The Oklahoma Bar Journal December 2023

these suites provide a great hub for networking. Of course, I would be remiss if I did not mention the great CLE content at the Annual Meeting. I particularly enjoyed the Wellness Matters CLE from the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance Program. I was ecstatic to see the topic of gratitude as a part of this CLE. I have written an article about the practice of gratitude, and I received more exercises to practice this. Many CLEs at the Annual Meeting were unique and enjoyable. Likewise, the Diversity Awards Dinner has always been an inspiring and thought-provoking event. Finally, I must highlight the best part of the Annual Meeting: the cuddly and fluffy puppies! Now, it is my time moving into the end of the year, where my focus is shifting to my family at home. I will decorate the tree, make my famous eggnog and enjoy my son and my annual tradition of pasta making on New Year’s Eve. When I leave, I will bring in my dear friend, Laura Talbert, as the new chair. The most exciting part is that after all the hours given to this board over the years, it is still bittersweet. I will always cherish my time serving and leading.

meeting years ago. We have put together many bar exam survival kits, filled many ice buckets and coordinated many outfits. She received this award as any time I needed to reach out to an execu tive member, she was there to sup port me. Even when I had a trial conflict with an ABA trip, she was willing to take additional time off of work to fill in for my spot. My second award was given to someone I met as just a 1L in law school, Clayton Baker. Clayton has set an example to other board members. He has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the YLD for years as a district rep resentative based out of Jay. This past year, he planned, organized and executed a Wills for Heroes event in his county. This was the first Wills for Heroes event we had following COVID. The fol low-through and compassion he has kept for this board have been remarkable. Even when facing adversity in his personal life, he never stopped his commitment. After the YLD meeting was the Welcome Reception. Of course, no Annual Meeting would be com plete without a YLD hospitality suite. Thanks to OAMIC and the OBA Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Section, our suite was a great success. These sponsorships mean more to the YLD than our spon sors realize. Our goal was to pro vide a party that extended beyond the young lawyers. I always find

Young Lawyers Division Chair-Elect Laura Talbert and outgoing Chair Caroline Shaffer Siex enjoy the YLD events during the Annual Meeting.

Ms. Shaffer Siex practices in Tulsa and serves as the YLD chairperson.

She may be contacted at cshaffer@gablawyers.com.

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL