The Oklahoma Bar Association (OBA) hosted its 121st Annual Meeting on November 6-7, 2025, at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel. This event served as a pivotal gathering for legal professionals across the state, focusing on official bar business, leadership elections, and the recognition of outstanding members through various awards.
Key sessions included the General Assembly and House of Delegates meetings, where significant association business was conducted, such as leadership elections and consideration of resolutions. The Annual Awards Luncheon honored several OBA members for their exceptional contributions to the legal community. Additionally, the event featured a keynote address by Joel Oster, known as the "Comedian of Law," who presented on professionalism tips inspired by Hollywood lawyers.
The meeting also provided ample networking opportunities, including the Delegates Breakfast and Law School Luncheons, fostering connections among peers and alumni. These gatherings allowed attendees to engage in meaningful discussions and celebrate the achievements within the legal profession.
This annual meeting was essential for OBA members seeking to stay informed about the association's direction, participate in governance, and connect with fellow legal professionals to enhance their practice and uphold the standards of the profession.
Categories
Speakers(11)
Burns V. Hargis
Former President at Oklahoma State University
Burns V. Hargis served as the 18th president of Oklahoma State University from 2008 to 2021, during which the university experienced record enrollment and fundraising. He has also practiced law for 28 years and served as vice chairman of Bank of Oklahoma NA.
Collin Walke
Attorney at Hall Estill
Collin Walke served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 2016 to 2022 and currently leads Hall Estill’s Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Practice group. He co-founded AwakeOKC, a nonprofit dedicated to providing secular mindfulness-based practices to the community.
Joel Oster
Litigator, Podcaster, and Stand-up Comedian
Joel Oster is a litigator, podcaster, and stand-up comedian practicing in Kansas City, focusing on constitutional litigation, ethics, and appellate advocacy. He served as counsel for the Town of Greece, New York, in the landmark case Galloway v. Greece.
John R. Hargrave
Former President at East Central University
John R. Hargrave served as the eighth president of East Central University from 2009 to 2017, overseeing the opening of five new facilities and several renovations. He currently serves as CEO for the ECU Foundation.
Julie A. Bays
Practice Management Advisor at Oklahoma Bar Association
Julie A. Bays is the practice management advisor for the Oklahoma Bar Association and co-chair for the ABA TECHSHOW Planning Board. She previously served as Chief, Assistant Attorney General of the Consumer Protection Unit in Oklahoma.
Katie Dilks
Executive Director at Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation
Katie Dilks is the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation, working to increase meaningful participation in a fair and accessible civil justice system for all Oklahomans. She has over 15 years of experience in access to justice work.
Lori Walke
Senior Minister at Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ
Lori Walke is the Senior Minister at Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. She holds a Juris Doctor, a Master’s in Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry, and is actively involved in community initiatives.
Matthew Eads
Attorney
Matthew Eads graduated from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 2022 after a career in the insurance claims industry. He focuses on business planning and estate planning, leveraging his leadership and business experience.
Teena Gunter
General Counsel at Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
Teena G. Gunter is the general counsel for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, with over 20 years at the department. She holds an LL.M. in Agricultural Law and a J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law.
Tom J. McDaniel
Former President at Oklahoma City University
Tom J. McDaniel was the 16th president of Oklahoma City University from 2001 to 2010, leading significant capital improvements and new academic programs. He has also served as president of Northwestern Oklahoma State University and vice chairman of Kerr-McGee.
Trevor Riddle
Founder at Triad Legal PLLC
Trevor Riddle is the founder of Triad Legal PLLC in Tulsa, Oklahoma, focusing on state and federal criminal courts. He is well-versed in legal technology solutions for solo and small firm attorneys.
Event Details
- Date
- November 4-6, 2025
- 3 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Oklahoma City, United States
- Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Legal professionals, including attorneys, judges, and law students.
- CLE Credits
- Up to 12 CLE credits, including 2 ethics credits
- Attendees
- Approximately 500 attendees