OBA Family Law Section Presents 2022 Judge of the Year Award

Commentary by Kimberly Hays and Shane Henry

Each year the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section takes nominations from across the State and carefully selects a Family Law Judge of the Year. The Tulsa County Bar Association is pleased to announce that for 2022, the Honorable Ann Keele has been selected. Judge Keele was a trial lawyer before her February 2019 appointment as Special Judge for Tulsa and Pawnee Counties. She brings that perspective to the bench. She knows what it is like to be at the table representing a client in a hard case. She understands the difficult situations, clients and cases. She lived it for 13 years as a trial lawyer. Decisions matter to Judge Keele. She knows the parties and their children will be impacted by her rulings for years to follow. She thoughtfully considers each case, each party and the evidence presented. Judge Keele doesn’t make her decisions lightly. Judicial temperament is discussed often but sets a high bar to obtain. Judge Keele embodies it. She recognizes the big picture. She makes each client and attorney feel heard while at the same time controlling her trials. She efficiently manages her docket. Judge Keele has dedicated herself to service both on and off the bench. She has served on numerous committees with the Oklahoma Bar Association. For the Tulsa County Bar Association, she served as President, Vice President, Secretary and has Chaired Several Committees. She is currently the President of the Tulsa County Bar Foundation. Her actions of service and time giving have long been established. In addition to her skilled work as a lawyer and now Judge, she is an accomplished legal scholar. As an author, she has been published by the Oklahoma Bar Journal and Tulsa Lawyer in addition to the decisions in her cases. She spends the time that allows her to know, understand and apply the law in her cases. This is not the first time the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section has recognized Judge Keele. In 2017, she was selected as the Family Lawyer of the Year. This award recognized her as the top Family Law Trial Lawyer in Oklahoma. She continues to bring her hard work ethic and excellence in her Judicial Service. The Oklahoma Bench is full of dedicated, talented individuals. This year as recognized by her peers, attorneys practicing before her and others across the state it is our honor to congratulate the Honorable Ann Keele as 2022 Family Law Judge of the Year. The OBA Family Law Section also recognized Judge Donna Dirickson, Associate District Judge, Custer County.