Tulsa MagazineLawyerJanuary 2025
A Message from the President Stephanie Jackson Renewing Our Commitment to Professionalism, Civility and Service in 2025
A Time for Reflection
Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I am reminded of the immense privilege and responsibility we carry as members of this profession. It’s an opportune time to reflect on our shared commitment to professionalism, civility, and service—qualities that define the best of who we are as lawyers.
A Reminder of Professionalism
While revisiting the Standards of Professionalism on the Oklahoma Bar Association's website, I was struck by a simple yet powerful definition, approved by the Oklahoma Bar Association Board of Governors April 20, 2006: "Professionalism for lawyers and judges requires honesty, integrity, competence, civility, and public service." Noticeably absent are traits such as yelling, belittling, disrespect, or any conduct unbecoming of our distinguished profession. This reminder is both sobering and inspiring. It challenges us to represent our clients zealously while upholding dignity and treating colleagues on all sides of the courtroom with respect.
The Challenge: Civility and Advocacy
In 2025, I encourage each of you to engage deeply in the principles of professionalism and civility. We can fiercely advocate for our clients while still treating opposing counsel with respect. It is entirely possible to be an effective lawyer and a kind human being—indeed, the two are not mutually exclusive. Let us model this approach for one another, for the younger members of our profession, and for the public we serve.
Opportunities for Public Service
I also invite you to explore opportunities to fulfill not only our ethical obligations to our clients but also our capacity for meaningful public service. Volunteer legal services are a cornerstone of justice and a critical means of
providing access to the legal system for those in need. In last month’s article, I highlighted the phenomenal efforts of our Pro Bono Committee in offering support, resources, and access to justice for underserved communities. This month, I want to build on that foundation by encouraging you to seek opportunities to serve beyond the walls of our law firms.
I especially love the energy and purpose of our Law Day activities each year, including the Ask-A-Lawyer event and the Law Day Student Contest Reception. These events are fantastic ways to connect with our community and showcase the positive impact of the legal profession. I encourage you to join us for this year’s Law Day activities as we continue to make a difference together. You know what I always say, TOGETHER WE WIN!
Prioritizing Health and Wellness
Finally, as we embark on this new year, I remind you to prioritize your health and wellness. The demands of our profession are significant, and maintaining balance is critical—not just this month but throughout the year. Let’s support one another in this effort as we strive for excellence both personally and professionally.
Together, let’s make 2025 a year of renewed professionalism, civility, and purpose. Here’s to a successful year for our members, our clients, and our community.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Jackson TCBA President, 2024-2025
Things to Remember.....
Tulsa County Bar Association Lawyer Referral & Information Service
The Tulsa County Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service is a longstanding program serving Tulsa county. Its primary purpose is to refer those needing legal representation, and who can afford reasonable attorney’s fees, to a licensed attorney who practices in the area of law appropriate to their needs. In cases where a lawyer referral is not appropriate, other resources may be recommended. We do not provide pro bono attorneys . Individuals with a potential legal problem who are not currently represented by an attorney are referred to one of our Attorney Panel Members. The referral fee for the client is only $25 and includes up to a thirty minute over the phone initial legal consultation with our panel member.
Things to consider on how the LRIS may benefit your practice...
• Has your practice seen a decline in clients?
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 918-5876014 for information or to sign up.
These areas are currently needing more attorneys in rotation.
» Animal Law
» Appeals
» Bankruptcy
» Chapter 7 and 13
» Civil Appeals
» Civil Rights
» Disability/Social Security
» Education
» Environmental Law
» Immigration
» Insurance
» Intellectual Property
» Licenses
» Limited Scope
• "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!
» Litigation
» Malpractice
» Native American Law
» Workers Comp
Provide a Public Service and Make a Difference –Lawyer Referral is a public service that matches individuals and businesses looking for legal help with qualified attorneys. This is a great opportunity to provide a positive legal experience.
Increase
Your
Client Base –
Many of the individuals who use the Lawyer Referral Service can afford an attorney, they just need advice on what kind to use. All of our referrals are potential clients for you.
Receive Free Marketing and Gain More Visibility –Potential clients find us through our advertising in publications, courthouses, libraries etc.
Voices of the Tulsa County Bar Association Dan Crawford
October 30, 2024
Problem solving has been Dan Crawford’s life-time role. It started when he was in grade school and has continued as an attorney and judge.
He served as a municipal judge in two cities, Henryetta, his hometown, and Tulsa.
His private law practice for almost 40 years generally focused on workers compensation cases.
Crawford was drawn towards a law career while in grade school at St. Michael's Catholic School in Henryetta.
“If there were two kids in the school yard who were fighting, who broke it up?” he asked. “Me. I always seemed to be the one trying to solve someone else’s problems. That was especially true where there was a conflict between two or more people who couldn’t agree on something. “So, by the eighth grade I had pretty much decided that a law career was for me — if I could make it.”
By
Ralph Schaefer
Mentors were the late Herb Elias, Sr. who had a law office in Henryetta and the late Municipal Judge Duane Woodliff.
“Most people don’t know Herb opened an office in Henryetta before moving to Tulsa. His office was right next to dad’s office. That made it easy for me and I had a tendency to go by his office every day and visit.”
“He and my dad were friends back in the 1960s and 1970s. I saw that Herb was representing people who needed help against the big employers, companies and insurance companies. I saw he had a legitimate good heart to try to help people.”
That made the practice of law attractive and Crawford achieved his goal in 1985, graduating from the University of Tulsa College of Law.
Crawford joined the Tulsa County Bar Association in the 1990s. He served on the Fee Arbitration Committee, a fiveyear assignment and was on the board of directors while chair of the Law Day Committee.
His 35-year service on the Law Day Committee started in 1991 when Herb Sr., who always took first chair asked for help.
Crawford agreed, not realizing that Elias always took phone number one, the first that would ring with someone calling about a legal problem.
“I was supposed to fill in at the 9 a.m. session,” he recalled.
Crawford spent several hours helping “ordinary folks,” the same type of people without a lawyer that he had talked to when he was on the bench in Henryetta and Tulsa. They needed help and guidance more than an attorney to help them.
The following year — 1992 — brought both a challenge and opportunity.
Replacements didn’t show for their scheduled times and Crawford answered telephones from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Judge Deirdre Dexter, then committee chair, asked him if he would stay the entire 12 hours — since he already had been there for half a day.
“I considered Judge Dexter as a friend and took the challenge,” he said.
That led to another opportunity and odyssey — how many years would it take for one person to talk to 1,000 callers, 12 hours at a whack?
“I talked to 1,012 people in 96 hours,” Crawford said. “Those numbers are documented.”
Crawford served as committee chair until 2023 and plans to show up to future Ask-A-Lawyer events and answer phones as long as he is needed.
Reflecting on his legal career, Crawford said his proudest times were when he served as a municipal judge in Henryetta and Tulsa.
He applied his motto, “The Strong Must Protect the Weak,” in both courts.
“My appointment to the judgeship in Henryetta in 2000 was a high point for me,” he said. “It was my opportunity to actually assume the bench in a town where you were born and raised and you knew everyone and they knew you.”
There were no attorneys in Henryetta representing defendants in municipal court at that time and Crawford was tasked with developing a way to talk to people who were scared, afraid, in some type of trouble and didn’t know what was going to happen next.
Municipal courts handle misdemeanors, but it also is a predicate court before people could be charged with felonies, he explained. This was the last opportunity to push people back across the line of lawfulness before the next and more serious occurrence. People needed guidance as much as discipline.
A plan was developed where fines were paid on installments and people knew when the next payment was due. Without that program the defendant would wait until the last minute and then not have the money to pay the fine.
As Henryetta's municipal judge, Crawford developed an amnesty program that allowed people with overdue fines to pay and have arrest warrants revoked. It worked and a story in the Tulsa World brought attention to the concept and other cities asked him to help set up similar programs.
Crawford served as Presiding Tulsa Municipal Judge in 2007 and for two years worked to improve the court services.
He turned to the Tulsa County Bar Association for assistance. That help came by being vocal and asking.
Everyone seemed to focus on the county and federal courts, he said. The municipal court was the last to get help, yet it sees more people on a day-to-day basis than the county.
About 300 people are seen daily with the number being divided to 100 in each of three city courts. Worked varied from arraignments in the morning to non-jury trials in the afternoon.
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The Law Week Committee Launches the Voices of TCBA Project
We are excited to announce the launch of the Voices of Tulsa County Bar Association project, initiated by the Tulsa County Bar Foundation's Law Week Committee. This innovative project aims to preserve and share the rich stories of our members and the history of the Association.
Members interviewed are encouraged to contribute their unique experiences and insights, reflecting on their journeys within the legal profession and their connection to the TCBA. Through this initiative, we strive to highlight the diverse voices and histories that shape our community.
Leading the project and interviewing members is Ralph Schaefer, retired senior editor of the Tulsa Business and Legal News. He has interviewed U.S. Supreme Court Justices and did a series on the Oklahoma Supreme Court Justices. The Tulsa County Bar Foundation and Oklahoma Bar Association honored him with the Liberty Bell Award, the highest recognition for a non-lawyer.
Stay tuned for monthly interviews as we embark on this meaningful journey together. Your voice matters, and we look forward to celebrating the legacy of the Tulsa County Bar Association. Let’s bring our stories to life!
There were no ‘real-time’ computers used in the municipal court in 2007, Crawford recalled. “When I left, the dockets were computerized and clerks could enter notes in real time in the courtroom.” There always were people present and it was a matter of keeping up with them.
In 2007 there were as many as 10,000 warrants for people in Tulsa, Crawford said. The amnesty program was used and people were told they would not be arrested if they came in voluntarily. It worked and a lot of that $10 million owed the city in fines was reduced.
A cashier’s office was added to the municipal court facility that made it possible for people to pay fines immediately, rather than going to city hall. Credit card machines were added to the jail so people qualified to make bond rather than being held in the Tulsa County jail could be released. That reduced the city’s obligation to pay the county $56 day per person. The number of people held overnight reduced from 75 or 80 to less than 10.
Reflecting on his time in the court, Crawford said people came back and expressed their thanks for helping them get their legal issues resolved. These defendants were not true criminals.
“I don’t like labeling anyway,” he said. “A criminal, that is just a label, and if you try not to do that to people, I found they responded in kind.”
People tended to punish themselves more than the court.
At the start of a sentencing phase, Crawford would write down the sentence on a piece of paper and put it aside. The defendant would be asked about the punishment they should receive. Their personal recommendations were harsh. Then they were shown the folded piece of paper that was less than the personally imposed sentence. “I insisted they take the better deal,” he said.
Crawford left the Tulsa Municipal Court in 2009 when the Tulsa City Council felt he had done his job, straightened things out and wanted to go in a different direction.
Leaving the judicial role was one of Crawford’s biggest career disappointments.
He focused his practice on workers compensation on behalf of claimants, the ordinary blue-collar fellow “who needs help the most."
Now generally retired from practicing Workers Compensation Law, Crawford works as General Counsel for the Oklahoma Lions Boys Ranch, now the Meadows of Hope, a position he has held for 20 years.
He is on the board of directors and will continue to do so as the organization navigates through the changes Oklahoma has been through regarding the Department of Human Services and how kids are taken care of.
Currently about 60 young people, both boys and girls are being supervised through the Meadows of Hope. Twenty years ago, they were down to supervising five or six.
Crawford has been asked and continues to serve with the national mock trial tournament.
Judge Daman Cantrell is in charge of the tournament that begins in January. The mock trial theme is received from the Oklahoma Bar Association and information is received in December. Mock trials begin on Martin Luther King Day in January.
Crawford has served as a trial judge at all levels, from the local level until the finals in April.“I have tried as many as 19 trials in a single season,” he said. “I get asked a lot because kids feel comfortable around me; I feel like a big kid around them.”
Crawford says he plans to be part of the Lions organization, the Meadows of Hope and part of the mock trial work. He also will be part of the Ask-A-Lawyer program to answer phones as long as he is able — “and as long as someone wants me.”
Morgan Smith
November 13, 2024
Young lawyers face a variety of challenges as they start a legal career. They don’t need to deal with COVID and technical issues as part of the learning process.
Yet, that is what Morgan Smith encountered when she joined the Jones, Gotcher & Bogan Law Firm as an associate in 2018. She was familiar with the Tulsa firm having served as an extern before graduating from the University of Tulsa College of Law and earning her law license in 2019.
Smith learned a lot during those first months when she was going to and taking depositions in person. It was a busy time during her first year of practice and the goal was to learn as much as possible.
That learning took a turn when COVID hit and the familiar work changed.
Everyone was trying to figure out what to do, she said. Emergency orders went into effect and many businesses were closed. The legal industry was one of the exceptions, so it was possible to keep working. Still, no one was certain about the future, how they would meet clients and file required court documents.
Adjustments were made during the next six months as courts also adjusted to the changes and technology.
Using computers and laptops, judges held court utilizing virtual hearings.
Virtual hearings for a status conference are very effective on certain types of dockets, Smith said. “But, having an evidentiary hearing virtually is very difficult for an attorney, in my opinion.”
Technology for example, could be used to create problems during evidentiary hearings. A witness may claim they can't hear the question, stalling for time to come up with an answer. "In person" evidentiary hearings ensure that all issues are clearly understood.
Benefits also have been realized because of COVID.
Judges now are more inclined to allow virtual options for short conferences. It is beneficial for saving time for judges, attorneys and clients.
By Ralph Schaefer
In pre-COVID times, attorneys would sit in the courtroom and wait their turn to get in front of the judge.
“Those cattle call dockets as they were known, wasted time,” she said. “Now with virtual calls it is possible to work from your office, getting things done while waiting until you get called.”
Having worked through COVID issues, Smith said the experiences have taught the importance of being flexible. More people are wanting that ability to have a zoom call as compared to coming to the law office. There are more opportunities and capabilities with technology being used in the daily practice.
Despite the steep learning curve involving COVID and technology, Smith, who became a shareholder in the firm in January 2024, likes the challenges.
She is focused on clients who have placed their trust in her.
“I want to make sure I am doing my best to represent them in their case,” Smith said. People with family law, estate or trust issues are putting their lives and emotional issues on the line. It is important to do a great job for them.
“That kind of motivates me to show up every day and get my
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work done,” she added.
Family law is Smith’s favorite practice area.
Most of her work is in Tulsa and Creek County District Courts. There have been cases in the Muskogee District Court.
Her favorite part of the job is being able to reach an early resolution for the client. That client has a problem and sometimes mediation is able to find creative solutions to issues and help them out of a bad situation.
“Typically, when people come for litigation, someone is not getting along. Either the client owes money or they are owed money,” Smith said. It sometimes is possible to come up with a solution. Other times it might be possible to make it less-worse, and work creatively towards a resolution to the problem.
“The hardest part of the job is dealing with things that are out of your control, you can’t help, even though your client has done everything correctly,” she said. Opponents can file a counterclaim, even though it might not be valid. They might not produce discovery documents and that drives up litigation costs at no fault of the client. It really is frustrating for the client’s expectations.
The probate practice is difficult because families are grieving. If they didn’t get along before, it is likely they really won’t be getting along as they deal with their loss.
“There can be some fighting as to how the estate is to be divided and I can help get that resolved,” she said.
The law firm encourages its members to be admitted to Oklahoma’s federal courts. Most appearances are virtual and attorneys don’t go into the courtroom unless there is no settlement through mediation, she said.
Mentors are a critical part of a legal practice.
Smith knows she must keep personal feelings out of the cases.
“I try my best to keep my emotions separate from clients,” she said. “But there are a few cases that can weigh on you.” That is when she turns to someone where she can talk and in turn, receive encouragement. The mentor can help talk through a difficult case.
Even though hours can be long — there is no 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. work day — Smith utilizes days when the schedule is lighter and she can complete tasks to meet other deadlines.
Morgan Smith didn’t think about a legal career when she left her Willis Point, Texas home, and enrolled in business
courses at Oklahoma State University.
That changed when her Professor Andrew Urich, J.D., encouraged students to take a business law course.
Smith liked working with the Stillwater Legal Aid office and turned her direction towards a law career. The study focus would be on civil litigation and family law.
Acceptance into law school brought her to Tulsa.
While in law school, Smith, through a mentor and now a good friend, was serving as chair of the Fern Holland Banquet chair for the Women’s Law Caucus.
She feels honored to have served in that capacity to honor a woman who gave her life helping others.
Other law school work included serving as staff editor for the ABA SEER Year in Review Journal (the Energy Law Journal), Speaker Pro Tempore for the Student Bar Association and Student Ambassador.
Smith has been chosen as one of Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2022 and 2023 Oklahoma Super Lawyers Rising Star.
Smith, who has been in practice for less than a decade, is looking ahead to building her practice at Jones Gotcher and Bogan, focusing on trust and estate litigation as opposed to having a wider variety of cases.
Lawyers Fighting Hunger Celebrates 15th Annual Thanksgiving Event: 1,000 Turkeys and Groceries Provided to Tulsa Families
Tulsa, OK — This Thanksgiving, Lawyers Fighting Hunger celebrated its 15th Annual Turkey Distribution event, providing families in the Tulsa area with the essentials for a festive holiday meal. Held on Saturday, November 23, at Iron Gate Tulsa, the event brought together over 100 dedicated volunteers who packed and distributed grocery bags filled with turkeys, potatoes, and all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
Since 2011, Lawyers Fighting Hunger unites local law firms, businesses, and community organizations to raise funds and provide Thanksgiving dinners to individuals and families in need during the holiday season. The distribution is made possible through the collaboration with community partners such as Iron Gate, Parkside, EduRec Tulsa, and many others, alongside the generous support of over 100 volunteers from local law firms, businesses, and community organizations. Together, they assemble and distribute 1,000 bags filled with Thanksgiving staples. Delivering half of the meals to partner agencies serving vulnerable populations, while the remainder is distributed directly to families in need, ensuring that everyone could enjoy a warm and festive meal this holiday season.
This year’s event emphasized the growing need for food assistance in Tulsa. While Lawyers Fighting Hunger recognizes that one event can’t end hunger, their efforts to provide meals to families are a significant step in addressing the most basic need—food.
This event would not be possible without the support from over 40 Tulsa area lawyers, businesses and individual contributors including their platinum sponsors, Smolen Law, Sherwood & Robert, Bradley & Loggin, Graves McLain, Laizure Law as well as our gold sponsors, Workers Compensation Section of the OBA, Bare Aesthetics, Truskett Law, Biby Law Firm, GT Law, Levinson, Smith & Huffman PC, Richard & Associates, Riggs Abney, Ken Ray Underwood Attorney at Law, LaCourse Law, Nik Rankin Law, Rhodes Hieronymus, Sanders & Associates PC, and Wandres Law, PC.
Professionalism - Answer That Call!
By Richard D. White
During the course of my forty-four year legal career much has changed in the practice of law. Most of the change has been driven by technology.
In 1980, the year I was sworn in as a lawyer, we had few of the many technological tools we possess today. Manual typewriters were commonly used for the drafting of pleadings and correspondence. However, a new device, known as a word processor had recently been introduced in the workplace. This device consisted of a keyboard and monitor which connected to a printer. A person could type documents which were displayed on the monitor, making corrections as easy as pushing a backspace key.
Fax machines were coming into popular use. A miraculous device that allowed documents to be transmitted through phone lines.
Today this cutting edge technology is obsolete, having been replaced by computers, email and smart phones. Our ability to communicate with our opposing counsel without the need of actually speaking with them has significantly increased.
A generation ago, verbal communication with opposing counsel was a necessary tool in the practice of law. Today, a growing number of attorneys have minimized this tool in favor of email and text. It is true,
written communications leave a better record of the actual communication. However, the art of verbal communication is an important and necessary skill for our profession.
As a component of professionalism, verbal communication with our opposing counsel should be utilized in our dealings with one another.
I recently concluded a case in which I was unable to conduct a single conversation with my opposing counsel “Edgy”. The case was a paternity action in a small county. Edgy replaced the original attorney halfway through the case. A Temporary Order for custody and child support had already been entered and the case was in discovery. After discovery was completed we scheduled a mediation. This was my opportunity to finally speak with Edgy. The mediation did not settle the case. However, I asked the mediator if she would convey my request to Edgy that I would like to speak to her before leaving. I wanted to introduce myself. The mediator left the room to convey my request. She returned a few minutes later telling me “Edgy does not have time to speak with you, she has left the building.”
During the course of the litigation, despite my attempts, I was unable to have a single conversation with Edgy. All communications were routed through her legal assistant.
The case was eventually set for Pretrial Conference. The hearing was conducted as part of a Motion Docket. I had never seen Edgy and there was no conversation prior to the hearing. I was finally able to identify Edgy when she announced her appearance when the case was called. We conducted the Pretrial and received our hearing date. Afterward, Edgy immediately left the courtroom, affording me no opportunity to speak with her.
The case was tried and resolved by the court. Edgy again managed to avoid speaking with me during the entire proceeding. I have no criticism of Edgy’s courtroom decorum. She behaved as a professional in the courtroom. However, her refusal to communicate, in my opinion, did not rise to the level of civility to which we professionals should aspire.
Modern technology has provided many tools to the legal practitioner which allow for greater efficiency. However, I believe these tools do not replace our need to be able to verbally communicate with one another. Paragraph 5 of the Preamble to the Code of Professional Responsibility states in part that:
“A lawyer should demonstrate respect for the legal system and for those who serve in it including judges, other lawyers and public officials.”
It is my opinion that a sign of respect to your opposing counsel includes a willingness to actually speak to them prior to trial. It is not that difficult.
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.
TCBA HAPPENINGS
Brown Bag CLE
November 20th– Brown Bag CLE at the Courthouse on "Attorney Fee Hearings after Fleig vs. Landmark" with Tulsa County Judge Kurt Glassco and Attorney at McAfee Taft, Bill Leach.
Litigation Section
November 21st–The TCBA Litigation Section CLE on "Post Judgment Collections" with Judge Melissa East. As former Chair of the Litigation Section, she was honored by current Section Chairs, Mbilike Mwafurlirwa and Mark Smith, with an award for her outstanding leadership and service.
Community Outreach
The TCBF Community Outreach held its annual Eat Out for a Cause at Dalesandro's to benefit the Fostering Joy Program. This year we are pleased to announce we raised our most money to date and $2,000 was gifted to Fostering Connections. The money will be used to purchase holiday gifts for kids in foster care. The committee would like to thank Dalesandro's for it's commitment to this cause and supporting this event every year.
Join Us for the 2025 Charity Golf Tournament!
As you are planning your budget for 2025, we would sincerely appreciate your support for our tournament, which provides critical financial funding for worthy charitable beneficiaries. Proceeds from the 2025 tournament will benefit City Lights, Tulsa Lawyers for Children, and Coffee Bunker.
As a leader in the community, we know you understand the need to take an active role in supporting area non-profits. Participating in this golf tournament will not only see your sponsorship go back into the community, but it will also allow you to network with other players, sponsors, and guests. Sponsors are also recognized in the Tulsa Lawyer magazine, the official publication of the Tulsa County Bar Association, which is shared with approximately 2,000 attorneys. Sponsor information will also be posted on the TCBA website and all event signage.
Please get in touch with Tami Williams at the Tulsa County Bar Association at 918584-5243 or tamiw@tulsabar.com for more information. We hope to see you, your employees, friends, and colleagues for a game of golf, food, and fellowship . . . all for the betterment of the Tulsa community.
Sincerely,
Michael Thelen TCBF 2025 Golf Tournament Chairman
CELEBRATE YOUR YEAR & FUND THE FOUNDATION
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.
Michael Nesser Michael Taubman
2025 Preview: Lynn Miller Law Day Book Club
by Martha Rupp Carter
At the end of 2024’s contentious election year, looking forward to 2025 and the interesting reads awaiting is refreshing, even rehabilitative. The Lynn Miller Law Day Book Club will be mixing it up, venturing to different times and places in our world as well as one of more fantastical flavor. The Bar is honored to have at least two author events to be conducted in collaboration with Magic City Books.
Sisters In Law by Linda Hirshman, a story of Sandra Day O’ Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, their backgrounds and their relationship on the U.S Supreme Court will kick off 2025. Attorney and author Richard Hix will discuss his recently published mystery, Nobody Knows When the Truth Goes By, and take us on a spin to enigmatic India. A romp with pirates is next in store in the 2023 Eric Hoffer Book Award Category Finalist written and discussed by Martin Frey, Professor Emeritus of University of Tulsa in his thoroughly researched historical fiction, Captain Hornigold and the Pirate Republic. James by Percival Everett, a reimagined vision of Huckleberry Finn, allows new exploration on the Mississippi River.
Mark Your Calendars & Stay Tuned for More Details!
Note: Law Day Book Club generally meets at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesdays at the Bar Center, excepting August and December.
The February and March author events conducted in collaboration with Magic City will be at 7:00 p.m.
January 28
February 25 – 7:00 p.m. Author event with Richard Hix
March 25 – 7:00 p.m. Author event with Martin Frey
April 22
May 27
June 24
July 22
September 23
October 28
November 25
The remainder of 2025 includes a visit to the U.S. Supreme Court in The Supermajority by Michael Waldman; Norse inspired fantasy in A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen; tradition and family ties through generations in Calling for a Blanket Dance by Oscar Hokeah; humor and humanity in Anxious People by Fredrik Backman; and the alluring Jackson Brodie in When Will There Be Good News by Kate Atkinson.
Although Book Club usually does not meet in August, a bonus book will be discussed at a surprise destination. The book is Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World. What is it I think about those Icelandic women?
2025 Law Day Book Club will conclude in November with participant’s choice of reading one of H.W. Brands’s American history books. Brands is the 2024 Peggy V, Helmerich Distinguished Author Award recipient who is scheduled to be in Tulsa for a book signing on December 5. His Pulitzer Prize Finalist is about Benjamin Franklin’s life and times. Learning why Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a traitor to his class would be fascinating reading as well.
Keep alert for more specifics about Book Club and a detailed schedule of discussions. See you in the library!
LAW DAY 2025 THEME
Law Day is an annual celebration of the rule of law that promotes a deeper understanding of the legal system. The 2025 theme is
“The Constitution's Promise: Out of Many, One.”
Gr apevine News
Frasier, Frasier & Hickman, LLP is pleased to announce some important personnel changes at the firm.
Kathryn Black’s position in the firm is elevated to be one of the partners helping manage the firm. “I do not know what we would do without Kathryn,” said Frank Frasier. He continued, “Kathryn is not only a friend and trusted business partner but always puts others first. Our clients love her because she has so much compassion.” Kathryn has led the firm’s workers’ compensation practice for several years.
Maureen Johnson was made a partner in the firm earlier this year. Maureen handles a variety of legal matters in the firm include probate, estates, social security and various civil matters.
Frequently, Maureen is appointed by Courts to represent people or interests in complicated estate and civil matters, which is a testament, to how well respected she is amongst judges and her peers. “I am so happy Maureen is now a part of the foundation of this firm” said Frank Frasier. “Maureen embodies the quality and caring type of representation this firm brings working Oklahomans. She is thoughtful, intuitive and a great listener.”
Finally, Adam Burnett is now a partner in the firm. Adam joined the firm in 2019 right out of the University of Oklahoma’s College of Law. Frank Frasier announced, “I am so excited about Adam’s promotion. He is one of the most organized people practicing law in Oklahoma. He is dogged and will not stray from a fight for what’s right. These are the type of characteristics we bring to helping working Oklahomans for over 70 years.” Adam is a lifelong Oklahoman who grew up in Pryor. While at OU, was a member of the Ruf/Neks in charge of driving the “Sooner Schooner” and shooting at football games.
The Tulsa law fi rm of Atkinson, Brittingham, Gladd, Fiasco & Edmonds announces that Jeffrey A. Levy has joined the fi rm as an associate.
Jeffrey Levy graduated from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 2023 after earning a BA in History from the University of Central Oklahoma. While in law school, he was a member of the Law Review.
Mr. Levy is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association and currently practices civil litigation with an emphasis in research and writing.
“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each year find you a better man.”
~ Benjamin Franklin
C lassified a ds
OKC FIRM LOOKING FOR TULSA-BASED
ATTORNEY to handle work on the East side of the State. Looking for self-motivated individual who desires courtroom work. Candidate will remote work. Ideal candidate has entrepreneurial spirit with desire to bring in clients. Salary is $70,000.00 a year, plus insurance and work vehicle provided. Firm has bonus structure for new business. Please email resume to resumeokclaw@gmail.com.
Jon Starr Mediator and Arbitrator
DRC for scheduling 918-382-0300
Need a meeting space?
The TCBA has offices and re-purposed space! 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.
ATKINSON, BRITTINGHAM, GLADD, FIASCO & EDMONDS is seeking an associate attorney with zero to five years of experience who is proficient in research and writing. Atkinson, Brittingham, Gladd & Fiasco is primarily a defense litigation firm focusing on general civil trial and appellate practice, insurance defense, medical and legal malpractice, and Native American law. Compensation and benefits package will be commensurate with the applicant’s experience. Applicants should submit a resume, writing sample and transcript to Carol J. Allen at callen@abg-oklaw.com.
2024-2025 TCBA CONTACTS, COMMITTEE & SECTION CHAIRS
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 heatherh@tulsabar.com Ext. 1001
Front Desk Coordinator
General Inquiries frontdesk@tulsabar.com Ext. 1000 Accounting accounting@tulsabar.com
Lawyer Referral & Community Resource Navigator Jeril Haug jerilh@tulsabar.com Ext. 1003
Tulsa Lawyer Editors - Rhiannon Thoreson Madison Cataudella
Associate Editor - Milly Dunlap Tulsa Lawyer Submissions - tulsabarnews@yahoo.com
TCBA
OFFICERS
President .............................................................Stephanie Jackson
Past President.............................................................Mike Esmond
President-Elect.....................................................Michael Taubman
Vice President..............................................................Billy Duncan
Secretary....................................................................Shena Burgess
Treasurer..........................................................Mbilike Mwafulirwa
Budget/Internal Operations........................................John Gotwals
Foundation President ..................................................Justin Munn
Director at Large (1) Large Firm.................................Natalie Sears
Director at Large (2) Large Firm................................ Alex Telarik
Director at Large (1) Medium Firm.................................Kara Pratt
Director at Large (2) Medium Firm........................Jennifer Struble
Director at Large (1) Small Firm..............................Mary Clement
Director at Large (2) Small Firm...........................Linda Morrissey
Director at Large (1) Public Sector................. Judge April Seibert
ABA Delegate............................................................. Molly Aspan
OBA Delegate..............................................................Philip Hixon
Library Trustee (1).........................................................Julie Evans
Library Trustee (2).................................................... Kim Vojvoda
Presiding Judge .......................................... Hon. Dawn Moody
Chief Judge, U.S. District Court ...................Hon. John F. Heil, III
Chief Judge, Tulsa Municipal Court..........Hon. Gerald Hofmeister
TU Law School Student Representative ...................Eugene Flynn
TU Law School Representative.................................. Natalie Frost
YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION BOARD
YLD Chair............................................................Lacy Williamson
YLD Past-Chair.................................................Colton Richardson
YLD Chair Elect.............................................................Kyle Trice
YLD Vice President...................................................Isaiah Brydie
YLD Treasurer..........................................................Morgan Smith
YLD Secretary..........................................................Kaia Kennedy
FOUNDATION APPOINTMENTS
Law Day Chair ....................................................Tana Van Cleave
Community Outreach................................................ Ashley Webb
Community Outreach Co-Chair...................... Madison Cataudella
Golf Chair................................................................Michael Thelen
Scholarship Chair........................................................Randy Lewin
FOUNDATION
President.....................................................................Justin Munn
Treasurer...........................................................Catherine Hoopert
Trustee........................................................................Jim Gotwals
Trustee...........................................................................Ann Keele
Trustee..........................................................................Rick White
Trustee.........................................................................Lizzie Riter
Trustee ..................................................................Chad McLain
Trustee ...................................................................Kara Vincent
Trustee .....................................................................Mike Esmond
TCBA President................................................Stephanie Jackson
TCBA Pres. Elect..............................................Michael Taubman
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Access to Justice... .............Katie Dilks
Animal Law .................................................... ............Katy Inhofe
Animal Law Co-Chair..................................... .........Erica Grayson Bench & Bar........................................................Kevinn Matthews
Bench & Bar Co-Chair ...........Diana Cupps
Children & the Law.......................................................Lexie Allen
Children & the Law Co-Chair .......Michael Nesser
CLE...............................................................................Open
Diversity Development...........................................Marvin Lizama
Diversity Development Vice-Chair ...........Matt Ingham
Fee Arbitration.............................................................Scott Savage
Law Related Education / Street Law.........................Pierre Robertson
Law Related Education/Street Law Co-Chair............ Kara Vincent
Lawyer Referral ............Alan Barker
Mentoring ........Shena Burgess
Mentoring Co-Chair................................................... Natalie Frost
Military/Veterans ......Mitchell Garrett
Nominations & Awards ..........Mike Esmond
Pro Bono................................................................. Shandi Stoner
Pro Bono Co-Chair ......................................... ...............Eric Yoder
Professionalism ............................................... .............Rick White
Membership & Special Events ..........Natalie Sears
Membership & Special Events Co-Chair ...............Kara Pratt
Publications......................................................Rhiannon Thoreson
Publications Co-Chair Madison Cataudella
SECTION CHAIRPERSONS
ADR/Mediation...................................................................Open
Bankruptcy ..Hon. Paul Thomas
Business/Corporate................................................Spencer Pittman
Criminal Law .................................................. .......................Open
Energy & Mineral Law.............................................Buford Pollett
Employment Law ..........Chris Vaught
Family Law ..........................................Anastasia Krich-Mahoney
Health Law................................................................Shelby Fields
Immigration ................................................................Elissa Stiles
Immigration Vice-Chair ..............................................Karri Payne
Juvenile Law. .......Michael Nesser
Juvenile Law Co-Chair..................................................Lexie Allen
Litigation................................Mbilike Mwafulirwa & Mark Smith
Municipal Law..................................................Rhiannon Thoreson
Paralegals/Legal Assistant.......................................Danna Malone
Paralegal /Legal Assistants Vice Chair.....................Sabrina Nitz
Paralegals / Legal Assistant - Secretary.......................Sheri Ward
Probate/Estate/Elder Co-chairs.........Kelly Jones/ Phillip Jennings
Solo/Small Firm .......................................................Mary Clement
Tax Co-Chairs..............................John Gotwals / Lauren Peterson
Technology ...............................................................Trevor Riddle
Workers Comp...........................................................Valerie Evans
Workers Comp Co-Chair ................................ ..........Micah Felton
* Section Chairs will be updated as positions are filled
