Governance & Membership
Clink a link in the drop-down menu below to access past President's Messages
2026 President's Messages
America at 250: The Legal Profession's Golden Moment To Celebrate and Reflect
May 2026
This July 4, the United States will observe the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. For those of us in the legal profession, the 2026 U.S. semiquincentennial invites more than celebration. It also calls for reflection, particularly on how our country’s legal framework gives life to its promises. For us, it is a reminder of our enduring responsibility: to preserve and strengthen the rule of law in a system founded two and a half centuries ago on the revolutionary idea that all people are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights.
‘The Rule of Law and the American Dream’
The OBA Gears Up for Law Day 2026
April 2026
Every year on May 1, our nation observes the annual celebration of Law Day, an event with roots right here in Oklahoma. For OBA members, it is not just a date on the calendar; it is an opportunity to reflect on a principle that shapes nearly every part of our daily lives – the rule of law. This year’s Law Day theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream,” reminds us that the rule of law is not an abstract concept reserved for courtrooms or law school textbooks. It is the framework that makes the promises of the American experiment possible.
March 2026
Have you ever found yourself unsure how to proceed when a possible conflict arises or some other potentially thorny situation presents itself? The OBA Standards of Professionalism[1] are a resource all Oklahoma lawyers should know about. Twenty years ago, the Board of Governors adopted the standards to set expectations for attorney behavior that go far beyond the minimum legal requirements, emphasizing honesty, civility and service as central pillars of legal practice. The standards outline how lawyers should conduct themselves with the public, clients, courts and other lawyers. They offer a framework for elevating professionalism in a system that relies on trust, respect and ethical conduct, representing the level of behavior we expect from each other and the public expects from us.
February 2026
As lawyers, we know all too well that the general public typically associates the legal profession with litigation. I am the first to admit that there are some (often great!) legal dramas, both fictional and nonfictional, played out on movie screens, TV shows and podcasts that tend to cultivate that perception. Even our friends and family may not fully understand that the true impact of lawyers is found in our daily work as advocates, problem-solvers, educators and civic leaders. So, while the work we do in courtrooms is significant, we lawyers also play a vital role in the health and stability of our communities, often in ways that extend far beyond courtrooms and legal briefs.
January 2026
It is my pleasure to extend warm greetings to each member of our bar association as we begin 2026. A new year offers a fresh beginning – an opportunity to reflect on the profession we share, our responsibilities as lawyers and the community we build together. It is also a fitting time to look ahead with optimism and purpose, especially as we anticipate the many opportunities for leadership and service that await us in the coming year.