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CLE, networking, mentorship - we do it all. Click through our calendar or scroll below to see our upcoming events.
High School Civics Program
Our High School Civics Program continues! The program teaches the fundamentals of civil discourse to a group of public high school students, while also introducing them to basic principles of federal legal practice. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jodi Jayne will lead a team of attorney volunteers in guiding the students through the exercise in a real courtroom at the Page Belcher Federal Courthouse in Tulsa. On April 30, we will welcome for the first time students from the Charles Page High School in Sand Springs! Email thomas.duncombe@usdoj.gov for more information or to volunteer.
Judge Hill Fireside Chat
Join the Northern/Eastern Oklahoma Chapter of the Federal Bar Association as we listen to the Honorable Sara E. Hill reflect on her first year-plus on the federal bench.
The event will be held in the Page Belcher federal building and courthouse, in the Jury Assembly Room on the fourth floor.
Details and registration link to follow!
Crafting the Case: Master Strategies for Cross Examination
The second installment of our acclaimed CLE series takes a deep dive into the art and science of cross-examination, featuring experienced trial attorneys Jennifer Annis (GableGotwals) and Paul DeMuro (Frederic Dorwart Lawyers). Moderated, as always, by Magistrate Judge Jason A. Robertson. Registration info and more details to follow!
Candidates for Chapter Officer and Board positions distributed
Per Articles 5.4 and 5.5 of our Chapter Bylaws, elections shall be held annually on or in advance of July 31, and slates of candidates shall be distributed to Chapter members in writing at least 30 days before the election. The Nominations and Elections Committee will send notice by writing to all Chapter Members of the slate of candidates for elective office by June 30, 2025. Elections will be held during a 48-hour period between July 29 and 31, 2025.
Officer and Board Member Elections
Per Articles 5.4 and 5.5 of our Chapter Bylaws, elections shall be held annually on or in advance of July 31, and slates of candidates shall be distributed to Chapter members in writing at least 30 days before the election. This year, the Nominations and Elections Committee will send notice by writing to all Chapter Members of the slate of candidates for elective office by June 30, 2025. Elections will be held during a 48-hour period between July 29 and 31, 2025.
What Makes a U.S. Attorney? A Fireside Chat with Clinton J. Johnson
What makes a U.S. Attorney? Join Clinton J. Johnson, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma, as he pulls back the curtain on 30 years of public service. He’ll talk about what career choices helped him reach his current position, what advice he would give new lawyers, how McGirt changed everything at his office (and changed nothing at all), and how the legal landscape looks to the chief federal law enforcement officer in Northeast Oklahoma. This fireside chat will be moderated by FBA Chapter President and current AUSA Tom Duncombe, with a Q&A to follow.
Lunch provided.
High School Civics Program - Muskogee Event
Our High School Civics Program continues, this time in Muskogee! The program teaches the fundamentals of civil discourse to a group of public high school students from Wagoner High School, while also introducing them to basic principles of federal legal practice. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason Robertson will lead a team of attorney volunteers in guiding the students through the exercise in a real courtroom at the Ed Edmondson Federal Courthouse in Muskogee. Email thomas.duncombe@usdoj.gov for more information or to volunteer!
High School Civics Program
Our High School Civics Program continues! The program teaches the fundamentals of civil discourse to a group of public high school students, while also introducing them to basic principles of federal legal practice. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jodi Jayne will lead a team of attorney volunteers in guiding the students through the exercise in a real courtroom at the Page Belcher Federal Courthouse in Tulsa. Email thomas.duncombe@usdoj.gov for more information or to volunteer!
Crafting the Case: Master Strategies for Direct Examination (CLE Credit)
We are pleased to announce the launch of “Crafting the Case,” a new CLE/lecture series presented by the Northern and Eastern Oklahoma Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. United States Magistrate Judge Jason A. Robertson will host this series of lectures, guiding us through an in-depth exploration of trial preparation—one of the most fundamental and demanding aspects of advocacy. Whether you are a seasoned litigator or a young attorney sharpening your skills, the ability to prepare a case for trial is what separates effective advocates from those who merely occupy the courtroom.
Over the course of this four-part series, we will dissect the trial process, breaking it down into its critical components. Each lecture will feature an attorney from opposing sides, to focus on both sides of the story, and Judge Robertson who will oversee the discussion. By the end of the series, you will leave with a deeper understanding of how to construct a persuasive, well-supported case.
Our first program will be Crafting the Case – The Power of Direct Examination. It will feature Scott Graham, the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Oklahoma and Joel-lyn McCormick, an Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Criminal Chief for the Northern District of Oklahoma. These attorneys along with Judge Robertson have tried numerous cases and will give you guidance on preparing your witnesses for direct examination, which remains the bedrock foundation of any trial strategy. A successful direct examination is not simply about eliciting facts—it is about presenting those facts in a way that is clear, persuasive, and compelling to the jury. When done correctly, it can shape the narrative of the case, build credibility, and ultimately influence the outcome of the trial.
We look forward to you joining us for this exciting and educational series which will feature engaging discussions, thoughtful analysis, and a deeper understanding of what it truly takes to craft the case.
Breakfast with the Bench
Come and socialize with fellow members of the bench and bar in the Northern/Eastern Districts of Oklahoma, and enjoy some coffee and breakfast on us! Members Only!! Click here to become a member: https://www.fedbar.org/membership/join/
Comments Regarding Reappointment of Magistrate Judge Jayne
The current term of office for United States Magistrate Judge Jodi F. Jayne at Tulsa, Oklahoma, is due to expire on September 7, 2025. The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of the magistrate judge to a new eight-year term. A full public notice for the magistrate judge position is posted in the office of the clerk of the district court at the Page Belcher Federal Courthouse, 333 West 4th Street, Room 411, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103. The notice is also available on the court’s website at www.oknd.uscourts.gov.
Comments from members of the bar and the public are invited as to whether the incumbent magistrate judge should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the court and should be directed to:
Merit Selection Panel c/o US District Court Clerk Page Belcher Federal Courthouse 333 West 4th Street, Room 411 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
Comments must be received by February 28, 2025.
Retirement Celebration for Judge Terrence L. Michael
Join us as we celebrate the career of the Honorable Terrence L. Michael of the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. The retirement celebration will occur on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 3:00 pm.
Location: Federal Building
224 S. Boulder Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
First Floor Grand Corridor
Please RSVP by February 14, 2025, to Jole_awtrey@oknb.uscourts.gov or 918-699-4040
Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals Fireside Chat
Join the FBA, the University of Tulsa College of Law, and a distinguished panel of Tenth Circuit judges for a Q&A session and networking reception! The Honorable Susan Huntsman will moderate a panel featuring the Honorable Stephanie Seymour, Robert Bacharach, and Gregory Phillips.
Registration is free for students and FBA members. For non-members, registration is either $25 (public sector) or $50 (private sector).
Attendees may park in either the Keplinger/Law Lot or the 4th & College North Lot.
Member/Student Registration
Law Student Mixer
Join us for the FBA Law Student Mixer
When: Wednesday, January 22nd | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: Nothing's Left Brewing Co.
Come connect with fellow law students and experienced lawyers in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to network, make valuable connections, and unwind over a drink! Two FREE drink tickets per attendee!
Don't miss out on this fantastic chance to build your professional network. We can’t wait to see you there!
The Judge Stephanie K. Seymour Lecture Series
Join us in honoring Judge Stephanie Seymour, a legal luminary. This exclusive event, hosted by the Northern/Eastern Oklahoma Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, will take place on January 9, 2025, at the Summit Club in Tulsa with remarks by The Honorable Judge Claire V. Eagan. Join us for an evening of networking, cocktails and dinner.
The evening kicks off with a lively cocktail reception at 5:30 pm where you can connect with fellow legal professionals, followed by dinner at 6:30 pm where conversation can continue. This is your opportunity to network with some of the most respected figures in the legal community.
Afterward, immerse yourself in an engaging lecture with The Honorable Claire V. Eagan, offering insights that promise to enrich your understanding and practice of law.
Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to expand your legal horizons and build lasting connections. We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of enrichment, dialogue, and discovery.
For details about tickets and sponsorships, please visit this event page.
Tenth Circuit Year-in-Review
We are excited to host our annual Tenth Circuit Year-In-Review on December 19th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Join us for CLE credits from a variety of legal topics! This years topics include: Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Indian Law, Employment Law, Federal Courts and Jurisdiction, Ethics and Commerical Law & Bankruptcy! Up to 6 hours of CLE credits (1 hour of ethcis). Most importantly, you will not want to miss the Honorable Judge John Russell as our keynote speaker!
FBA members and law students $30
Non-members $70 (public sector) or $100 (private sector)
10th Circuit Historical Society - From Littlechief to McGirt: Oklahoma, Indian Country, and the law
The Tenth Circuit Historical Society and the Northern/Eastern Oklahoma chapter of the Federal Bar Association are pleased to offer a hybrid CLE seminar on the legal history of Indian country in Oklahoma.
The program will feature a presentation by Patti Palmer Ghezzi, former Assistant Public Defender for the Western District of Oklahoma, Arvo Mikkanen, Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District and Senior Counsel for Tribal Relations for the Western District of Oklahoma, and Geoffrey Standing Bear, Principal Chief of the Osage Nation. Ms. Ghezzi represented the petitioner in Murphy v. Royal, the Tenth Circuit case that held that the Creek Reservation had not been disestablished. She was counsel of record in Sharp v. Murphy in the Supreme Court. Mr. Mikkanen serves as the de facto historian of federal Indian law in Oklahoma, and will speak about the early cases of Littlechief and Abdoah. As a practicing lawyer, Chief Standing Bear represented tribes in some of the first Indian gaming cases in Oklahoma, including in Indian Country U.S.A. Our presenters will tell the story of how decades of litigation led to the Supreme Court’s decision in McGirt.
The program will be moderated by United States District Judge Sara Hill.
Free for all FBA Members, Historical Society Members, Court Staff, and Law Students. All others $25.
The Art of Law: Ken Levit’s Master Perspective
Join the Northern/Eastern Oklahoma Federal Bar Association for an informal evening of camaraderie, cocktails, and snacks as we interview Ken about his career twists and turns: what he does, how he does it, and where he attributes his success.
Federal Criminal Defense Practicum
Open to 2L and 3L law students, our practicum features weekly sessions during the lunch hour addressing the intricacies of federal criminal defense practice. Each session is led by a federal District or Magistrate Judge or another instructor associated with the federal courts.
Federal Criminal Defense Practicum
Open to 2L and 3L law students, our practicum features weekly sessions during the lunch hour addressing the intricacies of federal criminal defense practice. Each session is led by a federal District or Magistrate Judge or another instructor associated with the federal courts.
Federal Criminal Defense Practicum
Open to 2L and 3L law students, our practicum features weekly sessions during the lunch hour addressing the intricacies of federal criminal defense practice. Each session is led by a federal District or Magistrate Judge or another instructor associated with the federal courts.
Federal Criminal Defense Practicum
Open to 2L and 3L law students, our practicum features weekly sessions during the lunch hour addressing the intricacies of federal criminal defense practice. Each session is led by a federal District or Magistrate Judge or another instructor associated with the federal courts.
Federal Criminal Defense Practicum
Open to 2L and 3L law students, our practicum features weekly sessions during the lunch hour addressing the intricacies of federal criminal defense practice. Each session is led by a federal District or Magistrate Judge or another instructor associated with the federal courts.
Federal Criminal Defense Practicum
Open to 2L and 3L law students, our practicum features weekly sessions during the lunch hour addressing the intricacies of federal criminal defense practice. Each session is led by a federal District or Magistrate Judge or another instructor associated with the federal courts.
Federal Criminal Defense Practicum
Open to 2L and 3L law students, our practicum features weekly sessions during the lunch hour addressing the intricacies of federal criminal defense practice. Each session is led by a federal District or Magistrate Judge or another instructor associated with the federal courts.
Law Student Mixer
Join us for happy hour at Nothing's Left Brewing Co. this Thursday, September 19th, for a Law Student Mixer! Attendees will receive two drink tickets and the opportunity to network with attorneys, judges, and fellow law students!
Attorneys who wish to attend and network with the students, please get in touch with Charles Vaught at chris.vaught@crowedunlevy.com!
We hope to see everyone there!
Federal Criminal Defense Practicum
Open to 2L and 3L law students, our practicum features weekly sessions during the lunch hour addressing the intricacies of federal criminal defense practice. Each session is led by a federal District or Magistrate Judge or another instructor associated with the federal courts.
The Art of Law: Danny Williams’s Master Perspective
Join the Northern/Eastern Oklahoma Federal Bar Association for an informal evening of camaraderie, cocktails, and snacks as we interview Danny about his career twists and turns: what he does, how he does it, and where he attributes his success.
The Art of Law: Kathie Coyle’s Master Perspective
Join the Northern/Eastern Oklahoma Federal Bar Association for an informal evening of camaraderie, cocktails, and snacks as we interview Kathie about her career twists and turns: what she does, how she does it, and where she attributes her success.
Summer Insider Courthouse Tour
Join the Northern/Eastern Oklahoma Chapter of the Federal Bar Association for a unique tour of the Northern District of Oklahoma courthouse. Students will visit the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Probation Office, learn from the court clerk’s office, and hear from District and Magistrate Judges. A group lunch with judges and judicial law clerks concludes the event.
Federal Criminal Defense Practicum
This 8-week program for second- and third-year law students involves weekly sessions during the lunch hour addressing the intricacies of federal criminal defense practice. Each session will be led by a federal District or Magistrate Judge or another instructor associated with the federal courts.
The Art of Law: Lane Wilson’s Master Perspective
Join the Northern/Eastern Oklahoma Federal Bar Association for an informal evening of camaraderie, cocktails, and snacks as we interview Lane Wilson about his career twists and turns: what he does, how he does it, and where he attributes his success.