The Oklahoma Bar Journal September 2023

met and focused on planning for joint Family Law and MAC CLE. The committee is also discussing plans for the OBA Heroes Program, which provides assistance to veter ans and military service members. PETITION TO CREATE ANIMAL LAW SECTION AND PROPOSED BYLAWS The board passed a motion to approve the creation of a new Animal Law Section. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDING OBA BYLAWS TO ADD THE PAST PRESIDENT AS AN OFFICER OF THE OBA BOARD OF GOVERNORS The board passed a motion to advance a recommendation to the House of Delegates to amend the bylaws so that the immediate past president serves as an officer during their one-year term as such.

Governor Ailles Bahm reported the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance Program Committee met with A Chance to Change, and she noted OBA publications have been regularly sharing and repurposing their mental health content.

in the legal profession, and more help is needed. Governor Barbush noted the committee presented on mental health topics during the Southeastern Oklahoma Summit. Governor Barbush also said the Cannabis Law Committee is meet ing regularly and is successfully facilitating communication through a widely used message board. Governor Smith noted the Diversity Committee met and finalized plans for its annual Diversity Dinner and Diversity Awards presenta tions. The keynote speaker will be Professor Carla Pratt, who serves as the Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Chair in Civil Rights, Race and Justice in Law at the OU College of Law. The committee is also planning a CLE on voting rights. Governor Hilfiger said that the Law Day Committee recently wrapped up a success ful event and that the committee chair would be presenting later during the meeting. Vice President Williams said the Legislative Monitoring Committee and the Professionalism Committee are both meeting regularly. He said the Membership Engagement Committee , at its recent meeting, received an analysis of Annual Meeting membership survey results. Governor Bracken reported the Military Assistance Committee

Commission. In addition to the pending investigations, there are three grievances awaiting a private reprimand and 15 grievances to be filed as formal charges with the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Furthermore, upon the success ful completion of the Attorney Diversion Program, participating attorneys are to receive private repri mands involving 12 grievances and letters of admonition involving 10 grievances. A written report of PRC actions and OBA disciplinary matters for the month was sub mitted to the board for its review. BOARD LIAISON REPORTS Governor Conner reported the Awards Committee has extended its deadline for awards nominations until July 14 and encouraged his fellow board members to submit nominations. Governor Ailles Bahm praised the Bench and Bar Committee leadership for its excel lent recent meeting. She reported the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance Program Committee met with A Chance to Change, and she noted OBA publications have been regularly sharing and repurposing their mental health content. She said the committee is seeking lawyer volunteers to better address mental health issues

ANNUAL LAW DAY COMMITTEE REPORT

Ed Wunch, committee chair, reported that Law Day activities were held across the state on May 1 and enjoyed a high degree of suc cess. Details were included along with goals for Law Day 2024.

UPCOMING OBA AND COUNTY BAR EVENTS

President Hermanson reviewed upcoming bar-related events, includ ing the New Admittee Swearing-In, September; the annual Women in Law Conference, Sept. 22; and the OBA Annual Meeting, Nov. 1-3, Skirvin Hilton Hotel, Oklahoma City. NEXT BOARD MEETING The Board of Governors met in July and August, and a summary of those actions will be published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal once the minutes are approved. The next board meeting will be held Friday, Sept. 22, in Muskogee.

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL