The Oklahoma Fellows were joined by President Day for a weekend gathering and meeting at the Shangri-La Resort on Grand Lake in northeast Oklahoma. State Chair Jennifer Annis organized the weekend, which drew approximately forty Fellows and spouses.
The program opened Friday evening with a cocktail hour and dinner, followed by remarks from President Day on the Reputation Project, including securing volunteers for the presentation at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa law schools.
Former Regent John Tucker then received the Andy Coats Lifetime Achievement Award. A Fellow who has known Tucker for more than 70 years presented a video tribute, followed by remarks from Former Regent Dan Fulio who recognized Former Regent Tucker’s contributions to the Oklahoma Bar and to the College. Tucker accepted the award and reflected on his years of fellowship in the College.
Saturday’s program featured Fellow Bill Leach discussing developments in Oklahoma appellate courts concerning attorney fee awards, discovery disputes, and expert witnesses. He reviewed recent rule changes and decisions and offered practical guidance for practitioners. He also addressed trial judges’ concerns about increased requirements and limited resources.
Fellow Trent Shores, a recent inductee and former United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma who now serves as a Tribal Supreme Court Justice for the Kaw Nation, discussed his transition from criminal to civil practice and the importance of professionalism and civility.
State Chair Annis opened the floor to a discussion of civility in the legal profession. Fellows shared observations from recent experiences and highlighted the importance of mentoring, communication among lawyers, courtroom and in-person interactions, remote depositions and judicial responses to inappropriate conduct. The discussion included ways to promote the Reputation Project among young lawyers and law schools.
Fellows reconvened Saturday evening for dinner at the resort to end the event.