JANUARY 2026 | 93 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL KUDOS Justice Philip H. Viles has received the 2025 AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors. This award recognizes outstanding Native American elders who are making a powerful difference and inspiring others to serve in ways that are consistent with the AARP’s mission and vision. Justice Viles received his J.D. from the TU College of Law. He has served as justice and chief justice on the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court, a bank trust officer, a small business owner, a board member for banks and financial services firms and the director of annual giving at TU, among other positions throughout his career. He has been a frequent speaker on Native American topics at conferences and has published extensively on Native American matters in law journals and books. Justice Viles, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, was recognized with five military decorations from the United States, two from the Republic of Vietnam and one from the Cherokee Nation. He is a life member of Disabled American Veterans. AT THE PODIUM Kimberly Lambert Love and Ashley F. Vinson recently spoke at the annual Tulsa Area Human Resources Association Employment Law and Practices Seminar. Attendees included human resources professionals and employment attorneys. Ms. Love presented on the topic of employer dress codes and religious accommodations, providing advice on responding to employee requests for religious accommodations. Ms. Vinson presented on accommodating religious observances and practices, providing advice on an employer’s burden since the Supreme Court ruling in Groff v. DeJoy. Ms. Love focuses her practice on employment law, including litigating class action suits and claims of discrimination, harassment and retaliation. She conducts internal investigations into employee workplace complaints as both a company advisor and a neutral investigator, advises clients on best workplace practices and conducts staff training covering a range of employment issues. Ms. Vinson focuses her practice on corporate litigation and employment law. She assists employers in conducting internal investigations into employee complaints, providing thorough, impartial assessments to guide appropriate corrective action and mitigate potential liability. She also advises on other employment matters, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigations and citation proceedings. Marty Ludlum spoke to the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association in Oklahoma City, providing two hours of continuing education on the topics of Federal Trade Commission regulation and the ethical requirements of a professional.
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