TCBF Community Outreach in Action

TCBA Golden Rule Award 2nd Quarter

Sam P. Daniel III

The TCBA Golden Rule is one of the highest recognitions the Bar bestows on a fellow lawyer. One District Judge, upon receiving the Golden Rule, once described it as “the highest recognition a lawyer can receive because it is peer acknowledgement of integrity, honesty and preparedness.” Truly, Sam P. Daniel III has practiced law with integrity, honest and has always been prepared.

Sam has practiced law for forty years in a manner that can only be described as stellar. Although a man of few words, he is always prepared for Court and represents his clients with the utmost integrity and honesty. He will go to the mat for his clients without resorting to any form of trickery or gamesmanship. He relies on his knowledge of the law and tempers his legal abilities with a keen sense of humor.

Sam is a certified mediator and an adjunct settlement judge. He is a very well-respected civil litigator with a practice that also includes oil and gas, real estate and construction law. Sam is his own person who has been supportive of his clients based on his personal moral code. Many times, taking the “high road” in order to preserve his integrity as a lawyer and person, all for the assistance of his clients. Although some lawyers faulter when confronted with a moral dilemma, Sam has had moral fiber that has governed his practice.

Sam is a proud and dedicated family man and one of the best friends a person could have. He has always been proud to call Tulsa his home and to be an advocate of all things good for Tulsa and the lawyers who practice in Tulsa. He truly exemplifies the Golden Rule.

Same Daniel III, standing beside a photograph of Samuel F. Phillips, his great grandfather, the second U.S. Solicitor General, who represented Homer Plessey in Plessey v. Ferguson, and argued that “separate but equal” was a disparagement to African-Americans.

Award Criteria The Golden Rule award is given to lawyers who make outstanding contributions to their profession and have the highest of ideals and are willlng to mentor to those with less experience. Criteria for Award:

1. Recognizes the ethical and professional obligations as an officer of the court as well as the spirit and intent of the Rules of Professional Conduct. 2. Practices ethically and honestly and is true to his/her word. 3. Strives for the traditional goals of moral excellence. 4. Exhibits the highest standards of fairness and integrity. 5. Sets a model example for conduct with members of the Bar and the Judiciary not only by words but more importantly by deeds. 6. Is civil, courteous and respectful towards the court and his/her opponents. 7 Is loyal to his/her client without trickery and deception and without using abusive practices or misleading the court or opposing counsel. 8 Avoids the temptation to make his/her client’s case into a personal vendetta. 9 Conducts himself/herself in a manner that improves the image of the legal profession in the eyes of the public.

GOLDEN RULE

1: capitalized G&R : a rule of ethical conduct : do to others as you would have them do to you 2: a guiding principle