March 2023 Tulsa Lawyer Magazine

Tulsa MagazineLawyer Judiciary & Courts

2022-2023 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 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

Ann Keele

Sears

Austin Birnie

Pratt

Jennifer Struble

Mark Smith

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 Hon. Doug Drummond

Chief Judge, U.S. District Court ...................Hon. John F. Heil, III

Chief Judge, Tulsa Municipal Court..........Hon. Gerald Hofmeister

TU Law School Student Representative Stephanie Acquario

FOUNDATION APPOINTMENTS

Law Day ................................................Hon. Martha Rupp Carter

Law Day Co-Chair....................................................Mary Clement

Community Outreach................................................ Ashley Webb

Golf Chair...................................................................Brian Keester

Scholarship Chair.......................................................Randy Lewin

Submission, Grapevine & Advertising- Visit www.tulsabar.com

Subscriptions to Tulsa Lawyer are available for $40.00 a year to those who are not Tulsa County Bar Association members or others who do not currently receive the publication. Contact tamiw@tulsabar.com

Tulsa Lawyer is a monthly publication of the TCBA. The TCBA does not necessarily share or endorse the opinions expressed in the materials published. The views are those of thoughtful contributors. Similarly, advertising does not imply endorsement by the TCBA of products or services or any statements concerning them.

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......................................................Ruth Addison Martin

Fee Arbitration............................................................Gary Crews

Law Related Education................................................................

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

ADR/Mediation..........................................................Melissa Fell

ADR/Mediation Co-Chair ....Lauren Lindsey

Bankruptcy Hon. Paul Thomas

Business/Corporate......................................Whitney Humphreys

Criminal Law................................................... ........Daniel Levy

Energy & Mineral Law...........................................Buford Pollett

Employment Law ....Jonathan Shook

Family Law...................................................... ..Jordan Dalgleish

Juvenile Law. ..........Lizzie Riter

Juvenile Law Co-Chair.......................Timothy Michaels-Johnson

Litigation...............................................................Mark A. Smith

Litigation Co-Chair......................................Mbilike Mwafulirwa

Municipal Law............................................................Cassia Carr

Paralegals/Legal Assistant....................................Kathryn Keener

Paralegal /Legal Assistants Vice Chair.....................Gloria Jones

Probate/Estate/Elder.......................................................Co-chairs

................................Kelley Hunt, Phillip Jennings, John Gotwals

Solo/Small Firm .............................................Colton Richardson

Tax...........................................................................John Gotwals

Technology ...................................................Pansy Moore-Shrier Workers Comp.........................................................Valerie Evans

* Section Chairs will be updated as positions are filled

Philip D. Hixon

A Message from the President 2022-2023

GAVEL STORIES

This month’s issue of the Tulsa Lawyer is dedicated to the Courts and Judiciary. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Courts and the Judiciary? Well, if you watch any television dramas (or the reboot of Night Court) or you’re delinquent with your article submission for this publication, it’s probably a gavel.

The Wikipedia entry for gavel tells us, “The gavel is used in courts of law in the United States and, by metonymy, is used there to represent the entire judiciary system, especially of judgeship.” Metonymy? I had to look that one up. Dictionary.com defines the word as “a figure of speech that consists of the use of the name of one object or concept for that of another to which it is related, or which it is a part.” The examples provided are a “scepter” for “sovereignty” or “the bottle” for “strong drink.” You get the idea.

My cursory research on gavels indicates that no one is certain how gavels came to be used in court. A couple of sources point to the Freemasons among the Founders. As the story goes, a number of Founders

were members of the organization and liked the associated ritual. The gavel was essentially a mallet used in masonry work. As a Founder and presumably a Mason, Vice President John Adams used a gavel to call to order the first United States Senate. From there, they ultimately made their way to the courts. I don’t know whether is attributable to the Founders, but apparently British courts do not use gavels. They, of course, have those jaunty head wigs.

Since taking office last September, I have had the honor and privilege of presenting eight ceremonial gavels on behalf of the Association to judges sitting in the state courts in Tulsa County: two Judges of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals, two Tulsa County District Judge, and four Tulsa County Special Judges. The appellate judge presentations were made at the February meeting of the Association’s YLD Leadership Academy. The other presentation were made at two different swearing-in ceremonies. One-half of the presentations were carryovers from the pandemic.

During the first swearing-in event I attended, one of the special judges shared her intriguing journey to the bench and reminisced about the role of her dozen-plus siblings in her travels. During the second event (and confirming my suspicion that Tulsa is a small town disguised in metropolitan trappings), I presented gavels to a judge with whom I attended church for few years, I believe, before he began law school and to a judge who, I learned at the event, was a long-time customer of my Father’s barbershop in Edmond. The third event included a presentation to my lovely bride. Following the presentation, each of the judges (four of the five Tulsa judges) shared their unique paths to the appellate bench with the inaugural Leadership Academy class.

Although I am a notorious introvert, the gavel presentations have been my favorite part of this position. Each judge’s story is fascinating. They always seem grateful to receive their gavel. I, in turn, am grateful to them for their service to our community, legal and otherwise, and to the State of Oklahoma.

Philip D. Hixon

TCBA President, 2022-2023

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

The YLD Leadership Academy took place on Monday, February 6th , and featured a judicial panel with four Judges from the Court of Civil Appeals panels in Tulsa. They included Judge Jayne Wiseman, Judge Deborah Barnes, Judge Stacie Hixon, and Judge Gregory Blackwell.

Below: Both Judge Hixon and Blackwell were appointed during the COVID shutdown and missed having a gavelpresenting ceremony; therefore the TCBA used this opportunity to present these gavels to the judges before the CLE.

Judge Stacie Hixon

Judge Gregory Blackwell

Judicial Swearing In Ceremony

January 20th

On the morning of January 20th , all District Judges for Tulsa and Pawnee Counties were sworn into office to begin their new 4 year terms, hosted by Presiding District Judge Doug Drummond. In the afternoon, a special ceremony was held in the Carlos Chappelle Memorial Courtroom (Room 605) for the families, friends, and members of the bar for the swearing in of the newest members of the bench. Thomas Guten, son of District Judge David Guten

Right: Thomas Guten, son of District Judge David Guten and Maura Guten leading the Pledge of Allegiance, standing in front of Judge Doug Drummond

and Maura Guten, began the afternoon proceedings by leading the assembled judges and other attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Taking their Oath of Office in the afternoon proceedings were: District Judge Kevin Gray, District Judge David Guten and Special District Judge Travis Horton. Following the administration of their Oaths, TCBA President Philip Hixon presented each new judge with their gavels.

Right: Judge Dawn Moody, Judge Tracy Priddy and Judge Bill LaFortune

Below: Judge Bill LaFortune with wife Kathy.

Below: District Judges

District Judge Kevin Gray

Judge Gray is a lifelong Tulsan. The son of Jim and Becky Gray, Judge Gray is the oldest of three boys. Judge Gray has been married to his wife, Michelle, for 17 years. They are the proud parents of three girls – Sophie, Audrey, and Chloe. Judge Gray is a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, and he earned his bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa. He also earn his Master of Public Service and Administration from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Throughout his career, Judge Gray worked in the non-profit sector, in construction, and on campaigns before joining the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office in 2011. Judge Gray worked there for 11 years before being elected District Judge in 2022. Anyone who has been to his office knows that Judge Gray has a passion for baseball and baseball cards. Judge Gray’s love of aviation and airplanes led to his service on the board of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, and his work to research and locate the Tulsamerican, the last B-24 bomber built in Tulsa during WWII. Judge Gray and his family share their home with two dogs, two bunnies, and a chameleon.

District Judge David Guten

Judge Guten started his legal career in 2003 as a prosecutor in the Tulsa County DA’s office before moving into private practice where he focused his representation around the needs of veterans and service members over a wide range of practice areas. In 2019, he was appointed to the bench as one of our Special District Judges assigned to the criminal division, where he presided over nearly all of the criminal dockets handled by our special judges.

He earned his bachelors degree from Oklahoma City University, and his juris doctorate from the Tulsa College of Law. He is co-chairman of the Tulsa County Bar Association’s Military & Veteran’s Law Committee, and a member of the OBA’s Military Law Committee. He’s also on the Board of Directors for one of the local schools here in Tulsa.

Additionally, Judge Guten has served for the last 18 years with the United States Air Force Reserve, and holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel as the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate for the 137th Special Operations Wing in Oklahoma City. He’s married to his high school sweetheart, Maura, and they’re the proud parents to 4 boys and 1 dog.

Special District Judge Travis Horton

Judge Horton grew up in Edmond, Oklahoma where he graduated from Edmond Memorial High School. He is a graduate of Northeastern State University and the Oklahoma College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate.

Over the last two decades, he has worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office, as in-house counsel for one of Oklahoma’s largest construction companies, and the last eight years in private practice with a focus on family law and criminal law.

Judge Horton is married to Stephanie Horton, whom he met in while they were both attending law school. They reside in Tulsa with their two teenage children, Mia and Max Horton.

Golden Rule Award 2nd Quarter Kevinn Matthews

It is with great pleasure and gratitude that we announce Kevinn Matthews as the recipient of the TCBA 2nd Quarter Golden Rule Award. Kevinn truly serves selflessly. His dedication to further the success of the TCBA, TCBF, and the greater Tulsa community at large is remarkable. Kevinn tirelessly devotes himself to finding talented members to fill vacant leadership roles, engaging new members, and helping with many projects within our organization. Moreover, he enthusiastically mentors students of all ages to help guide them through school, life, and career choices, and creates opportunities for connection and networking. He has attended parent-teacher conferences for children that are not his own. He’ll take calls and sincerely be glad to hear from whoever is asking him for help – even when he is walking his dog in the rain. Kevinn is fiercely loyal, and faithfully supports all of his alma maters: Holland Hall, Cornell University, and the University of Tulsa College of Law. If there is a Board, Kevinn has served on it. If there is a call, Kevinn takes it. If there is a need, Kevinn fills it. If there is a problem, Kevinn solves it. He is a man of action. He helps others to bring up their level from good to excellent, and from excellent to exceptional – not just in service, but in work and in life. Kevinn wants to see people win, and he’ll do everything he can to make that possible. Kevinn is truly an exceptionally gifted and wonderful person, and we are thankful to have him on our team. Thank you, Kevinn, for pushing the pace, striving for greatness, and doing all you can to help all of us succeed.

Award Criteria

The Golden Rule award is given to lawyers who make outstanding contributions to their professions, have the highest of ideals, and are willing to mentor to those with less experience. Criteria for Award:

1. Recognizes the ethical and professional obligations as an officer of the court, as well as the spirit and intent of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

2. Practices ethically and honestly and is true to his/her word.

3. Strives for the traditional goals of moral excellence.

4. Exhibits the highest standards of fairness and integrity.

GOLDEN RULE

1: capitalized G & R: a rule of ethical conduct: do to others as you would have them do to you 2: a guiding principle

5. Sets a model example for conduct with members of the Bar and the Judiciary, not only by words but more importantly deeds.

6. Is civil, courteous and respectful towards the court and his/ her opponents.

7. Is loyal to his/her client without trickery and deception and without using abusive practices or misleading the court or opposing counsel.

8. Avoids the temptation to make his/her client’s case into a personal vendetta.

9. Conducts himself/herself in a manner that improves the image of the legal profession in the eyes of the public.

2023 Lynn Miller Law Day Book Club Books and Discussion Leaders

Rick Eagleton will lead the March book discussion of In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss by Amy Bloom March 22 , 5:30 PM at The Lodge at the Gathering Place.

Larry Yadon will lead April’s discussion of Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann on April 27th at noon at the TCBA.

Registration can 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,

March - In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss

Author - Amy Bloom

Discussion Leader - Richard Eagleton

Date/Location - March 22 , 5:30 PM

Location- The Lodge at the Gathering Place.

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.

Register by emailing

Judge Martha Rupp Carter at mruppcarter@yahoo.com

Each session is limited to fifteen persons. TCBA members may register themselves and up to one friend to accompany and participate with them.

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.

April - Killers of the Flower Moon

Author - David Grann

Discussion Leader - Larry Yadon

Date - April 27th, Noon

Location - TCBA

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, as well as authoring or co-authoring 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.

Judge Martha Rupp Carter, 2023 Law Day Co-Chair

Municipal Law Section CLE

1 Hr CLE - Thursday, March 23 12-1 PM @ TCBA

Topic: The procedure of creating and passing ordinances in Tulsa and the City’s zoning process presented by Section Chair and Deputy Mayor, Cassia Carr. Reservations are required & lunch is provided.

If you have any questions, please reach out to TCBA Staff at 918-584-5243 or heatherh@tulsabar.com.

Black Wall Street Diamond Classic at ONEOK Field

Collegiate baseball in downtown Tulsa ONEOK Field and the Historic Greenwood District A special HBCU baseball event in Tulsa this spring. The Tulsa Drillers announced that Philander Smith College and Dillard University will meet in the first-ever Black Wall Street Diamond Classic.

The teams will play a doubleheader at ONEOK Field on Saturday, March 18 with the first game starting at 1:00 p.m. Hosted by the Tulsa Drillers in partnership with BCSG 360 and the Tulsa Sports Commission, the Black Wall Street Diamond Classic is slated to be an annual event with participating teams changing each season.

Philander Smith College is located in Little Rock, Arkansas and was founded in 1877, while Dillard University is in New Orleans, Louisiana and was founded in 1930 and has incorporated institutions dating to as early as 1869.

Both schools compete at the NAIA level, and both are members of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference.

March 18th @ 1:00PM

• Member Ticket Price $10

• There are a limited amount of tickets available for sale

• 4 tickets max per member

• Reserve yours at www.tulsabar.com

Join

TCBF Annual Golf Tournament May 8, 2023

The Club at Forest Ridge

Dear TCBA Membership:

The Tulsa County Bar Foundation is excited to announce its 2023 Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday, May 8th, 2023, at The Club at Forest Ridge’s par-72, 7,012-yard championship golf course. We hope you can join us for this long-standing event that has benefitted so many local charities.

As you are planning your budget for 2023, we would sincerely appreciate your support for our tournament which provides critical financial funding for worthy charitable beneficiaries. Proceeds from the 2023 tournament will benefit the Tulsa County Veterans Treatment Court, Tulsa Lawyers for Children, First Step Male Diversion Program, TCBF’s Community Outreach, and Emergency Infant Services.

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 also allow you the opportunity 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 contact Tami Williams at the Tulsa County Bar Association at 918-584-5243 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,

Veterans Challenge Reflection

" If you haven't participated in the Vets Challenge yet, I encourage you to give it a try next year. For a small commitment of money and effort, you can support our Tulsa Veterans' Court, have fun, and gain health benefits! No prior experience is required--I was a couch potato when I signed up for the 2021 Vets Challenge, so I chose three of the exercises at the beginner level. After the 28 days, I felt better and didn't have a reason to quit, so I've continued starting my day with a few minutes of exercises. For the 2022 Vets Challenge, I increased my goals and added burpees. I do NOT recommend burpees--I barely made it through 28 days of burpees--but I may try them again in the 2023 Vets Challenge, and hope you'll join me in the 2023 Challenge!

- Anonymous

Brian Keester, TCBF 2023 Golf Tournament Chairman

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

Deadline for nominations is

Friday ~ March 31, 2023

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

VP'S CORNER

Stephanie Jackson TCBA Vice President 2022-2023

Make Your Move

Wait, I cannot believe it is Spring already. It feels like it was just Christmas and we are all still saying, “Happy New Year” to one another. This month as you look through your Tulsa Lawyer Magazine, embrace the call of spring, the vibrant and vast array of colors of life, and the warmth of having great friends, colleagues, and family to share memories.

With the focus of this month’s edition being on our judiciary, let’s remember that kindness and appreciation goes a long way. If you practice often before a particular judge or have a particular judge that has made a positive impact in your life, take a moment to thank them for their servant leadership.

Also, spring is a great time for us to reconnect with other colleagues that may not be a part of the TCBA. Being a part of this community of attorneys is both an honor and a privilege. This March, take an opportunity to engage a colleague who is on your mind, or a TU Law student, or maybe a mentee and invite them to a fun TCBA event or outing. I have had a blast bowling with colleagues on Thursday evenings during the TCBA’s league play. Laughing and relaxing with colleagues and our families after a long workday has truly been good for my mind, body and spirit.

It’s truly your move, so make it! Leadership is not always about chairing a committee. It can also be as simple as reconnecting with a friend and bringing them to a TCBA committee’s event so that they can experience the same fun, laughter, and relaxation.

As always, if you have ideas to share, would like to serve on a committee, or have a TCBA project or program you would like to see highlighted, please reach out to me or Tami Williams.

Stephanie Jackson TCBA Vice President, 2022-2023

Workers Comp Section Meeting @ TCBA

March 23, 2023 4pm / Virtual and In-person

WC Happenings of Interest

• Deadline to Submit Comments to the Commission regarding proposed draft changes to the Rules must be in March 15th!

• Email your comments to rules@wcc.ok.gov on or before 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2023.

• A public hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 16, 2023, in the Commission En Banc Courtroom on the 1st floor of the Denver N. Davison Building, Oklahoma City, OK.

• Interested parties must sign in at the door.

Do you have any rule changes you would like to propose? Share them with the committee! Do you plan on attending the public hearing? Let us know!

Practice Pointers:

• There’s been a change to the WC Form MFD Form 19 for those who represent medical providers! Be sure to tell your staff to update their WC Forms files to include it! The revised Form went into effect February 1, 2023. Go to //ok.gov/wcc/forms!

• If you missed the Case OK webinar, be sure to catch the encore presentation on the Workers Compensation Commission’s website at //ok.gov/wcc.

• Supreme Court Workers Compensation Rule Changes: The Rule changes delineate between the Court of Existing Claims and the Workers Compensation Commission, and it also let’s respondents know they no longer have to post a bond when filing a appeal!

Great Balls

Bowlable Hours

The Fatlocks IV

RANTOL Rollers

Flying Elvises

Motion to Strike

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Pro Bowlno

It's not how you bowl. It's how you roll.

Bowls Deep

of Fire

The Lords of Pinterfell

Truth Bader Winsburg

Graves McLanes

Schweddy Balls

Brew Crew

Titus Hillis Quid Pro Bowl

Carr and Carr

Legislative SessionAffordable Housing Bills 2023

This legislative session saw a number of bills filed that impact landlord-tenant law and affordable housing - certainly a hot topic over the past few years. Housing Solutions and the Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation drafted a summary of several bills being considered this year. For more information on affordable housing and homelessness solutions in Tulsa, check out housingsolutionstulsa.org.

In Memory of... Ted M. Riseling, Jr.

Ted M. Riseling, Jr., 80, of Tulsa, OK, passed away on December 20, 2022, from complications of Lewy Body Dementia. Ted was born on October 25, 1942, to Theodore M. and Marietta (Koogle) Riseling in Oklahoma City, OK.

Ted attended elementary school at Church of the Madalene and graduated from Cascia Hall in 1960. He attended the University of Tulsa, where he earned an undergraduate degree in finance and began a lifelong membership in Sigma Chi fraternity. A member of the Army National Guard of Oklahoma, he was Honorably Discharged in 1969. Ted’s legal education consisted of a Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa College of Law and a Masters degree in tax law from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. While in St. Louis, Ted began his legal career as a trial attorney in the office of the Chief Counsel, Internal Revenue Service. After completing a 4-year tour of duty with the IRS, he returned to Tulsa and entered the private practice of law culminating in the formation of his own law firm in 1978. Ted was a former director of the Tulsa Estate Planning Forum and lectured extensively before the Oklahoma Bar Association and the Tulsa County Bar Association on taxation and estate planning matters. He taught classes at Oral Roberts University, Oklahoma City University, Tulsa Community College and was an adjunct professor of law at the University of Tulsa where he taught estate planning and other taxation courses for more than

35 years. Ted also spent one day per week working in the Riseling & Rhode’s office in Bartlesville.

Ted will be deeply missed by his family and by the professionals who looked upon him gratefully as their business mentor. His wisdom and knowledge influenced countless students and clients, and he left a legacy in that regard. His love of history, books, Churchill (esp. The Other Other Club), Napoleon, pheasant hunting, travel and Southwest art will forever serve as a reminder of the dad, the husband, the friend, the devoted Christian and the attorney that made up Ted Riseling.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Adrienne Reinkemeyer; and his niece, Stacy Reinkemeyer. Survivors include his wife, Suzanne; daughter, Alison (Robbie) Rist; son, Jason (Kim) Riseling; granddaughter, Carrie Riseling; first wife, Dana Riseling; step-children, Shannon (Dola) Sawyer, Holly (Greg) Friedman, Ryan (Monica) Sawyer; and six step-grandchildren; brother-inlaw, Clem Reinkemeyer; niece, Celia (Dan) Bisett Jr. and their children, Daniel (Meghan) Bisett III, and Elizabeth Bisett.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at Church of the Madalene. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to John 3:16 Mission, P.O.Box 200, Tulsa, OK 74101-0200.

Lawyers Helping Lawyers If you need support... reach out!

Oklahoma City Meetings are held 6-7:30 p.m., Vitis okbar.org for dates or email debraj@okbar. org. 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.

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: Mar. 9, Apr. 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, Aug. 19, Sept. 14.

CELEBRATION!

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 a tamiw@tulsabar.com.

Sincerely,

Philip Hixon, TCBA President 2022-2023

DOWNTOWN TULSA Law Office space for rent in historic Reunion Center only minutes from the courthouse. Phones, fax, copier, scanner, internet, receptionist, secretary, paralegal and bookkeeper, all available, plus use of conference room, meeting rooms, kitchen and storage space. Convenient parking close to building. These offices are updated and beautifully decorated. Contact (918)599-8600.

Liquidation of law office in downtown Tulsa. Office furniture , hanging file folders, miscellaneous office supplies, a few computers and monitors, and filing cabinets for sale. For more information or to schedule a tour, please call 918-728-3340 or email knapp@turnaroundpro.com.

Nice 204 square feet, threewindow professional office including a small lobby area outside the office. Access to full kitchen, inviting conference room, well-appointed lobby, light reception, and excellent parking. Call 918-901-9000 or email theoffice@paulhburgess.com for photos and more information.

Larry Leonard

Stephanie Mitchell

The Tulsa law firm of Atkinson, Brittingham, Gladd, Fiasco & Edmonds announces that Raymond “Trey” Purdom has become a partner in the firm.

Trey graduated with honors from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2018, after earning a B.A. in Political Science from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2014. While in law school, he served as a Supervising Editor on the Tulsa Law Review and Speaker of the House for the Student Bar Association. Trey is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association, and admitted in all three Oklahoma Federal District Courts. He has been selected as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch and practices civil litigation, with an emphasis on insurance bad faith and general torts.

Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, LLP (DSDA) is pleased to announce the addition of Kari A. Deckard. She joins DSDA’s Employment Law and Transactional practice groups as the firm’s newest partner in its Tulsa office.

Alex Sokolosky has returned to Crowe & Dunlevy as an associate attorney in the firm’s Tulsa office.

Sokolosky is a member of the firm’s Banking & Financial Institutions, Bankruptcy & Creditor’s Rights, and Litigation & Trial Practice Groups. He represents businesses and individuals in a wide range of commercial disputes in both federal and state court with a focus on bankruptcy, breach of contract, collection and foreclosure matters.

Sokolosky graduated with honors from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. In law school, he was selected into the Order of the Coif, the Order of the Scribes and was on the editorial board of the Oklahoma Law Review. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma.

A former law clerk to the Honorable Ronald A. White and the Honorable John F. Heil, III, of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, Sokolosky served as a student clerk to the Honorable Yvonne Kauger of the Supreme Court of Oklahoma while he was in law school.

He also serves on the board of directors of First Bank of Owasso.

Kari brings 15 years of relevant law experience. Her employment law practice includes defense of claims of discrimination and harassment, wrongful and retaliatory discharge, breach of contract, enforcement of employment, non-competition and confidentiality agreements, and wage and hour disputes. She dedicates a substantial portion of her employment practice to educating, training and counseling clients on litigation avoidance strategies and compliance with state and federal laws and regulations affecting the workplace. Kari routinely counsels clients in connection with employee discipline and terminations, internal investigations, employee handbook and policy development, drug and alcohol testing, employee leave and disability, and employment and post-employment agreements.

In addition, Kari advises public and private companies, small and mid-sized businesses, and non-profit organizations in complex transactions as well as day-today business affairs. She has completed numerous asset and equity acquisitions and divestitures. Kari also counsels clients in negotiating and drafting all types of commercial contracts, designing and remaking business entity structures, corporate governance, risk management, protecting intellectual property, and alternative resolution of business disputes.

Kari graduated with honors from the University of Tulsa College of Law where she received her Juris Doctor. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, in International Business from Oklahoma State University.

GableGotwals is pleased to announce that Brooks A. Richardson has joined the Firm in the Oklahoma City office. His practice focuses on complex business litigation, including class actions, oil and gas royalty disputes, securities litigation, indemnity and insurance coverage disputes, insurance bad faith, environmental litigation, and public contract challenges. In addition, Brooks provides general counsel on regulatory compliance, contract and vendor management, records and information governance, privacy and cybersecurity, crisis response and business continuity planning, employment law, and enterprise risk management.

Prior to joining GableGotwals, Brooks was the Vice President & Deputy General Counsel of Continental Resources, Inc. He also served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Dean Whipple in the U. S. District Court, Western District of Missouri. Brooks received a J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where he was elected to Order of the Coif, and a B.A. from Duke University, where he graduated cum laude.

clients endure during litigation, and she strives to keep her clients informed of new developments while making them as active of a participant in their cases as they would like to be

Christina began her career as an Assistant District Attorney in Tulsa County, Oklahoma as a felony prosecutor. She handled many types of serious crimes but her focus was on crimes against children including physical abuse, sexual abuse and child homicide. Christina earned a J.D. from the University of Oklahoma Law School and holds a B.A. in Political Science from Washington University in St. Louis.

Hall Booth Smith, P.C. (HBS) is pleased to welcome Partners Christina Wolfram and Michael D. Carter to its office in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Partner Christina Wolfram focuses her practice on medical malpractice and other personal injury matters. She represents healthcare institutions, private practices, physicians, nurses and medical practice staff members in complex medical malpractice actions. She works to develop strong professional relationships with her clients, as she understands the stress

Partner Michael Carter focuses his practice on asbestos, talc, and silica defense, labor and employment, products liability, and workers’ compensation matters. Michael has defended multi-party asbestos, talc, respirable dust, silica, and benzene exposure cases in multiple jurisdictions across the United States, representing equipment manufacturers, distributors, contractors, premises owners, manufacturers of industrial and cosmetic talc products, manufacturers of joint compound, and manufacturers of fire brick, felt, gaskets, and kiln-entry suits. He has substantial experience serving clients as National Coordinating Counsel in nationwide talc litigation.

In addition, Michael has many years’ experience in the field of workers’ compensation and serves as chair of the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Workers’ Compensation. He works to counsel clients in all aspects of employment including the development of employment policies, human resources outsourcing, employer immigration compliance, and issues involving professional employer organizations. Michael earned his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and holds a B.A. in Letters from the University of Oklahoma.