There is something about spring that invites renewal. The days grow longer, the light lingers, and we find ourselves ready to open the windows and begin again. In the legal profession, spring offers more than a change in season; it offers a renewed opportunity to serve.

For lawyers, service is not an extracurricular activity; it is woven into our professional identity. As we look toward the coming months, several upcoming events on the OBA calendar offer meaningful, practical ways to make that commitment visible.

MAY 1: LAW DAY – THE RULE OF LAW AND THE AMERICAN DREAM

Law Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is an opportunity to engage directly with the public about the rule of law, the Constitution, and the role lawyers play in safeguarding both. It is always worth noting that this nationally celebrated event has its roots right here in Oklahoma!

Participating in a Law Day event can mean speaking to students, volunteering at a legal clinic, or participating in our annual Ask A Lawyer event by answering phone calls and responding to email questions from the public. This statewide event, now in its 50th year, demonstrates that the legal profession is accessible, thoughtful, and grounded in service. It allows us to model professionalism and answer questions that might otherwise go unasked. Just as importantly, it reminds us why we entered this profession in the first place: to help people navigate systems that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

Please check out page 55 to learn how to volunteer for this year’s Ask A Lawyer event.

NOV. 11: HEROES DAY – SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED

Please mark your calendars and save the date for the inaugural Nov. 11 celebration of Heroes Day, a new event for the OBA that will coincide with Veterans Day. This volunteer opportunity will provide another powerful avenue for engagement and service. Many veterans and military service members encounter legal issues ranging from benefits and housing to family law and estate planning. Often, these individuals are reluctant to seek help or are unsure of where to begin.

For those who have honorably served our nation, access to competent legal guidance is not a luxury; it is a necessity. A few hours of your time can make a profound difference. Offering brief advice, reviewing documents, or simply pointing someone in the right direction can alleviate uncertainty and prevent minor issues from becoming major crises. More information on how to volunteer for Heroes Day 2026 will be coming soon, so please stay on the lookout!

FREE LEGAL ANSWERS: BRIDGING THE RURAL JUSTICE GAP

Access to justice challenges are particularly acute in rural communities. Geographic distance, limited attorney availability, and economic barriers can leave individuals without meaningful options when legal issues arise. Programs like Oklahoma Free Legal Answers help bridge that gap. Whether you practice in a large city or a small town, technology allows you to extend your reach. Responding to online questions, participating in a remote clinic, or traveling to a designated rural event can provide critical guidance to individuals who might otherwise go without counsel entirely.

For many lawyers, pro bono service in rural settings offers a refreshing perspective. It reminds us that behind every statute and procedural rule is a person seeking clarity, stability, or peace of mind. These interactions are often concise but impactful, and they reaffirm the tangible value of our training and experience.

Signing up as a program volunteer is easy! To register online, visit oklahoma.freelegalanswers.org and click "Attorney Registration." FAQs for volunteer attorneys are also available. Once your membership is verified, you can log in at any time and browse questions in a variety of practice areas. For more information, reach out to OBA MAP Director Julie Bays, julieb@okbar.org, who facilitates this program for Oklahoma lawyers.

A PROFESSIONAL GOAL AND A PERSONAL RENEWAL

Volunteering at these events is also an opportunity to connect with colleagues across practice areas and generations. The shared experience of service strengthens our professional community and reinforces the values that unite us. Pro bono work benefits the public, but it also benefits us. It sharpens skills, broadens perspectives, and reinforces our professional purpose. It strengthens public confidence in the legal system and demonstrates that lawyers are committed to more than billable hours.

This spring, consider setting a concrete goal: volunteer at a Law Day/Ask A Lawyer event, sign up for Heroes Day, or answer a set number of questions through Oklahoma Free Legal Answers. Invite a colleague or mentor a younger lawyer by volunteering together. Encourage your firm or office to participate.

As the season changes, let us all spring into action by renewing our shared commitment to service. The rule of law depends not only on courts and statutes but also on lawyers willing to give their time and expertise. Spring is a natural time to begin again, and there is no better way to do so than by stepping forward to serve.