The Oklahoma Bar Journal June 2024

Y oung L awyers D ivision

By Laura R. Talbert Raking in Awards

T HE YOUNG LAWYERS Division proudly celebrates recent accolades that underscore the YLD’s commitment to service and excellence within the legal profession. Among these honors is the esteemed Outstanding Service to the Public Award, which was bestowed upon the division’s Wills for Heroes program, recognizing its invaluable contribution to the community. Additionally, the recognition of Caroline Shaffer Siex, the immediate past chair of the YLD, with the distinguished Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, highlights the exemplary dedication and leadership demon strated by individuals on the YLD Board of Directors. These pres tigious acknowledgments serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the YLD in advancing legal excellence and public service. Caroline Shaffer Siex’s recogni tion as Outstanding Young Lawyer shines a spotlight on her remark able contributions to both the legal profession and the community at large. As 2023 chair, Caroline has exemplified the highest standards of legal excellence and service, inspiring her peers and future generations of legal professionals. Her dedication to advocacy, profes sionalism and public engagement embodies the ethos of the OBA YLD and serves as an inspira tion. Her achievement not only reflects her personal commitment to the legal profession but also

Laura Talbert and Caroline Shaffer Siex represent Oklahoma young lawyers during the 2024 ABA YLD Midyear Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.

behalf of the YLD. With a brother who serves in law enforcement, several veterans in his family and a cousin who is an active duty major general in the U.S. Air Force, it goes without saying that this program is near and dear to his heart. Prior to leading the program, Clayton was a volun teer at this event for many years. Reflecting on his firsthand experi ences, he emphasized the intention of providing essential legal services to our local heroes. In Clayton’s words: “Our law enforcement officers, first responders, firefighters, paramed ics and military sacrifice so much

underscores the collective spirit of the YLD in nurturing young lawyers. In tandem with dedicated individuals like Caroline, the OBA YLD’s commitment to public ser vice is epitomized by the remark able impact of its Wills for Heroes program. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope and support for our local heroes, offering vital legal assistance to our law enforcement officers, first responders, paramed ics and military personnel. Clayton Baker, a dedicated member of the YLD, is the Wills for Heroes chair and a passionate advocate for the program, and he will be accepting this award on

90 | JUNE 2024

THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL