The Oklahoma Bar Journal November 2022

Civics, Civility and Collaboration: Lawyers Can Lead the Way F rom T he P resident By Jim Hicks

T HE PRACTICE OF LAW has a way of confronting us with our insecurities and imperfections. For me, practicing law has been simultaneously painfully awkward, hilariously comical and immensely power ful. However witty we think we are, whatever mem orable lines we employ in arguments or briefings to the court, we cannot escape moments of self-doubt. I jokingly say that my motto has been “often wrong, seldom in doubt.” In mediations and in courtrooms, agreeing to disagree is what attorneys do every day. While our society appears divided over numerous issues that manifest in the workplace, courtroom and in threats against law enforcement and judges, lawyers are uniquely positioned to lead the way in civility and collaboration. Our clients look to us for guidance on how to behave and how to handle the stress associated with legal issues and concerns. Those who decry a lack of civility in today’s social interactions need members of our organization to keep calm and uphold the rule of law. The memorable opening scene of

strict rules requiring armed guards at the homes and in the courtrooms of Tulsa’s district judges. The Tulsa County Bar Association immediately posted a $25,000 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the bomber. Judge Nelson returned to the bench Oct. 6, 1971, having been re-elected. A Tulsa native, he had been appointed in 1967 by Gov. Dewey Bartlett. His daughter, Jill Nelson Thomas, continues to be a member of the OBA. As a grand jury was impaneled to inves tigate the bombing, even more shocking events filled the news. On Sept. 26, 1970, E.C. Mullendore III was beaten and shot to death in his Osage County home on the Cross Bell Ranch. His bodyguard, Chub Anderson (now deceased), claimed two intruders killed Mullendore, but Anderson continues to be a primary suspect. The story was the biggest murder case in the history of northeastern Oklahoma and remains unsolved to this day. The Mullendore Murder Case, written in 1974 by Johnathan Kwitny, is a definitive account continued on page 57 Tulsa County District Judge Fred S. Nelson was critically wounded in an August 1970 car bombing but later recovered and returned to the bench. Photo courtesy of the Tulsa World .

the Martin Scorsese film Casino, about early 1970s Las Vegas, shows a bomb blast engulfing the car of the character played by Robert DeNiro as he starts the ignition. Similar events occurred in Tulsa County. On Aug. 25, 1970, Tulsa County District Judge Fred Nelson was the target of an Election Day assassina tion attempt. As he turned the ignition switch of his blue station wagon, an explosion tore the front end of the car apart, throwing more than 20 pieces of shrapnel into him. The bombing took place in the driveway of his home, across the street from Edison High School. Judge Nelson survived the attack but was left critically injured. Presiding Judge Robert Simms issued

President Hicks practices in Tulsa. jhicks@barrowgrimm.com (918) 584-1600

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL