Ann Keele (J.D. ’06) has built a career defined by service, leadership and a commitment to strengthening Oklahoma’s legal community.
A shareholder at Hall Estill, she previously served as a Tulsa County special judge, president of the Tulsa County Bar Association and its foundation and most recently as president of The University of Tulsa Law Alumni Board. In August, she will become president-elect of the National Conference of Bar Presidents, making history as the first woman from Oklahoma, the first attorney from Tulsa and only the third Oklahoman to serve in the organization’s leadership pipeline.
Her commitment to service extends beyond the courtroom. Through leadership roles with the Tulsa County Bar Association and UTulsa Law, Keele has expanded opportunities for Native American law students and attorneys, including supporting the creation of the Tulsa County Bar Association’s Native American Law Section. Earlier this year, those efforts were recognized when she became the first person honored by the Native American Law Students Association since the revival of the group’s annual powwow. There, she received a ceremonial shawl and led a traditional honor dance.
Keele recently spoke about the decision that brought her to Tulsa, the mentors who shaped her career and why she believes the legal profession is ultimately about serving others.
When did you know you wanted to become a lawyer?
Honestly, I didn’t. I thought I was going to work in business. I was finishing my undergraduate degree in Texas, and one of my professors, who was also a lawyer, had us do a mock trial. I gave the closing argument, and afterward he came up, gave me a hug and said, “You are a natural. You have to go to law school.”
That really changed everything for me. I had opportunities to go into business, journalism or investments, but I realized that if I went to law school, I could still pursue those paths. If I didn’t go to law school, I couldn’t be a lawyer.
You had the opportunity to attend another law school. What made UTulsa Law the right choice?
I actually had guaranteed admission to the University of Texas School of Law, but when I visited UTulsa, it just felt like home.
My parents lived here, so I would have a support system, but it was more than that. There was just something about the campus and the people that told me this was where I was supposed to be. Looking back, I know it was the right decision.
Who had the biggest impact on your experience at UTulsa Law?
April Fox (who currently serves as associate dean for student affairs).
Law school is hard, especially that first year when you’re wondering whether you’re good enough or whether you belong. April always had a smile on her face and knew exactly what students needed to hear.
She would tell us, “You can do it. You’ve got what it takes.” She was encouraging, kind and always willing to give you a hug when you needed one. I’ll never forget that.
What experiences outside the classroom helped shape your career?
I was involved in the International Law Student Association and served as its treasurer. I earned an International and Comparative Law Certificate, studied abroad and really thought I might end up practicing international law.
At one point, I imagined representing companies and traveling all over the world. I had all these ideas about having this exciting international career.
I also served as the 10th Circuit lieutenant governor for the ABA Law Student Division and was a member of Phi Delta Phi, the legal honor fraternity. My classmates and I would get together and commiserate. Law school is challenging, and those friendships have lasted. Even today, many of us still keep in touch.
You’ve served as an attorney, judge and now a law firm shareholder. Is there a philosophy that’s guided your career?
A lot of this is just saying yes to opportunities.
I never set out thinking I was going to become a judge or lead bar associations. People invited me to serve because they saw something in me, and I said yes. One opportunity led to another.
No matter what role I’ve had, I’ve always believed it’s about service. When I was on the bench, I reminded myself every day that I was there to serve the community, not to have a power trip or make people feel small.
I wanted everyone who came into my courtroom to feel heard. Even if they didn’t agree with my decision, I wanted them to know I had listened, treated them with dignity and applied the law fairly.
Earlier this year, you became the first person honored since the revival of the UTulsa NALSA Powwow. What did that recognition mean to you?
It was incredibly special and honestly very humbling. I’d never been to a powwow before, so I really didn’t know what to expect. Everyone was so gracious and welcoming, and I felt truly honored.
I also want people to know that recognition wasn’t about one person. Establishing the Tulsa County Bar Association’s Native American Law Section and strengthening relationships with Native American law students was a team effort. So many people worked together to make that happen, and I was grateful to be part of it.
The ceremony itself was incredibly moving. I don’t know that I can really put into words what it meant. I just felt so thankful that they believed I was worthy of that kind of honor.
In August, you’ll become president-elect of the National Conference of Bar Presidents. What does that milestone mean to you?
It’s incredibly humbling.
I’m the first woman from Oklahoma, the first person from Tulsa and only the third Oklahoman to serve in this leadership role. But what excites me most is the opportunity to represent Tulsa and The University of Tulsa on a national stage.
Every time I attend these conferences, I get to talk about the incredible things happening here. I’m so proud of The University of Tulsa, the Tulsa County Bar and our legal community. We have so much to offer, and I love being able to share that with lawyers from across the country.
As former president of the UTulsa Law Alumni Board, what accomplishment are you most proud of?
I think one of the things I’m most proud of is that we were able to raise a significant amount of money during Giving Day. But beyond that, what we were really trying to do was re-engage our alumni and encourage people to come back to campus.
It wasn’t just about financial support. We wanted to create a true sense of community where alumni felt connected to the law school, returned for events like homecoming and stayed involved with students and one another. That sense of community is what makes UTulsa Law special.