Brown Bag CLE – Editing Humanity & Liberty’s Limits
On January 30, 2020, our chapter hosted a CLE on the topic of how gene-editing technologies (CRISPR) are no longer improbable hypotheticals. Alexandra Foulkes Grafton, J.D., M.S., combined her background in neuroscience, law, and bioethics to examine the social implications of emerging biomedical technologies in neuroscience and genomics. Ms. Grafton is currently serving as a term law clerk for the Honorable Timothy D. DeGiusti and will go on to clerk for the Honorable Carolyn King of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals before starting a position with Susman Godfrey, LLP. In her presentation, Ms. Grafton explored the constitutional issues raised by the applications of emerging gene-editing technologies through the arguments for and against the recognition of a fundamental right to edit humanity. At the conclusion of her presentation, Ms. Grafton answered numerous questions from an audience of more than 20.
Mock Trial
On March 29, 2019, our chapter hosted a mock trial program with Gatewood Elementary’s fourth and fifth grade classes. Along with OCU Law’s FBA student members, our chapter planned, implemented, and funded this weeklong civics program that ends with a mock trial at the courthouse. During the week, FBA members taught students about the three branches of government, levels of the judiciary, the function of a jury, and roles of judges, attorneys, and witnesses during a trial.
Judge Sarah Hall “presided” with student judges over the mock trial of “United States v. Eric the Pig.” In the case, the government charged the pig with “eggicide” by (allegedly) knocking Humpty off the wall. The students proceeded through a 30-minute script where they played the roles of judges, prosecutors, defense counsels, witnesses, bailiffs, and jurors. This year, two separate juries were used to ensure all students played a role, and both juries announced that Eric the Pig was NOT GUILTY. After the trial, students enjoyed pizza with Judge Hall and Deputy U.S. Marshals, where one student volunteered to be “arrested” by his classmates. As part of the program, the students received a tour of the Judicial Learning Center and file-stamped a document from the mock trial case to see how it shows up on a docket
Judicial Reception Honoring Judge Charles Goodwin
On June 6, 2019, the chapter held its annual Judicial Reception, honoring the court. Approximately 150 attended the evening event in downtown Oklahoma City, which included a fireside chat with Judge Charles Goodwin, moderated by Judge Timothy DeGiusti. Chief Judge Joe Heaton gave a State of the Court report, and Judge DeGiusti introduced Judge Palk, discussing his education, career, family, and judicial philosophy. Chapter president Jodi Dishman and Chief Judge Heaton also recognized the chapter’s pro bono award honorees. For the first time in the event’s history, CLE credit was available to attendees, which we plan to continue in future years, and which we believe will ensure that this event continues to be an attraction to our members for years to come. The chapter was also please to be joined at the event by not only federal judges, but also a sizable number of state court judges, who were honored by the local bar as well.
Summer Associate Tour
On May 31, 2019, our Younger Lawyers Division led its annual “summer associates tour” of the federal courthouse in Oklahoma City. The event is intended to familiarize current law students working for area law firms with the building and the courts and offices within it. We recruited an active FBA member and current federal law clerk, Andrew J. Morris, to shepherd the group through the building. Forty-one rising 2Ls and 3Ls observed a criminal sentencing proceeding presided over by Judge Scott Palk. They also discussed the role of district judges and wellness issues with U.S. District Judge Timothy DeGiusti. For the first time, the students were broken into small groups for more intimate discussions of the roles of a U.S. magistrate judge (with Judge Suzanne Mitchell), a U.S. bankruptcy judge (with Judge Sarah Hall) and an appellate judge (with Judge Robert Bacharach). The students also learned about the various functions of the Court Clerk’s office from the Clerk of the Court and engaged in Q&A’s representatives of the U.S. Marshal Service and with Chief U.S. Probation Officer Stephen Skinner. The students–all of whom are now members of the Federal Bar Association–learned about the benefits of FBA membership and the types of programs sponsored by our chapter. Finally, the students attended the Court’s naturalization ceremony—a truly moving experience for all of them.
Wellness Initiative
On April 28, 2019, our chapter participated in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, which is an annual marathon to remember those who tragically passed away in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The William J. Holloway Jr. United States Courthouse in Oklahoma City (housing the Western District of Oklahoma) was across the street on the day of the bombing and is still in the same location, now overlooking the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial & Museum. The stated mission of the Marathon is:
Our mission is to celebrate life, reach for the future, honor the memories of those who were killed and unite the world in hope. This is not just another marathon. It is a Run to Remember . . . and a race to show that we can each make a difference and change the world.
The Marathon now attracts over 24,000 runners and walkers each year. Our chapter had runners participating in the Marathon, and our chapter also volunteered to help operate the second water stop of the Marathon. In this location, each of the 24,000 Marathon participants passed our chapter’s water stop. We had chapter shirts made for the event to promote the Federal Bar Association, and we believe that the event successfully advanced the relationship between law, health, and wellness.
FBA Summer High School Program.
In its third year, our High School Court Camp kicked off on June 10, 2019. Judge Sarah Hall is our chapter’s Civics Liaison, and she, working with Court Clerk Carmelita Shinn, Bankruptcy Court Clerk Doug Wedge, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Suzanne Mitchell, met, evaluated surveys from last summer, and planned this year’s camp. We provide a one-week community-outreach program designed to introduce metro high school students to the federal courts. With the help of local judges, chapter board members, and numerous volunteers, the students gain a unique perspective on the courts. The program allows students to observe a range of courtroom proceedings including Court Assisted Recovery Effort (“CARE”) Court, a sentencing, and an arraignment. Students tour various agencies including the Office of the Federal Public Defender, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Probation Office, and the U.S. Marshal Service; they also receive one-on-one time with Tenth Circuit Judge Robert E. Bacharach, Bankruptcy Judge Sarah Hall, and District Judges Timothy DeGuisti, David Russell, and Patrick Wyrick. Students toured the OCU School of Law and visit its Innocence Clinic. The students also visited (i) the Oklahoma County District Court and spoke with Judge Don Andrews after observing a motion docket in his court and (ii) the Oklahoma County Juvenile Justice Center and spoke with Judge Trevor Pemberton who presides over the juvenile courts. Students also toured the Judicial Welcome Center.
Marshall Screening and Discussion
On November 7, 2018, our chapter hosted a screening of Marshall at the University of Central Oklahoma in connection the office of UCO Vice President of Student Affairs and the school’s diversity and inclusion initiative. The evening started with a reception where chapter members networked with UCO students and heard from FBA member U.S. Magistrate Judge Bernard Jones, chapter board members James Warner and Sam Merchant, and chapter president Jodi Dishman. Following a screening of Marshall there was a discussion and Q&A with Preston Tisdale (a partner of the Marshall screenwriter) about Justice Thurgood Marshall, his legacy, and the making of the movie.
High School Court Camp
On July 17, 2017, the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City Chapter of the Federal Bar Association welcomed nine high school students for its Second Annual Court Camp. The students hailed from six local schools and ranged in class level. After being greeted by U.S. Magistrate Judges Suzanne Mitchell and Bernard Jones and Carmelita Shinn, Clerk of Court, the students heard from Professor Kerry Maye, who presented them with various hypotheticals and cybersecurity questions regarding Fourth Amendment privacy rights and cell-phone usage. After a lunch at the Court’s in-house café (Max’s Grill), the students toured the U.S. Probation Office and the U.S. Marshal’s Office, enjoying GPS monitoring and hands-on training.
On Tuesday, the students met with U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit Judge Robert E. Bacharach and later U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sarah Hall and Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Janice Loyd for in-depth tours and discussions regarding those courts. In the afternoon, the students visited Oklahoma County Judge Patricia Parrish in her courtroom, accompanied by U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGuisti, for Q&A’s regarding the district functions of the state and federal courts. On Wednesday, the students observed the Court Assisted Recovery Effort reentry court, enjoyed a lunch hosted by the Crowe & Dunlevy law firm, and observed Chief U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton preside over a sentencing. On Thursday, Jessica Brown, President of the Oklahoma City University School of Law’s Law Student Division, gave the group a tour of the law school, followed by a fascinating presentation by Professor Vicki Behenna, who runs the school’s Innocence Clinic. That afternoon, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Stephens, joined by Assistant Federal Public Defender Tony Lacy, presented a mock proceeding involving Fourth Amendment search issues, in which the students played various roles.
The week rounded out with Naturalization Day on Friday. That morning, two naturalized citizens and FBA Law Student Division members, Elke Meeus and Aravind Ravi, spoke to the students about their paths to citizenship, and peppered the students with questions from the naturalization test. The students observed the Naturalization Ceremony, where Mr. Ravi was the featured speaker. Ninety-four naturalized citizens were welcomed in a ceremony presided over by Chief Judge Heaton, U.S. District Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange, and Judge Mitchell. Following the ceremony, judges, FBA Board members, and presenters from the week joined the students for a closing pizza lunch, followed by the presentation of certificates to each student. FBA members Melanie Jester (Senior Law Clerk to Judge Jones), Carmelita Shinn, and Judge Mitchell coordinated the details of the camp.
FBA OKC High School Court Camp students visiting the Oklahoma City University School of Law and the OCU Innocence Clinic, donning Court Camp t-shirts. Back row: Sara Salomon, Dora Henderson, Parker Lawter, Byran Box, Allison Miller, Raeven Franklin, Aiden Ramana. Front row: Erin Allen.
Closing pizza lunch attended by students, FBA Law Student Division members, and Chief U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton, U.S. District Judges Vicki Miles-LaGrange and Lee West, U.S. Bankruptcy Judges Sarah Hall and Janice Loyd, Magistrate Judge Suzanne Mitchell, Vice President for the Tenth Circuit and AUSA Chris Stephens, and Law Clerk to Judge Bernard Jones Melanie Jester. (Not pictured but also attending: U.S. Magistrate Judge Bernard Jones and Clerk of Court Carmelita Shinn.)
High School Court Camp students visiting with U.S. Magistrate Judge Suzanne Mitchell in her chambers at the William J. Holloway, Jr. United States Courthouse.
FBA OKC High School Court Campers after presentation of Certificates of Completion. Pictured left to right: Parker Lawter, Bryan Box, Erin Allen, U.S. Magistrate Judge Suzanne Mitchell, Raeven Franklin, Allison Miller, Aiden Ramana, Dora Henderson.
Tribal, State, and Federal Judicial Training Reception
(l to r) Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Douglas Combs, U.S. Magistrate Judge Bernard M. Jones, U.S. Magistrate Judge Suzanne Mitchell, Justice Richard Lerblanch (Muscogee Nation Supreme Court, Justice Leah Harjo-Ware (Creek Supreme Court), Judge Thomas Walker (Court of Indian Offenses and Retired Carter County Judge), Justice Montie Deer (Muscogee Nation Supreme Court), guest, Judge Caroline Wall (Tulsa County), Judge Linda Morrissey (Tulsa County), Stephen Moss (former tribal judge, and Henry A. Ware (former tribal judge), and guests at the Tribal, State, and Federal Judicial Training Reception, on June 5, 2017, held at Remington Park, in Oklahoma City, OK.
Gatewood Elementary Mock Trial
“Did you always want to be a judge?” “What does a judge do?” “Do you know Judge Judy?” Those were three of the many questions that 24 fourth graders from Gatewood Elementary in Oklahoma City asked five Federal Judges during what the students called “the best field trip ever.”
The Oklahoma City FBA Chapter, with its Oklahoma City University School of Law student members, spent the week of April 17-21, 2017, completing a civics program at a local elementary school. During the week’s morning sessions, OCU law students taught the children about the three branches of government, the levels of the judiciary, the function of the jury, and the roles of judges, attorneys, and witnesses during a trial. On Tuesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Stephens and Assistant Federal Public Defender Tony Lacy discussed the duties of the prosecution and defense. The next day, Ross Plourde of McAfee & Taft discussed the importance and job of the jury. The students were eager to find out their roles for the mock trial after hearing how important each is.
The weeklong program culminated with a mock trial on Friday, April 21st at the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. That morning, the 24 fourth graders traveled through torrential rain and hail to the Federal Courthouse. Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange welcomed the students with a tour of the Judicial Learning Center at the Courthouse. After the week’s lessons, students correctly answered Judge Miles-LaGrange’s questions about the three branches of government and the highest court in the land. They also learned about the trial of Timothy McVeigh on the week of the 22nd anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.
The students then proceeded to Judge Sarah Hall’s courtroom to perform their mock trial in United States v. Eric the Pig. The oinking defendant admitted to a detective that he pushed Humpty Dumpty off the wall, after he was found cooking a batch of eggs (and ham!) down the street. The government charged Eric the Pig with “egg-icide.” Three student judges, with the help of Judge Hall and Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Loyd, presided over the trial. The gavel banged, the children settled, and the trial began. Court was in session.
The prosecution presented their evidence, witnesses took the stand, the defense argued duress, and Eric the Pig shared his version of events. While the jury deliberated, Judge Hall and Judge Loyd talked with the students and answered their questions. Judge Hall even allowed each student to strike her gavel – repeatedly! The jurors returned after deliberations: it was a hung jury with nine voting to acquit and four voting to convict.
After the mock trial, the students enjoyed a pizza lunch with Tenth Circuit Judge Robert Bacharach, Magistrate Judge Bernard Jones, Judge Hall, Judge Loyd, and a Deputy U.S. Marshal. The Judges spoke with the students about what they do and answered questions. One of the most encouraging questions was when one student asked Judges Jones, “What’s your favorite color?” In that moment, outside the courtroom surrounded by children who were consuming enormous amounts of pizza, the students saw that a Judge is a person just like them.
As departing gifts, the Oklahoma City chapter presented to each student a signed certificate from two Federal Judges, a pocket Constitution, and fun gavel pencil. The children left with full bellies, smiling faces, and bright futures. This week would not have been possible without the collaborative effort between the Oklahoma City FBA Chapter, the OCU Law School FBA members, local Federal Judges, and the generous grant from the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association. It was a week the children will likely remember for years to come.
Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange of the Western District of Oklahoma leads local fourth-grade students on a tour of the Judicial Learning Center.
Student judges preside over the trial of United States v. Eric the Pig, as defense counsel questions a witness during the “egg-icide” trial at the Federal Courthouse.
Oklahoma City FBA members and Oklahoma City University Law School FBA student members organized a weeklong civics program and mock trial with a local, fourth-grade elementary school class during the week of April 17-21, 2017.
Judicial Reception
On Thursday, April 27, 2017, approximately 110 members of the Oklahoma City Chapter attended a Judicial Reception. President Jay Walters presented the law firm of Hartzog Conger Cason & Neville with the FBA Oklahoma City Chapter Pro Bono Service Award, recognizing the firm’s dedication to providing pro bono representation to prisoners in civil rights cases. The Chapter has a Pro Bono Committee, led by Matt Panach, that seeks assistance from practitioners in such cases.
(l to r) United States District Court Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti moderating the “fireside chat” with Chief United States District Judge Joe Heaton.
(l to r) Magistrate Judge Suzanne Mitchell and Julie Hunter, incoming President of the University of Oklahoma College of Law, Law Student Division
“The Role of the Magistrate Judge”
On April 11, 2017, the Law Student Division from the University of Oklahoma College of Law hosted U.S. Magistrate Judges Shon T. Erwin, Suzanne Mitchell, and Charles B. Goodwin for a presentation on The Role of the Magistrate Judge. OU Dean Joe Harroz, Jr. welcomed the judges, who were introduced by Law Student Division President Gerard D’Emilio and President-Elect Julie Hunter. After the one-hour session, the Judges joined students and practitioners for a social hour in Norman, Oklahoma.
L-R: Michael Whaley (former OU Law Student Division Board Member), Kristen Fling (incoming Vice President), David Herber (former VP and current VP of Marketing), Julie Hunter (President-Elect); Gerard D’Emilio (President), Judges Suzanne Mitchell, Shon T. Erwin and Charles B. Goodwin
Justice Antonin Scalia: The Justice and the Man
The Oklahoma City Chapter conducted a program on September 30, 2016, entitled “Justice Antonin Scalia: The Justice and the Man.” The program featured a joint presentation by two former law clerks of Justice Scalia: Hon. Jeff Sutton and Mr. Paul Cappuccio. Judge Sutton is a judge on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and Mr. Cappuccio is the General Counsel of Time Warner Inc. Roughly 70 attorneys, federal judges, and state judges, along with former Governor Frank Keating, attended. At the presentation, the Chapter also made a surprise presentation to Judge Tim Leonard, a distinguished federal judge who recently announced that he will take inactive status after 24 years of judicial service.
The presentation by Judge Sutton and Mr. Cappuccio provided an insightful, illuminating perspective on who Justice Scalia was and his enduring legacy.
(l to r) Hon. Jeff Sutton, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; Paul Cappuccio; Dan Webber, Oklahoma Chapter President; Judge Bob Bacharach, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
Eleventh Annual William J. Holloway, Jr. Lecture
On December 1, 2016, the Oklahoma City Chapter conducted its eleventh Annual William J. Holloway, Jr. Lecture. Judge Holloway is a former member of the Oklahoma City Chapter who served for over 45 years as a Judge on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeal s, longer than any other judge in the court’s hi story.
Each year, the Oklahoma City Chapter honor s the legacy of Judge Holloway by inviting a nationally renowned legal scholar to deliver a lecture on a topic of his or her choosing. This year ‘s Holloway Lecture was delivered by the Honorable Goodwin Liu, Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court, whose topic was “When to Dissent. ” In his lecture, Justice Liu discussed the history of separate opinions and offered his own perspective on the value of dissents. Approximately 175 attorneys, judges, and others attended the 2016 William J. Holloway, Jr. Lecture.
Past Holloway Lectures have included David Boies, Chief Judge Alex Kozinski, Judge Diane Wood, Professor Mike McConnell, Professor Charles Fried, Professor Jonathan Turley, Professor (now Dean) Erwin Chemerinsky, Judge Neil Gorsuch, Judge Monroe McKay, and Judge Patrick Higginbotham.
At each Holloway Lecture, the Oklahoma City Chapter provide s a scholar ship to one student at Oklahoma University School of Law and one student at Oklahoma City University School of Law. In 2016, each scholarship included an award of $2000. The 2016 Scholarship Honorees were Adrienne Martinez (Oklahoma City University School of Law) and Hayley Scott (Oklahoma University School of Law).
FBA Summer High School Program
The Oklahoma City Chapter recently wrapped up a two-week community outreach program designed to introduce metro high school students to the federal courts. With the help of local judges, Board members and numerous volunteers, the students were able to gain a unique perspective on the courts. The program allowed students to observe a range of courtroom proceedings including Court Assisted Recovery Effort (“CARE”) Court, a revocation hearing, plea hearings and detention hearings; tour various agencies including the Office of the Federal Public Defender, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Probation Office, and the U.S. Marshal Service; and get one-on-one time with Tenth Circuit Judge Robert E. Bacharach, Chief Judge Sarah Hall of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Western District of Oklahoma, and Magistrate Judges Suzanne Mitchell and Bernard M. Jones, also of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. Students also explored downtown Oklahoma City and the National Park Service provided a tour of the Oklahoma City Memorial. The program closed with a reception held at the William J. Holloway, Jr. Courthouse. The students received certificates in recognition of their demonstrated commitment to civic duty and the pursuit of learning about the legal profession and the federal judicial system.
The students with Tony Lacy from the Office of the Federal Public Defender
(l to r) The students with Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Yancey, and AUSA’s Scott Williams and Chris Stephens
The students with Chief Judge Sarah Hall of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Western District of Oklahoma
The students, along with several program volunteers, at the final reception, which was held at the William J. Holloway, Jr. Courthouse
The Legacy of William J. Holloway, Jr.
On February 12, 2016, the United States Courthouse for the Western District of Oklahoma was named “The William J. Holloway, Jr. United States Courthouse.” Judge Holloway was the longest serving judge in the history of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, serving over 45 years until his death in 2014.
The naming of the courthouse followed enactment of a federal law signed by the President. In conjunction with this event, the Federal Bar Association in Oklahoma City conducted a reception honoring Judge Holloway’s legacy. The reception featured a panel discussion moderated by United States District Judge Timothy DeGiusti. The panelists included (1) Robert Henry, President of Oklahoma City University and former judge on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, (2) Doug McBee, career clerk for Judge Holloway, and (3) Bob Bacharach, former term law clerk for Judge Holloway and now serving on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. The program was attended by well over 100 attorneys, 4 judges on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, 11 judges with the Western District of Oklahoma, and 1 justice on the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
“Inside the Supreme Court” Lecture Series
The Oklahoma City Chapter has started a year-long lecture series, “Inside the Supreme Court.” The lecture will feature presentations by former law clerks for Justices Felix Frankfurter, Robert Jackson, William Douglas, John Marshall Harlan II, Hugo Black, Abe Fortas, Warren Burger, Earl Warren, John Paul Stevens, and Stanley Reed. The lecture series began on November 5, 2013, with a sellout crowd to hear Professor Andrew Kaufman, Harvard Law School, who clerked for Justice Felix Frankfurter from 1955 to 1957. Professor Kaufman spoke candidly about Justice Frankfurter’s unique relationship with his law clerks and his testy relationship with Justice Douglas. The series will continue on December 6, 2013, when Professor William Kelley, of Notre Dame Law School, talks about his clerkship for Chief Justice Warren Burger.
Eighth Annual Installment of the William J. Holloway, Jr. Lecture Series
On October 28th, 2013, the Oklahoma City Chapter presented its eighth annual installment of the William J. Holloway, Jr. Lecture Series. This series, named in honor of a long-standing and deeply respected Tenth Circuit judge, includes a lecture by a nationally prominent legal scholar. This year’s lecture was delivered by Chief Judge Alex Kozinski, of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, who spoke on the topic In the Court Where I Live. Approximately 120 judges, law school deans, faculty, attorneys, and law students attended, much to their delight.
Chief Judge Alex Kozinski, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, delivering the 2013 William J. Holloway, Jr. Lecture for the Oklahoma City Chapter