January 2023 Tulsa Lawyer Magazine

Tulsa MagazineLawyer

Philip D. Hixon

A Message from the President 2022-2023

BE CIVILIZED!

Professionalism is defined as “the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person,” at least according to the Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. The website identifies several synonyms and “similar words” to professionalism, including competence, virtuosity, ability, polish, proficiency, and finish. (Notable antonyms and “near antonyms” on the site are dilettantism, unpreparedness, clumsiness, and crudeness.) Brittancia.com tells us that, historically, "professionalism was identified as an occupational value that was important for the stability and civility of social systems. In those interpretations, professional relations were characterized as collegial, cooperative, and mutually supportive. Relations of trust characterized practitionerclient and practitioner-management interactions, as competence was assumed to be guaranteed by education, by training, and sometimes by licensing."

These sentiments are reflected in the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct (ORPC), especially the aspirational Preamble. Paragraph 4 of the Preamble reminds us that, “[i] n all professional functions a lawyer should be competent,

prompt and diligent.” Paragraph 5 further reminds us that “[a] lawyer should demonstrate respect for the legal system and for those who serve it, including judges, other lawyers and public officials.” Apart from the ORPC, the Preamble tells us that “a lawyer is also guided by personal conscience and the approbation of professional peers.” These are certainly high ideals worthy of a learned profession.

Unfortunately, I have noticed during my twenty-plus years of practice—and perhaps you have too—a gradual coarsening in the legal profession. When was the last time you were “guided by … the approbation of professional peers”? While there has always been “spirited” argument and debate between attorneys inherent in an adversarial system, something darker has seemingly cast a shadow on the civility, collegiality, and mutual support among lawyers. In recent weeks, you may have viewed a certain video on social media of an attorney engaging judges in the public spaces of the courthouse. I will not comment on the video other than to reference it as a prime example of what I have in mind.

Nonetheless, the Association strives to be an integral part of a stable, productive civil social system. In a roundabout way, my September musings on community were a nod to professionalism principles. The respect for the legal system referenced in the Preamble extends to those currently in the system and those who will eventually take our place.

The Association demonstrates this respect every day. The Association’s Street Law Program introduces youth to the legal system and future career options in a positive light. The new YLD board and YLD Leadership Academy are intended to accelerate the development of younger attorneys into competent bar and community leaders. There are other examples too numerous to list here.

For the Association to remain successful, we must continue to exhibit, even exude, the better principles of the legal practice, aspiring to become individual and collective

beacons of professionalism. If becoming a beacon of professionalism is too corny for you, I understand, but I will leave you with the advice (which you are also free to reject) I periodically give to my teen son: “Be civilized!”

Philip D. Hixon TCBA President, 2022-2023

TAKEN

TCBA Bench & Bar and Tulsa County Judiciary Meet with Tulsa Chamber CEO

Several members of the TCBA and TCBF leadership and the Bench & Bar Committee met with members of the Tulsa County Judiciary and the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce CEO to discuss the interaction between our Courts and the Tulsa community. Presiding Judge Doug Drummond, along with Judge Dawn Moody, Special Judge Ann Keele, and Court Administrator Kim Hall, led the group on a tour of several Courtrooms and discussed operations of our Drug Treatment, Mental Health, and Veterans specialty courts with Tulsa Chamber of Commerce CEO, Mike Neal. TCBA President, Phil Hixon, and TCBF President, Judge Ann Keele, and TCBA Executive Director, Tami Williams, answered questions for Neal about the Bar Association’s and Foundation’s support for the judiciary and the bi-annual Judicial Dinner. Bench & Bar Chair, Kevinn Matthews, organized the event to help foster communication and goodwill between the Courts and the Tulsa Community.

Pictured left to right: Mike Neal, Judge Ann Keele, Philip Hixon, Judge Doug Drummond, Judge Dawn Moody, Kim Hall and Kevinn Matthews

(Photos by Michael Taubman, Tulsa Lawyer Editor)

Lawyers Helping Lawyers

Oklahoma City Meetings 6-7:30 p.m. on the dates listed below. In-person meetings in Oklahoma City are held at the office of Tom Cummings, 701 NW 13th St., Oklahoma City. The group will also meet virtually at the same time using BlueJeans. Email debraj@okbar.org for login information.

Meeting Dates: Vitsit okbar.org/

Tulsa Meetings are held 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the office of Scott Goode, 1437 S. Boulder Ave., Ste. 1200, Tulsa. scottbgoode@gmail.com Meeting Dates: Jan. 12, Feb. 9, Mar. 9, Apr. 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, Aug. 19, Sept. 14.

YLD Leadership Academy

Greenwood Rising Tour and Event

Members of the YLD Leadership Academy toured Greenwood Rising and were welcomed to the Museum by local author, historian and TCBA member Hannibal Johnson, who introduced them to the museum and shared how it came together.

After the tour, the young lawyers had the opportunity to visit with OBA President, Jim Hicks, TCBA President Philip Hixon, and Bench & Bar Committee Chair, Kevinn Matthews. Kevinn was instrumental in setting up the tour for the YLD academy participants as well as a tour held this past summer for the OBA Board of Governors. For this, as well as his many other DEI efforts, Kevinn received the OBA Presidents Award from Jim Hicks.

Thank you Kevinn for your continued service to the Tulsa Community and the TCBA!

2023 Lynn Miller Law Day Book Club Books and Discussion Leaders

January

Suspect, Scott Turow

February

Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens March

In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss, Amy Bloom

April

Killers of the Flower Moon, David Grann

The 2023 Lynn Miller Law Day Book Club announces its book discussion leaders and selected books, in time for holiday reading and gift-giving. As is tradition, the book discussion leaders select the books, dates and locations for their discussions. Registration is limited to the first fifteen persons with pre-registration required.

The traditional book club opens in January with Judge Rebecca Nightingale leading discussion of John Grisham’s Suspect on January 19, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at the Tulsa Bar Center. February’s book, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, will be discussed with Wendy Drummond on February 7, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at Drummond Law, 1500 South Utica, Suite 400. Rick Eagleton will lead the March book discussion of In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss by Amy Bloom with date and location to be determined. Larry Yadon will lead April’s discussion of Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann on April 27 at noon at a location to be determined.

Registration is to be made through Judge Martha Rupp Carter at mruppcarter@yahoo.com and is limited to fifteen persons. TCBA members may register themselves and up to one friend to accompany and participate with them. Judge Carter will confirm registration and provide necessary additional details for each session. TCBA members may register for any one or more or all sessions.

As requested by previous participants of the Law Day Book Club, this year the opportunity to participate in book club discussions throughout the year, running from May to December following the traditional book club, is offered. If you are interested, email Judge Carter at mruppcarter@ yahoo.com indicating your interest, and, recommending book title(s) you would like to discuss. The Law Day Book Club members participating in this program will select the books to be discussed and volunteer to be the discussion leaders for each selected book. A meeting will be scheduled in January to select books, determine discussion leaders and schedule dates and locations for these meetings.

Happy reading to all in 2023!

Judge Martha Rupp Carter, 2023 Law Day Co-Chair

January - Suspect

Author - Scott Turow

Discussion Leader - Judge Rebecca Brett Nightingale

Date - January 19th, 5:30pm-6:30pm Location - Tulsa County Bar Center

Judge Nightingale began her law school career learning everything there is to know about law school by reading One L by Scott Turow. Fast forward a few years…now Judge Nightingale will be leading a discussion about Scott Turow’s latest book, Suspect Magic City Books has ordered extra copies of the book so that you can support your local book exchange with your purchase. I look forward to talking books in January.

February - Where the Crawdads Sing

Author - Delia Owens

Discussion Leader - Wendy Drummond

Date - Tuesday, February 7 at 5:30 pm, Location - Drummond Law, 1500 S. Utica, Suite 400, Tulsa.

Wendy Drummond specializes in employment and entertainment law. Additionally, Wendy served as CEO of a wireless company for seven years and founded a Human Resources outsourcing company. Wendy is passionate about community involvement and focuses on non-profits serving women, children and the arts

Participants for February are asked to read this article: https://www.theatlantic.com/books/archive/2022/07/ where-the-crawdads-sing-delia-mark-owens-zambiamurder/670479/

March - In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss

Author - Amy Bloom

Discussion Leader - Richard Eagleton

Date/Location - TBD

Richard (“Rick”) Eagleton practices general civil litigation, with an emphasis in Family Law--divorce, separation, custody, visitation, child support, alimony, and complex business and property division, as well as mediation services. He will lead a discussion of the memoir In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss, by Amy Bloom in March 2023 on a date and location to be determined.

April - Killers of the Flower Moon

Author - David Grann

Discussion Leader - Larry Yadon Date - April 27th, Noon Location - TBD

A Crime Writer’s Perspective

Larry currently serves on the Oklahoma mediation panel of Dispute Resolution Consultants. He has authored numerous articles about the American West and co-authored or authored fourteen books of true crime and military history. Larry appeared in two episodes of the History Channel Series Natural Born Outlaws profiling Pretty Boy Floyd, Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. A recent Golf Channel segment about the May 26, 1981 murder of Telex CEO Roger Wheeler at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa is the subject of a book being finalized and possible TV series.

A Reason to Celebrate!

By being a member of the TCBA, you are also a member of the Tulsa County Bar Foundation. As a general rule, the funds that come into the Foundation are the result of a fundraising event for our community, and the monies raised are immediately distributed back out into the community through non-profit organizations.

In an effort to assist the Foundation, we have implemented a monthly “Fund the Foundation” program. To participate we are asking each member who has a birthday this month to consider making a donation to the Foundation. You can do so with the QR Code shown here.

If you are not currently a Fellow, please consider joining that program. As a thank you (and let’s be honest, an encouragement to other members), if you donate before the 10th of the month we will include a shout out to you in the next issue of Tulsa Lawyer Magazine.

If you wish to donate or join the Fellows program, please contact Tami Williams at tamiw@tulsabar.com .

Happy New Year & Happy Birthday!

Sincerely,

Philip Hixon TCBA President

TCBA Seeking Liberty Bell Award Nominations

The Liberty Bell Award was established more than 50 years ago to acknowledge outstanding community service. The Liberty Bell is presented to a non-lawyer who has promoted better understanding of the rule of law, encouraged greater respect for law and the courts, stimulated a sense of civic responsibility, or contributed to good government in the community. The Liberty Bell Award is one of the most prestigious awards the Tulsa County Bar Foundation can bestow on an individual or group of individuals.

Please forward all nominations to Tami Williams, TCBA Executive Director tamiw@tulsabar.com

Nominees may be an individual or a group that has:

• Promoted better understanding of the rule of law

• Encouraged a greater respect for law and the courts

• Stimulated a sense of civic responsibility

• Contributed to good government in the community

Previous Recipients

1984 Lois McIlroy 1988 Mary Jo Speaker 1989 Nancy McDonald 1990 Lynn Jones 1991 George Singer 1992 Jill Tarbel 1993 Ha Thi Crick 1994 Steven Dow 1995 Michael Reggio 1996 Marty Mundell 1997 Winona Tanaka 1998 Kim Camp 1999 Harriet Morgan 2000 Sally Howe-Smith 2001 Sandra K. Cousins 2003 Chester Cadieux 2004 Jane Kolesnik 2005 Channel 2 2006 Tuesday Morning Miracle Workers 2007 Hamilton 6th Grade Teachers 2008 Community Service Council of Greater Tulsa 2009 Theresa Hansen 2010 Sherri Carrier 2011 Cortez Tunley & Tava Slocum 2012 Ralph Schaefer 2013 Cheryl Conklin 2014 Disabled American Veterans 2015 Bill Braun 2016 Julie Delcour 2017 Suzane Stewart 2018 Amley "Popsey" Floyd 2019 Christine Po 2019 Karen Keith 2020 Not Awarded 2021 Candace Pierce 2022 Michael Willis

Friend or

Professionalism and Attorney Relationships

By Richard D. White, TCBA Professionalism Chair

I periodically speak at a Single Again Conference addressing the perils of divorce litigation. I recently asked the audience a question, “Would it bother you to learn your lawyer has a good relationship with your spouse’s lawyer and the two of them are actually friends.” I was surprised to see 80% of the audience raise their hand acknowledging this would indeed bother them. It confirms a misconception too many clients have of the role of their attorneys as combatants in a battle in which opposing counsel is not only a legal adversary but the enemy. As professionals we must not succumb to this mindset.

I recently concluded a six year legal battle where this concept was demonstrated.

I represented a client on what I thought was a simple matter of collecting a fine assessed by a homeowner’s association (“HOA”) against a homeowner for violation of a restrictive covenant. I filed a lawsuit seeking judgment for the fines assessed by the HOA.

The Defendant’s counsel filed an Answer and Counterclaim seeking damages for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress. I filed a Motion for Summary Judgment. The case seemed open and shut.

My opposing counsel, in my view, was not open to what I thought was a reasonable compromise.

In responding to my attempts to find a resolution

I was met by what I perceived to be aggressive and unduly harsh rhetoric in this attorney’s correspondence. It appeared the case had become personal.

This attorney made voluminous discovery requests demanding I produce literally every record possessed by my client. It appeared to me opposing counsel was attempting to uncover wrongdoing by the HOA. There was nothing to uncover.

A discovery dispute resulted in defense counsel filing a Motion to Compel. A hearing was conducted and oral arguments were presented. There was no ruling on the motion.

Not long afterward counsel filed a Motion for Sanctions accusing me of attempting to perpetuate a fraud on the court. This was followed by the taking of my deposition. Ironically, having served discovery upon Defendant’s counsel I received a response objecting to every one of my requests.

I then filed a Motion to Compel. An acrimonious hearing was held on the Motion for Sanctions and the Motion to Compel. I was angry and insulted and it showed.

The judge denied the Motion for Sanctions and ordered the two of us to sit down and try to come to an agreement on the remaining discovery issues.

We met in my conference room. Before addressing the substance of the dispute I made a simple proposition. “For some reason we have let this case evolve into a personal conflict between we attorneys. How about we reset our relationship and start fresh.”

Surprisingly, he agreed. We shared details of our backgrounds and our families. I learned he went to the same private college as one of my partners. The mood shifted. We then addressed the discovery dispute and resolved it in short order.

During the remaining course of the litigation the animosity melted away. We cooperated on a Pretrial Order, including stipulations. He represented his client aggressively, yet professionally. Gone were the personal accusations.

After almost five years the case went to jury trial. In a case I thought was a slam dunk I must admit my opponent put on a good defense. In the end my client prevailed receiving a Plaintiff’s verdict. As we were packing up I was approached by counsel. He congratulated me on the verdict, a very professional gesture.

Since the verdict we have dealt with post-trial issues, always in a congenial manner. At the final hearing, one concerning attorney fees and costs, the judge remarked how much she appreciated having two such civil and professional attorneys appear in her court. I wondered if she remembered the prior animosity.

Perhaps we had originally misjudged each other. It was a fine ending to a long and at times frustrating case.

Richard D. White, Jr. is a graduate of the University of Tulsa School of Law. He is the current Professionalism Chair of the Tulsa County Bar Association and a shareholder in the firm of Barber & Bartz, P.C. He has served as a member of the TCBA Board of Directors and the TCBA Executive Committee in the offices of Secretary, Treasurer and Budget Chair.

Santa visited the Bar Center for Santa Paws photos on Nov. 19th with proceeds benefitting the Tulsa SPCA. Hosted by the TCBA Animal Law Committee

OBA ANNUAL MEETING RECAP

From Wednesday, November 2 through Friday, November 5th, the Oklahoma Bar Association held its annual conference at the new convention center in downtown Oklahoma City. This year’s theme was “One State, Many Nations” and the conference included related CLE with knowledgeable and engaging speakers, various section meetings, the Diversity Dinner, and the annual awards luncheon.

In 2022, Tulsa attorney and TCBA member, James R. Hicks, served as the President of the OBA Board of Governors. During the annual luncheon on Thursday afternoon, Jim awarded three Tulsa attorneys with the OBA President’s award and they are: Kevinn Matthews, Sheila Naifeh, and Amber Garrett.

Daniel Crawford was awarded with the Hicks Epton Law Day Award which is bestowed upon individuals or organizations for noteworthy law day activities. As TCBA knows, Dan’s nickname is “Mr. Law Day” for a reason. Not only has he participated in over 30 Ask-A-Lawyer events, but he has also volunteered for the entire 12-hour day to ensure all phones were covered and Oklahomans who needed that free opportunity to speak to a lawyer were taken care of.

On Thursday evening, the OBA Diversity Committee held its 2022 Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Diversity Awards Dinner and Tulsa’s own Phil Armstrong, Interim Executive Director, from Greenwood Rising was one of the night’s featured speakers. Three Tulsa attorneys and/or organizations were recognized during the dinner including Judge Sharon K. Holmes, James O. Goodwin, Sr., and Greenwood Rising.

Kevinn Matthews

Amber Garrett

Sheila Naifeh

Judge Sharon K. Holmes

James O. Goodwin Sr.

Dan Crawford

Phil Armstrong

James R. Hicks

Greenwood Rising Black Wall St History Center

Conor P. Cleary from Tulsa received the Maurice Merrill Golden Quill Award for authoring “McGirt v. Oklahoma: A Primer,” which appeared in the March 2021 issue of the Oklahoma Bar Journal.

2022 Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Diversity Awards Dinner

Allison Hall was awarded the Liberty Bell award for proactively taking steps to address the court reporter shortage in Oklahoma and across the country. She is a court reporter in Tulsa County.

TCBA members are encouraged to attend the OBA’s annual conference each year. There are many networking opportunities in addition to quality legal education classes and hospitality events.

Conor P. Cleary

Allison Hall

AN HONORABLE PROFESSION AND THE GOOD LAWYERS DO

By Frederick K. Slicker

(August 21, 1943 - October 3, 2016)

This article originally appeared in the April 2015 issue of Tulsa Lawyer Magazine.

• Lawyers do not explain the adjudication process.

• Lawyers use legalese without explanation.

• Lawyers do not keep clients adequately and timely informed.

• Lawyers often ignore and disrespect the client.

The public’s perception is formed by the media, which portrays lawyers badly. The public does not understand the adversarial system which pits lawyers against lawyers. The public does not understand the exclusionary rule, which excludes truthful evidence from jury consideration. The public does not know what lawyers really do. The legal process is long, tedious, uncertain and expensive. The client’s expectations are often unrealistic. Clients have little contact with lawyers except in crisis. Lawyer jokes demean the profession. The public has no insurance to pay lawyers.

The public’s perception of the legal profession is very negative. This perception is, I believe, unfair, inaccurate and untrue. There are many reasons for the negative perception, some of which include the following:

• Lawyers charge too much and care too little.

• Lawyers profess honesty but act without morality or ethics.

• Lawyers are dishonest and spin the truth for their client’s benefit.

• Lawyers are schemers and tricksters.

• Lawyers are sneaky and smart but sharp in a negative way.

• Lawyers will take either side, without regard to the truth.

• Lawyers are disrespectful, deceptive, rude and arrogant.

• Lawyers are rich.

• Lawyers prey off of the misfortune of others.

• Lawyers are hypocritical.

• Lawyers do not explain how fees are charged.

• Lawyers do not explain what expenses are reimbursable.

There is some truth in some of these perceptions, but the public’s perception of the legal profession as a whole is mostly misguided. Individual lawyers and the legal profession as a whole have not done a persuasive and effective job of informing the public about the good that lawyers do.

The truth is that the legal profession is a learned and honorable profession. Most lawyers are honest, competent, hardworking, caring, compassionate, respectful, effective counselors and public citizens. Most lawyers devote at least some of their time, attention and experience free for charitable, religious or community service projects. Many lawyers are not paid by their own clients for the good work they do, even when the client does not dispute the invoice.

The truth is that lawyers do an enormous amount of good, both for their clients and for the public. Lawyers play a fundamental and an essential role in maintaining public order and in preserving and protecting the Rule of Law. Some but certainly not all of the activities undertaken by lawyers include the following:

• Lawyers stand for election to public office, often at great personal sacrifice.

• Lawyers write the laws, rules, regulations, codes and standards of conduct to establish and keep the public order.

• Lawyers represent the government to insure public safety, order and compliance with law.

• Lawyers represent private clients against government over-reaching.

• Lawyers represent private clients against criminal charges.

• Lawyers represent individuals and organizations in resolving disputes without violence, most often without litigation.

• Lawyers give legal advice to the poor, often free and often at great personal inconvenience.

• Lawyers mediate peaceful resolution of disputes between adverse parties.

• Lawyers volunteer to act as leaders and board members for public agencies, such as school boards, airport authorities, water districts and similar entities, often without compensation.

• Lawyers volunteer as leaders and board members for various charitable entities and not-for-profit causes, often without compensation.

• Lawyers volunteer as leaders for churches, parishes, synagogues and other religious bodies, serving without compensation.

• Lawyers volunteer as teachers, mentors and counselors for educational entities, often without compensation.

• Lawyers volunteer as mentors, coaches and leaders to train the youth, usually without compensation.

• Lawyers often give free advice in Ask-A-Lawyer and similar informational programs.

• Lawyers give enormous amounts of money, time and effort for public, political, civic and charitable purposes.

• Lawyers volunteer as speakers at schools and other civic organizations.

• Lawyers give money, time and effort to community food banks, day care centers for the homeless, veterans’ organizations and similar not-for-profits.

• Lawyers provide lawyer referral services to the public at nominal or no cost.

Lawyers have a great story to tell about all the good that individual lawyers do and about what the profession as a whole does to keep our society free and orderly and to advance the principles of equal justice for all. While lawyers are generally excellent at persuasion, the legal profession has not been effective at persuading the public about the good the profession does. We need to do better for the good of the profession and for the good of the Rule of Law.

Need a Space to Hold a Meeting?

With the TCBA offices newly remodeled and repurposed spaces, you have the opportunity to rent the meeting rooms for mediations, depositions, staff meetings & classes…or whatever you may need!

Each room upstairs will accommodate various size needs from 2 – 26 and most have A/V capabilities. We also have the Seminar Room downstairs that will accommodate a classroom size of 80. We have rates for both Members and non-members of the Association. If you would like to check the availability, contact Heather Heck at heatherh@tulsabar.com.

Boardroom

Deposition Room Past President's Room

Benefactor's Room

Seminar Room (shown as classroom set up)

The Lawyer Referral and Information Service is always excited to welcome new TCBA members to its panel of attorneys. Contact Jeril Haug at JerilH@tulsabar.com or 918-587-6014 for information or to sign up. To join is $37.50 the first year and $75 each year after. Areas currently needing more attorneys in rotation are marked in red below.

Things to consider on how the LRIS may benefit your practice...

• Has your practice seen a decline in clients since the pandemic began? Great way to break into new practice area, especially for those litigation lawyers whose practice may have seen a decrease in numbers in recent months.

• "Retired" but just want to keep a foot in the door and work in the mix of things without carrying a large client base?

• New attorneys looking to increase client base?

• Word of Mouth! Every client you assist is the potential for another "word of mouth" client coming your way!

• Spanish speaking attorneys in all areas of law

• Landlord/Tenant

• Immigration

• Social Security & Disability

• Liens

• Low Income Probate

• Municipal Court

Grapevine News

The Tulsa law firm of Atkinson, Brittingham, Gladd, Fiasco & Edmonds announces that Tiffany L. Landry has joined the firm as an associate.

Tiffany L. Landry graduated from Southern University Law School in 2016 after earning a B.A. in History and a B.A. in Political Science from Louisiana State University. She began her career in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, before moving to Oklahoma to represent Plaintiffs in personal injury cases. She is experienced in litigating negligence claims, including medical malpractice, premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, animal bites, product liability cases, and maritime disputes.

Ms. Landry’s practice is focused in the area of civil litigation defending against claims of medical negligence, general liability, and claims arising from motor vehicle collisions and insurance bad faith. She is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association and Louisiana State Bar Association and designated a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2021 and 2022.

Crowe & Dunlevy is pleased to announce that for the 13th consecutive year, U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm with the most Tier 1 rankings in Oklahoma.*

The firm received 78 Metropolitan Tier 1 practice area rankings with 58 Tier 1 rankings in Oklahoma City and 20 in Tulsa. Crowe & Dunlevy received 95 total tier rankings across the top three tiers in the publication’s 2023 report.

Additionally, Crowe & Dunlevy received 10 Metropolitan Tier 2 rankings in Oklahoma City, four in Tulsa and one in Dallas/Fort Worth. The firm also received one Metropolitan Tier 3 ranking in Oklahoma City and one in Dallas/Fort Worth.

Rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. The rankings methodology is designed to capture the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical region and legal practice area.

*Crowe & Dunlevy has no input in the rating methodologies used by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”.

The Tulsa law firm of Atkinson, Brittingham, Gladd, Fiasco & Edmonds announces that Ryan J. Gray has joined the firm as an associate.

Ryan J. Gray graduated with honor from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2011, after earning a B.A. in English Literature from Northeastern State University. While in law school, Ryan earned a Sustainable Energy and Resources Law Certificate and received CALI Awards in Administrative Law and Taxation of Estates, Trusts, and Gifts.

Ryan is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association and currently practices in civil litigation with an emphasis in research and writing.

Deric McClellan has rejoined Crowe & Dunlevy as an associate in the Tulsa office, the firm recently announced.

A member of the firm’s Litigation & Trial, Appellate, Energy, Environment, & Natural Resources, and Real Estate Practice Groups, Deric returned to Crowe & Dunlevy after serving as a Career Law Clerk to the Honorable John E. Dowdell of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma for the past two years. He represents individuals and businesses in a wide range of commercial disputes in federal, state and tribal courts. His primary focus is complex business disputes, and he has worked on a broad range of litigation matters at both the trial and appellate level, including cases involving eminent domain, RICO, landlordtenant law, products liability, negligence, breach of contract, constitutional torts, non-compete agreements and riparian rights.

Previously, Deric served as a law clerk to the Honorable Stephanie K. Seymour on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Deric graduated with highest honors from the University of Tulsa College of Law and was honored with the Order of the Curule Chair. During law school, he was named the Oklahoma Bar Association Outstanding Senior Law Student. Deric holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Missouri Southern State University.

Michael L. Nemec

Aug. 1, 1949 - Nov. 2, 2022

Michael L. Nemec was a true gentleman. Born in Tulsa August 1, 1949 to Betty and Milton Nemec and died surrounded by family November 26, 2022.

In 5th grade, Michael joined Boy Scout Troop 20 and achieved his Eagle award at age 13. He graduated in 1967 from Central High School where he was Senior Class President, on the swim team and played the clarinet in the marching band. He graduated from the University of Tulsa with a degree in Political Science, and then served two years in the Mennonite Voluntary Service as alternate service during the Vietnam War. In 1976, Michael earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa and was in private practice of law for two years before joining the Oklahoma State University Foundation in 1978 as Director of Deferred Giving. In 1980, he went on to the Bank of Oklahoma as a Trust Officer, and in December of 1980, he joined the Bank of Commerce and Trust Company in Tulsa, where he served as a Vice President and Trust Officer. Five years later, he returned to the private practice of law, and in 1989 joined Hall, Estill, Gable, Golden, & Nelson, P.C. specializing in Trust and Estate law and becoming a shareholder in 1993. He retired from law in 2018 due to a stroke.

During his legal career, Mike received several awards, including: the TCBA Golden Rule Award (2006), Super Lawyers (2011), Best Oklahoma Attorneys (2012), University of Tulsa College of Law's Outstanding Senior Alumnus (2013), and an AV rating for Preeminant Lawyers of the year (2017), evidencing the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards as deteremined by members of the Bar and Judiciary. Mike also received the Marquis Who's Who Distinguished Humanitarian and Lifetime Achievment Award (2017). As a proud TU Alum, Mike served as president of the TU Law Alumni Association, as well as the TU College of Law long range planning committee and the Tulsa Tax Forum. Having earned his Eagle Scout at an early age, Mike would later return to serve as a Cub Master, bringing others into scouting. Also, he served on the major gifts council of the Tulsa Chapter of the American Heart Association, and as a T-Ball coach. His service to others was reflected in his family, and they were chosen as the Tulsa Family of the Year in 1985 by the Mormom Church, honoring families outside of the Mormom faith. He was active in his church choir and The Founder's Chorus, and he loved playing piano, singing, fishing, hiking,

art and playing chess.

Michael is survived by his wife of 52 years Vivian, son Adam and wife Mousumi, daughter Jennifer and granddaughters Lillian and Wren, son David and wife Priscila and granddaughter Isabela.

Michael was an exemplary son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, who selflessly helped many people during his life. He was loved by his family, friends, clients, and coworkers alike. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held December 20th at Christ the King Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Michael's honor to Global Gardens: P.O. Box 52034, Tulsa, OK 74152 or on line at www.global-gardens.org (memo: In memory of Michael Nemec).

www.tulsabar.com

PHONE: 918-584-5243 FAX: 918-592-0208

1446 South Boston, Tulsa, OK 74119-3612

Executive Director

Tami Williams tamiw@tulsabar.com Ext. 1002

Membership Director CLE, Sections & Committees Heather Heck Ext. 1001

Lawyer Referral & Community Resource Navigator

Jeril Haug jerilh@tulsabar.com Ext. 1003

Tulsa Lawyer Editor - Michael Taubman michael@tulsafirm.com

Associate Editor - Milly Dunlap Tulsa Lawyer Submissions - tulsabarnews@yahoo.com

TCBA OFFICERS

President ......................................................................Philip Hixon Past President...............................................................Kara Vincent

President-Elect............................................................Mike Esmond

Vice President......................................................Stephanie Jackson Secretary....................................................................... Lizzie Riter Treasurer.............................................................. Michael Taubman

Budget/Internal Operations.........................................Austin Birnie

Foundation President ............................................Hon. Ann Keele Director at Large (1) Large Firm.................................Natalie Sears Director at Large (2) Large Firm.......................... Austin Birnie Director at Large (1) Medium Firm..................................Kara Pratt Director at Large (2) Medium Firm.................. Jennifer Struble Director at Large (1) Small Firm.................................. Mark Smith Director at Large (2) Small Firm...........................Linda Morrissey Director at Large (2) Public Sector.........................Hon. Ann Keele ABA Delegate............................................................. Molly Aspan OBA Delegate................................................................Rick White Library Trustee (1)........................................................ Julie Evans Library Trustee (2)..................................................... Kim Vojvoda

Presiding Judge

Chief Judge, U.S. District Court

Hon. Doug Drummond

John F. Heil, III

Chief Judge, Tulsa Municipal Court..........Hon. Gerald Hofmeister TU Law School Student Representative .. Stephanie Acquario FOUNDATION

FOUNDATION

President.................................................................Hon. Ann Keele

Foundation Vice President...........................................Justin Munn

Treasurer......................................................................Philip Hixon Trustee.................................................................... Hon. Ann Keele

Trustee........................................................................ Justin Munn Trustee......................................................................... Philip Hixon Trustee...........................................................................Lizzie Riter

Trustee.......................................................................Chad McLain Trustee ......................................................................Jim Gotwals Trustee Catherine Hoopert Trustee................................................................ Michael Taubman

TCBA President......................................................Philip D. Hixon TCBA Pres. Elect.......................................................Mike Esmond

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Access to Justice..........................................Pansy Moore-Shrier Animal Law ..........Katy Inhofe Bench & Bar Kevinn Matthews Children & the Law....................................................Lizzie Riter Children & the Law Vice Chair..........Timothy Michaels-Johnson CLE...............................................................Pansy Moore-Shrier Diversity Fee Arbitration............................................................Gary Crews Law Related Education......................................Kimberly Moore Lawyer Referral .......Karen Wilkins

Membership Services....................................................Kara Pratt Mentoring ........................................................ ......Shena Burgess Military/Veterans ............................................ ...Mitchell Garrett Military/Veterans Co-Chair Hon. David Guten Nominations & Awards ........Kara Vincent Pro Bono............................................................... Mac Finlayson Pro Bono Co-Chair......................................................Aaron Tift Professionalism ...........Rick White Public Relations....................................................Steve Layman Social Media.................................................... ....Collaborative Special Events ................................................. .......Natalie Sears Street Law ....................................................... ..............Co-chairs ................................................>. Pierre Robertson , Kara Vincent Tulsa Lawyer Michael Taubman Young Lawyers Division...........................................Billy Duncan

SECTION CHAIRPERSONS