J. William Conger Symposium
Lawyers in the Legislature
February 28, 1pm-2pm – Room 509
The Conger Symposium was launched in 2013 to honor Professor and University General Counsel J. William “Bill” Conger. Professor Conger taught Civil Procedure, Trial Practice, and Introduction to Legal Practice. He brought a wealth of practical insights and knowledge to the classroom and served as a mentor and friend to many students and faculty members. The Conger Symposium is held annually around Bill’s birthday to remember our friend and colleague. Just as Bill integrated real-world examples into his teaching, the symposium focuses on cutting edge issues and emerging trends in the legal profession.
The theme of this year’s Conger Symposium is “Lawyers in the Legislature.” Twenty-two lawyers serve in the House of Representatives or Senate and collectively make up seventeen percent of the Oklahoma Legislature. The symposium will explore legislation that directly impacts the legal profession. Lawyers who follow the OBA Legislative Monitoring Committee reports in the bar journal are familiar with the wide-ranging impact that proposed and enacted legislation has on the legal profession. Two striking examples from the previous legislative session include HB 3162 proposing a change to the selection process for appellate judges and SB 583, which would have abolished the Oklahoma Bar Association.
The symposium will also examine broader trends from recent legislative sessions including threats to the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the costs of defending laws found unconstitutional. The ethical dilemmas facing lawyer legislators will be explored. Panelists will share how serving in the legislature has affected their legal and business careers.
The symposium will be moderated by Professor Lee Peoples. Confirmed speakers include several OCU Law alumni. Representative Jon Echols (District 90 – R) (OCU Law class of 2005) who currently serves as Majority Floor Leader in the House of Representatives, Representative Collin Walke (District 87 – D) (OCU Law class of 2008), and Representative Cory Williams (District 34 – D) (OCU Law class of 2006) have agreed to participate.
Date and Time: Tuesday, February 28, 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Oklahoma City University School of Law, 800 N. Harvey, OKC – Room 509
Attendees may park in the lots north and south of the school and are encouraged to arrive 5-10 minutes early to pass through building security.
