Beyond the Courtroom: The Power of Lawyers in Everyday Life

By Amber Peckio

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.

At its core, the legal profession exists to promote access to justice. The law is often complex, intimidating and out of reach for many people without guidance. Lawyers help bridge that gap by explaining rights, navigating procedures and advocating for fair outcomes. Through private representation, legal aid and pro bono work, lawyers ensure the justice system functions not just in theory but in practice. Communities are stronger when residents believe their rights are protected and their voices heard. To that end, I am very pleased to announce the formation of the new OBA Legal Desert Task Force, to be led by OBA President-Elect Jana Knott. The task force will carry forward the work that began under 2025 OBA President Ken Williams to ensure access to legal services in rural Oklahoma communities where few, if any, lawyers are practicing or where the previous generation of “small town” lawyers are getting set to retire. I look forward to sharing more about the work of this initiative as it gets underway in 2026!

Lawyers also serve as critical problem-solvers during moments of conflict or crisis. Families facing divorce, tenants confronting eviction, entrepreneurs starting new businesses and victims seeking protection all turn to lawyers for clarity and stability. By providing sound legal advice early, lawyers often prevent disputes from escalating into prolonged or costly conflicts. This ability to resolve problems efficiently benefits not only individual clients but also courts, businesses and communities.

Another essential function lawyers serve is protecting the rule of law. A community’s trust in its institutions depends on the fair and consistent application of laws. We help maintain that trust by holding governments, corporations and individuals accountable. Whether drafting contracts, advising public bodies or challenging unlawful actions, we contribute to a system where rules are known, enforced and respected. That predictability is fundamental to economic development, civic engagement and public confidence.

The influence of lawyers frequently extends beyond legal representation. Many attorneys volunteer their time and expertise by serving on nonprofit boards, advising community organizations, coaching youth teams or mentoring students. Our understanding of governance, compliance and risk management strengthens local institutions that rely on volunteer leadership. In these roles, lawyers help ensure that community organizations can focus on their missions without being undermined by legal uncertainty.

Finally, lawyers are educators and trusted public resources. Through workshops, articles, presentations and informal conversations, lawyers help demystify the law for the people it affects every day. Explaining changes in statutes, clarifying legal obligations or dispelling common misconceptions empowers community members to make informed decisions. This educational role reduces fear of the legal system and encourages lawful, proactive behavior. The OBA’s May 1 celebration of Law Day and its annual, concurrent Ask A Lawyer community service project are the perfect opportunity for Oklahoma lawyers to put words into action and serve in that educational role! Be on the lookout for this year’s volunteer sign-up information in your local area.

To sum it all up, in an era when public trust in institutions is often strained, the presence of engaged, ethical lawyers matters more than ever. By expanding access to justice, solving problems, upholding the rule of law, supporting civic life and educating the public, lawyers contribute to communities that are fairer, more resilient and better equipped to meet future challenges. Our work may not always be visible, but our impact is enduring.

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Originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal – OBJ 97 Vol 2 (February 2026).

Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.