THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL 44 | OCTOBER 2025 2025 OBA AWARDS The following awards will be presented during the Annual Awards Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 6. YVONNE KAUGER TRAILBLAZER AWARD Justice Yvonne Kauger, Colony Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Kauger, who retired in 2024, has opened doors for women in the legal community and has set an example for the profession throughout her career. From serving as the first female staff attorney at the Oklahoma Supreme Court to founding The Sovereignty Symposium, she has greatly impacted not only the profession but the state as a whole. She is regarded as greatly influential on the course of the law in Oklahoma and revered by the community for the paths she has blazed in and out of the courtroom. She put herself through the OCU School of Law and graduated first in her class in 1969. She was hired as the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s first female staff attorney in 1972 and was appointed by Gov. George Nigh as only the second woman named to one of Oklahoma’s highest courts in 1984. She was the first woman to serve as vice chief justice and chief justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, and she was the last chief justice to address a joint session of the Legislature on the state of the judiciary. Justice Kauger has made her mark on the legal profession, including directing the implementation of the Oklahoma Supreme Court Network and overseeing the development of the highest court’s official website and universal citation system. She has been a mentor to many, making a difference in their lives and careers. Her honors include being inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame, named a distinguished alumna by OCU and Southwestern Oklahoma State University, recognized as the Red Earth Ambassador of the Year, adopted by the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes of Oklahoma and twice commended with the Governor’s Arts Award, among countless other awards and honors. AWARD OF JUDICIAL EXCELLENCE Judge Theresa Dreiling, Tulsa Judge Theresa Dreiling has honorably served Oklahoma’s courts throughout her distinguished career, first as a clerk for the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals and then as a special judge in Tulsa County since 2007. Over her 18 years on the bench, she has exemplified the qualities of fairness, patience and integrity that define the judiciary. Every advocate and litigant who has appeared before her received thoughtful attention and a fair hearing, whether represented by counsel or appearing pro se. Judge Dreiling has dedicated her career to public service. She is regarded by the legal community as generous with her time, mentoring others and sharing her knowledge in CLE programs and other bar association activities. Through her exemplary character, professional achievement and dedication to public service, Judge Dreiling has strengthened both the bench and the bar while making a meaningful difference in her community. LIBERTY BELL AWARD Judy Spencer, Oklahoma City Judy Spencer has been instrumental in the Oklahoma High School Mock Trial Program since its inception in 1980. Beginning as a participant coach and later serving for many years as the statewide mock trial program coordinator, she has devoted decades of service to inspiring young people and promoting understanding of the legal system. For many, Ms. Spencer is the first name that comes to mind when
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