THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL 4 | FEBRUARY 2026 communities where few, if any, lawyers are practicing or where the previous generation of “small town” lawyers are getting set to retire. I look forward to sharing more about the work of this initiative as it gets underway in 2026! Lawyers also serve as critical problem- solvers during moments of conflict or crisis. Families facing divorce, tenants confronting eviction, entrepreneurs starting new businesses and victims seeking protection all turn to lawyers for clarity and stability. By providing sound legal advice early, lawyers often prevent disputes from escalating into prolonged or costly conflicts. This ability to resolve problems efficiently benefits not only individual clients but also courts, businesses and communities. Another essential function lawyers serve is protecting the rule of law. A community’s trust in its institutions depends on the fair and consistent application of laws. We help maintain that trust by holding governments, corporations and individuals accountable. Whether drafting contracts, advising public bodies or challenging unlawful actions, we contribute to a system where rules are known, enforced and respected. That predictability is fundamental to economic development, civic engagement and public confidence. The influence of lawyers frequently extends beyond legal representation. Many attorneys volunteer their time and expertise by serving on nonprofit boards, advising community organizations, coaching youth teams or mentoring students. Our understanding of (continued on page 63) AS LAWYERS, WE KNOW ALL TOO WELL THAT the general public typically associates the legal profession with litigation. I am the first to admit that there are some (often great!) legal dramas, both fictional and nonfictional, played out on movie screens, TV shows and podcasts that tend to cultivate that perception. Even our friends and family may not fully understand that the true impact of lawyers is found in our daily work as advocates, problem-solvers, educators and civic leaders. So, while the work we do in courtrooms is significant, we lawyers also play a vital role in the health and stability of our communities, often in ways that extend far beyond courtrooms and legal briefs. At its core, the legal profession exists to promote access to justice. The law is often complex, intimidating and out of reach for many people without guidance. Lawyers help bridge that gap by explaining rights, navigating procedures and advocating for fair outcomes. Through private representation, legal aid and pro bono work, lawyers ensure the justice system functions not just in theory but in practice. Communities are stronger when residents believe their rights are protected and their voices heard. To that end, I am very pleased to announce the formation of the new OBA Legal Desert Task Force, to be led by OBA PresidentElect Jana Knott. The task force will carry forward the work that began under 2025 OBA President Ken Williams to ensure access to legal services in rural Oklahoma Beyond the Courtroom: The Power of Lawyers in Everyday Life From the President By Amber Peckio Amber Peckio is a solo practitioner with the Amber Law Group of Tulsa. 918-895-7216 amber@amberlawgroup.com
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