Women in Law: A Look Back Patricia M. Hoebel

Patricia M Hoebel, once described by her colleagues as a "good and dedicated judge with an acute legal mind," made many contributions as a lawyer and a judge.

She worked as a legal secretary for the firm of Rosenstein, Fist & Ringold for 16 1/2 years. Ms. Hoebel was a charter member of the Tulsa County Association of Legal Secretaries and later served as president. In 1966, she was named Tulsa County legal "Secretary of the Year."

With her eye on her goal, Patricia Hoebel attended the University of Tulsa at night for 12 years to obtain her undergraduate and law degrees. After her graduation, she became an associate in the Rosenstein, Fist & Ringold firm. In 1972, she left private practice to become second deputy to District Court Clerk, Don Austin.

In 1974, Ms. Hoebel was appointed a Special District Judge in Tulsa County The following year, Governor David Boren appointed her a District Judge for Tulsa andPawneeCounties,onlythesecondwomantobeso appointed in Tulsa, following Judge Margaret Lamm. She was assigned to the Family Relations Division where she heard divorce and child custody cases. She was later assigned to the Civil Division.

From 1971 until 1976, Pat Hoebel served on theTulsa County Draft Board.

Judge Hoebel's love of the law never waned. When she was diagnosed with cancer, she kept her focus and remained devoted to the law, and even filed to run for another term as a District Judge twoweeks before her death in 1982. ADistrict Court colleague described Judge Hoebel as "a brilliant jurist - her level-headedness was one of her finest attributes. In addition to her judicial talent, she was an exceedingly personable individual She was conscientious and kind." Judge M.M. McDougal stated: "Judge Hoebel's death is a great loss not only to this court, but to the whole judicial system. She was tops and was respected and loved by all those who came in contact with her."

The TCBA is taking a look back to share the stories of women in law and their contributions to the legal community. This article was originally printed in Women in Law as part of the TCBA Centennial Celebration in 2002 and recognized at the Women in Law Conference in Dallas, Texas that same year.