The Oklahoma Bar Journal April 2023

26 years. Lawyers over the age of 50 accounted for 67% of these complaints, while those over the age of 60 accounted for 35% of the complaints. 2 Of the lawyers receiving formal discipline from the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 2022, 73% were over the age of 50, and 42% were over the age of 60. These numbers and percentages are consistent with previous years’ reports. The reports reflect a graying lawyer population, wherein the majority of griev ances are lodged against our older members. This statistical certainty could be merely one of demograph ics. Most of our population “fits” into the age and years of practice group that historically receives the most complaints. However, a deeper look into the allegations lodged against these lawyers confirms that age-related impairments are impacting the quality of legal work and pose a risk of harm to clients and/or the public. These allegations include neglect of clients and their legal matters, decreased competency in the representation of clients and knowledge of the law, alcohol and substance abuse and mental

Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal 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.

APRIL 2023 | 25

THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL