Vol. 3 No. 23 | June 7, 2023
Courts
- 2023 OK 59: HIRSCHFELD v. OKLAHOMA TURNPIKE AUTHORITY
- 2023 OK 60: OKLAHOMA CALL FOR REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE v. STATE OF OKLAHOMA
- 2023 OK 61: TIB-THE INDEPENDENT BANKERS BANK v. GOERKE
- 2023 OK 62: MTGLQ INVESTORS v. WITHERSPOON
- 2023 OK 63: IN RE FEE SCHEDULE FOR STATE BD. OF EXAMINERS OF CERTIFIED SHORTHAND REPORTERS
- 2023 OK 64: STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. BETHEA
- 2023 OK CR 11: DAVISON v. STATE
- 2023 OK CIV APP 21: IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF COTTON
- 2023 OK CIV APP 22: WATTS v. BELMAR NORTH HOA
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
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While mental health is a topic of growing concern in every corner of our society, the emotional well-being of those who practice law is a particular focus for the Oklahoma Bar. Clio, a well-known developer of law practice management systems, recently shared an insightful overview of lawyer mental health and wellness:
“For many in the legal profession, the term 'lawyer mental health' may seem contradictory. The demanding hours and stressful work environments at many law firms often have detrimental effects on legal professionals, who struggle to balance severe stress and self-care. Mental health issues among lawyers are notoriously prevalent, as are substance abuse and addiction.
For these reasons, lawyer mental health and wellness, also referred to as legal wellness or lawyer well-being, needs to be an essential consideration for law firms, law schools, bar associations, and legal professionals.” Read more.
If you are struggling with depression, anxiety or any other mental health challenge, you are not alone. The OBA offers all bar members up to six hours of free short-term, problem-focused or crisis counseling. The service is strictly confidential. For help with stress, depression or addiction, call the Lawyers Helping Lawyers hotline (800-364-7886) to be referred to a counselor in your area.
"In the early years of the 20th century, injured workers in the United States exercised their common law rights to seek damages from a jury in a local court. As manufacturing jobs expanded, tort cases overburdened court dockets, and companies recognized the high cost of defending lawsuits – even if they prevailed. In addition, injured workers and their families often waited more than a year to receive any replacement wages or medical treatment.
State legislatures heard from workers and employers. Business leaders in Oklahoma looked to Wisconsin, which passed a no-fault system in 1911, providing workers with quick medical care and reasonable compensation for lost wages in exchange for the workers giving up their right to sue their employer for negligence. It was known as the 'industrial bargain' or the most common name, the 'Grand Bargain.'"
The Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct impose on each member of the bar the duty to aid in guarding against the admission of candidates unfit or unqualified because of deficiency in either moral character or education. To aid in that duty, the following is a list of applicants for the bar examination to be given July 25-26.
The Board of Bar Examiners requests that members examine this list and bring to the board’s attention in a signed letter any information that might influence the board in considering the moral character and fitness to practice of any applicant for admission. Send correspondence to Cary Pirrong, Administrative Director, Oklahoma Board of Bar Examiners, P.O. Box 53036, Oklahoma City, OK 73152.
The Sovereignty Symposium was established to provide a forum in which ideas concerning common legal issues could be exchanged in a scholarly, non-adversarial environment. This year's event, set for June 13-14 at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City, will focus on the theme of "Treaties." Baroness Emma Nicholson of Winterbourne, a life peer and a member of the House of Lords in the United Kingdom, will serve as the keynote speaker.
Ballots were mailed June 2 to active attorneys in good standing in Congressional District 1.* Ballots must be received at the Oklahoma Bar Center by 5 p.m. June 16. The nominee for District 2 is an uncontested candidate; therefore, no ballots will be mailed. Ballots will be tabulated on June 19, and election results will be posted June 21.
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 Solo & Small Firm Conference welcomes LAWCLERK and LEX Reception as Bronze Sponsors for this year's conference. LAWCLERK provides a network of freelance lawyers and part-time associates that enable law firms to bill more hours, reduce overhead and increase profit. LEX Reception is a legal answering service for firms that want to hear more from their clients and leads by focusing on 24/7 personalized legal reception, intake and client support. Stop by and visit these and other sponsors at the Solo Conference to learn how their services can benefit your professional practice!
Featured CLE
By Julie Bays, OBA Practice Management Advisor
Online marketing today is critical for law firms of all sizes. After all, few consumers even have a copy of the Yellow Pages, and many small-town and regional newspapers have folded or increased their ad rates significantly. So a website is important for you to have not only so that people searching on the internet might find you but also so that people who are referred to you can verify your firm’s address and perhaps see a picture of you before they contact your office to schedule the appointment. Today we believe that your website should be updated at least every other year to give it a new, fresh appearance and look.
Let’s focus on how to set up a law firm website, which is also a good review of updating.
Building a website for your law firm can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and guidance, you can create a professional and effective online presence that showcases your expertise and attracts new clients. Your website is your online introduction to potential clients. It should clearly communicate who you are, what you do and how you can help them. And, of course, depending on your needs and budget, you can either create a do-it-yourself website or engage professional assistance. To create a professional and effective website for your legal practice or law firm, you need to consider a number of steps.
The Oklahoma Bar Journal is a publication of the Oklahoma Bar Association. All rights reserved. Copyright© 2023 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.