The Oklahoma Bar Journal October 2026

leaders and practitioners commit ted to finding real, lasting solutions. Central to the summit’s mission is its robust focus on pro bono ser vice as a cornerstone of access to justice. The program elevates pro bono not merely as a professional obligation, but as a calling, inspir ing attorneys across the state to step forward and serve those who cannot afford legal representation. What distinguishes the Access to Justice Summit is the breadth and caliber of its programming. By bringing together both Oklahoma-based voices and nationally recognized speakers, the event offers attendees a uniquely rich perspective – grounding discussions in the specific legal landscape of our state while drawing on innovations and best practices from across the country. The Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation exemplifies the spirit of the Earl Sneed Award: a genuine, sustained effort to strengthen the legal profession’s role in serving all Oklahomans, regardless of means or geography. HICKS EPTON LAW DAY AWARD Payne County Bar Association The Payne County Bar Association, chaired by Stillwater lawyer being recognized with the Hicks Epton Law Day Award for its local bar members’ outstanding participa tion in the 2026 Law Day activities, and for its continued commitment to public service, professionalism and community engagement. Throughout the month of May, the association demonstrated the spirit of Law Day through meaningful events that connected attorneys, courthouse staff and community members while James V. Murray, is

Perhaps most significantly, the TCBA translates that commitment into meaningful service to the public. Its revitalized Court Assistance Program has assisted more than 1,570 individuals facing housing insecurity since September 2025. Its Street Law program brings legal education to young people, while its Lawyer Referral and Information Service has handled more than 2,000 public inquiries this fiscal year. The association also supports the courts through its biennial Judicial Dinner, which raised nearly $40,000 this year for courthouse needs. The TCBA’s commitment to pub lic education was equally evident during Law Day 2026, with a 12-hour Ask A Lawyer program, record par ticipation in student contests and a sold-out annual luncheon featuring Chief Justice Dustin Rowe. Through all of these efforts, the Tulsa County Bar Association demonstrates how a county bar can elevate both the profession and the community it serves. Its breadth of service, innovation and sustained commitment make it a deserving recipient of the 2026 Outstanding County Bar Association Award.

and continuing education, and commitment to public service, the Canadian County Bar Association demonstrates the meaningful difference a local bar organization can make. Its record of service makes it a deserving recipient of the Outstanding County Bar Association Award. OUTSTANDING COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION AWARD Tulsa County Bar Association The Tulsa strengthening the legal profes sion, supporting its members and serving the Tulsa community. Since 1903, the TCBA has been an integral part of the Tulsa legal community. Today, it continues that tradition through an impres sive combination of professional development, member engage ment, leadership development and direct community service. Since September 2025, the association has provided its members with 84 hours of complimentary CLE, including 16 hours focused on ethics. Its programming addresses both the practical and emerging challenges of modern legal prac tice, while its Brown Bag Series and other programs foster mean ingful connections between the bench, bar and legal scholars. The TCBA also recognizes that a strong legal community depends on relationships. Through men torship, social and recreational activities, volunteer projects and development of its YLD Leadership Academy, the association creates opportunities for attorneys at every stage of their careers to connect, learn and contribute. County Bar Association is being rec ognized for its excep- tional com mitment to

EARL SNEED AWARD Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation

The Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation is recognized as this year’s winner of the Earl Sneed Award for its dedication in providing quality continuing legal education to empower attorneys in addressing the access to justice issues facing our state. The foun dation’s annual Access to Justice Summit directly confronts this challenge by bringing urgent issues to the forefront, convening thought

OCTOBER 2026 | 59

THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL