This month’s featured volunteer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Legal Aid Services.  Following a notable career of “the first woman to” positions, Norma Eagleton has chosen to share her expertise in family law with couples going through divorce.  She has conducted numerous mediations at no charge when one of LASO’s clients is a party.  Usually the cases settle - if not, the parties go away with wise counsel to work together after divorce for the best interest of the children.  

Norma is a native Oklahoman born in Wewoka.  She has been noted for her many achievements in the state.  In 1976 she was the first woman to serve on the Tulsa City Commission.  In 1979 she was the first women appointed by Governor George Nigh to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, a position she held for ten years.  At age 50 Norma attended night school to receive her J.D. from Oklahoma City University College of Law graduating in 1988. 

Norma was inducted in the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame in 1997.  She served as Chair of Children and the Law committee – a committee she created; Member Board of Directors for Family Safety Center; Advisory Board for Family & Children’s Services; she served on  both the Board of Regents for Rogers State College and the Tulsa County Bar Association board.  In 2013 she was recognized for her service to the legal profession and community with the Gary C. Clark Distinguished Service Award.

As an advocate and counselor of law, Norma’s core interest as a volunteer lawyer lies in protecting children and helping young parents.  With her understanding of family dynamics she chose mediation as her avenue of pro bono work with LASO.  Norma says mediation is an opportunity for Legal Aid clients to state their case and talk in a safe non-threatening setting to better focus on the children.  Norma helps both parties solve their own problems, saving everyone involved the time and expense of going to court.

LASO is grateful to Norma for her participation in serving families and children who otherwise would not be represented.

Thank you, Norma, for all you do!