Vol. 5 No. 25 | June 18, 2025
Courts
No published opinions this week.
No published opinions this week.
Dispositions Other than by Published Opinions
The Supreme Court of Oklahoma Court Calendar
The Supreme Court of Oklahoma is in session year round, unless otherwise noted. The court regularly schedules conferences on Mondays and other days as needed.
Member Transitions
More
For several decades, the OBA has proudly recognized lawyers who represent the best of the best in the legal profession and law-related organizations that support our members and communities. You're invited to review the list of OBA Awards and join in the effort to identify individuals and entities to honor during the 2025 Annual Meeting in November. The deadline to submit award nominations is 5 p.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025
"Legalized cannabis burst onto Oklahoma’s agricultural landscape when the polls closed at 7 p.m. on June 26, 2018. Like homesteaders taking off at high noon on April 22, 1889, building cities overnight on the prairie, cannabis businesses popped up on every corner as the program was up and running in 60 days with little oversight and regulation. Now, nearly seven years later, we are still working out the place medical cannabis has in Oklahoma and the best means of regulation. Cannabis has quickly become one of Oklahoma’s largest cash crops and has brought millions of new dollars into the economy since legalization."
The Nominating Petition deadline for Judicial Nominating Commission candidates was 5 p.m. on May 16. Ballots were mailed June 6 to active attorneys in good standing in Congressional Districts 3 and 4.* Ballots must be received at the Oklahoma Bar Center by 5 p.m. June 20, 2025. Election results will be posted June 23.
It is important to the administration of justice that the OBA members become informed on the candidates and cast their votes.
ABOUT THE COMMISSION
The Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) consists of 15 unpaid volunteer members. Of the 15 members, only six members are lawyers. Lawyer commissioners are elected by their fellow Oklahoma Bar Association members, each representing one of six congressional districts across the state, as they were in 1967 when the commission was established.* They each serve a 6-year term. Elections are held each odd-numbered year for members from two districts.
The OBA welcomes Oklahoma Attorneys Mutual Insurance Co. as the Premium Sponsor for the OBA Solo & Small Firm Conference, as well as the sponsor of the Opening Reception on July 16! The reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Exhibit C Gallery in Oklahoma City. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to mingle with fellow attorneys, enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres and enjoy artwork on display at Exhibit C gallery created by First American artists.
For professional liability, Oklahoma Attorneys Mutual Insurance Co. is the only insurer owned by OBA members. OAMIC, which was founded in 1980, only serves lawyers who practice in Oklahoma and has policy options for lawyers in any practice area. They also offer a broad range of court bonds. If you're attending the Solo & Small Firm Conference, stop by and visit the OAMIC table as well as other sponsor tables to learn how their services can benefit your professional practice!
The OBA is excited for you to join us for the conference from July 16-18! The hotel room block deadline has been extended to June 20 at midnight to ensure attendees are able to secure their spot at this exciting waterpark resort. The early-bird registration deadline has also been extended to June 20; register before the deadline and save $50.
We want to feature your work in the Oklahoma Bar Journal. "The Back Page" is a space for attorneys to share their creative work. Submit advice or articles related to the legal field, share something transforming or intriguing, or show off your photography skills. Email your submissions of roughly 500 words or high-resolution photos to OBA Communications Director Lori Rasmussen.
Featured CLE
By OBA Practice Management Advisor Julie Bays
If you’re looking to grow your law practice with insights from those who’ve mastered the art, consider Be That Lawyer: 101 Top Rainmakers’ Secrets to Growing a Successful Law Practice by Steve Fretzin. Released May 1, this book compiles actionable strategies from 101 accomplished attorneys, covering areas like client development, branding, time management and leadership. The book has been well-received, boasting a 5-star rating on Amazon.
Mr. Fretzin, a legal business development coach and host of the BE THAT LAWYER podcast, has compiled this collection to help attorneys at all stages enhance their business skills and achieve better client outcomes. By strengthening their ability to build sustainable practices, legal professionals can improve the quality of the services they provide. Better client communication, efficient time management and a strong personal brand are crucial for professional competence and delivery of their services.
Whether you’re a solo practitioner or part of a larger firm, this book offers practical insights to help you build a strong, sustainable law practice. Not ready to purchase a copy? You can borrow it from the OBA Management Assistance Program Lending Library. While you’re browsing, be sure to explore our full catalog or contact me for a sortable list. You might discover a few more resources worth adding to your reading list.
The Oklahoma Bar Journal is a publication of the Oklahoma Bar Association. All rights reserved. Copyright© 2025 Oklahoma Bar Association. Statements or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff. Although advertising copy is reviewed, no endorsement of any product or service offered by any advertisement is intended or implied by publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of their ads, and the OBA reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising copy for any reason. Legal articles carried in The Oklahoma Bar Journal are selected by the Board of Editors. Information about submissions can be found at www.okbar.org.