The Bankruptcy and Reorganization Section of the Oklahoma Bar Association has experienced an increase in membership, with over 300 active members of the OBA, as case filings continue to increase in Oklahoma. The section provides various continuing legal education opportunities throughout the state. The county bar associations presentations on bankruptcy issues, particularly the new changes in the law, are offered around the state, with approval for one hour of CLE credit. For the 23rd year, a two-day seminar, co-sponsored with the OBA, will be offered in December, featuring local, regional and national speakers covering a broad range of topics related to business and consumer bankruptcy cases, bankruptcy administration and procedures, legislation and related topics. The seminar qualifies for 12 hours of CLE credit including one hour of ethics. The Annual Meeting of the section is held along with a two-hour program at the OBA Annual Convention. This program generally qualifies for two hours of CLE credit at no cost to members of the section.

The listserv maintained by the OBA for section members is in active use throughout the year by the section and its members for dissemination and discussion of cases, news and editorial comments concerning bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, affording section members valuable current information in these specialized areas.

The section is looking for volunteers to present the Credit Abuse Resistance Education (CARE) program to expand financial literacy for high school students. This valuable program, developed by a bankruptcy judge, is an easy presentation to students to expose them to the risks of easy credit along with simple budgeting.

The section purchased Bankruptcy Code and Rules books this year and provided two for each judge in the three districts to leave on the counsel tables in their courtrooms. It would appear from the dog-eared corners this service has been useful for those unforeseen times when an attorney needs his “Code” for reference during a hearing. The acknowledgment on the cover reflects the books were provided by the OBA Bankruptcy and Reorganization Section.

The section is currently making plans to provide scholarship opportunities for law students that excel in the area of bankruptcy law, whether in class or through competition. This program is anticipated to commence in 2009.

Katherine Vance
Chairperson