JANUARY 2025 | 49 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL What are you most proud of during your time serving on the Board of Governors so far? I think the increased focus (and personal passion) on professionalism and civility; Past President Brian Hermanson asked me to take that on while he was serving as president in 2023 and gave me an opportunity to be a spokesperson around the state to different voluntary bars, put on CLEs and really push that issue. To me, it is incredibly important, and for so much of my career, attorneys have not been respected for professionalism and civility. I think people are beginning to see the value of seeing opposing counsel not as an enemy but as another professional trying to do the best they can for clients. I am most proud, so far, of that elevation of professionalism and civility. What advice would you give to a new attorney? I would strongly recommend new attorneys look at the value of placing their practice somewhere other than big urban areas. It’s a rewarding lifestyle to be actively engaged in your local community, chamber and all the activities that are available in small communities. You can be a vibrant part of a smaller group of people and have an immediate impact. Why is the bar association important to you? Clearly, a group is stronger than an individual. You can accomplish a whole lot more through focused efforts with a larger number of people than you can with one. I see the association as critically important to 1) be a public advocate for the rule of law and 2) be constantly looking for solutions to provide access to justice. These are challenges that can’t be answered by a single attorney. Why is it important to serve? In many ways, service to our local communities, organizations or citizens is most important for us as “people.” It is very easy to become consumed with the time pressures and demands of the practice of law to such an extent that we become isolated and lose touch with others. By serving others, we remain connected and a part of society. It keeps us human and leads us toward empathy and compassion. And, from a very cynical perspective, involvement with others through service is one of the least expensive and most effective ways to market your services and receive the very important referrals of work. What is your favorite OBA member benefit? Lawyers Helping Lawyers. For most of my career, the mental and emotional health of our members has been the least discussed and the least addressed challenge of our members. I am so very proud of all who are involved in LHL and believe them to be saving lives in a very real way. Where do you see the OBA in the next five years? I see the OBA becoming much more active in the access to justice issue. I think we are going to broaden the availability of access to justice for people who can’t afford it. Practicing law is not a right, it’s a privilege. Hand in hand with privilege is responsibility. We have a tremendous responsibility to provide access to justice for people who can’t afford it. PRESIDENTIAL Q&A
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