The Oklahoma Bar Journal February 2023

Y oung L awyers D ivision

Make the OBA Your Valentine By Caroline M. Shaffer Siex

F EBRUARY: OUR SHORT AND sweet month. Also, literally sweet. I can already see the images of chocolates, fruit bouquets and sweet-smelling flowers filling offices. Although considered to be a romantic holiday, we probably all had the common Valentine’s Day tradition of sending little cards to fellow classmates since learning to tie our shoes. Valentine’s Day is not just for romance but also to show care and compassion. Why not make the OBA your valentine by engaging as a member? I think a handful (or more) of young lawyers do not know how to become more engaged. I know in law school, I thought of the OBA as CLE requirements and the ethics counsel. The OBA also has committees and sections with involvement opportunities. Joining a committee or section offers the ability to engage in issues affecting both our clients and members within our asso ciation. For example, the Access to Justice Committee is a won derful committee for any lawyer who wants to learn about critical problems currently facing clients. Likewise, discussions abound regarding how lawyers may better serve those limited in their abili ties to retain services. For example, in the past, the Access to Justice Committee focused on the ability for limited-scope practice to occur for those with limited resources to retain an attorney.

YLD leaders attend OBA Day at the Capitol 2018. From left Caroline Shaffer Siex, Dylan Erwin, Nathan Richter and Brandi Nowakowski

Another committee, the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance Program (LHL), directly helps our mem bership community. LHL could potentially assist any member of the bar. The committee’s goal is to help members who may suffer from alcohol abuse, drug abuse or other mental health issues. I, myself, did not understand all that LHL accomplished until recently. LHL offers mental health assistance to members, and it relies on having a statewide coordinated network. Sections offer a network within substantive law practice areas. You may want to get involved in

an area of law but need to build a network for help. You may also be like many young lawyers I know who decided to go out on their own. If you work in a particular area of law, a section can broaden your network within that area. Often, sections also offer CLE spe cific to a lawyer’s practice area. I want to encourage any young lawyer seeking a network or desir ing to use their skills beyond just the practice of law to join a commit tee or section. If you are not within the Oklahoma City area, there are multiple virtual opportunities to engage. All committees and sections

56 | FEBRUARY 2023

THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL