The Oklahoma Bar Journal October 2026

(Almost) No One Heard Coming: Berk v. Choy and Anti-SLAPP Statutes,” which was featured in the April 2026 issue of the Oklahoma Bar Journal , and was selected by the Board of Editors as the best article published in the journal in the last year. He is a leader in continuing legal education, known for creat ing innovative, thought-provoking programming. A partner at Coffey, Senger, Hancock & Harmon, he co-chairs the Tulsa County Bar Association Bench & Bar Committee. He also teaches at the TU College of Law on artificial intelligence and the legal profes sion, equipping attorneys to navi gate a rapidly evolving landscape. Mr. Mwafulirwa was the 2025 recipient of the Earl Sneed Award for his outstanding continuing legal education contributions. OUTSTANDING YOUNG LAWYER AWARD Clayton M.

more than 300 cases and donat ing 397.25 hours of legal services, valued at more than $110,000. His work provides critical assis tance to families facing housing insecurity, helping clients under stand their legal options and work toward greater stability. Mr. Finlayson’s commitment to public service extends well beyond the courtroom. From 2019 to 2024, he chaired the TCBA Pro Bono Committee and helped strengthen the resources available to attorneys and members of the public. In 2021, he worked with the Tulsa County Court Administrator to update the Landlord-Tenant Act booklet and revised the CAP Evictions Handbook, which judges now use as a bench manual. His record of service also includes helping establish the OBA Disaster Response and Relief Committee, volunteering as a firefighter and captain with the Beggs Fire Department, and supporting numerous civic and community organizations. Through his pro bono work, leadership and willingness to serve wherever his skills are needed, Mr. Finlayson demonstrates the profound difference an attorney can make when professional expertise is placed in service to others. His career reflects a sus tained commitment to expanding access to justice and strengthen ing the communities he serves. MAURICE MERRILL GOLDEN QUILL AWARD Mbilike Mwafulirwa Mbilike

approach to mentorship reflects a genuine commitment to strength ening the legal profession by help ing younger attorneys understand the responsibilities that come with being a lawyer. Over more than four decades, Mr. Gile’s commitment to these principles has made a lasting impression on the attorneys he has mentored and trained. His exam ple demonstrates that the highest standards of the profession are not merely found in rules or require ments, but in the daily choices lawyers make in their interactions with clients, colleagues, opposing counsel and the courts. Through his career and his investment in the next generation of attorneys, Mr. Gile exemplifies the character, integrity and cour tesy this award recognizes. OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC AWARD

Mac Finlayson, Tulsa Mac D. Finlayson, who is celebrating 50 years of OBA member ship in 2026, exemplifies the spirit of

Baker, Grove

The Okla

homa Bar Association’s 2026 Outstan ding Young Lawyer Award recognizes

outstanding pro bono service through decades of dedicated legal and community service. A senior counsel with Eller & Detrich, Mr. Finlayson has com bined a distinguished legal career with a longstanding commitment to helping individuals and com munities access justice. His pro bono work through the Tulsa County Bar Association’s Court Assistance Project (CAP) is a defining example of that commitment. Since CAP’s incep tion, Mr. Finlayson has made 76 appearances at the Evictions Docket, representing clients in

Clayton M. Baker of Grove for his exceptional commitment to the legal profession, the OBA YLD and the communities he serves. Throughout his career, Mr. Baker has distinguished himself through a rare combination of professional excellence, humility and a genuine commitment to service. His contri butions to the YLD span years of dependable leadership, including service as district representative, secretary and treasurer. When an unexpected vacancy recently arose, Clayton once again stepped forward to serve as secretary,

Mwafulirwa is awarded the Maurice Merrill Golden Quill Award for authoring “The Whimper

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL