First Assistant State Attorney General Tom Bates spoke to about 50 key supporters of Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma at a kickoff reception for the 2013 Campaign for Justice, held at the Chesapeake Boathouse July 30. Bates was representing Attorney General Scott Pruitt, the statewide campaign chair. Pruitt was called to Washington DC to testify before a committee and forced to miss the reception.

Supporters present included State Supreme Court Justice Noma Gurich; former Attorney General Drew Edmondson and wife Linda, who also served as also co-chairs of the 2008 Campaign for Justice; Oklahoma City Team Chair Jimmy Goodman and scores of attorneys.

Sponsors of the reception were Crowe & Dunlevy; Hartzog Conger Cason & Neville; McAfee & Taft; and Pierce Couch Hendrickson Baysinger & Green.

Every year, since the Campaign for Justice began in 2003, a prominent member of the judiciary or an elected official has served as chair.

Legal Aid’s Executive Director Michael G. Figgins, briefs key supporters on the on current metro area caseload including a large number of  tornado survivors and their families; domestic abuse cases; Senior Citizens victimized by scam artists; and other needy persons with no place else to turn.

Tom Bates said Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt strongly believes the Campaign for Justice is vital for Oklahomans who would otherwise not be able to access the justice system. He told the audience that he and the  Attorney General knew “we had to do this” when asked to chair the campaign.
 

A gathering of supporters kicked-off the Tulsa Campaign for Justice reception hosted by statewide law firm Hall Estill.  Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt reminded attendees of the responsibility we all share in making equal access to justice for Oklahomans a priority.  He thanked Tulsa Team Chair Joseph Morris of Gable Gotwals for his leadership.  LASO Board President Bruce Frazier and many members of the Campaign Team were present in support of this event.  Also in attendence were Hall Estill associates who are encouraged by their law firm to volunteer their time on pro bono cases as a learning tool.  Hall Estill announced a $15,000 gift to the campaign.
Statewide Campaign Chair Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt	Jim Proszek, Hall Estill and Attorney General Scott Pruitt
Tulsa Team Chair Judge Morris, Ralph Schaefer,	Sue Woodward and Bruce Frazier, LASO Board President
Karen Langdon, Trent Gudgel,  Kimberly Moore-Waite and Steve Soule	Associates of Hall Estill with Jim Proszek

Lawton Campaign Kick-off
El Greco Restaurant
August 21, 2013

Comanche County Attorneys united to Support Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma.  The Oklahoma Attorney General met with Comanche County Bar Association for a luncheon & CLE Presentation on Foreclosure.  Later that evening folks attended the Campaign for Justice Kickoff Event at El Greco Restaurant in Lawton.

Great attendance at both events!