The Oklahoma Bar Journal October 2026

component of professional responsibility. In today’s practice of law, attorneys must understand the technology that affects their work and their ethical obligations to clients. The committee has helped advance this message by encouraging education, aware ness and thoughtful engagement with emerging technologies. The Bar Association Technology Committee exemplifies excellence in leadership, service and innova tion. Its work has strengthened the association, supported its mem bers and helped prepare the legal profession for the challenges and opportunities ahead. AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PRO BONO SERVICE Tulsa Lawyers for Children Tulsa Lawyers for Children is being recog nized with the Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award for its long-standing service, innovative approach to pro bono represen tation and its unwavering commit ment to giving vulnerable children a voice in the legal proceedings that can profoundly shape their lives. For more than 25 years, Tulsa Lawyers for Children has provided advocacy and representation to children and families facing some of life’s most difficult circumstances. In 2025, the organization expanded that mission in a significant way by launching a pro bono guardian ad litem program for children involved in high-conflict custody, guardian ship and adoption cases whose families cannot otherwise afford this critical service. The program addresses a fundamental need in the justice system: ensuring that children have an independent advocate focused solely on their safety,

dedication, vision and meaningful impact on the legal profession. Through forward-thinking guid ance and steadfast service, the committee has become an essen tial leader in advancing innova tion, security and technological competence within the Oklahoma Bar Association. One of the committee’s most significant contributions has been helping protect the association’s data and technological infra structure. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, the committee has provided valuable guidance on cybersecurity solutions, risk management and critical system upgrades, helping safeguard sensitive member and organiza tional information while promoting responsible technology governance. The committee also has helped position the OBA for the future through its recommendations for a more streamlined association management system and a mod ernized public-facing website. Recognizing the need for intuitive, accessible and user-friendly digital experiences, the committee has advocated for technology solu tions that improve communication, member engagement and opera tional efficiency while helping the association better serve the public. Beyond these accomplish ments, the Bar Association Technology Committee continues to provide thoughtful collaboration and innovative ideas as new chal lenges and opportunities emerge. Whether evaluating new tools, improving workflows or exploring ways to enhance member ser vices, its members consistently demonstrate a commitment to helping the OBA adapt to a rapidly changing technological landscape. Perhaps most importantly, the committee has been a strong voice for recognizing technolog ical competence as an essential

highlighting the important role of the law and the legal profession. On May 1, members of the Payne County Bar Association volunteered their time and legal knowledge through the annual Ask A Lawyer program, providing free legal infor mation and guidance to members of the public. The association further expanded its outreach efforts on May 15 by hosting an additional in- person Ask A Lawyer event at the Stillwater Public Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., making attorneys accessible to citizens in a welcoming community setting and helping answer important legal questions for local residents. The association also honored the legal community’s traditions and service through a memorial ceremony held May 5 at the Payne County Courthouse. The event provided a meaningful oppor tunity for remembrance and reflec tion among colleagues, friends and members of the judiciary. In addition to serving the public and honoring members of the profession, the Payne County Bar Association strengthened relation ships within the courthouse commu nity by hosting a barbecue lunch for Payne County Courthouse employ ees on May 6. This event fostered goodwill and appreciation among the many individuals who work daily to support the administration of justice. Through these diverse Law Day activities, the Payne County Bar Association exemplified service, professionalism and dedication to public education regarding the Rule of Law while making a lasting impact on its local community. GOLDEN GAVEL AWARD Bar Association Technology Committee The Golden

Gavel Award is presented to the OBA Technology Committee in recognition of its

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL