The Oklahoma Bar Journal September 2024

Y oung L awyers D ivision

By Laura R. Talbert Summertime With the YLD

T HE SPIRIT OF SUMMER IS closing in on us. Whether you spent it going to outdoor barbe cues, spending lazy weekends at the lake or taking road trips, saying goodbye to summer is just different than the other seasons. Reflecting on the passing season, the Young Lawyers Division had an active summer, chock-full of activities from beginning to end. Collectively, we wanted to make this summer one to remember, and we hit the ground running. In early July, attorneys from all over the state made their way to Norman for summer school, also known as the OBA Annual Meeting. This year, the Annual Meeting and the Solo & Small Firm Conference were rolled into one. Additionally, for the first time in decades, the Annual Meeting and the Oklahoma Judicial Conference were held simultaneously, giving lawyers and judges opportuni ties for valuable interactions in a shared space. Of course, the YLD hosted the best hospitality suite, the “Summer Vacation” suite. Designed by the YLD’s Mary McCann, the Summer Vacation suite had it all: inflatables, games, music, food and drinks – you name it, we had it. For the first time, the YLD’s hospitality suite featured a mocktail bar cour tesy of Lawyers Helping Lawyers. Needless to say, Summer Vacation was enjoyed by all this year. OBA ANNUAL MEETING

During the Annual Meeting, the YLD was presented the Outstanding Service to the Public Award for the Wills for Heroes program. Caroline Shaffer Siex, the YLD’s immediate past chair, was also presented with the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award. Again, we thank the OBA for hon oring both the Wills for Heroes program and Caroline. BAR EXAM SURVIVAL KITS The day after the Annual Meeting wrapped up, the YLD Board of Directors gathered to

prepare bar exam survival kits for each person taking the July bar exam. This year, that was no easy feat – there were over 400 people taking it! With bar results coming out soon, we wish each test taker the best of luck and look forward to you joining the YLD ranks in the near future. ABA ANNUAL MEETING In early August, the American Bar Association held its Annual Meeting. This year, it took place in Chicago. The ABA meeting pro vides a platform at the national

OBA YLD leaders attend the YLD Assembly at the ABA Annual Meeting. From left Alexandra Gage, Laura Talbert, Clayton Baker and Taylor Venus.

98 | SEPTEMBER 2024

THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL