THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL 88 | AUGUST 2025 Young Lawyers Division Upcoming Elections for the YLD’s Future Leaders By Laura R. Talbert SUMMER IS IN FULL SWING in Oklahoma, meaning long days, warm nights and a full calendar – from afternoons at the pool and backyard barbecues to lake weekends and vacations. But amid all the fun, there’s another event young lawyers shouldn’t overlook: elections for the 2026 Young Lawyers Division Board of Directors. As the year nears an end, the YLD is looking to the future. The new Board of Directors will drive the division forward by serving communities across the state, volunteering for those in need and guiding new lawyers. If you’re a dedicated young lawyer, we encourage you to participate. If you were first admitted to the practice of law in the past 10 years and are in good standing, congratulations – you’re already a member of the YLD. There’s no separate registration and no additional dues. What you can do, though, is take a more active role by submitting nominating petitions for the upcoming elections. Each year, the YLD elects a new Board of Directors, made up of volunteer attorneys from across the state. These individuals serve as advocates for their fellow young lawyers by planning events, offering support and shaping the direction of YLD programming in their districts. But most importantly, they represent the young lawyers’ voices. By stepping up to run for a vacancy, you have the chance to make a meaningful impact on your district and potentially change the trajectory of its future. So before summer winds down, take a moment to consider throwing your name into the ring. A little involvement now could lead to bigger opportunities for your practice, your connections and your community. In the sidebar is a list of vacancies for 2026. Nominating petitions will be accepted through Aug. 15. Those offices that are contested will be set for voting, and ballots will be sent by email. Those offices that are not contested will be deemed elected by acclamation. NOMINATING PROCEDURE Article 5 of the division bylaws requires that any eligible member wishing to run for office must submit a nominating petition to the Nominating Committee. The petition must be signed by at least 10 members of the OBA YLD and must be submitted by Aug. 15 at 5 p.m. A separate petition must be filed for each opening, except that a petition for a directorship shall be valid for one-year and two-year terms and at-large positions. A person must be eligible for division membership for the entire term for which elected. ELIGIBILITY All OBA members in good standing who were admitted to the practice of law 10 years ago or less are members of the OBA YLD. Membership is automatic – if you were first admitted to the practice of law in 2015 or later, you are a member of the OBA YLD! ELECTION PROCEDURE Article 5 of the division bylaws governs the election procedure. In September, a list of all eligible candidates will be published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal. Ballots will be emailed around Oct. 1 to all YLD members at the email address in the official OBA roster. All members of the division may vote for officers and at-large directorships. Only those members with OBA roster addresses within a subject judicial district may vote for that district’s director. The members of the Nominating Committee shall only vote in the event of a tie. For additional information, see the OBA YLD bylaws at www.okbar.org/yld/bylaws. DEADLINE Nominating petitions, accompanied by a photo and a bio of 350 words or less for publication in the Oklahoma Bar Journal, must be forwarded to lrtalbert@gmail.com no later than Friday, Aug. 15. Results of the election will be announced at the YLD meeting during the OBA Annual Meeting, Nov. 6-7 at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel. TIPS FROM THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR Visit https://bit.ly/4f94S10 for a sample nominating petition. This will help give you an idea of the format and information required by OBA YLD bylaws (one is also available from
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