AUGUST 2025 | 79 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL Trevillion reported the Access to Justice Committee is discussing how AI solutions might assist in delivering legal services to the public. Governor Dodoo said the Bench and Bar Committee is reviewing jury instructions. STRIKES AND SUSPENSIONS FOR FAILURE TO PAY DUES AND/OR COMPLY WITH MCLE REQUIREMENTS Executive Director Johnson explained the process of suspension and strike orders, advising that notice to show cause is mailed, followed by diligent efforts to contact each person on the list before the application is filed with the court. PRESIDENT WILLIAMS’ 2025 APPOINTMENTS The board passed motions to approve the following appointments: Professional Responsibility Tribunal (PRT) – President Williams reappoints Sarah Christine Green, Oklahoma City; Richard D. White Jr., Tulsa; Malinda S. Matlock, Oklahoma City; and Kendall Anne Sykes, Oklahoma City, as members with terms beginning June 1, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2028. Clients’ Security Fund Layperson – President Williams reappoints Austin Siegenthaler, Grand Bank, Tulsa, as layperson with a term expiring Dec. 31, 2027. Clients’ Security Fund Committee – President Williams reappoints Sawmon Yousefzadeh Davani, Norman; Leslie Karin Brier, Tulsa; and Dietmar K. Caudle, Lawton, as members with terms expiring Dec. 31, 2027. MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024 Executive Director Johnson reviewed a recent statistical analysis of the OBA membership, which now totals more than 19,000 members. The document breaks down membership by categories – such as active classification, age, gender, geographical area and years of practice – to help the association best assess the needs of Oklahoma lawyers. UPCOMING OBA AND COUNTY BAR EVENTS – 2025 President Williams reviewed upcoming bar-related events and activities involving the Board of Governors, including the Sheep Creek Event at the Oak Hills Golf and Country Club in Ada on June 4, the Solo & Small Firm Conference at the OKANA Resort in Oklahoma City on July 16-18 and the Tulsa County Bar Association and Bar Foundation Annual Meeting in Tulsa on Aug. 21. The Oklahoma Bar Association Board of Governors met June 27. REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT President Williams reported he continued work on presidential appointments and nominations and attended the Pittsburg County Bar Association reception, Law Day celebration, awards meeting and dinner and the LeFlore County Bar Association reception, Law Day celebration and awards luncheon. He virtually attended the OBA Technology Committee and Member Engagement Committee joint meeting regarding a potential upgrade of the OBA’s website and attended the retirement party for OBA Management Assistance Program Director Jim Calloway. He coordinated a presentation of the “State of the OBA” speech for the Oklahoma Judicial Conference. He worked on the agenda for the Annual Meeting and plans for speakers, confirmed the reservation for the Board of Governors pre-meeting before its December meeting and virtually attended the Membership Engagement Committee meeting. He attended the swearing-in ceremony for Justice Travis Jett and the Board of Governors pre-meeting event and chaired the Board of Governors Executive Committee meeting. He sent letters to the 15 counties in the state with the lowest attorney population regarding collaboration to encourage attorneys to relocate there to alleviate “legal deserts.” He reported he has heard back from officials in Harper County, who are interested in opening a dialogue. REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT President-Elect Peckio reported she worked on president-elect appointments and a vice president nomination. She attended the Pittsburg County Bar Association reception, Law Day celebration, awards meeting and dinner and the LeFlore County Bar Association reception, Law Day celebration and awards reception. She attended the swearing-in ceremony for Justice Travis Jett, the Board of Governors dinner and the Executive Committee meeting. REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT Vice President White reported he attended the monthly Tulsa County Bar Association meeting and presented the professionalism moment. He attended the swearing-in ceremony for Justice Travis Jett and the Professional Responsibility Tribunal Annual Meeting.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTk3MQ==