The Oklahoma Bar Journal October 2026

YVONNE KAUGER TRAILBLAZER AWARD

first African American to serve on Oklahoma’s highest court since statehood. He later became the court’s first Black chief justice. Yet Justice Colbert’s greatest legacy extends beyond these milestones. Throughout his career, he has mentored young people, participated in educa tional programs and spoken to students across Oklahoma about the possibilities created by hard work and perseverance. His jour ney has expanded not only his own opportunities but also the possibilities others can envision for themselves. Through decades of service to the judiciary, legal profession and community, Justice Colbert has blazed a trail for generations of Oklahomans to follow. JOE STAMPER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

numerous courts and jurisdic tions and has tried more than 400 cases. His career accom plishments include recognition as a Top Lawyer and Best Lawyer by respected publications and mem bership in the American College of Trial Lawyers and other profes sional organizations. Yet it is Mr. Smiling’s contri butions to the legal community beyond these accomplishments that make him especially deserv ing of this award. Colleagues describe him as approachable, kind and generous with his time and experience. He read ily shares the lessons he has learned throughout four decades of practice, offering guidance and encouragement to lawyers at every stage of their careers. His stories from the courtroom have become a memorable part of his interactions with colleagues, but it is the knowledge and perspec tive behind those stories that have made a lasting impact. Mr. Smiling’s professionalism is grounded in humility and a genuine respect for the courts, opposing counsel and everyone he encounters. He has consis tently demonstrated a commit ment to improving the practice of law and strengthening the legal community around him. After more than four decades, Mark Smiling’s legacy is measured not simply by the cases he has tried or the honors he has received, but by the countless colleagues he has supported, mentored and befriended along the way.

Retired Justice

Tom Colbert, Oklahoma City Justice Tom Colbert’s life and career embody the spirit of the Yvonne

Kauger Trailblazer Award: using significant achievement, visionary leadership and a commitment to service to open doors for others. Justice Colbert grew up in circumstances where higher edu cation and a legal career could have seemed out of reach. His family encouraged him to work hard, dream boldly and pursue a college degree as a path out of poverty. Despite being told by a school counselor that he was not smart enough for college, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Kentucky State University, served in the U.S. Army, earned a master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University and later received his J.D. from the OU College of Law. His legal career was marked by historic firsts. In 2000, Gov. Frank Keating appointed him to the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals, making him the first African American to serve on an Oklahoma appellate court. He later became the first to lead that court as presiding judge and, in 2004, was appointed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court – becoming the

A. Mark Smiling, Tulsa

For more than 40 years, A. Mark Smiling has dedicated his career to the practice of law in Tulsa

County and throughout Oklahoma, building a reputation defined not only by legal experience and profes sional achievement but by service, humility and respect for others. A longtime member of the Oklahoma Bar Association and Tulsa County Bar Association, Mr. Smiling has practiced in

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL