The Oklahoma Bar Journal August 2025

F rom the E xecutive D irector

My Midyear Reflection: Advancing the Legal Profession in Oklahoma With Purpose and Focus

By Janet Johnson

A S WE REACH THE MID point of the year, I reflect with pride on the progress we have made in support of our mem bers and the practice of law across the state. This year, our focus has remained clear and consistent: to provide meaningful resources, relevant education, and practical support to help Oklahoma lawyers succeed in their work and better serve their clients. EXPANDING CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT One of our most significant accomplishments this year has been the continued growth of our continuing legal education (CLE) offerings. We have delivered a wide range of programs tailored to the evolving needs of legal profes sionals in Oklahoma. From recent state and federal case law updates to new topics such as legal technol ogy and ethics in digital commu nications, our CLE courses remain timely, practical, and directly applicable to daily legal practice. We have also expanded access to

disputes, veterans’ issues, and expungements. Collaborations with nonprofit community partners – such as the Access to Justice Foundation, Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Bar Foundation – are critical to further enhancing the quality of legal services avail able to the public. For all of those who volunteer to provide pro bono legal services in some capacity, thank you for contributing your time and expertise. It speaks proudly of your commitment to the profession’s deep sense of duty and service. PRACTICE SECTION GROWTH AND MEMBER ENGAGEMENT Engagement across our practice sections has increased steadily, creating new opportunities for collaboration, resource shar ing, and peer connection. Most sections have continued to offer CLE programming tailored to their specific area of law, ranging from criminal and civil litigation to estate planning, real property, and beyond. Our MyOKBar

these offerings through both live and on-demand formats, helping attorneys in all corners of the state efficiently meet their requirements and sharpen their skills. ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND PRO BONO INITIATIVES The OBA’s ongoing commit ment to accessible and affordable justice for all continues to be a cornerstone of our service to the public and our profession, and “access to justice” has been a primary focus for 2025 OBA President Ken Williams. In May, the OBA hosted its annual Ask A Lawyer community service event in conjunction with Law Day. The high number of calls and emails we received this year emphasizes the need for the expansion of these types of services. Additionally, a YLD-sponsored Wills for Heroes event is scheduled for Aug. 16 in Durant, which will assist mili tary service veterans and first responders with their estate plan ning needs. Community-facing efforts like these have helped address legal needs in areas such as family law, landlord/tenant

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL