October 2009 Featured Volunteer: Pam Lyle

"I wish I could clone her," says Jeanie Wheeler, Volunteer Coordinator for Tulsa Legal Aid Office, "she is just a wonderful volunteer."

Who is this person so amazing that Jeanie wishes to create two of them? None other than Tulsa volunteer Pam Lyle.

The Tulsa Law Office has been lucky to have Pam as a volunteer for the last two years. In those two years, Pam has worked diligently with senior citizens documents and guardianship issues. Co-workers describe Pam as being dependable and organized.

Pam shows up right on time every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. to assist attorney P.J. Brun, Hotline Staff Attorney, with senior citizens documents, guardianship issues, and whatever else is needed.

Before Pam moved to Tulsa, she was a paralegal for Eastman Kodak in Rochester, NY, working in the Trademark and Civil Law division. In addition, she wrote a monthly column for the Daily Record, the daily legal newspaper in Rochester, NY.

In her personal life, Pam is considered a master gardener, working with the Tulsa Garden Center to educate others that share her love for digging in the dirt. She is also an active member and office holder in the Tulsa Newcomers Club, a social organization for women new to the Tulsa area. Pam and her husband, Steve, have two grown sons.

Now that Pam and her family have settled in Tulsa and she has spent the last two years volunteering for Legal Aid, Pam is ready to commit to a full-time job as a paralegal.

Interested in hiring this talented, motivated professional? Contact her through the Jeanie Wheeler, Tulsa Law Office Volunteer Coordinator, at (918) 584-3338.

Roger Scott's Legacy of Leadership

By Richard A. Riggs

The Oklahoma Bar Association, and particularly the Oklahoma Bar Foundation, suffered a huge loss with the unexpected death of Tulsan Roger Scott on July 1.

Roger had served as a trustee of the foundation since January of 2003 and during his entire tenure on the board, chaired, in exemplary fashion, the foundation's Development Committee. The Development Committee is the committee charged with seeking donations to the foundation through the OBF Fellows program and other efforts.

I keep on my desk a pamphlet published by the Character Training Institute that identifies seven "Leadership Perspectives." The pamphlet notes that "success requires viewing problems" from these seven perspectives. Those perspectives are those of a visionary, teacher, server, organizer, mediator, idealist and provider. Roger was one of those rare individuals who exhibited all these perspectives in his work, both as a practicing lawyer and as a volunteer.

Roger had an unqualified dedication to the Oklahoma Bar Foundation and the good work it does in the name of Oklahoma lawyers. He was an active board member, always willing to take on any assignment - even taking charge of the tasks most of us would prefer to avoid - like asking friends for money. He rarely missed meetings and was always prepared with direct and probing questions. He was instrumental in implementing new OBF programs - not all those programs bore fruit, but Roger simply took failure as an opportunity to try something new. He always led by example and by gentle encouragement. Most impressively, he pursued all this with a positive spirit and a sense of humor.

Roger's volunteer efforts extended far beyond the bar foundation. He served in a number of capacities with the Tulsa County and Oklahoma Bar Associations and much of that work focused on an issue near to his heart - the ethical standards to which lawyers are held. He served for a number of years on the Tulsa County Bar Association Professional Responsibility and Grievance Committee. Fellow Tulsan Phil Frazier recalled that when Roger became chair of this committee, the committee had more than 90 cases pending - when Roger completed his term one year later, all pending cases (that's right, all cases) had been resolved.

His dedication to legal ethics led to service as the chair of the OBA Legal Ethics Committee, as a member of the OBA Professional Responsibility Tribunal and as chair of the City of Tulsa Ethics Committee.

As a result of his long standing dedication to legal ethics, Roger was awarded the John E. Shipp Award for Ethics in 2002. It will come as no surprise to learn that the trustees of the bar foundation uniformly felt a need to honor Roger's contributions to the Foundation. To that end, at the July 17 trustees' meeting, the trustees approved the establishment of an annual award in Roger's memory, designed to recognize outstanding efforts on behalf of the foundation. |Roger labored mightily to fulfill OBF's purpose - Lawyers Transforming Lives - and others who similarly contribute to this cause will be honored each year with this award.

The first recipient of the award will be recognized in November, in conjunction with the OBA annual meeting. I know Roger will be deeply missed by his family, but I also know they are blessed with many wonderful memories.

The thoughts of all the foundation trustees (and many other Oklahoma lawyers) are with Roger's family during this difficult time.

Roger's work with the foundation was centered on raising funds. We are now entering that time of year when the foundation's focus turns in another direction - awarding grants. This is a task that a number of foundation trustees are about to undertake with the same commitment and dedication that Roger exhibited.

The foundation is now receiving grant applications. Applications require detailed information regarding the potential recipient and its mission, including detailed financial information and a narrative description of the proposed use of OBF funds. Applications are distributed and reviewed by all members of the foundation's Grants and Awards Committee.

This year, this committee is under the leadership of Judge Valerie Couch. Other committee members are Dietmar Caudle, Cathy Christensen, Judge Dierdre Dexter, Kevin Donelson, Judge Shon Erwin, Luke Gaither, Leonard Logan, Brooke Murphy, Judge Millie Otey and Dennis Smith.

After reviewing the applications, the committee meets for a full day of interviews with applicants. This year, interviews are scheduled for late August. Following the interview process, the committee makes recommendations to the OBA board which will, in all likelihood, award grants at its September meeting. Service on the Grants and Awards Committee entails a significant time commitment, particularly at this time of year, but many trustees ask to be placed on this committee, as they find that direct exposure to the many organizations supported by OBF to be a uniquely rewarding experience.

Oklahoma lawyers can rest assured that the foundation's Grants and Awards Committee will be carrying out the grant process with a care and sensitivity appropriate to the task, and with an eye to the OBF mission - to promote justice, fund essential legal services and advance public awareness of the law.

Richard A. Riggs is president
of the Oklahoma Bar Foundation.
He can be reached at
Richard.riggs@mcafeetaft.com

Roger Scott of Tulsa died July 1. He was born Aug. 11, 1935. He graduated from the TU College of Law in 1960. He had served as a member of the Grievance and Professionalism Committee longer than any other member of the Tulsa County Bar, as chairman of that committee, as a member of the OBA Professional Responsibility Tribunal and as a trustee to the Oklahoma Bar Foundation. He was recognized by the OBA for his work within the TCBA and received the John Shipp Award in 2002 for exemplifying high ethical standards. Additionally, he was an active member of the Tulsa Masonic Lodge and a 33rd degree Mason. He also loved maintaining his classic Corvair and participating as an active member of the Tulsa Corvair Club. Memorial donations may be made to the Oklahoma Bar Foundation.

June 2009 Legal Aid Pro Bono Attorney of the Month:
Howard Israel

by Teresa Rendon

If there were a prize for the attorney who has been volunteering for the longest time, Mr. Israel would be a top contender. This month's pro bono attorney's long history with Legal Aid dates back to 1975 when he was licensed legal intern. That was back in the early days of Legal Aid when its home office was down by the county courthouse and Stan Foster was the director. Israel worked at the satellite office, affectionately dubbed the "outpost" which was at that time located on NE 4th Street. In fact, armed with his provisional license available to those who work at Legal Aid, Israel handled his first jury trial before he had even been sworn in a member of the bar! From then on, Israel has been hooked on pro bono service and has been volunteering for over a quarter of a century!

Israel recalls one custody case in which he represented an out-of-state father who was institutionalized in another state. Israel's client had never even set foot in the state of Oklahoma. He had no Oklahoma contacts except for the fact that the mother and his child were here. The notice of an attempt to terminate his parental rights was served by certified mail. Judge Rakestraw, who coincidentally had previously been Director of Legal Aid, ruled that the father's signature on the certified mail certificate gave Oklahoma personal jurisdiction over him and terminated his parental rights for failure to support his child. On appeal to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, Israel argued lack of minimum contacts, and the district court's decision was overturned. The result of Israel's advocacy was reinstatement of his client's parental rights. Recalls Israel, "I wasn't just representing this man; I felt that I was representing the Constitution. That was what was important in this case. That was why we go to law school."

In 1977, Howard and his brother Jay founded Israel & Israel where Howard plans to practice law "forever." His cases include personal injury, automobile accidents, products liability, workers' compensation, some family and some criminal. In spite of his busy law practice, Howard always finds time to take pro bono cases from Legal Aid, and for that Legal Aid and its indigent clients are forever grateful.

Fun facts about Israel

Son:
Ethan has a BS and MS in mechanical engineering and is a research scientist for a think tank doing fuel cell engineering.

Daughter :
Erin, a former newscaster and a 1L at OU School of Law.

Favorite Trip:
To Thailand in 2006 with his whole family to celebrate his 36th wedding anniversary and his 60th birthday where he met the gentlest people in the world.

Last Book He Enjoyed:
Walden by Henry David Thoreau

What he is Proudest Of:
Erin and Ethan, his children

Robert D. Lederer Honored for Long Time Commitment to Legal Aid

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma has lost a long-time attorney and very dear friend, Robert D. Lederer.

A reception was held Friday, May 29, 2009, at the courthouse in Altus, Oklahoma, to honor Bob's service and commitment to the legal profession as well as the community.

Bob was the former Director of the Southwest Oklahoma Legal Aid Program and the Managing Attorney of the Altus Law Center for Legal Aid of Western Oklahoma up until his retirement in 1998.

Leona Denning, who worked with Lederer in the Altus office, remembers Bob as "a dear, wonderful person and a force for good in the community. We at the Altus office will miss him very much. He was much loved by all who knew him."

As a legal aid attorney for 20 some years, Bob donated so much of his time and efforts to giving to the community in the hopes of making the world a better place.

Co-workers knew him most for being a wonderful person, great friend and very active in the community.

Dave Nimmer, Bob's best friend since high school, had some works of his own in regards to the buddy he knew so well.

"Bob Lederer is my idea of the people's servant. He never got rich - at least he never let on to me. He always cared. And he always did his duty. He defined with his life what a good man is," said Dave.

"For those who knew Bob, they realize what a good man, good lawyer, and community supporter we've lost," Legal Aid Executive Director Gary Taylor stated in response to news of Bob's passing, "he was a tremendous asset to our organization and will be greatly missed by all of us who were so fortunate to work with him."

Ruth Cardona, who worked as Bob's legal secretary for over 17 years said, "Bob had a way with people. He was a lot more than a managing attorney, he was a true friend."

Bob received his Bachelor of Science degree from Drury College in Springfield, Missouri and went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University.

Also a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, he was an active member at his church as well as the Masonic Lodge in Altus.

He and his wife Judene raised two children, David and Kristen.

A funeral service will be held in honor of Bob Lederer at the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home in Altus, Oklahoma, at 2 p.m., Monday, June 1.

April Legal Aid Pro Bono Attorney of the Month:
G. Gail Stricklin

by Cindy Goble

Oklahoma City attorney Gail Stricklin is a long-time dedicated proponent for non-abusive parents and children affected by domestic violence. Gail graduated from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1979. She began her practice of law in the areas of oil and gas, corporate, contract and litigation, including out of state litigation, but has dedicated the bulk of her career to advocacy and representation of women and children who are involved in domestic violence situations. "The most rewarding work, as well as the most challenging, has been the volunteer work that I have done with non-abusive parents and children, for Legal Aid and Oklahoma Lawyers for Children."

In 1983, Gail began volunteer work at the YWCA with rape crisis and caring for children while the mothers attended domestic violence classes. "At a Mesa Park/Heritage Hills area shelter, I took the kids out to play while their mothers received domestic violence education."

After a child advocate position was created, Gail decided to learn family law to provide information to the residents. She became acquainted with Marilyn Staats of Legal Aid Services and from about 1986 forward, they formed a partnership in support of victims of violence. In 2000, Gail was instrumental in developing a pro bono legal assistance outreach program with Legal Aid Services. The Passageway project enables residents to obtain advice regarding their legal problems in a protected setting.

"Legal Aid provides an invaluable service to violence victims, as research studies from the University of Arkansas and Colgate indicate that access to legal services contribute more to the decline in domestic violence than do other sources such as shelters, hotlines or counseling."

"Over the years, I have represented many women who were in such danger of death that the only option was to change their identities."

After reviewing the name change laws, Gail, with the help of Judge Niles Jackson, developed a procedure to seal name changes for those victims of domestic violence in extreme cases. Eventually this work inspired her to seek legislative changes to the name change laws that would support and protect those in need of extreme measures. Finally, in 2006, the name change statutes were changed to allow a judge to waive publication of notice in limited instances.

Gail has helped women obtain new identities in these limited circumstances. The women had fled extremely abusive relationships with men who were well connected and would eventually find them. After leaving their home states, the women ended up in Oklahoma and had simply ran out of money. To Gail, it was clear that new identities were required to keep these women safe. Gail was able to change their names and helped them with creating safety plans.

"It is gratifying to know that these women are still alive and are now able to lead productive lives. They pay taxes and support themselves. They will always be looking over their shoulders and will never know a true feeling of safety and security, but they are now able to function as a meaningful part of society; rather than in the shadows. Better yet, their children now have a chance."

Since 2003, Gail has served as the OBA Representative to the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, whose mission is to reduce the number of domestic violence related deaths in Oklahoma. The OBA has been incredible in their support of the DV Fatality Review Board, sending me to relevant conferences and hosting seminars on domestic violence and keeping lawyers' clients safe."

Another area in which public policy has been affected by increase awareness of domestic violence issues is mediation and collaborative law. Gail understands the best practice to be no mediation in cases involving domestic violence. While the use of mediation or collaborative law may be entirely appropriate in non-abuse cases, the belief such law is appropriate in domestic violence cases poses great danger and potential inequitable results to clients. "These methods assume a level playing field, which definitely doesn't exist where a client has suffered emotional, sexual and physical abuse. I've had clients who just shake at the mere thought of having to be in the same courthouse as their abuser. How can they function at an informal mediation?"

Likewise, state laws and policies were changed recently to establish a presumption against joint custody with regard to domestic violence situations. The law and policy were changed after it was reported that half of the deaths in 2002 occurred during a child exchange where over half of the parties had joint custody. Look at the recent murders last year at Tinker. Those deaths may have been prevented if the law had been applied and safe visitation practices enacted."

Educating attorneys in the area of domestic violence is crucial to properly protect the client from re-victimization or possibly death. "Legal Aid has consistently sought to educate attorneys who work in the domestic violence field and will continue to do so. Other groups, the Attorney General's Office, Health Department, Coalition against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, host free or low cost seminars. Unfortunately, I have only seen few members of the bar attend."

Gail has been the recipient of the Oklahoma Bar Association Pro Bono Award and the Oklahoma County Bar Association Pro Bono Award. Gail is a great asset to Legal Aid and our clients. She has never declined when we request her help on a case. Many clients have benefited greatly throughout the years by her generous donation of time and effort.

"I would ask that our OBA members take one pro bono DV case a year. Legal Aid is there to support you; and I am always happy to assist in making a difference in the life of a child or an adult who deserves to know the fundamental right of being safe in our society."

January Legal Aid Pro Bono Attorney of the Month: Jimmy Goodman

by Teresa Rendon

Jimmy Goodman has worn many different hats in his pro bono service to Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma. From client advocate to long-term board member and fundraiser, Goodman has supported LASO's mission of providing equal access to justice. A Director at the law firm of Crowe & Dunlevy, Goodman makes sure that his firm is a leader in supporting Legal Aid in fundraising and in pro bono efforts. According to Goodman, "In private practice we are often representing people of means and defending private rights. Legal Aid cases give us a chance to defend the human rights of those people who have become lost in the system." One memorable case was that of a slightly mentally challenged woman whose divorce had deprived her of visitation rights with her only child. Time had passed, and the woman's spouse had convinced the boy that his mother had no interest in him. Goodman handled this case all the way up to the Oklahoma Supreme Court where he prevailed in restoring visitation for his client. Reflecting on the personal impact of his pro bono representation, Goodman believes, "Service to Legal Aid reaps double rewards-- to the client and to the pro bono attorney as well. I feel like pro bono work makes me a better person."

Typical of the way Jimmy gets things done, he recently heard of the 2009 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and sent an email to attorneys throughout the state urging them to volunteer for a pro bono matter. He also practiced what he preached by calling that very day to take another pro bono case. Goodman's legacy doesn't just extend to inspiring his colleagues, he has also been an influence in the life of a young woman named Tia J. Goodman who happens to be his daughter. Tia, like her dad, is a frequent volunteer for Lawyers for Children in addition to attending to her solo practice. It appears that service to the community is a family matter with the Goodmans.

September Legal Aid Pro Bono Attorney of the Month: Angela Smith

by Teresa Rendon

There is an old saying that if you want something done, ask a busy person. Angela Smith is both busy and a generous person who juggles a seemingly infinite array of responsibilities and still has time to take on pro bono cases for Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc.

She is a solo practitioner, wife, involved mother of 8-year-old Jakob, step-mom to her husband's daughters, and community volunteer. On a given day, Angela can be hosting a teachers' breakfast in Yukon where public school teachers are honored and given special gifts, sponsoring her son's soccer team, sewing costumes for the Czech parade, or tending to a menagerie of pets including 3 dogs, 2 fire-bellied toads, and 2 guinea pigs.

When asked why she chose private practice, Smith replied, "I am in private practice for the sole reason that I want control over my schedule so I can devote time to my favorite roles in life: wife and mother. When I worked for a civil firm, I found myself leaving before my son, then age 2, awoke and coming home when he was asleep. When I think of it now, it makes me want to cry." As a solo practi­tioner, Angela is able to attend her son's soccer games, community events, church, and devote time to her marriage. No one is there to tell her when she can or can't take off to attend the school play. That's her call. After all, Smith adds, "Jake will only be young once, and I would hate to miss it." The downsides to practicing solo are inadequate health care coverage and the lack of back-up when she chooses to take off for family events.

Angela's Oklahoma City law office, Advocacy Incorporated, is ably managed by her husband Troy Smith, whom she persuaded to leave a career as a retail manager to insure that her office is always running like a Swiss watch. The 1999 Oklahoma City University College of Law graduate, practices in the areas of criminal defense, family law, expunge­ments, juvenile cases, deprived child cases, wills and trusts, workers compensa­tion, and other civil work such as person­al injury. Smith's pro bono cases come to her through a process of self-referral. They are people who show up at her office with desperate situations and ask for representation. Smith sends them to Legal Aid for evaluation, and if they qualify, she takes the cases.

"I try to keep two pro bono cases open at all times. Almost every one of the clients i've offered to take pro bono have been first surprised and then more than appreciative," notes Smith.

Angela has handled many family law cases for Legal Aid. She is often cast in the role of peacemaker so that the children suffer less by reducing the conflict level. In one case, the mother had criminal accusation against her when the daughter fled the dad's house to come and live with her. Smith not only settled the custody issues, but was able to get all the criminal charges dropped. It was a great outcome for the mother, who got custody of her daughter and for the daughter who felt like she had finally been heard.

In another Legal Aid case, a lengthy mediation was required to get the par­ents to come together to decide what was good for the children, one of whom was a very trou­bled child who really needed the parents to be working together instead of at each others' throats. Smith believes that justice should not be just for the wealthy.

"I've been blessed to have a thriving private practice, and I do Legal Aid representation to provide justice to those who can't 'buy' it and to give back."

***This article originally appeared in the September 2008 issue of The Oklahoma County Bar's publication, The Briefcase.***

Cynthia Hess - Long Time Legal Aid Services Volunteer

January 22, 2009

Cynthia Hess, attorney, CPA and most of all beloved friend, has passed away.
Ms. Hess graduated from the University of Tulsa, both as an undergraduate and Law School, J.D. 1985. Ms. Hess was a longtime member of the Tulsa County Bar Association and chaired the Law Week committee in 2000-2001.

Cynthia was a volunteer attorney through Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma and an adjunct professor at the University of Tulsa, College of Law. Cynthia's willingness to volunteer her time with Ability Resources was phenomenal and she was very active as a TU Alumnus. Cynthia loved TU sports and rarely missed a football or basketball game. Her love and knowledge of baseball was amazing! Cynthia's friendship and love for her family will be truly missed by all.

Cynthia was born and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa and will return there for burial.
Visitation will be at Reynolds Funeral Home (1501 West Main, Collinsville) Thursday, January 22, 2009 from noon to 8 p.m.

Bob E. Bennett Recognized by Oklahoma Bar Association

Honored OBA Member, Bob Bennett

Bob E. Bennett received recognition last month from the Oklahoma Bar Association at its 104th Annual Meeting held in Oklahoma City.

Mr. Bennett was honored with the Joe Stamper Distinguished Service Award. This award is given each year to a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association for long-term service and significant contributions to the legal profession. He has served the legal community over the years in a number of capacities, which includes President of the Pontotoc County Bar Association, member of the OBA Board of Governors, OBA Vice-President, Chair of the Probate Code Committee, member of the American Bar Association, fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, fellow of the Oklahoma Bar Foundation, fellow of the American Bar Foundation, member of the Oklahoma Health Lawyer's Association, and member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys.

Earlier this year, Bennett received his 50-year pin, signifying 50 years of honorable service as a member of the OBA. Mr. Bennett plans to retire from practice at the end of this year.

Williams Companies/Hall Estill/Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma Pro Bono Partnership Honored

Corporate Pro Bono (CPBO), a national pro bono partnership of the Association of Corporate Counsel and the Pro Bono Institute, announced today that it will be presenting an award in recognition of outstanding pro bono efforts to the Williams/Hall Estill/Legal Aid Services partnership created a year ago in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The 2008 CPBO Pro Bono Partner Award honoree is being recognized for the comprehensive and impactful program the Williams Companies created, which fills what was once a gap in services to low-income and elderly Oklahomans with civil legal problems, such as end-of-life planning and guardian ad litem services.

The award will be presented at the Pro Bono Institute Annual Gala on November 13, 2008 at New York's Plaza Hotel. Attorneys from The Williams Companies, Hall Estill, and Legal Aid Services will attend the event to receive their award.

Corporate lawyers from The Williams Companies and Hall Estill were trained by Legal Aid attorneys to help seniors with wills, estate planning and powers of attorney. Guardian ad litem training was also done. Now lawyers who typically work on complex cases such as mergers, acquisitions and securities are helping low-income and elderly Oklahomans with their legal problems. Each attorney says he has come back very affected by the personal relationship established with the clients, and the clients have received expert legal assistance.

Craig Raney, Williams Companies

August 22, 2008