Puckett new special judge

There is a new, yet familiar, face around the McClain County Courthouse.

Honorable Judge Lori Puckett was sworn in as the Special Judge in June. She replaces Honorable Judge Leland Shilling who retired earlier this year.

When asked if she was ready for her new position she said “I am excited to be back in McClain County and I am anxious to dig in.”

She is responsible for domestic cases such as divorce and paternity. She will also have small claims cases, magistrate responsibilities and preliminary hearings on her docket.

Judge Puckett is an Oklahoma native, originally from Bristow. She comes from a law enforcement family. She graduated from Bristow High School and went on to Oklahoma State University for undergraduate studies. She then completed her graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma. This alone puts her in an interesting however not uncommon position.

“I am an OU supporter and an OSU fan.” As an attorney, compromise is something she excels at.

Judge Puckett will be working closely with associate district judge Charles Gray and district judge Leah Edwards.

“Because it (McClain County Courthouse) is a smaller courthouse, everybody relies on each other.”

Judge Puckett is comfortable in the building with many familiar faces and people that are very good at their jobs. She spoke highly of the entire staff.

“It is a nice courthouse community,” she said.

Her career as an attorney began in the district attorney’s office in Norman. She spent 20 years working in criminal law. Now her work is based mostly in domestic cases.

“I enjoy family law. It has been a learning curve coming from criminal law,” Puckett confirmed.

She understands “the human element of folks going through a difficult time.”

Judge Puckett adds that “Seeing success stories is the most rewarding part of her career.”

“Working in a small county we have more interaction with the community.”  This is something that she appreciates about being in McClain County after many years working in more populated Cleveland County.

“This is one of those jobs that you can make a difference in people’s lives,” the judge continued.

Judge Puckett encourages anyone considering a career in law to shadow many lawyers in a variety of specialties. This opens doors of possibility to get into specialized law.

Judge Puckett feels that “Everyone needs access to the court system. Everyone deserves a place to be heard.”

Puckett recognizes the importance of citizens having their voices heard and is pleased to be in a position to ensure fairness and justice to people.

Lori and her husband Jeff have two grown children, a daughter and a foster son.  They are happily settled in McClain County and plan to stay. Judge Puckett says “I intend to be a judge until I am ready to retire from law.”