Meet 2025 OBF President Jim Dowell  

Law school:  OU (but Go Pokes!)

Graduation year:  2002

Current Position:  Solo Practitioner

Location:  Woodward

Why did you decide to be a lawyer? Teachers had told me since I was young that I should be a lawyer, because I argued too much. I ended up in law enforcement after undergrad. After a few years being a broke cop, I decided my teachers were right.

What is one thing you’re glad you tried but would never do again?  Morcilla in Madrid.

Are there any social norms that completely baffle you? That people regularly share highly personal details of their lives with complete strangers on social media.

What is your biggest pet peeve with modern technology?  That it has caused people to be more connected to screens than to each other.

What is on your bucket list?  Skiing the Vallee Blanche

Explain the leadership roles you hold in professional and/or community settings and why these responsibilities are important to you. At present, I serve on the board of a nonprofit named Broken and Mended, which provides resources to people around the world suffering from chronic illness and pain. I watched my mother suffer from chronic illness and pain from the time I was a young child, and there were no such resources available. I am also actively involved in my local church.

What would you tell current law students and young associates about the importance of professional and civic responsibility?  As for professionalism, I would pass along good advice that I received from my training sergeant when I started in law enforcement. On my first day on the job he said, “You only have one reputation – guard it carefully.” As for civic responsibility, I think most people want to make a difference. Making a difference requires taking action and not just talking about it. One of the best ways to do that is by being a part of something larger than yourself in your community.

What are your goals as 2025 OBF Board President?  We have identified needs in underserved areas of the state. I hope to work toward getting resources to those areas to solve real problems that have been brought to our attention. In addition, I continue to speak to lawyers that are not familiar with the OBF. We have made progress in that regard, but we need to continue to get the word out about the good work the OBF accomplishes.