Tulsa MagazineLawyer Spirit of Service
Voices of the Tulsa County Bar Association
By Ralph Schaefer
Judge David Guten & Amber Peckio
2 Pause, Reflect & Share a Cup of Good Cheer Michael Taubman
4 Leadership Academy
5 A Closer Look At The Topic of Affirmative Action
6 VP's Corner - Cheer, Challenges & Charity Shena Burgess
7 Judicial Dinner Wish List
8 Community Corner 9 Lynne Miller Law Day Book Club 2026 10 TCBA CLE Schedule Annual Estate Planning CLE
11 TCBA Diversity Committee Matt Ingham, Chair Criminal Law Hodgepodge CLE
12 Voices of the Tulsa County Bar Association Judge David Guten
15 Upholding Justice: Your Invitation to the Tulsa County Bar Foundation Judicial Dinner
16 Voices of the Tulsa County Bar Association Amber Peckio
18 Santa Brings a Law Suit 19 Tulsa County Law Library - A Cornerstone of Public Service
Family Law CLE
Attorneys Making a Difference in Eviction Court
A Message from the President Michael P. Taubman
Pause, Reflect & Share a Cup of Good Cheer
Our calendar year draws to a close while the festivities of the season enable us to pause, reflect, and share a cup of good cheer. At the OBA Annual Meeting in November, TCBA received the President’s Award in recognition of the outstanding work of our bar association under the leadership of our Past President, Stephanie Jackson. Great praise indeed for all of the work of our members and staff at TCBA. We reflect on the moments in this year that shaped us, the difficulties we overcame, and the connections among our colleagues, families and friends that carried us through. More than basking in the twinkling lights and joyful gatherings, the holidays require us to pause, give thanks, and extend our hearts beyond our own homes. We invite you to embrace the true spirit of the holidays: giving back.
In every community as stories quietly unfold, families face hardships, and the government shutdown (still on-going as of this writing) continues to leave the vulnerable of our communities in limbo with states cutting back on services, employees furloughed, and prices continuing to rise. Our social service safety nets bulge from the strain of growing demand, as rising costs send more families in search of assistance. Giving isn't just about donations, it’s about your presence as well, showing up, lending a hand, and reminding others that they matter. By volunteering at a local shelter, organizing a food drive, or checking in on your elderly neighbor, your actions ripple outward in powerful ways.
You don’t need grand gestures to make a difference, but here are a few simple ways to give back this season:
• Volunteer your time: TCBA and our Access to Justice, Community Outreach, and other committees offer many opportunities to assist the public with food drives, clothing drives, and engagements with local nonprofits always in need of your helping hands.
• Share your skills: Volunteer to take a pro bono case, or come out to help teach the students in our Street Law program.
• Pick a family: TCBA’s Holiday Challenge offers the opportunity to help honor local families’ resilience and strength who have successfully reunited.
A childhood friend, we’ll call him Henry Coleslaw, said “please do something for someone that they can never repay you for.” Giving yourself to others creates space for personal reflection, purging of the clutter we create in our own lives, and opportunities for growth. What we do for others, we do for ourselves.
As members of TCBA, you are part of a vibrant, caring network. We see that support for one another in our membership, from serving as committee chairs, organizing events like our recent Veterans Day participants, organizing our CLE offerings, handing out meals to families at Thanksgiving, and managing the monthly Lawyers Helping Lawyers meetings. Together, we’ve accomplished so much this year—and together, we can do even more.
Let’s close out the year with kindness, generosity, and a renewed commitment to lifting each other up. You can make this season a celebration of connection. We are strongest when we care for one another, so let your gift — whether expressed in your time, talent, or treasure — be the spark that lights someone else’s way. Wishing you peace, joy, and a heart full of purpose this holiday season.
From all of us, thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for the opportunity to serve all of you. I appreciate the chance to work together in promotion of the most positive aspects of our profession to the community. See you in the New Year!
Sincerely,
Michael P. Taubman TCBA President, 2025-2026
A Closer Look At The Topic of Affirmative Action
The Lynne Miller Law Day Book Club is pleased to announce a lecture program to kick off activities for Law Day, 2026. The 2026 Law Day theme is The Rule of Law and the American Dream.
In a collaboration of the Bar with the Museum of Tulsa History - The MOTH, Dr. David H. Goldenberg will present the topic "A Closer Look at the Topic of Affirmative Action." The event is January 27, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the Bar Center. Dr. Goldenberg became the CEO of the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum, subsequently changed to “The Museum of Tulsa History – The MOTH."
He served as the Senior Dean of the University of Hartford in Connecticut for the previous 23 years. He has been a Chancellor, Provost, Dean, Department Chair and faculty member at universities across the United States. Dr. Goldenberg has academic credentials from Hartford, Illinois State, Cornell, Harvard, Oxford and the London School of Economics. His background in education law and economics enabled him to co-author numerous books and articles.
His presentation is based on a chapter in his book Trials That Shaped America. In addition to these accomplishments, Dr. Goldenberg retired from NCAA Division One basketball coaching as the winningest percentage coach of all time while at Bradley University in Illinois.
Pleas join us January 27, 2026 7:00 pm at the Bar Center. Register at www.tulsabar.com or the QR code
Law Day Committee Meetings: The first Wednesday of the month.
Ask A Lawyer - May 1 This is the 50th anniversary!
Law Day Luncheon April 23 at the University of Tulsa
General Group Discussions
Lawyers Helping Lawyers
Second Thursdays of Every Month
5:30p - 7:00p
Committee Member: Scott B. Goode
Email: scott@militarylawok.com
Women’s Group Discussions
Third Tuesdays of Every Month
5:30p - 7:00p
Committee Members: Allison Martuch & Amber Peckio Garrett
Email: amartuch@martuchlaw.com
Meetings are Located At:
Office of Scott Goode
1437 S. Boulder Ave, Ste 1200
Tulsa, OK 74119
Monthly meetings led by a Lawyers Helping Lawyers Committee member. The small group discussions are intended to give group leaders and participants the opportunity to ask questions, provide support and share information with fellow bar members to improve their lives – professionally and personally.
REMAINING MEETING DATES FOR 2025
General Group
• December 11, 2025
Women's Group
• December 16, 2025
Community Corner
TCBA Community Outreach Committee Events, Opportunities and Success!
Santa Brings a Law or Leisure Suit
Accepting donations of gently used business, casual, and leisure attire
Drop off by Dec 12
Fostering Connections - Volunteers Needed
Jan 17 (See details on next page)
December Community Outreach Committee Meeting
Tuesday, December 16 at noon
Meetings are held in person at the bar center with a virtual option to attend.
October 16th
City Lights Volunteer Night
Lindsey House Paper Drive
The TCBA community came together to donate paper goods to families of Lindsey House.
Thank you to Leslie Brier, Katy Inhofe, Lynn Moore for your donations!
Donated:
192 Rolls of Toilet Paper
68 Rolls of Paper Towels
48 Boxes of Facial Tissue
November 8th
Lindsey House Volunteer Event
Lynne Miller Law Day Book Club 2026
Lynne Miller Law Day Book Club in 2026 is taking form. As always, a little something in the way of noteworthy literature for everyone is desired. We'll rove about with several author events including a discussion with author Connie Cronley about her biography of Kate Barnard, an Oklahoma woman with a meteor-like trajectory.
In collaboration with University of Tulsa law school and Magic City Books, author Stephen Vladeck will discuss his book about the Supreme Court, Shadow Docket. As of this writing, efforts are on-going for another author event.
The new year commences a presentation by Dr. David H. Goldenberg, CEO of the Museum of Tulsa History.
From the dust bowl to fictional friends, to a mysterious and enigmatic writer of mysteries, and even a vampire set within an historical period, 2026 will keep us reading and thinking.
Contact frontdesk@tulsabar.com or visit www.tulsabar.com
BOOK CLUB SCHEDULE
January 27 - Dr. David H. Goldenberg, CEO of Museum of Tulsa History, Author of Trials That Shaped America
See page 5 for details.
February 17 - A Life on Fire, Oklahoma's Kate Barnard, Connie Cronley
March 7 - Shadow Docket, Stephen Vladeck
April 28 - Confederacy of Dunces, John Kennedy Tool
May 26 - The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl, Timothy Egen
June 23 - My Friends, Fredrik Backman
July 28 - North Woods, Daniel Mason
August - off
September 22 - Agatha Christie, A Hidden Life, Lucy Worsley
October 27 - The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, Stephen Graham Jones
Have you attended a TCBA Member Event, CLE or Bar Center activity?
If so please share a pic or two with us and short caption! We'd love to share what the TCBA is up to in our community!
Send to tulsabarnews@yahoo.com
TCBA Diversity Committee Matt Ingham, Chair
Colleagues, as Tulsa Legal Professionals, I recommend each of us take extra time this month to reflect on the specialness of the Holiday Season.
The Holiday Season is a very diverse and special time that includes (but is not limited to) the following: in early November we celebrate all of our military veterans; in late November we commemorate both the first Thanksgiving between English settlers & American Indians and we also celebrate our own Thanksgivings with family members, friends, & colleagues; fast forward to early December, Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day, Catholics celebrate St. Nicholas Day, and Mexican-Americans celebrate Feast Day of Our Lady Guadalupe.
Then, during the second half of December, there is the eight-day Jewish holiday Hanukkah (December 24th & 25th); we celebrate Christmas; and beginning December 26th, Black Americans celebrate Kwanzaa.
I recommend that each of us take a little extra time this
month to give thanks for the many blessings we have received in both our personal and professional lives.
And as I say at the end of each of my TCBA articles, I encourage us, as legal professionals, to consciously strive daily to strengthen a Tulsa Legal Community that fosters civility & inclusion—civility towards one another and the inclusion of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: TCBA will participate in the MLK Parade on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Sincerely,
Matt Ingham TCBA Diversity Committee
Voices of the Tulsa County Bar Association Judge David Guten
By Ralph Schaefer
Honorable Judge David Guten embraces the exciting challenges as he steps into the role of Presiding Judge for the Tulsa and Pawnee County District Courts. These challenges present valuable opportunities for growth and innovation, including:
• Navigating the dynamic environment of outside construction while court sessions are in progress,
• Addressing the shortage of court reporters by exploring creative solutions,
• Streamlining the court's operations to enhance efficiency,
• Improving the management of court dockets to ensure timely proceedings,
• Expanding access to justice for all members of the community.
These challenges provide a strong foundation for positive change and continuous improvement in the pursuit of justice.
Along with the challenges of leadership, Judge Guten will also take on important administrative responsibilities. While these are not unfamiliar, he feels confident and prepared to step into the role succeeding Hon. Dawn Moody as Presiding
Judge. Having been on the bench since 2019, David is wellacquainted with the diverse issues the court faces and is ready to guide the system toward continued success.
Tulsa County Judges are already navigating the challenges of a significant construction project as the courthouse undergoes exterior repairs. County Commissioners and contractors are working closely with the courts to minimize disruptions during jury terms, striving to reduce construction noise and other inconveniences while the court is in session. However, the essential work on the courthouse must continue, and the collaboration helps ensure that both progress and productivity can go hand in hand.
Looking inward, David emphasized, “As a legal profession and system, it's crucial that we continually reflect on how we manage our operations and dockets. However, I don’t plan on making drastic changes to how the courts are currently run.” What truly matters, he said, is ensuring that the right resources are in place to allow people to bring their concerns before the court. This ensures they have the opportunity to litigate their cases and achieve a fair resolution, whatever the outcome may be.
He added, “Access to justice is something we, as Judges, have discussed at length, and we are always looking for ways to improve how we operate. Our goal is to ensure that justice is accessible and appropriately delivered to all citizens.” While alternatives like video courts are being explored when suitable, he acknowledged that technology, though helpful, does have its limitations.
The shortage of court reporters continues to impact the courts, particularly today, according to Judge Guten. At times, there aren't enough court reporters to meet the growing demand, not just in Tulsa County but across the State.
Fewer individuals are entering the court reporting profession, prompting discussions about potential solutions. There has been limited conversation about exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence to assist in translating speech to text, with the possibility of certified professionals ensuring the accuracy of those records. While AI technology offers exciting opportunities, it's important to evaluate whether it can meet the high standards required by the legal system.
David began his judicial career in 2019 after being appointed as a Special Judge for Tulsa County. He immediately took on a variety of responsibilities, including overseeing arraignments, bond hearings, DPS appeals, the court cost docket, and preliminary hearings. It was during this time that he learned the value of pausing, reflecting, and evaluating situations to make well-informed decisions, rather than rushing into hasty judgments.
One of his immediate challenges was managing the payment of court costs. Most of the individuals on that docket had fallen behind on their payment plans or hadn’t set up a system for paying at all. David noted that the then Presiding and all the District Judges were very supportive, allowing him the flexibility to work with people to find solutions that fit their unique situations. “I had the freedom to address cases on an individual basis, and it was rewarding to feel like we were making a positive impact on people's lives,” he said.
Many of those he worked with were facing personal hardships, such as losing their jobs, dealing with medical issues, or struggling to secure Social Security benefits. Some were caught in a “black hole” of bureaucratic challenges, which only added to their stress. David was proud to be in a position where he could help individuals navigate these difficult circumstances, offering them a path forward and a chance to turn their lives around.
He also emphasized that while many people are unaware of the administrative side of the courthouse, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the system runs smoothly. Judges and their staff work diligently behind the scenes to address issues and keep the courts functioning efficiently.
David’s judicial role evolved in 2022 when he ran for and was elected to the District Court position previously held by Judge William Musseman, who was appointed to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals.
Aside from his role on the bench, Judge Guten is also Lieutenant Colonel Guten, with over 20 years of service in the United States Air Force. His military experience has been a defining part of his journey. Through his training, he learned a vital lesson: effective leadership relies on teamwork. As a member of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG), David serves as the senior legal advisor to special operations commanders, providing guidance on a range of legal matters. This role taught him the importance of not only decisive decision-making, but also cooperation of effort, as collaboration is often the key to achieving outcomes that benefit the larger mission.
“It’s helped me stay humble,” David shared. “No matter the rank or position, I’ve learned that I don’t run the machine alone. I rely on my team and their talents to make the right decisions.”
After graduating from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2003, David began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Tulsa County District Attorney’s office.
Following his time there, he transitioned to private practice, focusing on the unique legal needs of veterans and service members.
“Having served in the military, I have a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and benefits that service members experience,” David explained. “I recognize that many attorneys may not have had the chance to work with military issues directly, and so the complexities that arise when military matters intersect with civilian life can be less familiar.”
David has been actively involved with the Tulsa County Bar Association (TCBA) since becoming a lawyer, including serving as co-chair of the Military & Veterans’ Law Committee for nearly a decade. He encourages fellow attorneys to get involved in the TCBA committees and activities, emphasizing the invaluable benefits of networking. “Networking alone has been incredibly beneficial,” David shared. “Through the TCBA, I've built meaningful connections that have expanded my opportunities and allowed me to grow in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.”
One of the highlights of his work with the Military & Veterans’ Law Committee was participation in the City of Tulsa’s annual Veterans’ Day Parade and coordinating quarterly meetings at the Coffee Bunker, a non-profit veteran’s organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families during their transition to civilian life.
David reflected, “I can’t think of a more rewarding opportunity than to be in a position to help people. Especially to our veterans. That’s why I became a lawyer in the first place, and being part of the TCBA gave me the perfect platform to do just that.”
As for his plans as Presiding Judge, David doesn’t have any dramatic shake-ups in mind. He believes meaningful change will come through thoughtful conversations—both internal reflection and open dialogue with others. “The focus right now is to continue to address our present needs and challenges, and to work to find the best way forward,” he said.
Visit TCBA's Job Bank scan the QR code here or visit www.tulsabar.com. and click on Member Services.
Upholding Justice: Your Invitation to the Tulsa County Bar Foundation Judicial Dinner
As members of Tulsa's vibrant legal community, we share a fundamental commitment to justice. That commitment extends beyond the courtroom, reaching into the very infrastructure that allows our judiciary to function effectively. Every two years, the Tulsa County Bar Foundation proudly hosts the Judicial Dinner, an event that embodies this spirit of support and community.
This isn't just a social gathering; it's a vital lifeline for our local courts. The funds raised directly address critical needs – from essential equipment upgrades to facility repairs – that cannot be met by limited state funding. Your support ensures our judiciary has the resources necessary to deliver justice efficiently and fairly.
This year’s dinner holds special significance as we take time to recognize key leadership transitions. We will offer our sincere gratitude and appreciation to outgoing Presiding Judge Dawn Moody for her dedicated service and leadership to the Tulsa County Judiciary. We will also officially welcome and celebrate incoming Presiding Judge David Guten as he steps into this critical role. Join us to honor their commitment and demonstrate our community's strong support for the leadership of our courts.
We invite you to mark your calendars for Thursday, January 29, 2026. Join us at the elegant River Spirit Casino, located at 81st and Riverside Drive, for an evening of purpose and fellowship.
• 6:30 p.m.: Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction
• 7:30 p.m.: Dinner Served
This event is a powerful investment in the integrity and efficiency of our judicial system. Your presence is a testament to our collective dedication to justice in Tulsa County.
Purchase Tickets: Individual tickets can be conveniently purchased directly through the TCBA website.
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Elevate your firm’s visibility and commitment by becoming an event sponsor.
• See opposite page for a full breakdown of available sponsorship levels and details.
• Donate to the Silent Auction: Donate a gift card to your favorite restaurant, bottles of wine, beer, and spirits, or share tickets to sporting events, the BOK, Tulsa Opera, Ballet, especially if you or your firm holds season tickets.
Let's come together to support the Tulsa County Judiciary and celebrate the dedication of its leaders. We look forward to seeing you there!
Voices of the Tulsa County Bar Association
Amber Peckio
Amber Peckio will walk into a legal desert when she becomes president of the Oklahoma Bar Association (OBA) on January 1, 2026.
She won’t be walking that road alone.
She will be accompanied by the OBA Board of Directors and committees as they seek ways to provide legal services in counties with few attorneys.
Amber, at 48, will become the youngest female Oklahoma Bar Association president and will be formally sworn in during a ceremony at the Oklahoma State Supreme Court later in the month.
To achieve various OBA goals, Amber is prepared to continue implementing the association’s strategic plan, which is designed to ensure that members have the resources to be the best attorneys possible.
That plan, developed by the OBA Board of Governors and initiated by her predecessors, including Ken Williams (2025) and Miles Pringle (2024), is bearing fruit.
Efforts include membership engagement programs to ensure attorneys are current, educated, and competent in their practice.
By Ralph Schaefer
That includes staying up to date with technology, especially Artificial Intelligence, which is something judges and clients expect.
Questions surround technological changes, like Artificial Intelligence (AI), and how the legal community is responding. Clients and many judges expect lawyers to understand technology, its implications, and to utilize it to the best of their ability. The OBA is trying to understand it better so it can establish a solid foundation and continue moving forward with its practices.
“We understand the implications of technology and are trying to get our hands on it so we are in the best shape possible,” she continued. “We have not set lofty goals. We really have made manageable goals to help the bar and its staff function more efficiently.”
Revitalizing membership and encouraging them to return to volunteering in their community is part of that effort.
Stepping up to the OBA presidency is a three-year commitment that begins as President-elect, then progresses to President, and then to the role of Immediate Past President.
“I feel that I have a lot to give this organization, and it is time for me to explore how I can help members become the best lawyers that they can be,” Amber said. “I have always been the leader who knows I can’t do everything. I don't have all the best ideas. What I want to do is inspire members to come up with the best ideas on how to tackle challenges and work together.”
Developing trust in the legal profession makes citizens feel confident they are getting fair and equitable results, she continued.
A key part of the effort is encouraging attorneys to consider locating in Oklahoma’s “legal deserts” where easily obtained legal representation is not always possible.
The state’s legal desert is defined as a county with fewer than one lawyer per 1,000 residents. Oklahoma has 15 out of 77 counties that fit that description.
Amber is very familiar with the needs of people who live in legal deserts.
She knows attorneys in Guymon and Boise City in western Oklahoma, as well as in other parts of the state.
Potential clients in those deserts often drive long distances to find an attorney, adding to the already high cost of legal representation.
Eventually, everyone will need a lawyer, Amber continued. Issues might be probates, wills, settling family disputes, or criminal matters. The client may need assistance in establishing a new business. There are all sorts of legal needs.
Many new lawyers, upon finishing law school, stay in big cities such as Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Norman, and Moore, Amber said. Often, they don’t want to return to their hometowns because they may feel they lack the necessary resources to establish a law practice there.
Filling a legal desert is a complex issue, and there is no onesize-fits-all solution.
That is where the OBA can step in, she said. Part of the key is providing information about opportunities that are available in smaller counties. Free services and training are available to those who seek them.
“We (the OBA) have a great solo and small practice section that is active and a good resource,” Amber continued. “I think that just matching resources with individuals in the small communities can really provide positive outcomes.
“That includes the ability to have job security, raise a family, and be involved in their community outside their legal practice.”
Amber understands both the challenges of running her own small law firm, Amber Law, and working in smaller communities, as well as the importance of being involved in the Oklahoma Bar and the Tulsa County Bar Association (TCBA).
She has been involved in the OBA Young Lawyers division, served as chair of the Women in Law committee, worked on rules of professional conduct, and was once a member of the Lawyer Advertising Task Force.
Her TCBA involvement ranged from being a small-firm delegate to the OBA to serving as secretary and eventually as vice president.
Her local involvement decreased when she was elected to the OBA Board of Governors to represent Tulsa and eventually became OBA President-Elect.
OBA activities sometimes interfered with court appearances, but judges were willing to make changes so she could meet other obligations.
Amber’s law practice focuses primarily on civil and bad faith litigation, with a strong emphasis on representing medical marijuana businesses.
Medical marijuana litigation is a “hot topic” and an emerging field of law, she said. These Oklahoma businesses need representation to ensure compliance with regulations, administrative rules, and other statutes that may be issued.
Like any other business, they need a lawyer to litigate or look over contracts and purchase agreements.
The desire to become a lawyer goes back many years, when Amber, growing up in Southeast Oklahoma, realized she really wanted to help people solve complex problems.
Law touches everything, she said, adding that people, even at their best moments, occasionally need someone to guide them through situations that throw them into the darkest days of their lives.
The 2003 University of Tulsa College of Law graduate initially aspired to be an international business lawyer, but her perspective shifted after taking trial law courses.
“I found my passion really was helping people who had been injured, wrongfully convicted, or something bad happened to them because of someone’s negligence,” she said. “I really loved trial work and torts, and that is where my passion was.”
Law school is a challenging path, but Amber found that classmate support made navigating the difficult times more manageable.
“We had a really tight-knit group in my section and were able to build each other up, tell us that we could do it when the going got tough,” she added. “Those friendships are treasured today.”
Amber is the first member of her family to attend college and earn an advanced degree.
She credits her mentor, the late Pat Laden, a Pittsburgh County attorney, with encouraging her legal career.
“Pat kept me excited about the practice of law,” Amber said. “I was his intern back in 2002, and at the time, he wasn’t sure he wanted one.
“He took a chance and let me see everything that goes into being a lawyer. Work included drafting and writing wills, getting information from clients through intakes, and sitting in on depositions.”
Laden and the Pittsburgh County Bar let Amber try new things and represent clients in court.
“That really was a great experience,” Amber said. “That
is one of the reasons I think so many law students and new lawyers coming out of school don’t really understand the value of how great it is to practice in small counties.
“You get to know the judges, the opposing counsel, and it is very much an occupation where camaraderie and respect are encouraged.”
No one expects new attorneys to know everything just because they went to law school, she continued. One should feel confident that they have a solid enough foundation to learn any aspect of the law they try and succeed.
Lawyers, regardless of experience, should realize that OBA resources are available.
Amber had women attorneys practicing in Tulsa give her support and encouragement, and that is one of the reasons she kept volunteering.
“I see the value of being there for younger lawyers, and I wanted to give back,” she said. “I am excited about the challenges and opportunities moving forward and, after 22 years, am very excited about giving back to my profession.”
Voices of TCBA
This innovative project, by the TCBA Law Week Committee, aims to preserve and share the rich stories of our members and the history of the Association.
Members interviewed are encouraged to contribute their unique experiences and insights, reflecting on their journeys within the legal profession and their connection to the TCBA. Through this initiative, we strive to highlight the diverse voices and histories that shape our community.
Leading the project and interviewing members is Ralph Schaefer, retired senior editor of the Tulsa Business and Legal News. He has interviewed U.S. Supreme Court Justices and did a series on the Oklahoma Supreme Court Justices. The Tulsa County Bar Foundation and Oklahoma Bar Association honored him with the Liberty Bell Award, the highest recognition for a non-lawyer. Your voice matters, and we look forward to celebrating the legacy of the Tulsa County Bar Association. Let’s bring our stories to life!
Tulsa County Law Library A Cornerstone of Public Service
The Tulsa County Law Library stands as a cornerstone of public service by providing equal access to legal information and resources necessary to navigate the legal system. Many people that enter the courthouse assume the Tulsa County Law Library’s legal resources may be reserved for legal professionals only. However, the Tulsa County Law Library is open to both the general public and legal professionals alike. The Law Library provides a variety of user-friendly resources to ensure everyone can easily find the legal information they may need.
The Tulsa County Law Library offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone seeking to understand their legal rights and obligations. The Law Library’s comprehensive print collection includes Oklahoma statutes and case law,
legal encyclopedias, and treatises covering a wide variety of legal subjects. Additionally, for those who find it easier to access materials digitally, many of our physical materials are also available online through the use of our free Westlaw terminals. This access provides an invaluable starting point for legal researchers of any level of experience.
Beyond the Tulsa County Law Library’s legal resources, the Law Library provides practical services that directly benefit the public or those legal professionals who are serving the public. These benefits include five computer terminals with internet access, the law library staff may make photocopies of your legal documents or other papers for a nominal fee, and we provide a quiet environment conducive to researching or preparing. Moreover, the Law Library is a great place for attorneys, or their staff, to meet their respective clients or opposing counsel to exchange signatures on documents or make copies.
The Tulsa County Law Library is committed to providing the space and resources to help legal professionals to better serve the public, and for the public to have the access to the knowledge needed to better understand and participate in the legal system. Come visit the law library for yourself, which is located on the second floor of the Tulsa County Courthouse, and see firsthand the environment and services that are at your fingertips.
Tulsa Attorneys Making a Difference in Eviction Court
Every week, the Tulsa County eviction docket moves quickly — too quickly for many tenants trying to navigate the legal system on their own. For people facing eviction, the experience can be overwhelming: complex paperwork, unfamiliar rules, and the fear of losing one’s home all in a matter of minutes.
That’s where the Court Assistance Program (CAP) steps in. CAP recruits local attorneys to volunteer just an hour or two of their time to represent tenants in eviction court who otherwise would face the process alone. The goal is simple but powerful — to ensure fairness and give every person a chance to be heard. This program is coordinated by TCBA, and funded by the Oklahoma Bar Foundation.
While not paying rent isn’t a legal defense, many people who find themselves in eviction court are there because of ordinary, often unavoidable circumstances — an injury that left them unable to work, a sudden medical bill, or a temporary job loss. CAP volunteer attorneys can’t change the facts, but they can make a difference in how those facts are handled.
Small Acts, Big Impact
Volunteer attorneys help tenants by reviewing leases and contracts for errors, identifying procedural issues, negotiating extra time to move out, and holding landlords accountable when they fail to follow proper procedures. In some cases, their intervention prevents unlawful evictions or exposes questionable practices. In others, it simply gives a tenant the time and dignity to leave on better terms.
“The attorneys who volunteer with CAP often tell us they’re surprised by how much they can do in such a short amount of time,” says Jeril Haug, who coordinates the program.
A Call to Serve
The Tulsa legal community has always been generous with its time and talent, and CAP continues that legacy. Whether you can give an hour once a month or take a case every week, your participation matters. Every volunteer attorney adds another layer of fairness and compassion to a system that too often moves too fast for those who need it most.
In the end, CAP proves that public service doesn’t always require a grand gesture. Sometimes, it’s as simple as showing up — one attorney, one client, one hour at a time.
CAP Attorney Spotlight: Allison Martuch
When young attorney Allison Martuch heard about the Court Assistance Program, she knew she wanted to help. Since joining CAP, Allison has volunteered several hours
each month — representing tenants in eviction court, reading through complex lease agreements, and ensuring her clients’ rights are protected.
Her commitment has already made a significant impact. In just a few months, she has handled multiple cases and even represented clients in two bench trials.
“Allison embodies the spirit of the CAP program,” says Jeril. “She’s proof that even early-career attorneys can make a tremendous difference with just a few hours of their time.”
Allison’s dedication serves as an inspiring reminder that public service is at the heart of the legal profession — and that even small acts of advocacy can change the course of someone’s life.
How to Get Involved
Join the Court Assistance Program (CAP) and help make eviction court fairer for everyone.
Volunteer commitment:
Just 1–2 hours at a time — no ongoing casework required. Training and materials provided by TCBA.
What you’ll do:
Represent tenants at the eviction docket who need legal assistance. Review contracts, negotiate additional time, and ensure due process.
Interested in volunteering? Email jerilh@tulsabar.com or call 918-587-6014 for details.
Allison Martuch meets with a client.
Never Alone to Build Connections
The TCBA is excited to spotlight Never Alone. A new program created by TU College of Law 2L, Schweitzer Fellow, and TCBF Fellows Scholarship and recipient, LaCrisha Crawford.
Never Alone is building community one conversation, one connection, and one gathering at a time. Designed to reduce isolation and provide meaningful support for adults, with parallel programming for the youth, the program creates welcoming spaces where families can learn, grow, and know they don’t have to navigate challenges alone.
Making an Impact
Participants experience Never Alone as a place where they are truly seen and supported. Through structured check-ins, hands-on activities, and guided discussions, the program helps strengthen emotional well-being and connection—especially for those who often feel overlooked or overwhelmed.
Growing Stronger
As the program evolves, Never Alone is focused on expanding its reach and deepening its impact. Current opportunities include improving outreach materials, strengthening communication, and developing more formal documentation to support long-term sustainability.
Challenges We’re Working Through
Like many grassroots efforts, Never Alone faces obstacles such as limited resources, transportation barriers, and the need for broader community awareness. With library partnerships and streamlined event planning—such as the upcoming community meeting on January 8, 2026 at Rudisill Library— the program continues moving forward with creativity and resilience.
What We Wish More People Knew
The heart of Never Alone lies in its commitment to connection. This program exists because no one thrives in isolation. Youth, parents, and caregivers deserve spaces where they can grow, share, and feel supported—and that’s exactly what Never Alone aims to provide.
How Supporters Can Get Involved
The best way to learn more is to reach out directly to our leadership team. (neveralonetulsa@gmail.com or 918-2367344). Supporters currently stay updated through flyers, emails, and in-person announcements as we continue building infrastructure for future communication channels. Never Alone is still growing—but the foundation is strong: community, connection, and the belief that everyone deserves support.
Register by March 2nd