Volunteer lawyers from across the state gathered in August at the Donald W. Reynolds Library in Durant to help area veterans, first responders and emergency personnel with their wills and estate planning needs during a Wills for Heroes event coordinated by the Young Lawyers Division.

It’s already time to announce our slate of candidates for the 2026 YLD Board of Directors. We are back to our regularly scheduled programming elections with the return of the OBA Annual Meeting to November! I can't believe the year has gone by so quickly, and we are already looking forward to next year. I have truly enjoyed serving as your YLD chair this year and am excited to see what the last few months and next year bring. I want to take a moment to remind you that any OBA member who has been practicing for 10 years or fewer is automatically part of the OBA Young Lawyers Division.

The YLD has a Board of Directors who, after qualifying with nominating petitions, run for each district and/or at-large seat. Each lawyer is a volunteer who wants to work to serve other YLD members. The YLD is an important division of the state bar that gives new lawyers an avenue to gain leadership experience, network with more seasoned attorneys, get involved in service projects and so much more. The YLD board plays the important role of leading the division and deciding what events and service projects it will spearhead from year to year. Each officer serves a one-year term, and members of the Board of Directors serve two-year terms.

I encourage you to get to know your YLD board members. Your board members, particularly your district representatives, serve as your voice – your connection to the statewide bar association. If you see a need in your district, let your representative know. You can make a difference. And I encourage you to consider running for a leadership position in the future!

On the following pages, you will find the list of 2026 leadership candidates. Nominating petitions were accepted through Aug. 15. I love the desire to serve the YLD community with the contested election we get to experience this year! Per the YLD bylaws, “Those offices that are not contested will be deemed elected by acclamation.” You can read more about the election process at www.okbar.org/yld.

In conjunction with this year's OBA Annual Meeting, the YLD Board of Directors will also host a meeting where your new YLD officers and directors will be announced. As a YLD member, you are invited and encouraged to attend. This is an excellent opportunity to greet your new YLD board, get to know your fellow YLD members and hear what goes on in the YLD board meetings if you are unfamiliar. Make plans now to attend the OBA Annual Meeting and the YLD board meeting this November at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel. This will be a great chance to network with other attorneys from across the state and, of course, get more involved with your YLD!