THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL 64 | FEBRUARY 2026 Oklahoma Bar Foundation News From the OBF President AS I BEGIN MY TERM AS president of the Oklahoma Bar Foundation, I do so with a clear appreciation for the responsibilities entrusted to the foundation and for its longstanding role in supporting access to justice across Oklahoma. My early work in publishing provided a practical understanding of how legal frameworks protect interests and facilitate informed decision- making, ultimately leading me to pursue a career in the law. Later, my service as chairperson of the OBA Young Lawyers Division reinforced the importance of public service and demonstrated the value of sustained engagement in our professional community. That experience, and the lasting relationships formed through it, continues to inform my commitment to the foundation’s mission and to the broader responsibilities we share as members of the legal profession. This year marks the OBF’s 80th anniversary, a milestone that underscores both the progress made and the responsibility ahead. What began as a modest effort to support law-related issues has grown into a statewide leader in funding programs that expand access to justice. The generosity of Oklahoma lawyers over eight decades has strengthened our endowment and enabled the foundation to support organizations whose work reaches thousands of individuals each year. As we honor this legacy, we also look to the future: ensuring sound stew- ardship of our resources, strengthening our partnerships and maintaining the stability of our annual grantmaking for the long term. The organizations we support best demonstrate the foundation’s impact. Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma provides essential civil legal assistance to vulnerable individuals across the state. Oklahoma Lawyers for Families and Children ensures that abused and neglected youth receive the advocacy they deserve. Numerous youth justice, diversion and legal education programs create avenues for accountability, understanding and second chances. Community organizations funded by the OBF work to improve access to the courts, assist individuals navigating legal processes and expand legal literacy in meaningful and practical ways. Celebrating 80 Years of Impact and Continuing to Expand Access to Justice Statewide By M. Courtney Briggs CASA of Oklahoma County Executive Director Kim Vanbebber (left) presents the organization’s Community Impact Award to the Oklahoma Bar Foundation, represented by OBF President M. Courtney Briggs, Executive Director Renee DeMoss and Director of Grant Services and Communications Jessi Hesami.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTk3MQ==