TCBA Annual Meeting & Awards
2018-2019 Awards Recognition
2 A Message from
Jim Milton 2019-2020 TCBA President
TULSA LAWYER
In this Issue
September 2019
6
8
TCBA Annual Meeting & Awards
Gary C. Clark Distinguished Service Award
D. Faith Orlowski
Neil Bogan Professionalism Award -
Mark Blongewicz
10 Lawyer Referral & Information Service 11 VP's Corner - Kara Vincent
12 James C. Lang Mentoring Award The Honorable Deirdre O’Neil E. Dexter & Ken Ray Underwood
14 Immigration & General Law CLE
15 2019 Holiday Challenge - Natalie Sears, Chair 16 Roger Scott Community Service Award
Shena Burgess
17 Courhouse Badges Update - Action Needed 18 Veterans Law Committee Wednesday, September 11th - Join us!
19 Court Assistance Program-Expanding
20 Golden Rule Award 4th Quarter - Jason M. Lile 22 CLE Sponsorship Opportunities
24 Outstanding Senior Lawyer - Gerald L. Hilsher
THANK YOU MEMBERS!
25 Outstanding Young Lawyer - Lizzie Stafford 26 TCBA Membership Renewal News
27 TCBA Liberty Bell Award - Karen Keith
28 2018-2019 TCBA Outgoing President's Letter The Honorable Ann Keele
President's Awards
30 Tulsa County Bar Foundation President’s Report & Awards James R. Hicks, TCBF President 2018-2019
32 2019 Fall & Winter CLE Schedule 34 In Memory of... 34 Grapevine
35 Healthy Lifestyle and Attorney Performance A CLE EVENT 36 Classifieds
Tulsa Lawyer 1
A message from the
2019-2020 TCBA President Jim Milton
I am very honored to serve as President of our Tulsa County Bar Association beginning on September 1. I am undertaking this role with great humility, knowing that many fine lawyers in this community have served in this role, continuing and advancing our profession and legal community in Tulsa and its surrounding communities. I have been fortunate to serve on the TCBA Board of Directors, and more recently on the Executive Committee, during the terms of a number of excellent TCBA Presidents. Over the past year, Judge Ann Keele has served the TCBA extremely well as President, continuing a process of updating and reforming our operations and staffing that has been underway for several years. In doing so, she has added her own innovative ideas and thoughtful consideration. Judge Keele’s ideas and enthusiasm have received attention around the country through her involvement in the National Conference of Bar Presidents. Through that process, Judge Keele identified and recruited David Shepherd to speak to the TCBA at our Annual Luncheon on security and readiness issues — a very timely topic. We are excited to see Judge Keele continue her involvement with with NCBP.
Professionalism CivilitY Involvement Stewardship Focus
Access
Updating 2 Tulsa Lawyer
Targeted
Progress
Much of our work in updating and reforming our operations has been behind the scenes. We updated our membership software, through extensive efforts by past-President Matt Farris and his Executive Committee. We adopted needed policies and procedures, obtained an audit of our finances, and implemented internal controls, initiated largely through efforts by Matt’s successor, past-President Christina Vaughn, and by Kara Greuel Vincent, who served as Treasurer, then Secretary, and now is the incoming Vice President. Other updates have been, or will be, more obvious. We are in the process of updating the TCBA’s website in order to make it more user-friendly and easier to navigate. This process brought to the TCBA an outstanding Executive Director, Greg Gordon. I hope that you have had an opportunity to meet Greg or hear him speak. As an engineer and executive in his previous career, Greg brought to the TCBA a set of core competencies that were needed to move forward with our updates and reforms.
We also added an outstanding Membership Director, Tami Williams. Tami has tackled and embraced the need for support, communication, and interaction between and among the TCBA’s members, volunteers, sections, and committees. This is where the action is! The TCBA cannot exist without members, volunteers, sections, and committees. Our public face has changed only slightly through this process. We implemented security at the Tulsa County Bar Center, so the public cannot wander in unannounced. These days, security is essential. We have moved to exclusive use of the internet and telephone for our Lawyer Referral Service, which promotes efficiency and reduces staff time, without any reduction of the TCBA’s commitment to access to justice. (More on that below.) Our front desk attendant, Amanda Howard, provides courteous and friendly service to the TCBA members, and members of the public, who call or drop by. With its recent exterior update, the Tulsa County Bar Center is a focus of the TCBA’s physical presence — our bricks and mortar. The building serves as an important resource for not only the TCBA’s members but also the legal community and the community at large. We continue to host continuing education presented by the TCBA, much of it for free to our members. Our committees and sections use the space for meetings and their own continuing education offerings. And we have resumed allowing the building to be used for Oklahoma Bar Association meetings on this side of the Turnpike. Our members can use the space for depositions or professional meetings with a reservation and a nominal fee.
As the building receives more use, we have also focused on the interior layout and condition. The TCBA and the Tulsa County Bar Foundation have approved a remodel plan that will upgrade the interior appropriately for these uses. We will be moving forward with this project during the coming year. Incoming President-Elect Kimberly Moore will be an integral part of moving this project forward. Kimberly worked extensively with Christina Vaughn during Christina’s year as President, developing a plan for the remodel. We hope that this objective can become a reality in the near term.We have made great progress on the above reforms and updates with the excellent leaders who have been in place over the past several years. Our hope is to pivot back to our key missions and values, as your TCBA. With a strong group of leaders in the leadership pipeline, I anticipate that your TCBA will remain vibrant for years to come. But please do not allow us to become complacent. And if you desire to contribute to the TCBA’s leadership and mission, please step forward — call me or one of our leaders or staff. In the paragraphs that follow, I will do my best to highlight some of the missions and values that we are pursuing, and identify committee chairs where I can. As soon as I start adding the names of committee chairs, of course, I will leave out some of our incredible volunteers — all of which are listed in the masthead of this publication, and all of which are contributing to your TCBA in a significant and invaluable manner. Professionalism. A key role and function of the TCBA and any regional bar association is to provide a means of promoting professionalism within the legal community.
Our Professionalism Committee advances this goal through several key activities. Each year, this committee provides a panel discussion for TU Law students addressing common professionalism issues that face practitioners. At each TCBA Board meeting, our Professionalism Committee Chair provides a “professionalism moment,” reminding our Board of key aspects of this essential value. Rick White will be serving as Professionalism Chair in the coming year.
to ensure that these investments are consistent with the missions, values, goals, and objectives of our TCBA. The TCBA’s Board, Executive Committee, Treasurer, and Budget Committee focus on the details in order to ensure that we are serving as proper stewards of these resources. Michael Esmond will serve as Budget Chair in the coming year. This past year’s Budget Chair, Phil Hixon, was elected as TCBA Treasurer.
Civility. Civility is a key component of professionalism in our profession. In fact, civility is a critical and needed value in our society. As attorneys, we have an opportunity to lead by example when we negotiate and advocate our clients’ positions in a courteous and civil manner. Civility is important in all discourse, and might be most important when defending or asserting individual rights and obligations, as we do in our profession. When it comes to politics, though, your TCBA has no role. We are a voluntary bar association, comprised of members with beliefs across the political spectrum.
Access to Justice. Among the missions, values, goals, and objectives of the TCBA and other, similar regional bar associations is the promotion of access to justice. It is a key part of our mission statement. As we all learned in law school, our profession is encouraged to provide legal services to those who cannot afford those services, through pro-bono service, donations, or both. The TCBA has several committees directed toward this value.
Involvement. Bar associations depend on volunteer involvement. But it is understood that our legal community has many opportunities for involvement. Your TCBA shouldn’t attempt to compete with other useful pursuits, but instead should be designed as a support system, a safe harbor, a resource, and a training ground. Training ground? Yes, the future leaders in our profession need opportunities to develop their leadership skills. There exists no shortage of preeminent attorneys, jurists, and community leaders who are or were involved in local, regional, or state bar associations at some point in their career. We should take this role seriously, and provide leadership opportunities and training for our members. To expand on this value, my hope for the coming year is that the TCBA Mentorship Committee (to be chaired by Faith Orlowski and Randy Lewin) will work with the Diversity Committee (chaired by Judge April Siebert and Ben Fu), the Veterans Committee (chaired by Judge David Guten), and the Young Lawyers Committee (chaired by Ephraim Alajaji) with a goal of establishing a mentorship program that will serve young lawyers, diverse lawyers, and veterans, in addition to TU Law students. Stewardship. I’ve mentioned above that our TCBA is a voluntary bar association. We are dependent upon your dues and donations. As with others of our TCBA’s leaders, it has been my sincere and express intention during my involvement with the TCBA to ensure that your dues and donations are managed properly, in a manner that would make you proud to be a member and donor. This objective served as a basis for many of the updates and reforms described above. We will continue to examine how we invest your dues and donations,
First, the TCBA Pro Bono Committee focuses on probono opportunities. It is currently focusing its efforts on the CAP program, which provides a panel of pro bono lawyers to represent landlords and tenants on the Tulsa County District Court’s Forcible Entry and Detainer Docket, with a goal of expanding the program to nearby counties. Incoming President-Elect Kimberly Moore chaired the Pro Bono Committee last year, with Mac Finlayson stepping in to chair the committee in the coming year. My hope is that, in the coming year, the TCBA LawRelated Education Committee (which will be chaired by Judge Bill LaFortune) will provide targeted education to members of our larger community who may face legal issues — such as landlords and tenants, in advance of their appearance at the FED Docket. In talking with Judge LaFortune, I can sense his contagious excitement for an opportunity to help address the homelessness problem here in the Tulsa area. TCBA Lawyer Referral Service Committee (chaired by Catherine Hoopert) steers the referral program operated through the TCBA staff — charging nominal fees in exchange for connecting lawyers and clients for paid representation. Catherine is taking a broad view of lawyer referrals, noting that many of the calls are from clients who cannot afford legal fees. The Committee and TCBA staff has wrestled with the task of referring these clients to appropriate resources. We hear that the courthouse staff faces similar requests — and challenges in responding to the requests. Addressing the legal needs of clients who cannot afford legal fees is a wideranging issue that is receiving attention across the country. To examine these issues from a holistic perspective, the TCBA Board recently established a Special Committee on Access to Justice, to be chaired by Past-President Christina Vaughn.
And more. The TCBA has a number of other committees, chaired by great leaders. We also have a number of sections addressing the various areas of practice within the community. We plan to focus extensively on section involvement this year, looking for ways to enhance the value that our section members receive. But, alas, this narrative is, of course, limited by the space allowed for this column (with a nod toward Tulsa Lawyer Chair Michael Taubman and Editor Milly Dunlap). Please watch this space for more of narrative and information on your TCBA’s leaders, goals, missions, values, and objectives.
Lawyer Referral & Information Service
Sincerely, Jim Milton TCBA President, 2019-2020
LEARN MORE ON PAGE 10! "Lawyer Referral Services is a great tool for new solo practitioners. Serving my community is a top priority. Through the Lawyer Referral Service Panel ("LRS"), I have been able to combine two very important areas of my initial business plan. First, LRS has allowed me to provide citizens with affordable access to legal services, and with answers to legal questions. Second, LRS has allowed me to gain experience litigating cases in my areas of practice. For these, and many other reasons I am glad I had LRS as a tool when I started my solo practice firm." ~ Stephanie Jackson Law Office of Stephanie R. Jackson, PLLC "LRS has been a wonderful experience through the years. At the beginning of my practice, it was great to just get experience of any kind, but I will admit that in those days we got more referrals with little to no screening. Over the years the service has improved its processing, and the quality of the referrals have improved. Today the service serves two functions for me - I receive paying cases through the service, which are of course always welcome, but it also is a way to provide legal advice and on occasion some limited scope legal services to those who are caught in the gap between being able to qualify for legal aid and having enough money to easily write a retainer check. I appreciate both aspects of the service and find a great balance in the two." ~ Karen Wilkins Tulsa Lawyer 5
Gary C. Clark Distinguished Service Award
D. Faith Orlowski The GARY C. CLARK DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD recognizes those few individuals who have, over many years, donated their time and talents to the Tulsa County Bar Association, above and beyond what others do. The AWARD states that it is “… for extraordinary service to the Tulsa County Bar Association and contributions to the Legal profession,” which well describes the service of D. Faith Orlowski or simply “Faith” as we all know her. During her 41 years of practice, Faith has served in every position recognized by the By-Laws of the TCBA (except Treasurer) prior to serving as President in 2011-2012. She served as Chair of the Animal Law Committee for many, many years and is well-known for her love for animals and advocacy for animal rights and their protection. She served on the TULSA LAWYER Committee for many years, including two different terms as Editor. In addition to participating for years on the Law Day Committee, she also served as Co-Chair. Well-known for her work on oil and gas titles, she has long been a member of what was for many years referred to as TCBA’s Mineral Lawyers Section and has served as President of that Section. She has served on the Professionalism Committee and continues to serve on both the Awards & Nominations Committee and the Mentoring Committee. Faith has been an OBA Delegate for TCBA for almost 20 years. She was a Charter Fellow of the Tulsa County Bar Foundation and went on to serve five years as a Trustee of the Foundation. 6 Tulsa Lawyer
Locally, Faith is a long-time Master of the Hudson-Wheaton Chapter of the American Inns of Court and has participated in the Tulsa County Title and Probate Lawyers since 1995. She also teaches in the areas of Energy & Indian Land Titles as an Adjunct Professor for the University of Tulsa College of Law. With regard to the Oklahoma Bar Association, Faith has: (i) continued to serve on the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Committee; (ii) Chaired and Co-Chaired the Women in Law Committee; (iii) served on the Real Property Section Board of Directors, one year as Chair; (iv) continued to serve on the Title Examinations Standards Committee and has for many, many years; (v) served as a Trustee of the OBA Insurance Trust; (vi) served on the Rules and Bylaws Committee; and (vii) served on the Lawyer Referral Task Force. Oft-times referred to as the “Queen of Title Opinions,” Faith has been “faithful” throughout her career in mentoring and training other lawyers in her continuing legal education presentations regarding real estate, oil and gas, and probates and estates. The OBA has recognized her dedication to CLE by presenting her with the Earl Sneed Award for outstanding CLE presentations. She is one of the students’ favorite presenters for the annual University of Tulsa College of Law’s Professionalism Panel for 2L students.Faith Orlowski, this year’s deserving recipient of the Gary Clark Award, is unique. Faith is uniquely service-
oriented, uniquely generous of her time and energy to legal and other causes, uniquely dedicated, hard-working, and of the highest level of professionalism. Faith is kind and generous to a fault to both her colleagues and on behalf of the causes she champions, including causes for furry friends everywhere. She is uniquely humorous as noted in her reports on behalf of the title examinations committee at the OBA Annual Meeting, House of Delegates; many attendees chuckle before she starts. Most of us, when speaking to professional groups and drawing the focus of our brothers and sisters in the law, seek to impress - to establish our intelligence and worth. Faith is uniquely fearless. She has no need to publicly impress or speak unnecessarily. Everyone who knows Faith knows she has done the heavy lifting and is well versed on her topic, whether it be animal law or title law or really any legal issue. The widely-held regard for Faith Orlowski within the local and state legal communities stems from her outstanding character and dedication to causes far beyond self-interest and the stellar work she does without thought for recognition. There is simply no more worthy honoree of this AWARD than Faith.
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Neil Bogan Professionalism Award Mark Blongewicz
Neil Bogan was one of my law partners long ago and so I take special pride in announcing that one of my current law partners, Mark Blongewicz, is a recipient of the Neil E. Bogan Professionalism Award for outstanding contributions to the legal profession. This Award honors a Tulsa County lawyer who is known for his conduct, honesty, integrity and courtesy and who best represents the highest standards within the legal profession. These high ethical standards are met every single day by long-standing Hall Estill lawyer, Mark Blongewicz. Mark was nominated for this Award by another member of the Bar, Ryan Childress. Mr. Childress submitted a nomination that stated as follows: Recently, a lawyer went out of his way to help me and I believe his selfless act of service deserves praise and recognition. This lawyer’s name is Mark Blongewicz of Hall Estill law firm.
I recently left my previous employer and was looking to join with a different firm. The problem is there was an ethical conflict as the new firm had a case against my old firm where I represented the previous defendant. I contacted Hall Estill asking for the in-house ethics counsel and was eventually placed on the phone with Mr. Blongewicz. I offered to compensate Mr. Blongewicz for his time; he refused, passionately. He then took 15 minutes out of his day (a 0.3 billable moment) to help me decipher the Oklahoma ethics code and answer all the questions I had. Near the conclusion of our conversation, I again asked Mr. Blongewicz if I could compensate him for his time. He refused. As if he had not done enough for me by helping a complete stranger, he then left me with something even more valuable: hope. I am paraphrasing, but his remarks rang something to this effect: “Ryan, it saddens me to hear that you are returning to the side of evil [Plaintiff’s personal injury litigation]. However, I hope one day three years from now you look back and realize this was just a minor bump in the road, nothing more.” As a lawyer who has only been practicing for six years, I have come across all types. I have previously sought assistance from more seasoned attorneys who informed me they were “too busy” (legally translated meaning “too important”) to help a younger,
Professionalism 8 Tulsa Lawyer
struggling lawyer. Mr. Blongewicz’s behavior is the antithesis of that approach. I pray one day I am able to take time out of my day to help a younger lawyer as he has done for me. I also pray that one day his behavior becomes the standard instead of the exception.
about which I am unsure, I call him. Each time, he provides as much guidance as I need. I am honored to have Mark as a partner, colleague and friend. Our profession would benefit if we all strive to be as professional, generous and kind as Mark has been for his 40 years in the practice of law.
Several of Mark’s law partners commented on his Hall Estill partner Tony Jorgenson commended nomination for this Award. Mike Cooke, the Hall Estill Mark and observed that: Managing Partner, stated: I can’t think of a more deserving Mark is one of the most thoughtful, recipient of an award for professionalism careful lawyers I have dealt with in 40 than Mark. In the 20 years I have spent years of practice. I have frequently sought working with him, he has exemplified his advice in connection with litigation and professionalism for countless attorneys litigation prevention. Mark has mentored within and outside Hall Estill. He is always and tutored many young lawyers helping on time, always prepared and always them learn to analyze and write and how to accessible. Clients, colleagues and opposing behave in a firm, thoughtful and gentlemanly counsel alike can count on a response to an way. When I asked Mark to take over as the email, or a return telephone call, in minutes, Hall Estill Ethics Counsel, I was confident not days. He promotes respect for the legal that he would be thorough and practical. I system and the pursuit of justice for his also knew he would be strong in dealing with clients. Mark has the poise, honesty, and lawyers wanting to bend him one way or the reasoned good judgment that embodies a other. There is no pretense about Mark; he is heightened sense of responsibility and fair purely professional. play, as well as respect for others, even when zealously advocating on behalf of the client. You will never hear him raise Jon Epstein, who recently succeeded Mark as the his voice, shout someone down, or play Firm’s Ethics Counsel, added these words: loose with the facts or the law. Instead, he is thoughtful, deferential, and reserved. But Perhaps the greatest compliment one when he speaks, everyone listens. His door lawyer can give to another is when he asks is always open for those seeking his ethical that lawyer for advice. I lost track of how counsel. He devoted himself to the training many times I have called Mark to ask for and mentoring of young attorneys, like me. his counsel on ethics questions, litigation Throughout my career, I have leaned on strategies and even personal matters. Mark more times than I can count for advice Without fail, Mark has taken the time to talk and he has always responded with patience through each issue and help me address it. and wise counsel. Mark is a consummate Mark has been a sounding board, confidant professional and I have been honored to and mentor for hundreds of our colleagues. practice with him and call him my friend. He has a calming influence who can always be counted on to do the right thing. That is why he is the “go-to” partner when advice is needed. He also has an endearing ability to work through complex issues with a perfect blend of professionalism, kindness and humor. Last year I was asked to follow Mark as the Firms Ethics Counsel. Rather than just let me navigate new issues on my own, Mark has generously given me his time and support. Whenever I encounter an issue
Mark received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska (B.S. in Education in 1977, with Distinction). He is a long time Cornhusker fan and supporter. He graduated from Duke University School of Law and was awarded his J.D. in 1980. His entire career has been spent with the Hall Estill law firm. At the firm, Mark has been very active serving on the Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee, the Executive Tulsa Lawyer 9
Committee, as well as serving as the second baseman for the softball team for many years. Additionally, he served as the Hall Estill Ethics Counsel for many years, providing counsel to the Firm’s lawyers on ethics questions, conflicts issues, and professionalism. Mark focuses his practice in the litigation arena with an emphasis on tort and insurance defense. He has an AV rating through Martindale-Hubbell. In addition, he has been selected as a Best Lawyer in America in both commercial litigation and insurance law, named a local litigation star by Benchmark Litigation and named an Oklahoma Super Lawyer in civil litigation defense. He is a member of the Chancellors Club of Distinguished Alumni of the University of Nebraska and a Fellow of the Oklahoma Bar Foundation. Mark is married to Lynn Conard, has one daughter Traci and Granddaughter Tessa and is the proud “father” to his dog Ginger. Mark enjoys golf matches with his partners and friends and reading novels. He is a history buff as well as a parrothead Jimmy Buffet fan. All of us at Hall Estill are proud of Mark Blongewicz and we celebrate his receipt of this deserved Award. He sets a very high standard that we strive to achieve. Congratulations Mark!
Learn more about the
Lawyer Referral & Information Service TCBA’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) provides a much needed service to the community and is a source of clients for participating TCBA member attorneys. Work continues to evaluate the performance of the service and find ways to improve it, not only for potential clients, but for the participating attorneys.We strive to offer a service that manages the balance between service to community and the need for paying clients as best possible. For attorneys just starting a practice, the experience of meeting with clients is often a priority. The clients we receive on-line, over the phone or at the front door are often referred to us from the courthouse. They typically don’t know exactly what kind of help they need but it is clear they need help. For those we meet in person or talk to on the phone, more than half are referred to a pro bono legal service, a social services agency or some other agency. For attorneys whose practice is well established, service to the community might be a priority. Working with the LRIS Committee, we’ve recently identified a potential improvement to TCBA’s LRIS service and are in the process of making changes. We’ve averaged over 60 referrals per month over the last year. Too often though, clients are matched with an attorney whose practice area is not best fit for the client’s legal matter. The committee’s assessment revealed that the areas of law, or panels, included in our system were not specific enough in some cases. In other cases, panels were grouped in a way that was not intuitive to the client. In the end, the wrong panel is selected. By September 1st, we will have added 27 new panels, moved 7 and eliminated 7.To all of our current participating attorneys, thank you for your service. Thanks especially to our LRIS Committee members and chair, Cathy Hoopert. Contact Greg Gordon at the Bar Center if you have any questions or would like information to participate in the LRIS service. Greg Gordon 919-584-5243, Ext. 1001 gregg@tulsabar.com
10 Tulsa Lawyer
VP's Corner:
I DON’T JOIN COMMITTEES…BUT WHEN I DO – IT’S THE FUN COMMITTEE! Kara Vincent, TCBA Vice President 2019-2020 Welcome to the beginning of another great year for the Tulsa County Bar Association. This year, I’ve been elected to serve as the Vice-President and I’m excited about what we’ll be able to accomplish together. That sounds lovely, doesn’t it? However, I know that in the back of your mind you’re wondering…even if just a little…what does the Vice-President of the Tulsa County Bar Association do? I know you’re thinking it, because when I contemplated running for Vice-President, I had the same question. I will admit that in the past, I’ve thought of the role of the Vice-President as being a bit underwhelming. I mean, really, how many people “in-waiting” do we need. If, for some reason, the President of the TCBA is unable to fulfill his or her duties (here’s to Jim Milton living a long life), the President-Elect will be right there, ready to take over (you too, Kimberly Moore). And, when I think about the role of the Vice-President, I think of the words of political journalist Jules Witcover (after I read them online) who wrote that in the early years of the young republic of the United States, the position held “little significant or utility in governing the nation’s affairs.” What a disappointment. However, since that time, the Vice-Presidency of our great nation has come a long way and the role now requires the handling of serious assignments. Given the meetings the President, President-Elect and I have had over the course of this summer, I believe the same holds true for my role as TCBA Vice-President. There is much to be accomplished and we need all the help we can get. That’s where you come in. Raise your hand if you relish the idea of showing up for a committee meeting where members talk in low voices about inane things that aren’t billable and don’t really matter to you? Me either – but that doesn’t stop those kinds of meetings from happening. We’ve all gathered in a board room, talked about the upcoming year, left without any individual assignments and, ta-da, the next month, it’s the same song, different verse. Luckily, both Jim and Kimberly are working to ensure that those kinds of committee meetings don’t happen at the Tulsa County Bar Association. There is a reason that each committee exists within the structure of
the TCBA. Remember, we do have a mission statement (it’s right there on the home page of our website) which includes promoting public awareness and keeping the legal system accessible to all. The committees of the TCBA are a gateway to making that happen and there is a place for you, but you have to actually show up. You don’t pay to be a member of a committee because the goal is that the TCBA committees support the community-minded portion of our mission. The sections are there to support the members by offering practice-specific resources and information. The committees are the TCBA’s opportunity to give back. There are some wonderful people who have volunteered to lead the committees of the TCBA. Jim, Kimberly and I have been meeting with some of them this summer in an attempt to find a path to accomplishing the goals they have in mind and we need you to join a committee and become active in making those goals a reality. If you have a passion, I have no doubt there is a committee that will allow you to act on that passion. If you have never served on a committee, find one that you think might be a place in which your skills can be used and then…here’s the important part…volunteer to do something. We need lawyers to help our community, and that means we need you. This is where my role becomes important in this new year. Jim and Kimberly have requested that I focus my efforts in being a support for not only the sections, but also the committees. So, you may occasionally see me in one of your meetings (and I won’t just be there because there might be food). If your committee has an idea for an event, but you’re not sure how to get it accomplished, use me as a resource. I’ll do whatever I can to help you. My mom has always told me “to whom much is given, much shall be required.” There are many of you who are reading this article and your lives are not perfect – but they are far better than others in our community. Let’s focus this year on helping others. I’ll start the ball rolling by committing to help you. Now, sign up for a committee and let’s get some stuff done.
Tulsa Lawyer 11
James C. Lang Mentoring The Honorable Deirdre O’Neil E. Dexter with students or making sure they win mock trial - it goes well beyond trying to win - it goes to the heart of what “winning” actually means.
In the words of lyricist Steven Sondheim: Careful the things you say, Children will listen, Careful the things you do, Children will see And learn. . . Careful before you say -"Listen to me".
The Honorable Deirdre O’Neil E. Dexter graduated from the University of Oklahoma School of Law in 1984. She has a wide range of experience practicing law. She began her career focusing in the area of employment law, opening her own firm Deirdre Dexter PLLC. She has since been honored with positions such as Associate District Judge at Tulsa County, joining the boutique law firm of Frederic Dorwart, Lawyers, serving as the City Attorney for Tulsa, and now sitting as a Federal judge. She leads by example in both her professional and personal life and today remains one of my own favorite mentors. Judge Dexter has mentored more than law students, she has made a vocation of mentoring high school mock trial students. Being a mentor is par for the course any time one engages with high school students. Children will, without question, watch you, learn from you, and emulate. This award is not about simply spending time 12 Tulsa Lawyer
Judge Dexter is a winner in every sense of the word. She coached Jenks High School two decades ago to win the State Championship. She then volunteered for the Tulsa County Lakeside Home Juvenile team for six years. This team was made up of children who had been placed in a residential treatment group home as wards of the Tulsa County Juvenile Court system. There, she provided an opportunity for students others would write off as “delinquents” to find talents, strengths and a future for themselves in a way they never would have otherwise. In 2015, she was invited by the Honorable Daman Cantrell to join Owasso Mock trial and subsequently took on an all freshman team. This team of fourteen-year-olds went on to place fourth in the state of Oklahoma out of over 40 teams - an unprecedented victory for Freshman. But more importantly, this team learned to work together, support one another, and to truly become a team in every sense of the word. That is the leadership Judge Dexter provided - the only way such leadership is ever provided - by example. This same team has placed second in the state for two more years in a row - there has never in the history of mock trial been a team as consistently successful. Judge Dexter has shown the students (and adults) that when drama begins, you don’t engage. You do not ever join in the gossip. You stay supportive of everyone. Lauren Hughes, a graduate of Owasso mock trial poignantly expressed: “Judge Dexter has always been extremely supportive even of people who weren’t technically part of her team.” Notably - the Owasso teams were in direct competition all of the time even while working together. Still, Judge Dexter mentored them all. Anyone can be a mentor, but few understand the grave responsibility that accompanies being one. Judge Dexter gets it! She loves each and every student and they, in return, love her. We all do. That is why the TCBA is so pleased to present Judge Deirdre O’Neill Dexter with the James C. Lang Mentoring Award. As expressed to Judge Dexter by corecipient Ken Underwood, “You make things better and brighter for many because of your good work. May you always receive more than you have given.”
Award - Recognition of Two Ken Ray Underwood For the last 6 years Ken has helped to coach the Owasso High School Mock Trial team taking them to the OBA State Finals the last 5 years, which is unprecedented in the 40 years history of the competition. The last two years he has played a major part in helping the team win State Championships. On the Owasso team, Ken is known to the students and coaches alike as the "Zen Master" for his inspiring speeches and competition day pep talks on the team Facebook page. Ken is always the last speaker at the team banquet for his inspiring words closing the season. Ken has been a model of a good leader in keeping the very competitive multiple Owasso teams working together as a team and for the students to realize they are stronger working together rather than against each other.Ken also mentored young lawyers as a longtime Ken Ray Underwood has served as the City supporter and volunteer of Lawyers Fighting Hunger in Attorney for the City of Collinsville since his addition to volunteering for many years as a wrestling appointment in July of 2002. Ken has lived in coach and weight lifting coach for Tulsa Boys Home. Collinsville since 1993 and has been a lifelong resident He has been a positive role model, mentor, and leader of Tulsa County, Oklahoma. his entire career. Ken truly walks the walk. After graduating the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1975, Ken began practicing in Tulsa with a focus on catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Since then, Ken has been actively involved in the Tulsa County Bar Association serving as Board Member and Chairman of the Public Relations Committee. He received the President's Award from the Tulsa County Bar Association for outstanding and dedicated service in 2013 and again in 2014. In 2018, Ken was honored by the Tulsa County Association with the Golden Rule Award for outstanding contributions to the profession. Already active in the community through his role as City Attorney in Collinsville, Ken served for 6 years as a Board Member of the Arubah Community Clinic, a faith based community health clinic in Collinsville, Oklahoma. In March of 2018, Ken was awarded the Legacy Award by the Arubah Community Clinic for service. He has served on the Board of the Indian Health Care Resource Center, the Community Service Counsel of Tulsa and served as the 2019 Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma Honorary Co-Chair.
Ken is a member of the Cherokee Nation and is proud of this Native American heritage. He enjoys spending time on his ranch in Delaware County, Oklahoma which was his grandmother's original Indian allotment. Ken also enjoys reading, hiking, raising cattle and spending time with his two grown children, Emily Underwood and Robert Underwood, and special friend Leslie Paris. The TCBA is proud to announce that the deserving co-winner of the 2019 James C. Lang Mentoring award is "the Zen Master", Ken Ray Underwood.
Tulsa Lawyer 13
Immigration + General Issues of Law 8:30 – 9:30am Immigration and the Federal Criminal Court with Sean Dooley, Senior U.S. Probation Officer Sentencing Guidelines Specialist in the Northern District of Oklahoma 9:30 – 10:30am International Family Law with Marianne Blair, Professor Emeritus of Law at the University of Tulsa College of Law and Co-Author of Family Law in the World Community
September 13, 2019 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tulsa County Bar Association. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Bar Association's Immigration Section.
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10:30 – 11:30am Ethical Issues in Immigration Law with Melissa Lujan, Owner and Trial Attorney at Lujan Law 11:30 – 12:30pm Civil Litigation and Immigration Law with Lambert Dunn, Owner and Trial Attorney at Lambert Dunn & Associates Cost: $100 For Questions or to RSVP, please email Lorena@FryElder.com.
2019 HOLIDAY CHALLENGE Natalie Sears, Chair
It’s football time in Oklahomaaaa! You know what means? The holidays will be here before you know it. Enjoy that nice fall weather while you can! It’s time to start planning family and friend get-togethers, time off work, and the gift list! While you're preparing for the holidays, let us all take the time to be thankful for what we have and grateful for the things we don’t have to think twice about. Sadly, a lot of families in the Tulsa area are already worried about how they will feed their families, if they will have enough warm clothing, and if they will be able to get a gift for their children this holiday season. The good news is, we can do something to change that! The Children and the Law Committee present the 2019 TCBA Holiday Challenge! Last year was a huge success, where we were able to donate and fundraise a little over $1,200 cash AND adopt 25 families for 3. Once matched, you will be given a list of requested Family and Children’s Services! Thank you again to items from your “adopted” family. The items all those who participated last year and made 2018 so requested for your “adopted” family will need to successful! be gift wrapped and dropped off to either TCBA or Family & Children’s Services in Tulsa by Let’s try and make this year just as successful, if not December 11, 2019; more so! The process is simple. You can either choose to donate money, or you can choose to be matched with 4. Family & Children’s Services will distribute the gifts to your “adopted” family! a specific family in need. Here’s how it works: Cash: Send your tax deductible donations payable to TCBF and note “Holiday Challenge” on your payment. If you would like to “adopt” a family, please contact Cash donations will be accepted through December 6, me by November 8th so we can start the matching process with Family & Children’s Services. 2019. -or“Adopt a Family”:
If you’d like to get involved in more than one way, please feel free to reach out to me at nsears@cordelllaw.com so I can give you information on how to get involved.
1. Select the family size that you or your team want All 2019 sponsors will be recognized in the Tulsa to “adopt” and Family & Children’s Services will Lawyer Magazine as being totally awesome people with generous hearts (so let me know if you would match your team with a family in need; prefer your donation to remain anonymous). Let’s 2. Submit your team’s information (names and show our Tulsa area children in need that they are contact information) and size of family you wish to not forgotten. Please join us and let’s make the 2019 “adopt” via email to nsears@cordelllaw.com; Holiday Challenge a huge success! Tulsa Lawyer 15
e c i v Serward A
Roger Scott Community Service Award
Shena Burgess Shena Burgess has been a practicing attorney since 2000. She graduated from the University of Tulsa College of Law. She was the Deputy Chief Public Defender for Tulsa County for many years. Shena has been an adjunct professor at the Law School for over 10 years. She is a partner at Smiling, Smiling & Burgess. As we all know, judicial races are often the last thing on a voter’s mind. We have all gotten phone calls from friends asking how they should cast their vote. Shena’s hard work over the past 4 judicial election cycles has allowed the public to become more involved and informed in who their Tulsa County judges will be in the future. The Tulsa Criminal Defense Lawyers Association decided in 2006 to start holding a forum during the judicial election years. Shena volunteered to mediate the forums. She has mediated the forums since the beginning and has continued to volunteer for at the last 4 judicial election years. Unfortunately, for sitting judges a visit by Shena during the election season means that they are receiving an invitation to the forum because they have drawn 1 or 2 or 3 opponents.
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In 2018, the Tulsa County Bar Association joined with the Tulsa Criminal Defense Lawyers Association in bringing the forum to the 2018 voters. This partnership brought a larger live audience by the use of the TCBA large meeting room, website and membership email list. The forum was published through email, Facebook, the Tulsa World and talking to as many people as possible to get live participation. Shena prepared a rotation of questions for the candidates that were timely and thoughtful. Shena coordinated with the candidates to get their biographies and other pertinent information that would be presented during the forum. 2018 was the first year that the forum was streamed live to the public. Shena conducted a well- structured and timely forum. She kept everyone within their time limits. She kept a cool head at all times. A link to the forum was later published so that the voters would be able to watch and learn about the judicial candidates for Tulsa County.
Courthouse Badges: Action Needed
• Everyone needs to turn in their old or expired badges in order to recieve the new badge. • All renewals must include a signed and notarized oath to receive authorization receipt with your TCBA membership renewal information and payment. • Badges will be valid 09/01/19-08/31/20 as renewal is returning to a one-year period. • Non-TCBA members must also submit a signed and notarized oath and payment of $150. Oaths can be found online.
All courthouse security badges will expire August 31st.
Renew now! TCSO is now issuing badges!
• The authorization receipt will be mailed unless you make other arrangements to pick it up. • This receipt must be presented at the Sheriff’s Office, along with a photo ID, and your old or expired badge to have your picture and fingerprints taken and to receive your access badge. New badges will be valid until the expiration date of August 31, 2020.
* NOTICE REGARDING COURTHOUSE BADGES *
We are aware that some of the badges issued by the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office in October 2017 listed an incorrect expiration date. We believe that all badges issued by the TCSO from September 2017 through current have an expiration of August 31, 2019. We will be including renewal information in our membership packages, which you will receive in August.
Tulsa Lawyer 17
Veterans Law Committee Wednesday, September 11th
Your are invited to join us! 5:00-5:15pm
Welcome & Registration
5:15-6:05pm
Guest Speakers Pete Luitwieler, Program Manager for the Warrior Partnerships of Eastern Oklahoma and Oklahoma Veterans Connections and Joshua Starks, Commander at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 577.
6:05-7:00pm
Social Hour
Volunteer sign up opportunities for the Veterans Day Parade, the Veterans Committee and the Ruck Run sub-committee will be available. Appetizers and drinks will be served. The event is free for TCBA members, but you do need to register. Event includes 1.0 of CLE credit. Joshua Starks Josh Graduated from Will Rogers
High School and then Tulsa Technology Center to obtain his Aircraft Mechanic Licensure, he then attended Thomas Edison State College for a Degree in Aviation Sciences. He has worked for Hurst Aerospace, Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems helping build the International Space Station, AWACs, P-8 Poseidon, Tomahawk Cruise Missiles, 747, 737, 777 and G650 Aircraft. After the attacks on September 11th Joshua then joined the Oklahoma National Guard as a Private in the Infantry and rose through the ranks to 1st Lieutenant. He was named as Company Commander of Vinita’s 1/279th Light Infantry Bravo Company, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Oklahoma National Guard. He deployed with the Oklahoma National Guard in 2011/2012 as the Combat Outpost Commander of AFCOP Rahman Khyel in Paktiya, Afghanistan where he lead over 80 dismounted and mounted combat missions
Pete Luitwieler
in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During his 10 years of service he has been awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal. Joshua Starks is presently the Commander at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 577 in Tulsa working to assist other Veterans reintegrate into civilian life and restore the 100-year-old historic Tulsa landmark. For three consecutive years, Tulsa VFW service officers have assisted Tulsa Veterans receive over $3.5 Million in Veterans benefits annually that have previously been denied or have never been filed for. Joshua additionally sits as President and operations Commander of the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Veterans Day Parade, ensuring every Veteran that desires to march in the parade can do so at no cost, with assistance from the City of Tulsa and Private Donors. Joshua believes in community service and served as a Loaned executive for the Tulsa Area United Way on the 2017
Pete Luitwieler spent 40 years in the international oil business, first with Gulf Oil and finishing with CITGO in Tulsa from 1985-2000, when he retired. He has done consulting for may years and has been active giving back to the community. He has spent 34 years as a resident of Tulsa and loves this great community. Luitwieler is also a Vietnam Combat Veteran, but never was involved in Veterans activities . In 2015 that changed when a young Marine talked to his Bible Study Group. Stacy Hester woke him up to the needs of veterans with a daily suicide rate of 22 !!! Interesting, in that Bible Study Group (connected with Fellowship
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campaign helping to raise over 2 million dollars. In 2018 Joshua as one of the eleven to serve on the Tulsa Area United Way Justice reform Committee this year to help work to reduce Veteran incarceration by expanding diversionary courts and treatment alternatives. In 2019 he assisted in organizing, plan, and leading the Tulsa Area United Way Veterans Affairs Philanthropic Forum to educate our Cities future leaders on Veterans services and the challenges facing our returning Veterans. Joshua continues to help new servicemen and women as a Den Leader for Lee Elementary Pack 49 of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scout Troop 222 leader to help train and motivate the next generation of Patriots and Community volunteers.
Register at www.tulsabar. com or contact the Bar for registration. 918-584-5243
Lutheran Church) there were 7 veterans and that had never shared that they were veterans, including Pete. Six of them stepped forward as Volunteer Mentors in Veterans Treatment Court, which Pete still does. In January 2016, at the ripe old age of 73, Pete began working part-time for Community Service Council rebuilding some of their Veteran Support Activities. He works about 20 hours a week as Program Manager of Oklahoma Veteran Alliance.
"CAP" is Back! • The Court Assistance Program is expanding access to justice to indigent defendants appearing at the Forcible Entry & Detainer docket conducted by the Honorable Judge Deborrah Ludi-Leitch. CAP is now supervised by the TCBA Pro Bono Committee and volunteers are covered under TCBA insurance. • The FED "Eviction" Docket is held every day (except Wednesday year round and Friday during August only) at 2 pm in Courtroom 112 in the Tulsa District Courthouse. • The pro bono attorneys represent indigent tenants, typically negotiating settlements and if necessary, representing those tenants in non-jury "bench" trials. The cases are concluded in one afternoon and tenants sign an agreement that the pro bono representation is for that eviction case on that day only. • TCBA offers the CAP Training Video that can be viewed at your convenience and includes one hour of free CLE. There is also a free CAP Training Manual that accompanies the viewing. • Please contact TCBA or Beth Nellis, ACP, CAP Coordinator, at bethnellis@cox.net or 918-7603945 for further information. • Volunteers are critical to the success of the Court Assistance Program but even more importantly, to serve the needs of the underserved in the Tulsa community. • YOU can make that difference in someone’s life, save families from homelessness, and make a difference in your own life! One afternoon a month is all it takes. Call or e-mail now! bethnellis@ cox.net or 918-760-3945
“I recently joined the pro bono and caps committee. I am honored to be a part of the team in working with the distinguished attorneys and members of the bench. I also enjoy helping the clients both in and out of the court room. It’s a great experience.” ~ M. Shane Henry, Trial Lawyer
"I have volunteered on the FED docket for over two years, which I find personally rewarding and enriching. Often, the “clients” are grateful to simply know someone cares, regardless of outcome. It is not difficult to find the time for one afternoon a month. I highly recommend the program and the effort." ~Mac Finlayson
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Golden Rule Award 4th Quarter Jason M. Lile Jason M. Lile has been licensed to practice law in Oklahoma for 14 years, and during that time, he has practiced in the areas of civil litigation, criminal prosecution and defense, family law, and probate. In all of these practice areas, Jason’s conduct is consistently governed by civility, kindness, and empathy. Those who come into contact with him know that he is a loyal advocate guided by unassailable morals and ethics. These principles translate into actions on behalf of his clients and extend into his interactions with the community.
traits, treating their classmates (of which my daughter is one), and all those in need, exhibiting their humanity, empathy, and care. I am proud to call Jason my friend, and my colleague. I am particularly happy to see him recognized for his compassion and kindness, traits often neglected in the legal arena, and which he (and his family) embody daily.
Jason’s clients also speak of him going above and When asked about Jason’s character, fellow beyond the call of duty: attorney Bryan Harrington provided the following Mr. Lile was so kind to me during a difficult feedback: couple months on our life. A little background... I have known Jason for over 15 years as a law My husband was in the hospital and not student, moot court partner, legal professional, working, we have 4 children and we were and friend. While I am not at all surprised to see expecting our 5th little one. My husband owns Jason receive recognition from the TCBA for his a small lawn company to make extra income in kindness, that recognition on that basis alone is the summers. I was trying to keep the business too narrow to do him justice. Jason has always going and doing some of the mowing myself shown kindness; he has always been generous while 7 months pregnant. It was getting hot with his time and his knowledge, from helping so I needed to hire some help. In doing so I with study groups in law school to providing pro made a rookie business owner mistake and bono services to clients in need. But he is more was trying to work with an employee who was than kind, Jason is authentic, compassionate, taking advantage of our situation in numerous and persistent. He is willing to share not only ways. I was at my wits end and could not get his knowledge and time, but his understanding, on top of the situation. Money was super tight his faith, and his belief in the ability of people with my husband not working, so I called Mr. to show their best selves, even in areas of law Lile at the encouragement of a mutual friend. and life that often bring out the worst in both Best decision! Mr. Lile graciously listened to attorneys and their clients. I can also tell you my dilemma, and gave me some legal advice, that while Jason is receiving this award for his explained in detail how and what my legal rights actions, he not only exhibits kindness, he models were, and listed the steps we should take. When it for his family on a daily basis. In particular, I tried to offer to pay him, he immediately said his four children have taken on those same no. God gives talents and gifts to each of us,
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1st, 2nd & 3rd quarter winners have been featured in previous issues of Tulsa Lawyer.
2018-2019 Golden Rule Winners
1st Quarter - Travis Barnett 2nd Quarter - Ed Main 3rd Quarter - Lisa Creveling 4th Quarter - Jason M. Lile
and Mr. Lile went above and beyond to use his legal mind to bless our family. And on top of all that he did for us on the legal side...he then came out and physically mowed the customers’ lawns with a few other family friends to prevent this pregnant mom from mowing in the summer heat. You picked the right person for this award! Kindness matters! Jason M. Lile embodies all of the characteristics expected in a Golden Rule recipient. He is not only a zealous advocate, but also a faithful public servant and loyal friend. We are grateful for his contributions and participation in the TCBA community and in the greater Tulsa area.
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
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.
Tulsa Lawyer 21
Be a part of TCBA 's Continuing Legal Education while members
Outstanding Senior Lawyer Gerald L. Hilsher
The Tulsa County Bar Association is pleased to announce that Gerald L. Hilsher has been chosen as to receive the 2019 Outstanding Senior Attorney Award. Gerald is a fifth generation Texan and native Houstonian who found his way to Tahlequah and Tulsa. He is a graduate of Northeastern State University and the University of Texas Law School. Gerald began his legal career as a criminal prosecutor in Austin and then served as an Assistant United States attorney in Tulsa. Later, in Washington, D.C., he oversaw the nation’s antimoney laundering efforts. He then returned to Tulsa to begin a civil litigation practice. Gerald has practiced business and environmental litigation for the last decade as a shareholder at McAfee & Taft. He also has a white collar criminal defense practice defending Medicaid/ Medicare fraud, and False Claims Act violations. Best Lawyers has ranked Gerald in Business Litigation, Real Estate Litigation, Appellate Practice, and Environmental Litigation. He will soon be ranked as a Best Lawyer in Tulsa for Mediation.
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Gerald has served on the Tulsa County Bar Association’s Board of Directors, as Chair of the Publications Committee, the Budget Committee, the Professionalism Committee, the TCBF Charity Golf Committee, and as TCBA Delegate to the OBA. He has served as Chair of the OBA’s Environmental Law Section, and currently serves on the OBA’s Professional Responsibility Tribunal. He regularly volunteers to present CLE seminars for the TCBA and OBA. He has been a federal adjunct settlement judge since 1992 and a Tulsa County adjunct settlement judge since 2009. He also served on Governor Keating’s Water Quality Task Force and served many years on the Save the Illinois River Board. Last year Gerald received the OBA’s John E. Shipp Award for Ethics and in 2006 he received the TCBA’s Neil Bogan Professionalism Award. As are all attorneys, Gerald is a zealous advocate for his clients. What distinguishes Gerald from some in the legal profession, however, is that his zealous advocacy is always accompanied by the utmost professionalism, courtesy, respect and ethics. Gerald would never compromise his core values to win a case. Anyone that Gerald knows that he treats everyone around him with kindness, honesty and respect, regardless of the situation. This is one of many reasons why Gerald is so highly respected by his clients, peers, opposing counsel and the judiciary. In addition to maintaining his thriving practice and volunteer activities, Gerald has always dedicated himself to mentoring others, both in the law and in life. TCBA Past-President Christina Vaughn, a former partner of Gerald’s, said this of Gerald: “I met Gerald in 2009 when he was assigned as my supervising-partner. I consider that happenstance one of the great blessings of my legal career. In the years since I first met Gerald, he has taught me by words and deeds how to be an ethical and effective attorney. He has unendingly acted as not only my mentor and friend, but as my cheer-leader; supporting, encouraging and lauding me at every turn. This is not unusual for Gerald and I am just one of a lucky many to have been mentored and befriended by Gerald.”
Due to effervescence and his ‘never-met-astranger’ personality, Gerald has amassed friends from every walk of life. When Gerald’s long-time paralegal Pam Mappin found out that Gerald was to receive the Outstanding Senior Attorney Award, she was eager to contribute, saying: “When one considers what constitutes an effective lawyer, the ability to understand, empathize and listen are surely a winning combination, particularly when coupled with a superior intellect. Gerald is a person who always makes time to listen both to his colleagues and his clients. He helps those around him take ownership and pride in every endeavor. I displayed a Ralph Waldo Emerson poem on success in my office for as long as I can remember. Gerald recently told me his older brother Randy gave him the same poem and he carried it in his wallet for the better part of his life. It fits him. His clients and
co-workers always walk away feeling good about the work performed because the endeavor is always a common enterprise, not a solo victory. I think it is safe to believe that I am not the only person who breathed easier because Gerald was a part of their lives. He is truly a success as a lawyer and as a human being. Gerald and his wife Vickie will be relocating to Oregon later this year to be closer to their children and grandson. Gerald will be sorely missed in the Tulsa legal community but will be adding his special skills, which of course include his famous chili and BBQ, and his quirky sense of humor, to his new community in Oregon. The TCBA is fortunate to have benefitted from Gerald’s service to the Association and is so proud to honor him with the 2019 Outstanding Senior Attorney Award.
Outstanding Young Lawyer Lizzie Stafford
Ms. Stafford was an associate at Monroe & Keele, P.C., and now works for Oklahoma DHS Child Support Services in Tulsa. She served as Chair of the CLE Committee and an active member of the Children and the Law Committee. Her hard work and diligence helped us put on outstanding live CLE programs this year, as well as making a difference in our community service projects. Ms. Stafford is an up and coming young lawyer who is dedicated to public service, and we are proud to have her serving on our Board.
facebook.com/ tulsacountybar
@tulsabar Tulsa Lawyer 25
Tulsa County Bar Association Member Benefits! •
Member access to TCBA’s Live CLE at no cost.
•
Member discounts on TCBA CLE seminars – Live and Video Replays at https://tcba.inreachce.com.
•
Complementary monthly subscription to the Tulsa Lawyer Magazine,
•
Access to the Tulsa County Courthouse Law Library for TCBA members only. (This code is not to be shared).
•
Free access to a digital copy of the current Tulsa Lawyer Magazine.
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Free copy of the TCBA Pictorial Directory, upon request.
•
Discounted rate on the Courthouse Access Security Badge.
•
Availability to purchase the O.R. Card for O.R. privileges. Ability to develop strategic relations – networking and congeniality at numerous events.
• $90 – Paralegal & Legal Assistants 4 or more years**
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Free membership to TCBA & TCBF committees (20 different service-oriented groups).
• $50 – Paralegal & Legal Assistants Less Than 3 Years**
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Availability to join TCBA sections (19 different substantive law groups).
• $0 – Tulsa County Judges (Current and Full- Time)
•
Opportunity to increase your client base through TCBA’s Lawyer Referral Program.
• $0 – Senior Member (Age 70+, practices less than 50% of the time and has been a TCBA member for the past 10 consecutive years)
•
Opportunity to volunteer at community projects with other attorneys to enhance the public image of the profession.
TCBA Membership Year 2019-2020 Membership Costs at a Glance: • $225 – Attorneys in Practice 3 or More Years**
• $150 – Attorneys in Practice Less Than 3 Years** • $135 – Public Sector Attorneys(Full-time governmental or nonprofit employees)** • $135 – Law Professor (Must be full-time)**
• $0 – New Admittee (Attorney admitted after 1-1-19)
• $0 – Paralegal & Legal Assistants New Admittee (Certified after 1-1-19) • $0 – Law Student (Full-Time)
• $0 – Paralegal & Legal Assistant Students (Full- Time)
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Public speaking opportunities.
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Discount to TCBA & TCBF events such as the Judicial Dinner, Law Day and Annual Meeting Luncheon and others.
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Discounted tickets to specific TCBA bar function sporting events including, Thunder, Oiler, Drillers, and Golden Hurricane.
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25% discount to Fox Cleaners
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Discount at several online national retailers including Expedia, Verizon, Best Buy, Office Depot and many others through National Purchasing Partners. Use the following link to see all discounts offered: https://mynpp.com/ association/tulsa-county-bar-association. Opportunity to refinance student loan debt through partnership with Credible. Visit https://www.credible.com/ partners/tcba for information.
Be sure to update your contact information and if you have signed up for automatic electronic renewal, please make sure TCBA has a current credit card on file to process your renewal.
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TCBA Liberty Bell Award Karen Keith
In 2008, Karen Keith walked into the Tulsa County’s Juvenile Court Division and Bureau and was introduced to its staff and its dismal environment. She was running for District 2 County Commissioner. What she saw and heard profoundly affected her campaign platform - the dream of the Family Justice Center became one her top priorities. Luckily for the Juvenile Bureau and Court, Karen was elected and re-elected in 2013 and 2017. It took two decades before county voters in 2014 approved a 15-year, 0.041 percent sales tax to fund the new juvenile justice center, in large part due to Commissioner Keith’s tenacity to ensure the measure would pass. Not a week went by without Karen calling the Bureau Director or Chief Judge to meet with her media contacts to “get the word” out for the crying need for a new facility. She spoke to civic groups and anyone else who would listen. Karen Keith became the champion for, and face of, the improvement of juvenile justice in Tulsa County. Bob Dick, former Tulsa County Commissioner, described Karen as a “bulldog.” “You are either going to get bit, or you’re going to say yes.”But Commissioner Keith is quick to say: “None of this happens overnight, but if you keep talking to people, answering their questions and helping them understand what the juvenile justice system really can be, many of them will eventually come around.” For Karen, a successful vote was only Step 1 - she took on the task of locating an appropriate site and then finding a design to fit within the $45 million budget. She drove the County, met regularly with the architects, spoke to neighborhood associations who were at times hostile to the concept, and continually provided words of encouragement to the Bureau and Court staff.
The TCBA has recognized two Liberty Bell Award recipients for the 2018-2019 year. Christine Po was recognized at the 2019 Law Day Luncheon for her community service. You can read more about her award in the June 2019 issue of Tulsa Lawyer.
Even after a site was ultimately located and purchased, Commissioner Keith did not stop. Refinements were needed to create not only a functional facility but one reflecting pride in our community. So Karen successfully approached Tulsa’s private foundations to provide landscaping and artwork. On April 20, 2018, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on the 7.5-acre lot at 410 W. Archer Street north of the BOK Center. The facility will have two stateof-the-art buildings: a 100,000 square-foot courthouse and administrative building and a 47,000-square-foot detention center with 60 beds. And the Juvenile Division of the Court and all Juvenile Bureau employees are expecting to call this “home” by late fall this year - all due to Commissioner Karen Keith’s efforts. As Commissioner Keith noted at the start of the ceremony, the Family Center for Juvenile Justice has been a long time coming. “And it has been a difficult journey,” Keith told the Tulsa World. Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith has earned public recognition for her efforts to bring this dream to the public’s attention and then to reality. Her unending work to highlight the long overdue need for the facility and to bring the Tulsa County Family Justice Center into being should be noted and celebrated. “I am fighting to help our troubled youth. Today our young people are served by talented staff when they get in trouble with the law, but their outcomes will improve greatly in the planned new facility. That’s why I fought for funding to build a new Family Justice Center that will give us even more tools to help kids get on the right path.” Commissioner Keith is truly a champion for justice for the youngest members of our community and particularly deserving of the Liberty Bell Award.
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2018-2019 TCBA Outgoing President's Letter The Honorable Ann Keele Happy September!
Howard, our front desk coordinator. They took the ball and ran with it, and made it look easy. Thanks to their efforts, my term was rewarding and enjoyable. I’d also like to thank our stellar Executive Committee: Jim Milton, President-Elect; Christina Vaughn, Past President; Amber Peckio Garrett, Vice President; Rick White, Treasurer; Phil Hixon, Budget Chair; and Kara Vincent, Secretary. We would not have had a successful year without their support, creativity, and diligence. I will remain dedicated and involved in serving the TCBA. I will do my best to help continue improving our organization, striving to keep it relevant and meaningful for all members. I’m excited to pass the baton to Jim Milton. He will be an outstanding President, and I cannot wait to see what he has planned. Thank you for your support and confidence in allowing me to serve as TCBA President. I look forward to our continued work together. See you soon!
I am officially now a TCBA Past President. It was a wonderful year, and I am truly honored and delighted to have served as your President. My goal was to continue the great progress made under President Christina Vaughn’s leadership to keep TCBA moving forward, and I am happy to report that we succeeded in that endeavor. I want to extend my sincerest thank you to our terrific staff: Greg Gordon, our Executive Director; Tami Williams, our Membership Director; and Amanda
President's Awards Todd Alexander
Mr. Alexander is a long-time TCBA member and family law practitioner. He single-handedly created, organized, produced and obtained speakers for one of the best family law CLE seminars that the TCBA has ever hosted, “The Contours of Best Interests”, which was held in January 2019. This indepth seminar provided insight into the work of GALs, Therapists, Parenting Coordinators, and Judges so that attorneys could better understand and learn the best practices in litigating a custody case.
28 Tulsa Lawyer
Shena Burgess
Ms. Burgess served as a moderator of two judicial forums hosted by the TCBA. These forums were held to afford the judicial candidates of Tulsa County the opportunity to introduce themselves and answer questions so that the public could make informed decisions prior to voting. Ms. Burgess spent many hours preparing neutral, thought-provoking questions for our candidates to answer, and her efforts provided an opportunity for the candidates to showcase their strengths while educating the public.
Kara Pratt
Natalie Sears
Ms. Pratt has served on the TCBA Board in various roles for the past few years, and continues to demonstrate her commitment to the TCBA every year. This year she served as Chair of the Membership Committee and tirelessly worked to produce a wonderful Membership Appreciation Month for all of us to enjoy, which was no small undertaking, and did it with enthusiasm and grace. service projects.
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Ms. Sears is dedicated to the TCBA, and has proven why she is worthy to be recognized year after year. She served as Co-Chair of the Young Lawyers Committee and Chair of the Children and the Law Committee, which are both very active and labor-intensive. She excelled in leading both committees with successful events and community
Jim Milton
Mr. Milton served as our PresidentElect this year and went above and beyond in his service to make my term successful. He served as a trusted advisor, sounding board, and cheerleader always willing to take time to discuss ideas and fashion solutions to better serve TCBA. He is most deserving of this recognition, and I am very grateful for his leadership and support.
Tulsa Lawyer 29
Tulsa County Bar Foundation President’s Report James R. Hicks, TCBF President 2018-2019
The Tulsa County Bar Foundation engages in various benevolent works on behalf of our members. We sponsor scholarships, thriving community outreach programs, Law Day activities, the successful Golf Tournament, assistance to the Judiciary and numerous other charitable activities which shed a positive light on our members, provide services to our community and inspire pride in our Association. The TCBF owns and is responsible for the operation and maintenance of our Bar Center at 15 and Boston and our adjacent rental property. Now that the roofing and water issues have been addressed and resolved, we look forward to moving forward with the interior renovations to make the bar center more functional for the membership and staff. .Executive Director Greg Gordon has done a wonderful job of meeting with contractors and guiding the Board of Trustees through the process of replacing the roof and in identifying and correcting the sources of leaking in the building. Greg deserves a big round of applause for his work and efforts on our behalf.
Ashley Webb
th
This year, the TCBF undertook the financial sponsorship for twelve (12) large canvas paintings to be displayed in the new Juvenile Justice Center. The cost of $24,000.00 will be covered by donations from the membership and law firms, and from the endowment. Receiving the Foundation President’s awards this year are Ashley Webb, Ken Williams and Pat Mensching.
Ken Williams
As many of your know, the Bar Center was defaced by graffiti earlier this year – primarily on the East and North sides of the building – with a smaller amount on the South side. Original estimates to clean and remove the graffiti were upwards of $7500.00. But these solutions would not guarantee a complete removal of the defacing graffiti. Ken Williams took it upon himself to research better options and after much effort he was able to find a new cleaning process that removed all of the graffiti and only cost roughly $1700.00. The result is a restored, beautiful façade of our building. For all of his efforts, Ken is deserving of special recognition.
Ashley Webb has been the chair of the Community Outreach Committee for several years and always guides the committee in creative and outstanding events which allow our members to give back to the community. From Santa Brings A Lawsuit to Lawyers Across Tulsa service projects at the Day Center for 30 Tulsa Lawyer
the Homeless and Yale Apartments to Pause for Paws and numerous other activities, Ashley is deserving of special recognition for organizing projects and activities that allow our members to provide service to the community and that places our Association in a positive light.
Pat Mensching Pat Mensching chaired the annual golf tournament which raised $20,000 for American Disabled Veterans, The South Tulsa Community House, Lawyers for Children, 1 step Male Diversion Program and the TCBA Community Outreach Committee. I have enjoyed my term as President of the Foundation these past two (2) years and give thanks to all the members of the Board of Trustees. You can rest assured that the Foundation is in good hands moving forward.
Tulsa Lawyer 31
32 Tulsa Lawyer
CLE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN SPACE IS LIMITED AND PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
REGISTER ONLINE AT: WWW.TULSABAR.COM ALL SEMINARS WILL BE HELD AT THE TULSA CO. BAR CENTER 1446 S BOSTON AVETULSA, OK 74119 QUESTIONS? CONTACT TAMI WILLIAMS AT 918-584-5243 EXT 1002 OR TAMIW@TULSABAR.COM Pre-registration is required.- Seminars are subject to change.Materials will be emailed to pre-registered attendees before the seminar. Paper copies are not provided. * CLE includes a 1.5 HR lunch break ** Seminar limited to 20 participants
^ Snacks Provided # Lunch Provided
NON-MEMBER RATES 0 (REFUNDS ISSUSED ONLY IF REQUESTED 24-HOURS PRIOR TO START OF SEMINAR)
All courses are available to audit (no credit given). Non-Member Audit Rates: 1-3.0 HRS = $5; 4.0+ HRS = $10.
Grapevine News CLIFFORD RUSSELL MAGEE November 6, 1959 – July 11, 2019
Cliff Magee, 59, of Tulsa, passed away Thursday, July 11, after a sudden illness. Cliff was born November 6, 1959 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Russ Magee and Marjorie Grover. Raised in Catoosa, Oklahoma, Cliff attended Spartan School of Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle University, the University of Tulsa College of Law and the Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University College of Law. An attorney who concentrated in litigation, aviation law before the Federal Aviation Administration, and mediation, Cliff was currently serving as Chairman of the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section. Cliff had a lifelong love of aviation – first with radio-controlled planes and then general aviation. Cliff was an accomplished pilot, and flight instructed while attending law school. Cliff was the founder of the Jones Riverside Airport Association. He was active in the Tulsa Glue Dobbers and Turf Flyers, and raced R/C planes competitively. Cliff participated in the Reno Air Races for many years beginning in 1992, first racing Biplanes, then racing in the Jet Class. He served as past-president of the Jet Racing Class. Memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scout Troop 20 at the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. 34 Tulsa Lawyer
TCBA is pleased to announce that TCBA Past President Ann Keele has been selected to the National Conference of Bar President’s Executive Council. The NCBP Executive Council is the governing body of the NCBP, an organization of the American Bar Association exclusively for Bar Presidents in North America. NCBP has organizational members from various state, local, and affinity bar associations from 53 states and territories throughout North America. Keele is the first TCBA President ever selected to serve on the NCBP Executive Council, the first female ever selected from Oklahoma, and the fourth Oklahoman ever selected since its inception in 1950. Congratulations! Hensley and Associates, PLLC welcomes Mr. Perry W. Newman to the firm. Mr. Newman was hired as an associate by Hensley and Associates, PLLC on July 15, 2019. Mr. Newman has previously operated a solo general practice law office in Owasso, Oklahoma from 1992 to 2018 and has served as corporate general counsel in Denver, Colorado and an Assistant District Attorney in Washington and Nowata counties. Mr. Newman graduated from TU Law School in 1987. He comes to Hensley and Associates after a year long sabbatical touring the US with his wife. Mr. Newman's area of practice are domestic/family law, name change, criminal and traffic, landlord/tenant, wills/ trusts and business law.
TCBA Continuing Legal Education - Don't Miss This!
Healthy Lifestyle as a Pathway to Peak Attorney Performance By John Lieber, JD, RNP
Peak Attorney Performance means a lawyer is functioning at the highest level of her or his competence. Peak Attorney Performance includes: • • •
Thinking that is clear, creative and focused A mental attitude of confidence and control Physical energy and stamina
Good health, as influenced by a healthy lifestyle, contributes to all of the performance factors mentioned above. What is a healthy lifestyle? It includes: • • • •
Healthy Eating Regular Physical Activity Stress Management Adequate Sleep
October 29th & 30th See page 32 for registration details!
How can you include these healthy lifestyle components into your busy life? •
Healthy eating habits include portion control, limiting junk food and eating more fruits and vegetables.
•
Regular physical activity is more of a challenge, because it requires your precious time. The key to success is finding something you enjoy doing. If you can spare 75 minutes a week for vigorous physical activity (such as running, singles tennis, swimming laps or aerobic dancing) or 150 minutes a week for moderate physical activity (such as walking, water aerobics, doubles tennis or general gardening), you will meet the recommendations for cardiovascular fitness.
•
Stress management exercises that are easy to learn and easy to do include relaxation breathing, mindfulness and guided imagery.
•
Getting the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep can be a challenge, but it can be done. Try to set a specific bedtime that will enable you to get enough sleep, stick to that schedule and turn of all phones, computers and TV’s 30 minutes before bedtime. If you are already practicing a healthy lifestyle, then congratulations. Your colleagues probably notice how your lifestyle increases your energy level and your performance as an attorney. If you think your lifestyle could be healthier, then try some of the ideas listed above, or talk to a friend or health care professional about how you can get started.
John Lieber is a Tulsa attorney and registered nurse. His law practice has focused on litigation, real estate and general business matters. His nursing work includes leading workshops for law firms, bar associations, employers and community groups on a variety of health topics such as healthy eating, stress management, stroke prevention and diabetes education. Jlieber75@cox.net
Tulsa Lawyer 35
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Tulsa County Bar Association 1446 S. Boston Ave. Tulsa, OK 74119
By Michael P. Taubman
"The measure of achievement is not winning awards. It's doing something that you appreciate, something you believe is worthwhile." PRSRTD STD US POSTAGE PAID Pontiac, Illinois PERMIT# 592
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