THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL 76 | AUGUST 2025 Thurman reported the Bench and Bar Committee has its next meeting scheduled. Governor Knott reported the Legislative Monitoring Committee held its annual OBA Day at the Capitol event in March, and it was well attended. Governor Dodoo said the Law Schools Committee has completed its annual tours of the state’s three law schools, and the committee’s report is expected soon. PRESIDENT WILLIAMS’ APPOINTMENTS The board approved a motion to approve the following appointments: Clients’ Security Fund Committee – President Williams appoints Jennifer M. Castillo, Oklahoma City, as a member with a term beginning April 18, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2027. Governor Barbush moved and President-Elect Peckio seconded to approve the appointment. Motion passed. Professional Responsibility Tribunal (PRT) – President Williams appoints retired Judge Daniel Lee Crawford, Sand Springs, as a member with a term beginning July 1, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2028. Governor Venus moved and Governor Rogers seconded to approve the appointment. Motion passed. President Williams also made the following appointments that did not require board approval: Audit Committee – President Williams appoints Philip D. Hixon, Tulsa, as chairperson with a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2025. Standing Committee – Civil Procedure and Evidence Code – President Williams reappoints Spencer Tracy Habluetzel, Wheatland, as chairperson with a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2025. Standing Committee – Bench and Bar Committee – President Williams reappoints Judge Richard Ogden, Oklahoma City, and Leah Rudnicki, Oklahoma City, as co-chairpersons with terms beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2025. He appoints Judge Thad Balkman, Norman, and Patrick Lane, Oklahoma City, as co-vice chairpersons with terms beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2025. Standing Committee – Rules of Professional Conduct – President Williams reappoints Judge Thad Balkman, Norman, as chairperson with a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2025. COMMISSION TO ACT ON GRIEVANCE PER RULE 3.3 (B)(2) OF THE RULES GOVERNING DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS The board approved a motion to approve President Williams’ appointment of a special three-member commission to act on a grievance filed against a member of the Professional Responsibility Commission. The three appointees are Kimberly Hays, Tulsa; James T. Stuart, Shawnee; and M. Joe Crosthwait Jr., Midwest City. PROPOSED LEGAL DESERT OUTREACH Discussion took place regarding specific actions board members have taken to address ongoing issues in their local impacted areas. President Williams asked the board to continue providing written reports of actions to him for further follow-up, outreach and membership communications. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTMENT Executive Director Johnson appoints Kristie D. Scivally, Oklahoma City, to the State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision with a term beginning July 1, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2028. UPCOMING OBA AND COUNTY BAR EVENTS – 2025 President Williams reviewed upcoming bar-related events and activities involving the Board of Governors, including the New Attorney Admission Ceremony scheduled for April 29 at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, the statewide celebration of Law Day on May 1 and the Sheep Creek event in Pontotoc County on June 4. The Oklahoma Bar Association Board of Governors met May 16. REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT President Williams reported he attended the April meeting of the Bench and Bar Committee, began drafting his next President’s Message for the Oklahoma Bar Journal and continued to work on appointments. He worked on legal desert letters to mayors of 15 county seats and attended the Court of Criminal Appeals celebration, where he presented a congratulatory message to Judge Gary Lumpkin for over 50 years of service as an Oklahoma lawyer. He attended the new lawyer swearing- in ceremony and presented a congratulatory message to the new admittees. He provided Law Day theme materials for the speaker at the Cleveland County Bar Association Law Day Luncheon
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