The Oklahoma Bar Journal October 2026

The Canadian County Bar Association is being recognized for its outstanding commitment to its members, the legal profession and the community it serves. Canadian County is Oklahoma’s fastest-growing county, and the Canadian County Bar Association has responded to that growth with thoughtful leadership, practical programming and a strong commit ment to maintaining a connected and engaged legal community. Through regular monthly meetings and continuing legal education programs, the association provides local attorneys with meaningful opportunities to stay informed, exchange ideas and build the professional relationships that strengthen the bench, the bar and the administration of justice. The association’s influence also extends well beyond Canadian County. Its members have dem- onstrated a long-standing com mitment to service within the OBA, including leadership on the OBA Board of Governors, ser vice as OBA president-elect and participation on the YLD Board of Directors. This willingness to serve at the state level reflects both the depth of leadership within the Canadian County Bar and its commitment to the legal profession as a whole. The association’s dedication to community engagement was particularly evident through its 2026 Law Day program, which featured Judge David Lewis of the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals dis cussing the theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.” By bringing together members of the legal profession and the public for meaningful discussion, the associa tion helped highlight the importance of the rule of law and the vital role of the courts in our communities. Through its support of attor neys, promotion of professionalism

of justice by helping ensure that everyone who enters the courtroom can participate in the legal process with dignity and confidence. As Oklahoma’s pioneering facility court dog, Jerzy has provided a calm and reassuring presence to count less children and other vulnerable individuals during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. At the Rogers County Courthouse and in surrounding jurisdictions, Jerzy has provided comfort during juvenile deprived matters, in-camera interviews, adoptions, guardianships, protective order proceedings, mental health hearings and other sensi tive family and court proceedings. Her presence can reduce fear and anxiety, helping witnesses, partic ularly children, feel safe enough to participate more fully in the judicial process. Judges, attorneys, court staff and litigants have come to rely on Jerzy as a trusted member of the courthouse community. Jerzy’s service extends beyond the courtroom. Through school visits, community outreach, hospi tal and hospice visits and public appearances, she has helped demy- stify the justice system and build connections between the courts and the communities they serve. Sustained without public funding and through the dedication of Jerzy and Ms. Baab and the support of their community, this work represents an exceptional commitment to public service. Their impact demonstrates that strengthening our system of freedom under law sometimes begins with something as simple and powerful as helping someone feel safe enough to be heard. OUTSTANDING COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION AWARD Canadian County Bar Association

willingly accepting the additional responsibility because he under stood the organization needed him. His commitment to service extends well beyond the OBA. He has chaired the YLD Wills for Heroes program, helping provide free estate-planning services to first responders, law enforcement officers, military personnel and their families. Under his leadership, the program received the OBA’s Outstanding Service to the Public Award in 2024. He also has served as president of the Delaware County Bar Association, president of the Delaware County Children’s Special Advocacy Network, president-elect of the Grove Rotary Club and a municipal judge for Bernice, Fairland and Afton. His dedication to public service continues as he serves with the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and prepares to take the bench as Delaware County’s next associate district judge. The following awards will be presented during the General Assembly on Friday, Nov.13. LIBERTY BELL AWARD Jerzy the Court Dog/Mindie Baab

The 2026 Liberty Bell Award recognizes Jerzy the Court Dog and her handler, Mindie Baab, for nearly a decade of extraordinary service to the courts, the legal profession and the people they serve. Jerzy’s work exemplifies the purpose of the Liberty Bell Award: strength ening and promoting our system

58 | OCTOBER 2026

THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL