The Oklahoma Bar Journal October 2026

JOHN E. SHIPP AWARD FOR ETHICS

professional expertise and personal time in supporting others serves as an example to his colleagues and demonstrates the importance of compassion, integrity and service in the practice of law. Through his actions, he has shown how ethical leadership can extend beyond professional obligations to create

of representation, the OFR also helps families access resources and treatment programs that can support reunification and improve outcomes for children. Through her efforts, Ms. Clegg has helped establish a frame work that benefits not only the children and families directly involved in deprived cases but also the broader legal system. Her commitment to improving advocacy for Oklahoma’s most vulnerable children exemplifies the profound impact members of the legal profession can have beyond the courtroom. Her leadership through the Office of Family Representation has helped create lasting change in the way Oklahoma approaches represen tation for children and families. NEIL E. BOGAN PROFESSIONALISM AWARD

Judge Michael Tupper, Norman Judge

Michael Tupper exemplifies the highest ideals of the legal pro fession through

lasting, positive change. ALMA WILSON AWARD

Gwendolyn L. Clegg, Owasso Gwendolyn L.

his commitment to ethical leader ship, service and the belief that the justice system can create oppor tunities for meaningful change. His dedication to recovery courts in Cleveland County extends well beyond his professional responsibil ities, reflecting a personal commit ment to helping individuals pursue recovery and build better lives. Through his work with recovery court, Judge Tupper has champi oned best practices and worked to make Cleveland County’s pro grams among the strongest pos sible. His approach demonstrates that ethical leadership is not limited to the courtroom; it also means recognizing the broader impact members of the legal pro fession can have on individuals, families and communities. Judge Tupper has devoted sig nificant personal time and energy to increasing awareness and support for recovery programs. He has helped organize fundrais ing and outreach efforts, including the Trail to Recovery 5K, as well as community cleanup initiatives involving recovery court partici pants. These efforts have helped connect recovery court with the broader community while provid ing participants with opportunities to contribute and give back. Judge Tupper’s commitment to recovery courts has become a defining part of his service to the profession and his community. His willingness to invest both his

Clegg has made a sig nificant con tribution to improving the lives of

Oklahoma children through her leadership and work with the Office of Family Representation (OFR). Her work has helped transform the practice of deprived law in Oklahoma by advancing a model focused on high-quality representation, accountability and ensuring children and families have meaningful advocacy in court. The OFR grew from a pilot pro gram in Tulsa created to address long-standing deficiencies in the rep resentation of parents and children in deprived cases. Under Ms. Clegg’s leadership, the office has developed a comprehensive approach that provides attorneys with fair com pensation, supervision, mentorship, social workers, legal resources and other support necessary to effec tively represent their clients. Ms. Clegg’s work recognizes that meaningful representation requires more than simply assign ing a lawyer to a case. Children deserve attorneys who understand their role as advocates and who can ensure their clients’ voices, wishes and interests are heard in court. By strengthening the quality

John W. Gile, Oklahoma City John W. Gile has spent more than 40 years practic ing law and, throughout his career, has demonstrated

the conduct, honesty, integrity and courtesy that represent the highest standards of the legal profession. His influence, how ever, extends well beyond his own practice. Through decades of mentoring and training attorneys, he has helped shape not only the lawyers he has worked alongside but also the professional stan dards they carry forward. Mr. Gile, a shareholder with Hall Estill, is a lawyer who leads by example. Rather than simply encouraging others to uphold high standards, he demonstrates those standards through his own actions and professional relationships. His

56 | OCTOBER 2026

THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL