Competency Concerns Halt Traci Cain Carey’s Bid to Rejoin Oklahoma Bar

On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the Supreme Court of Oklahoma denied the petition for reinstatement of Traci Cain Carey to the Oklahoma Bar Association. Carey’s request was rejected based on the court’s assessment that she failed to demonstrate sufficient competency in law, did not adequately prove she abstained from the unauthorized practice of law during her suspension, and did not currently possess the moral character required of an attorney.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Traci Cain Carey,” with case number 2025 OK 71.

Carey’s license was initially suspended on June 20, 2011, for failing to pay membership dues, and she was officially stricken from the roll of attorneys on June 25, 2012, for the same reason. More than twelve years later, on November 25, 2024, Carey applied for reinstatement.

The Supreme Court’s decision followed a de novo review of the Professional Responsibility Tribunal Trial Panel’s recommendation to deny reinstatement. The Trial Panel cited concerns over Carey’s failure to file tax returns since 2017 and a lack of evidence demonstrating her current legal competence, further noting her demeanor during the hearing.

The court emphasized that Carey did not convincingly show she had maintained competency in legal practice. While Carey completed 28.5 Continuing Legal Education (CLE) hours in 2024 and 11 hours as of May 2025, the court deemed this insufficient compared to the ongoing requirements for practicing attorneys. The court also noted failures in complying with reinstatement procedures, such as not attaching a complete affidavit of her activities since suspension and neglecting to provide a final witness list to the General Counsel.

Regarding the unauthorized practice of law, the court found that Carey had not provided sufficient evidence that she refrained from practicing law during the period between her suspension in June 2011 and June 1, 2012.

The court also raised concerns about Carey’s moral character, citing her failure to file income tax returns for the years 2018 through 2024. The court stated that it is incumbent upon all Oklahoma Bar members to satisfy their tax obligations.

The court ordered Carey to pay $356.74 to cover the costs associated with the reinstatement proceedings. She is eligible to reapply for reinstatement after one year from the date of the denial.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.