Well, here we are again – another new year. We always start with the best of intentions: make resolutions, set new goals, become the best possible version of ourselves. I know; I try every year, and by now, you’ve seen a few articles from me on that front.

But here is at least one worthy resolution I promise you will actually enjoy sticking to: Resolve to come to at least one of our regular OBA CLE Movie Nights at the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 2025. Our members who attend these events can always expect an informative and entertaining experience where you will gain valuable insight into the legal landscape through the cinematic lens.

Past events have included movies from the hilarious – like My Cousin Vinny and Legally Blonde – to the serious – such as Blossoms in the Dust, a 1941 film depicting the true story of Edna Gladney, a woman who helped orphaned children find homes and began a campaign to remove the word "illegitimate" from Texas birth certificates. After a screening of each featured movie, the justices, judges, practitioners and subject matter experts who serve as panelists engage the audience and dissect the film and the legal concepts it presents in meaningful and thought-provoking ways. Attendance at these events is always a treat for the eyes and the mind.

Panelists discuss “The Judge,” an episode of the TV show Matlock, during a recent OBA Movie Night at the Oklahoma Judicial Center. Chief Justice M. John Kane IV served as moderator, donning a trench coat inspired by the episode. Panelists were (from left) David Prater, former Oklahoma County district attorney; Taylor Henderson, director, Oklahoma Council on Judicial Complaints; and Trevor Pemberton, former judge, Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals. 

And did I mention these events are free? I should also add that nearly every Movie Night includes at least 1 hour of ethics MCLE credit. There is truly no downside – except that attendance is limited, and these events always fill up quickly due to high demand. So you should also resolve to register early if you would like to join us – and we hope you will!

Our next OBA CLE Movie Night will be Adam’s Rib. While the date for this event is still being determined, I can tell you that a solid panel has been assembled. We will be hearing from Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond as well as several former state attorneys general: Mike Turpen, Drew Edmondson and Mike Hunter. As always, Justice M. John Kane IV will serve as our moderator. I am also excited to share that recently retired Justice Yvonne Kauger, who has been a driving force in planning these events and assembling these terrific panels, has pledged to stay involved on a volunteer basis to keep our regularly scheduled programs going.

Now, I know many of us aren’t thinking of CLE at this time of year, so here’s an additional New Year’s resolution for you to consider: getting a head start on earning your MCLE credit. Make this the year you avoid that last-minute scramble. With outstanding events like our Movie Nights in the works, the OBA is ready to support you in keeping your resolutions in 2025.

To contact Executive Director Johnson, email her at janetj@okbar.org.