The Oklahoma Supreme Court reinstated an attorney who

While serving as a lending officer and manager for Caprock Savings and Loan in Dallas, Texas, Hird was involved in a fraudulent scheme which eventually led to the demise of the company. He personally financially benefitted from the fraud, which allowed him and his family to live a lavish lifestyle. The fraud was eventually discovered, and he was prosecuted by the federal government. He pleaded guilty to charges of bank fraud and money laundering and served prison time at the federal prison in El Paso, Texas,

He had previously been denied reinstatement

Hird was asked about his priorities today. He answered that his faith and his family are his two biggest priorities. He described himself as a very blessed man, with a wife of almost 20 years and three sons. Even during his early days as a land man which required travel, he arranged to have at least four long days at home each weekend to allow for normal evenings with his family before leaving again on Sunday. He described his family as a “high priority now.”

At the OBA’s request, he spoke with attorneys who were going through disciplinary proceedings, in danger of losing their licenses for misconduct. He explained what he had been through. He also talked to them about admitting what they did wrong and to do everything they could to rebuild their lives honestly. He explained they may never be rich, but they could have very fulfilled lives and help others. He feels he has a fulfilled life today.

 Hird testified that if he is given the opportunity to practice law, he will be able to do things to help people who can’t help themselves. He explained that a homeless woman who wandered into his church calls him from time to time needing help. For the past ten to eleven years, he has helped her with food and, occasionally, money for shelter, when the temperature outside is frigid. He has taken her to the emergency room and provided transportation. The superintendent of Wright Christian Academy, where his youngest son attends school, allowed her to use the school’s address to receive mail. Hird helped her obtain food stamps, SSI and social security disability, which has made her become more independent. He has become her friend and said that “it’s important for everyone to know they’ve got at least a friend or two and she knows she has got a friend or two.” PRT Trans., p. 203.

Hird testified he believes he has gained maturity and wisdom to know he can’t do every kind of law. He knows when to say “no” when he is not competent in a certain area. Now, he would refer such a case to another lawyer with expertise in that area rather than assume the role himself. He said:

I am old enough, mature enough, wise enough to know that I cannot do everything. When I was a young lawyer and just graduated from law school and went out and had a partner . . . I would have taken anything that came in the door.

I will be a much better lawyer today. I will be a much more competent lawyer today. I know I have forgotten a lot but I know a lot more about what the practice of law is all about and what people would need and I would know when to say no.