APRIL 2026 | 61 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL knowledge and tools to help navigate new challenges and opportunities in their daily practice, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation and ethical responsibility. The conference, scheduled for June 17-19, represents an evolution from the longtime Solo & Small Firm Conference. While solo and small firm lawyers will continue to find the programming highly relevant, the Midyear Conference is designed to serve a broader cross-section of the profession. The sessions are intentionally varied so that attorneys from many practice settings – such as private firms, government offices and in-house roles – can find practical insights to bring back to their practices. CONFERENCE SESSION HIGHLIGHTS U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason Robertson: Ethics of AI and Integrity in Legal Practice One of the most anticipated sessions of the conference will feature U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason Robertson of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Judge Robertson will present a plenary program titled “Ethics of AI: Optional Technology. Mandatory Integrity.” The session follows an order issued by Judge Robertson in October 2025 that quickly gained national attention for its thoughtful discussion of generative artificial intelligence and the responsibilities of lawyers using these tools. In the order, the court addressed a series of filings containing fabricated and inaccurate citations and used the opportunity to explain the continuing ethical duties that apply when attorneys rely on emerging technologies. As Judge Robertson wrote in the order, “This ruling is not about technology. It is about trust.” The opinion emphasizes that while generative tools may assist lawyers in drafting, the duty to verify, review and stand behind every statement made in a filing remains firmly with the attorney. Judge Robertson’s plenary session will further explore these themes and offer practical guidance on how lawyers can responsibly integrate AI into their practices while maintaining the professional standards that courts and clients expect. You can learn more about the judge’s order in my December 2025 Oklahoma Bar Journal article, “‘It Is About Trust’: What an Oklahoma Magistrate Judge’s Order Teaches Us About AI, Advocacy and Professional Courage.”1 Herb Rubenstein, Thursday Morning Plenary Speaker Another highly anticipated speaker will be Herb Rubenstein, attorney, author and PGA golf professional. During the opening plenary session on Thursday, Mr. Rubenstein will speak on lawyering in the here and now. He will also discuss mentoring in the legal profession during a second session during the conference. Mr. Rubenstein's sessions are sponsored by Phillips Murrah, an Oklahoma law firm dedicated to cultivating relationships and providing mentorship opportunities. Practical Sessions for Today’s Law Practice Beyond the plenary session, the conference will feature a wide range of breakout sessions designed to address everyday challenges in modern law practice. Technology and innovation will be prominent themes. Lawyers who are beginning to explore artificial intelligence tools can attend “AI:
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