and my two children, Charlie (5) and Caroline (3). We love being a part of the Maple Ridge community. I am an avid fan of Premier League soccer, and when I’m not chasing kids on the weekend, I enjoy cheering on the Tottenham Hotspurs. We also wear a lot of orange in my house: “Go Pokes” was one of the first phrases uttered by both of my kids, and I’ve never been prouder. I am a shareholder at Barrow & Grimm and have been with the firm since law school. My legal practice concentrates primarily on business law with an emphasis on the construction industry. I advise and assist companies with litigation, strategy, risk management, contracts and transactions.
Education: I graduated from OSU with a Bachelor of Science in business administration in economics and from the TU College of Law with a J.D.
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? Raising awareness of the many benefits of the OBA is important to me. I am looking forward to connecting with members across Oklahoma and being an ambassador for the OBA and the many services it provides to the bar.
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? As attorneys we are equipped with specialized skills to give back, whether that means enhancing access to justice, sharing our expertise and leadership with a nonprofit, serving with the OBA or a county bar association or mentoring young lawyers. This service shines a positive light on our profession, but I’ve also found the service enhances you both personally and professionally.
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? I think in this digital age, with the demands of a busy practice, it can be hard to make time for meaningful connections. The committees and networking opportunities provided by the OBA are an incredible way to connect with peers and advance your professional expertise at the same time.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? The OBA gave me one of the biggest benefits of my life: my family. My wife and I were introduced to each other through the OBA Leadership Academy and service on the YLD board. On a professional note, the quality of educational materials produced by the OBA is unmatched. The programming is always relevant and is a huge value add to me as a practitioner. The ability to access so much of the content online and on demand makes it so convenient. It also enhances the ability of lawyers from across the state to stay current on their particular practice areas without windshield time.
What technology gadget could you not function without? I am not a huge gadget guy, so I would probably just say my phone. But if you asked my wife, she might say the ESPN app.
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? Atomic Habits by James Clear
KARA I. SMITH
Governor – At Large
Oklahoma City
Background: I was born in Oklahoma City but moved to Newalla at an early age and attended and graduated from McLoud Public Schools. Following a brief stint in private practice, I continued my legal career as a public servant, as general counsel to the Oklahoma Office of Personnel Management, as chief assistant attorney general and as chief of the Civil Rights Unit at the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office and now as general counsel with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. I am also an adjunct professor of law at the OCU School of Law. I have two grown children, Marcel (grandkids Jordan and Allayna) and Kameron (who is a junior at OSU), and two fur babies, Mojo and Travis.
Education: I received my bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in legal studies (Price College of Business) from OU in 1999 and my J.D. from the OCU School of Law in 2002.
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? To be an engaged, respected and trusted member of the OBA Board of Governors
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? Service and volunteerism are not only good for the benefactors of the service or volunteerism, but it is also good for OBA members. It allows them to be engaged, strengthens personal growth, strengthens awareness of the community, and it is simply rewarding.
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? I would say OBA members are being faced with challenges arising from changing technology due to remote and hybrid work arrangements and competition, especially for solo/small firms and outer counties. I would say the OBA does a great job already in these areas, but improvement and a more targeted approach may be new strategies the OBA should look into implementing.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? I am split between online services and networking opportunities.
What technology gadget could you not function without? Outside of my phone, I would have to say “Alexa”; what would I do without my morning weather report and music!
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? I would have to say I have not found a book that tops the Bible.
CAROLINE M. SHAFFER SIEX
Governor – YLD Chair
Tulsa
Background: I was raised most of my life in Texas, where my immediate family still resides. I proudly call Tulsa my home now. I love puzzles, true crime podcasts, watching the Dallas Cowboys, fishing and yoga. I have been enjoying three years of marriage to a fellow OBA member, Hunter Siex. We have one strong-willed and adorable son, Henry. We also have our two rescue dogs: a pit mix, Lorretta-Lynn, and a Doberman-German Shepard, Blitzkrieg (Blitz).
Education: I graduated from the University of North Texas in 2010 with a bachelor’s degrees in psychology and political science. After college, I became a paralegal working in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. I was a “Half L” at the TU College of Law, where I graduated in December 2016.
What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? I want to problem-solve boundaries of involvement with young lawyers and bridge more connections between non-YLD and YLD members.
Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? We want to maintain the integrity of our bar. Without the support from members serving, we cannot thrive as a community.
What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? I feel we are still feeling the effects of the pandemic, and that is harmful to our new bar members. I want to get back to successful member events to reconnect with networking. There is a large group of new bar members who lost out on opportunities I enjoyed.
What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? The CLE programs
What technology gadget could you not function without? My iPhone
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal – OBJ 94 Vol 1 (January 2023)