It is hard to believe that some of Oklahoma's finest plaintiffs' attorneys felt it was necessary to meet in secret to discuss the plight of their clients, but such was the case in 1943 when seventeen of Oklahoma's most prominent plaintiffs' attorneys created the Negligence and Compensation Attorneys Association.
NACLA was the first organization of its type in the United States. From those humble secret beginnings, the Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association emerged and became a leader in protecting the jury trial system.
OTLA is considered one of the most influential forces at the State Capitol. Over the last fifty plus years the association has mitigated legislation that would have catastrophic effects on plaintiffs- working men and women. OTLA has worked to pass some of the most progressive legislation dealing with the judicial system in the entire United States.
There are not too many members of OTLA today who can remember the early days of our organization. It is far different today than in the beginning.
The beginning of our association was brought about by a small but dedicated group of plaintiffs’ trial lawyers who saw the need to balance the scales against the large vested interests. Included in this group of pioneers were Paul Pugh, Claude Briggs, Homer Bishop, Lawrence Elder, Jim Rinehart, Charlie Schworke, Jim Driscoll, and Frank Seay.
When this writer came aboard in 1955, our association was an informal group with no office, staff or facilities. The only publication was a letter published irregularly by Claude Briggs at his expense. The highlight of the year was an annual banquet during the annual OBA meeting, at which time we would hopefully have some noted speaker from out-of-state. At that time it was necessary to pass the hat to pay the expenses. Information was exchanged informally among members.
Because of the limited membership, it was not possible to sustain a paid staff or office facilities and it was not until the membership was gradually increased that it was possible to establish a dues structure adequate to support a director and support staff with office facilities. We did not originally have a great deal to offer.
It was not until about 1971 that we were able to afford a director with office and staff. This was a big forward step. Much thought, hard work, and planning went into the decision to hire a permanent staff.
About this time the need for an official publication became apparent and thus theadvocate was born. The theadvocate was the brainchild of past president, Howard Berry, Jr., who launched it during his administration in 1968. It was later expanded and improved when Appellate Court Judge, Justice Paul Brightmire became Editor-in-Chief. This writer then inherited the job as Editor-in Chief and wrote theadvocate single-handed for about four years. theadvocate later became much improved when we were able to attract other editors for our different sections.
OTLA owes a real vote of thanks to these dedicated editors who have contributed so much and so long in making theadvocate a success. They perform a real service for our organization.
Today, we have a committee structure, which truly facilitates the working of our association. Past president Dale Briggs originally set up this structure, in 1969. Dedicated people man these committees and give tirelessly of their time in performing the work of OTLA. The Education and Legislative Committee are especially active.
As OTLA grew it became apparent that we were in need of a political action committee, if we were going to be able to influence state legislation. This PAC has grown from a modest beginning to a force having a vital impact on state legislation.
Our success in helping influence the defeat of regressive legislation and our success in supporting progressive legislation can be attributed in large part to our Legislative Committee and our Director Lobbyist. Lately past presidents, Tom Frasier, Larry Tawwater, and Mark Ashton, have done a magnificent job in handling the work of the Legislative Committee. This is not to say that others have not contributed, but these men have been outstanding.
Today, we have a fine office and a fine staff to conduct the day-to-day business of OTLA, but we still need help, dedication, and contributions of all members to keep OTLA strong so as to best service all. There are forces at work that would destroy the progress we have made during the last forty years. We must always be on guard. Looking at OTLA today, I believe the pioneers of our association, if they were alive today, would be proud of our accomplishments.