As the charitable arm of the Oklahoma Bar Association, the OBF reaches out to students through law-related education programs designed to teach about the law, the legal system and the fundamental principles upon which our democracy is based.  Our law student scholarships are designed to capture only the most energetic and devoted lawyers to our grand legal profession.

Law Day, largely celebrated on May 1, provides a forum for all Oklahoma counties and their bar associations to celebrate the theme of “Democracy and You”. OBF sponsors two YMCA Youth In Government programs, the Youth Model Legislative Day and participation in the new ABA National Judicial Competition.  The OBF sponsors the Statewide Oklahoma High Mock Trial Program each year, which allows students to gain an insider’s perspective of the legal process and act out their dreams of becoming potential future barristers.

The OBF’s mission of “Lawyers Transforming Lives” is accomplished by providing annual support for the promotion of justice, funding of critical legal services and the advancement and better understanding of the law.  During 2013, the OBF funded grants to many diverse law-related services organizations and the courts for technology projects in the total amount of $490,575.  The OBF and the OBA have joined forces to ensure the public is able to gain better understanding of the law and improved access to our legal system. Civil legal aid has traditionally been the flagship of OBF grant awards.  The OBF is diligent in broadcasting the grant award process and the many successful stories resulting from the awards.

The OBF’s mission of “Lawyers Transforming Lives” is accomplished by providing annual support for the promotion of justice, funding of critical legal services and the advancement and better understanding of the law.  During 2013, the OBF funded grants to many diverse law-related service organizations and for the courts for technology projects in the total amount of $490, 575.

The OBF and the OBA have joined forces to ensure the public is able to gain better understanding of the law and improved access to our legal system.  Civil legal aid has traditionally been the flagship of the OBF grant awards.  The OBF is diligent in broadcasting the grant award process and the many successful stories resulting from the awards.

It is important to note that the OBF’s mission cannot occur without the generosity of its donors. These donors consist of some 1,600 lawyers who are OBF Fellows at various giving levels.  Lawyers who are not Fellows can still help by including OBF in their annual gift planning and give what they feel is appropriate for their personal financial situation.  Our generous supporters clearly understand the OBF accomplishes a great deal with the donations received each year.

The second category of donors includes the newly structured Community Fellows program.  These donors consist of law firms, OBA Sections and Committees, IOLTA banks and businesses in the community that recognized the good deeds accomplished by OBF and choose to partner in this invaluable law-related work.

The third category of OBF funding is derived from statewide cy pres awards.  The most recent has come from a court sponsored cy pres awards frin Dewey, Custer and Roger Mills counties.  These types of awards are trypically issued by the sitting district court judge.  Cy pres awards are not part of the annual budget and are invaluable funds that have made a critical difference in the OBF’s ability to maintain grant funding and make a lasting impact.

The fourth category of OBF funds is derived from the receipt of IOLTA income.  The final category of OBF donations come from estate planning proceeds and gifts from other foundations.  it is clear that the OBF cannot succeed in its mission of “Lawyers Transforming Lives” without these annual donations.

The OBF salutes your continued financial support in a mission which benefits every county and every citizens of our great State.  We look forward to accomplishing more with everyone’s help!

OBF Court Grants at Work – dedication ceremony of the Oklahoma County Courthouse Public Media Center located in the Law Library; attendees include County Commissioner Brian Maughan, Law Library President Shelia Stinson, Secretary Sarah Schumacher, OBF president Dietmar K. Caudle, Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Noma Gurich, OBF Executive Director Nancy Norsworthy, Judge Barbara Swinton and OBF Trustee Jeffery D. Trevillion, Jr.