The Oklahoma Bar Journal January 2024

struggle. I welcome suggestions for how we can promote and encourage mental health among all lawyers, not just those who fall within the YLD. In conclusion, this new year, like all others before it, marks a signif icant chapter in the ongoing story of the Oklahoma Bar Association and the YLD. We stand on the shoulders of the achievements of the past, and with optimism in our hearts, we look toward a future filled with possibilities. Embracing these transitions, actively involving the community and fostering a culture of inclusivity, tolerance and civility will form the foundation and allow us to shape a year that reflects the strength of our unity and the rich ness of our shared aspirations. Ms. Talbert is a lawyer in Oklahoma City and serves as the YLD chairperson. She may be contacted at lrtalbert@gmail.com.

Last year’s accomplishments have provided a sturdy platform for continued growth and prog ress within the YLD in 2024. While there are several events we’re working on and are excited to share with you in the future, there are a few priorities that I would like for the YLD to emphasize and promote throughout the year: tolerance, civility and mental health. County District Judge Richard Ogden spoke at the OBA Diversity Committee’s annual Diversity Awards Dinner about the need for ensuring that the Oklahoma County Bar Association was a welcoming and inclusive organization for its members, and his words stuck with me. I strongly believe that the YLD can play a unique role in promot ing tolerance in the bar. Please hear me – being tolerant never means that someone needs to compromise their viewpoints or personal beliefs. To me, tolerance instead means accepting and welcoming people, even when you don’t share the same viewpoints or personal beliefs as those people. Regardless of your perspectives, it is troubling that people characterize and demonize those who have viewpoints different from their own. In 2024, let’s focus on truly listening before acting. The more tolerant we can be, the better advocates we can be for ourselves, our colleagues and our clients. TOLERANCE At the end of last year, Oklahoma

CIVILITY

Civility goes hand-in-hand with tolerance, and one way of expressing tolerance is by being civil to everyone – particularly to those with whom you do not agree. I believe that most members of our bar work very hard to exhibit politeness and courtesy in their endeavors with others. But having said that, we are bombarded every day with images of people who seem to suggest that politeness and courtesy are a sign of weak ness or that the way to get things accomplished quickly is by being a discourteous “bulldog.” Let me suggest that the most effective attorneys are those who can advocate for their clients politely, in an analytical fashion, without the need for histrionics. We’ve all had bad days and lost our cool at some point, but even when that happens, I appreciate it when my adversary can show me some grace and remain civil, and I strive to do the same when the roles are reversed. MENTAL HEALTH Our profession is challenging regardless of how you use your law license. Given those chal lenges, our mental health is con stantly under attack. Thankfully, a lot of the stigmas associated with mental illnesses are fading, but even in the absence of outdated stereotypes about mental health and wellness, keeping yourself mentally healthy is a constant

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL