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PHOTOGRAPHY
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Charlie Neuenschwander
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As I am currently in the middle of planning a Disney World vacation, the stress of having to book everything far in advance and be so organized has me longing for one of those holidays where you load up the car, pop on your favorite playlist and get there when you get there.
For this summertime issue, I teamed up with world-renowned food and travel writer and 405 Magazine senior writer Matt Kirouac to highlight seven destinations (in four different states) worth the drive. All less than six hours in the car, these scenic spots are perfect for a weekend getaway or spontaneous summer trip (pg. 32). Our family has been fortunate enough to visit five out of the seven destinations over the last few years; hikes, pool lounging, quirky dining and slow mornings all call our name during the long, sunny days.
And in what now seems like another lifetime ago, I once drove on Route 66 from Los Angeles to Tulsa. It is a wild journey, and will show you parts of our country you’d likely never see otherwise. In keeping with this issue’s road trip theme, read all about The Mother Road’s upcoming 100-year anniversary and the festivities that are already kicking off across Oklahoma (pg. 78).
We are excited to showcase a sentimental and classic extended summer design home section. This spread pairs nicely with a limoncello on the patio (pg. 24)! Also in these pages, you will find the much-anticipated Top Attorneys list and profiles of local legal experts (pg. 47).
When this June issue hits newsstands and mailboxes, our very own Oklahoma City Thunder may or may not be in the final week of the NBA playoffs, and local city officials may or may not be preparing for an epic victory parade. (No jinxes!) We are thrilled to feature one man who has been at the very center of the action this season — especially during postgame interviews — and who needs no introduction for local basketball fans (pg. ). Thunder reporter Nick Gallo has been embraced by the community and the team in a way seldom seen before in the sports world.
We also have your summer nights covered with a cold drink roundup (pg. 70) and performances by renowned company Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park (pg. 74).
I hope this issue accompanies you in your getaway bag, wherever the roads may lead!
BEHIND THE SCENES
Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF
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Nick Gallo on rising with the OKC Thunder P. 14
Thunder Mentality
Any true Oklahoma City Thunder fan is also a fan of the team’s beloved sideline reporter, Nick Gallo. Gallo has been covering sports for 17 years, but over the course of the Thunder’s historic season this year, it became apparent that he has a very special relationship with the team — just look at the numerous viral videos and even t-shirts inspired by players’ post-game interviews with him.
When asked about those interviews, Gallo said, “All of this is surreal. This is truly about the players and how much love and affection they have for each other. I love being included in that, but these moments stem from their genuine support of one another. They are so excited about one another’s successes. They have put years and years of hard work into their craft. Those moments after the game reveal how they show up to celebrate one another. What an incredible window to see who this team is both on and off camera — I am fortunate that I get to be a small part of that.”
Gallo has an outstanding resume, having covered events for the NFL and NBA as a sideline reporter on TV, play-by-play announcer and digital host. For the first seven years of his association with OKC, he was a digital content reporter who started with the team in 2012, when he was only 23 years old.
Gallo grew up in Durham, North Carolina, and went to college at Vanderbilt in Tennessee. When asked what he dreamed of becoming when he was a kid, he laughed. “I grew up five minutes away from Cameron Stadium, which is where Duke University plays. I loved Duke basketball as a kid. I lived and breathed it. I always wanted to be a sports reporter.” He wrote for his high school newspaper and for a newspaper in his hometown. When he got to college, he began to write for his college newspaper, The Vanderbilt Hustler. After his sophomore year in college, he got an internship with the Tennessee Titans.
That gave him a path to his dream job. Gallo said, “I invested everything I had into making that work.” After college, he took a job for the New York Jets. “I was working 14-hour days on a stipend. I was trying to get as much experience as I could in pursuit of my dream. When the job opened up with the Thunder, I was ready to go.
“When I arrived in Oklahoma in 2012, I was 23. The organization did a really nice job with putting me in positions to succeed. They slowly expanded my role and allowed me to take on different challenges. Any success I’m having now reflects back on this organization and how they handled my position when I was new.”
When Gallo arrived in Oklahoma City, he knew no one. He was put in touch with the friend of a friend, who eventually introduced him to his now-wife, Madeline. On his first day in town, a coworker found out that Gallo’s apartment wasn’t ready. That co-worker insisted that the new Oklahoman stay with him and his fiancé on his first night in town. “Thirteen years later, we still have that bond and friendship,” Gallo said, adding that the spirit of welcome and kindness he experienced on his first day here is the spirit of Oklahoma.
Being in Oklahoma is a full-circle moment for Gallo, as his greatgreat grandfather, Giusepi DeMeno, emigrated from Sicily, Italy, to Krebs, Oklahoma, in 1898 to work in the coal mines. This story has always been an important part of Gallo’s family lore. When Nick moved to Oklahoma over 100 years later, he credited the people of Oklahoma and the Thunder for continuing to give him opportunities and allowing him to make this state his home.
→ Follow Nick Gallo on Instagram @nickgallo22
Behind the mic with Nick Gallo BY KRISTEN GRACE
PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER
Pure old-fashioned summer fun.
Discover a hidden gem in The Heart of the Ozarks, Silver Dollar City, America’s #1 Theme Park! Explore the 1880s mining town filled with unique rides and record-breaking coasters including the Heartland’s Largest Indoor Coaster—New Fire In The Hole.® Entertain your family with New Summer Shows like the Wild West Comedy Stunt Show or Silver Dollar Circus featuring world-class acrobats. Watch demonstrating artisans create handcrafted wares and taste down-home, country cooking. Plus, when summer nights get longer see the Night Sky get brighter with a New Drone & Fireworks Show.
The Open Road Runway
Looks to dazzle near home or afar
BY BENNETT HILL
Summer is in full swing, and that means heat, sun and, of course, road trips! Whether you’re going to the ocean oasis of Seaside, Florida, or the mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho, where Oklahoma favorite Naifeh Fine Jewelry recently opened a location, make sure you make your journey in the most stylish and comfortable of clothing. A knit set will keep you cozy on your trip and, when paired with a sensible sandal, can be an elevated approach to an otherwise mundane packing list. A hat is a must, and Lorna Murray combines functionality and fashion to create a spectacular headpiece that will have your skin thanking you. “What will carry all my essentials?” you ask. A classic tote is always a go-to — find one that speaks to your particular personality with a colorful strap or vibrant details. As you embark on your journey, remember: The road is your runway!
1. Mary Classic Shirtdress, Frank & Eileen: Gretta Sloane 2. Sun Valley Sun Necklace, Valerie Naifeh Design: Naifeh Fine Jewelry 3. Ceramic Travel Cup, MacKenzie-Childs: BC Clark 4. The Daisy Woven Medium Tote Bag, Marc Jacobs: Cayman’s 5. Marty Sandal, Cecelia NY: Betsy King Shoes 6. Island Capri Hat: Lorna Murray 7. Nyree Sweater Top & Fyona Short, Saltwater Luxe: Edit & Co.
NOW OPEN
2025 Ballet Ball OKC
PHOTOS BY MEL DRAKE AND TODD SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY
Oklahoma City Ballet supporters partied like rockstars at the annual Ballet Ball at the OKC Convention Center. This year’s theme was Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball, inspired by a world premiere ballet in May featuring music by OKC’s The Flaming Lips. Nearly 600 attendees donned their version of rock ‘n’ roll glamour and danced the night away to live music by Soft Hands. The Ballet Ball is Oklahoma City Ballet’s largest annual fundraising event, and this year broke all records on both attendance and dollars raised for year-long programs. Led by co-chairs Natalie Fitzpatrick and Hannah Hudson, the ballroom featured a custom laser light show, mood-setting florals and golden records at each place setting.
Fairytale Ball 2025
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Guests celebrated in Alice in Wonderlandthemed costumes at the Civic Center
Music Hall’s Meinders Hall of Mirrors for Oklahoma Children’s Theatre’s annual Fairytale Ball. Families gathered for a night of whimsy and purpose — raising critical funds to support theatre education for underserved youth. Guests were transported into a storybook world as a harpist’s enchanting melodies filled the air, while children enjoyed face painting, interactive games and character meet-andgreets with Alice, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts. The event culminated in a spirited family dance party, bringing generations together on the dance floor. The event was chaired by Olivia Castrejana, whose grandmother chaired the inaugural Fairytale Ball decades ago. Suzanne Klimek served as co-chair.
The Greatest Gift
Save
lives with blood donations
BY LAVINIA CRESWA
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs to receive lifesaving blood. Our Blood Institute, formerly Oklahoma Blood Institute, is the sixthlargest independent blood center in the country, with 17 donor centers in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. It is the primary blood supplier in Oklahoma, servicing more than 95% of our hospitals, medical facilities, air ambulances and local health systems. Each day approximately 1,200 donors are required to meet the needs of our community, with each donation saving up to three lives.
The amount of blood needed in Oklahoma varies daily, based on a variety of factors. Stored blood has a shelf life of about 35 days, requiring the supply to be constantly replenished. When time is of the essence during an emergency, O-Negative is the first blood type to be used, as it is the universal donor. This does not make donation of other blood types any less valuable, though, because as a patient’s blood type is identified, they are then able to receive specifically what their body needs. The easiest way to learn your own blood type is to donate blood.
The American Red Cross reports a significant decrease in the volume of donations since the COVID pandemic began, with some areas experiencing a 40-70% decline over the past five years. Additionally, the Association for the Advancement of Blood Biotherapies reported in 2023 that there has been a 30% decline in donors under 30 years old throughout the last decade.
Because of the constant demands and decline in donors, it is even more important to make blood donation part of your routine every 56 days. Donation eligibility begins at age 16 with a parent’s signature, and there is no
age limit as long as the donor meets all other requirements. In 2022, the FDA lifted a ban on those potentially exposed to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, or Mad Cow, so if you were previously ineligible to donate, try again!
If someone you know is in the hospital or undergoing a medical treatment, another way to show them support is by participating in the Credit to Patient Program. Through a donation of blood in their name, they will receive a monetary credit toward their medical bills.
On June 14, OBI is celebrating World Blood Donor Day. Last year, over $20,000 was raised for Global Blood Fund, a nonprofit organization initiated by Our Blood Institute’s
CEO, John Armitage. The money raised assisted in purchasing valuable lab equipment for Village of Hope Christian Hospital, a medical facility in Ghana, during the hospital’s expansion into an accredited regional blood bank. For many remote areas, hospital workers may have to travel hours to the closest available blood bank, greatly limiting the patient’s quality of care.
Donating blood is a simple way to save a life. A full list of eligibility questions, as well as a list of donation centers and mobile blood drives in your area, are found on the Institute’s website, ourbloodinstitute.org.
BENEFITS OF BLOOD DONATION
There are some really fun benefits to donating blood: Each visit, as a thank you for your donation, you receive a free T-shirt and snacks and earn points to be redeemed in the donor reward store throughout the year. This month, donors will receive a shark-themed t-shirt and one entry ticket to either Frontier City or Hurricane Harbor.
A Different Kind Of Doctor
Do you ever wonder what it is that makes some Doctors so incredibly compassionate while others have a bedside manner better suited for the Tag Agency? In the case of Dr. Toni Twitty, D.Ac., it is a case of true empathy.
“I suffered intense neck pain which caused numbness in my hands and led to migraines when I was in my twenties. I had pain every day and I couldn’t be a normal 20-something.” she shares. After trying many treatments, her options were down to medication that didn’t work and just hoping it would get better.
“It was no way to live,” she declares, “I was young and should’ve been living a
bright, vibrant life. Instead, I was hopeless and felt like nothing would help me. Then I found acupuncture, and everything changed.”
Soon after her incredible experience with theacupuncture, she made the life changing decision to abandon the family business and pursue her doctorate in acupuncture. “Acupuncture quite literally saved my life and I wanted to share that with the world,” she proclaims. “This is why I often refer to my practice as ‘The Last Resort With The Best Results.’ You’ve been everywhere else and been given the same disheartening prognosis, prescribed the same medications and told, ‘you’re
getting older’ and ‘this is just something you’re going to have to live with.’” That has never sat well with me so I wanted to offer people a real option for treatment and care.”
One thing about me is, “I have been where my patients are--I’ve experienced their pain and suffering in a very real way. I know the frustration of feeling hopeless on an intimate level. And it brings me incredible joy when I get to say ‘I can help you!’”
For more information visit bewellokc.com
Project by Meg Lonergan Interiors
Savannah on My Mind
A summer mood board inspired by a favorite Southern getaway
BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER
PHOTOS BY SARA STEWART
DESIGN BY CODY GALLEGLY AND ASHFORD THOMSON OF THOMSON AND THOMSON DESIGNS
Siblings share a special bond — and sometimes a special place. For Cody Gallegly and Ashford Thomson, Savannah stands out. The two interior designers often collaborate creatively at Thomson and Thomson Designs, but well before they joined the family business, they lived together in Savannah while attending SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Being raised in a family with an appreciation of art, history and hospitality, Gallegly and Thomson said the city felt instantly familiar and comfortable, like home. Their college experience prompted other family members to visit the area, and family visits continue to this day. Two vacation properties — a condo in the historic downtown and a home among the scenic marshlands — accommodate several Savannah stays a year.
This summer mood board scene pays homage to Gallegly and Thomson’s college days and their favorite getaway destination, captured by family collectables as well as swatches and samples from Schumacher, Brunschwig + Fils, Perennials and Scalamandré. Natural textures of rattan and sisal are prevalent in coastal cities like Savannah. The antique fishing reel recalls the crab shacks and generations of fishermen seen along the shores, and the clam shells hint at the tabby concrete (a mixture of lime, sand and shells) lining Savannah’s abundant sidewalks. A fellow SCAD classmate sent Thomson the postcard of Savannah’s riverside location, depicting an interesting viewpoint of its historical Southern architecture. The antique inkwell, pen and calligraphy lettering represent the college years when Gallegly learned calligraphy. She remembers penning the scrolling scripts while sitting on her Savannah balcony; horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping underneath her, transporting her mind to another era. The old “Gentleman’s” book — dated 1832 and plucked from a grandfather’s library — celebrates the many chapters of life, from school days to adulthood. From its stately mansions to its nautical coastlines, Savannah is filled with history and charm. Like a sweet home away from home, the Southern city keeps calling the Thomsons back. And they pack their bags — and go.
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Worthy of the Generations
Sitting and reminiscing in an intimate summertime setting
BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER PHOTOS BY SARA STEWART DESIGN BY ASHFORD THOMSON OF THE DINE BY ART
Pull up a chair at the family dining room table with mother and son Dencie and Ashford Thomson, and you’ll soon discover: Everything recalls a story.
The 1939 home is itself steeped in family history. Once belonging to Dencie’s parents, it houses childhood nostalgia for Dencie and Ashford alike. After Dencie’s mother passed away and her father decided to move out in 2001, she and husband Cam Thomson purchased the home and moved in. Ashford was a teenager.
For many years, Ashford has enjoyed setting this very table for family holidays and gatherings. (Something he still adores doing to this day.) Realizing he had a knack for prompting memorable dining experiences, Ashford launched a new venture called The Dine by ART last year. Within his carefully
curated settings, he often layers bespoke floral arrangements with long-forgotten family heirlooms. A formal table provides the perfect opportunity to bring out your best china, silver and crystal. This Thomson family table setting provides a supreme example.
The silver pieces sparkling on the tabletop have been in the Thomson family for generations. The oriental Wedgwood Kutani Crane china plates date back to Dencie and Cam’s wedding in 1980, as well as the Gorham Cherrywood crystal pieces that were wedding gifts. Dencie found the silver chargers, terribly tarnished, boxed in an old family shed. She shined them up nicely (though not easily) to join this collection.
Ashford often sources floral arrangements for The Dine from A Date With Iris. For this
special scene, the experts pulled together snapdragons, white blooming spirea, butterfly ranunculus and peony tulips, all sourced locally from Bear Creek Farms. Jasmine and wax flower are also incorporated in the glorious bunches, providing extra texture.
The Thomsons’ traditional dining room — with its upholstered Cowtan and Tout walls — is reminiscent of the historical homes found in Savannah, the Southern “City of Hospitality” and the family’s go-to getaway. (Read more about the Thomsons’ connection to Savannah on page 25.) The dining room features custom corner cabinets that contain cherished family collections passed down generation after generation. All of the surrounding antique furniture pieces come from past loved ones’ homes.
The console behind the dining table is beautifully appointed; Dencie refashioned a pair of inherited urns into matching lamps. The Date With Iris stems placed between the lamps add height and visual interest to the room, and the tall mirror adds a contemporary element to the traditional setting.
Similar to other table settings curated by Ashford within The Dine, this one brings special memories and history to the table. The room stands ready for a dinner party — the clinking glasses, the shared stories and laughter. It celebrates the slower days of summer, when family memories are just waiting to be made.
DINING ROOM WALLS ARE UPHOLSTERED IN A COWTAN AND TOUT FABRIC.
THE TABLE IS SURROUNDED BY TREASURES, LIKE THIS PAINTING COMPLETED BY DENCIE THOMSON'S GRANDMOTHER WHEN SHE WAS 14.
A Home of Their Own
Amber McCullough blends timeless and personalized designs that feel just right
BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER PHOTOS BY EMILY HART
When Kate and Robin Ventura first hired interior designer Amber McCullough of Amber McCullough Design in 2021, they could already see themselves living in a home that she designed.
“They wanted to buy my home,” McCullough said, smiling at the thought.
She explained that she met the Venturas through the Parade of Homes when her newly built personal home was featured, highlighting her work as well as the work of builders Adams Kirby Homes. After the Venturas toured McCullough’s residence, they wanted to make an offer. Her home wasn’t for sale, but a similar
Adams Kirby Homes spec house was available and, fortunately, still under construction.
“Robin and Kate came in when it was still just being sheetrocked, so they were actually able to have a lot of input,” McCullough said. “Basically, it was a spec that became a custom. I think we had all the cabinet drawings done, but they were able to pick paint colors, countertops and light fixtures.”
McCullough identified several ways for the home to accommodate the Venturas’ busy lifestyle. A simplified interior design approach would make it easy for them to come and go — with no fuss and little maintenance — since
they love to travel. (Plus, a timeless design ensures they will enjoy the home for years to come.) The Venturas’ children are older, which guided decisions for the bedrooms and main gathering areas. A large banquette off the kitchen encourages fun family hangouts when all are home.
As a former MLB player, Robin Ventura has had many life experiences and adventures, and he’s amassed a wonderful collection of memorabilia and art along the way. He and his wife also like to buy wines while traveling. Custom Urban Ironcraft wine racks on the kitchen walls and floor-to-ceiling shelves in
the study display their items beautifully. As a bonus, a custom glass pivot door by Monte Cristo Ironworks adds an artistic touch to the study — and glimpses of the goodies showcased inside.
“The home allows the family’s personality and collections to bring the space to life. It feels curated; it feels like them,” said McCullough.
The heart of the home, the kitchen, highlights McCullough’s nuanced design approach. A Taj Mahal quartzite island with radius corners serves as a focal point, complemented by warm walnut cabinetry and carefully selected textures. The soft shape of the island establishes a “round” theme played up in other elements, like the vent hood and golden dome pendants.
Such details demonstrate McCullough’s knack for “subtle intentionality.” Another
example is found in the black accents that ground the space, appearing in light fixtures, fireplace tile and furnishings, creating a cohesive thread throughout the home. Custom linen draperies from Cloth Studios add warmth and texture, while maintaining a neutral palette.
In the end, the Venturas’ new home is even better than what the one they saw on the Parade of Homes. Why? Because McCullough prioritized creating a home just for them — their lifestyle, their family and their unique collections.
“Design is about understanding how a family lives,” she said. “It’s not only about picking pretty things, but also it’s about creating a space that truly feels like home.”
A SMOKE GLASS PAIR OF MIRRORS ADDS MOODINESS TO THE SPACE.
THE STUDY'S METAL PIVOT DOOR BY MONTE CRISTO IRONWORKS IS AS SKILLFULLY CREATED AS A PIECE OF ART.
ROAD TRIP S
DESTINATIONS
WORTH THE DRIVE
Ever since Route 66 wove its way across the country nearly 100 years ago, Oklahoma City has been a seminal road trip city, renowned for its roadside attractions and destination-worthy detours. A few major interstates and one century later, our fair city has never been more primed for a drive. Conveniently located at one of America’s primary crossroads, bisected by Interstates 35 and 40, Oklahomans have access to a world of road trip destinations perfect for a weekend getaway. Within a few hours, you can soak in the history — and thermal hot springs — of Arkansas, or tee off in the Ozarks. You can float in a Texas-sized lazy river, or visit the world’s first barbecue museum. Each of these road trips is under six hours from OKC, and offers a wealth of activities and hotels fit for groups and families. With the summer travel season upon us, these are six great destinations worth the drive.
BY MATT KIROUAC
JULIE PARTIN
Shangri-La Resort
YOU WILL ARRIVE AT YOUR DESTINATION IN 2.75 HOURS
THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF FANTASTIC LAKES IN OKLAHOMA. FOR A PERFECT YEAR-ROUND ONESTOP VACATION, SHANGRI-LA RESORT MAKES THE GOOD LIFE EASY.
This little bubble of fun is nestled on the picturesque shores of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees on Monkey Island, Oklahoma. At only 119 rooms, it feels manageable and has family vibes.
Golf lovers will feel right at home at the resort’s two courses: The Battlefield, and its 18 full-length, par-3 holes allowing players of all levels to use every iron in their bag; as well as The Championship Golf Course, a 27-hole championship golf course set against the scenic backdrop of the lake. This course is most famous for its ninth hole
— known as the Mickey Mantle Hole, it’s named after the New York Yankees legend who hosted his Mickey Mantle Golf Classic charity tournament at Shangri-La from 1991 until his death in 1995. Mantle once shot an albatross on the challenging par 5.
Additional family activities include an arcade, billiard games and a massive pickleball tent with outdoor options, as well as a day spa, park and playground, and a large and luxurious pool and swim area with cabanas, hot tubs and activities. In the summer months guests and members can enjoy a variety of water sports activities; several types of boats to rent and yacht charters are available in the marina.
Food offerings include several lakeside bars, coffee shops, Doc’s Bar & Grill and The Summit for fine dining and excellent wine pairings. The resort frequently offers live music and events and a chance for families to wander around, take walks along the lake and head home fully refreshed.
TEXAS
WorldSprings
YOU WILL ARRIVE AT YOUR DESTINATION IN 3 HOURS
IN CASE YOU CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE DEAD SEA, NORTH TEXAS MIGHT BE THE NEXT BEST THING. WORLDSPRINGS IS A COLOSSAL NEW MINERAL SPRINGS DESTINATION, LOCATED AT GRANDSCAPE IN THE COLONY,
marking the first of its kind in the state, and the largest outdoor mineral springs facility in the country. It boasts more than 40 soaking pools, Finnish barrel saunas and a spa spread across nine acres. Roughly 20 minutes north of Dallas, and conveniently accessible off I-35, WorldSprings is where wellness meets recreation and luxury, by bringing pools inspired by the world’s most famous springs — including The Dead Sea and Iceland’s Blue Lagoon — to the DFW area. Each pool is carefully designed and formulated to replicate the sensations of floating in such iconic springs, rich with cleansing minerals that’ll leave you refreshed, relaxed and restored.
Upon arrival, guests can grab a bite at The Springs Kitchen & Bar, or head straight to the locker room before selecting their spring
of choice. Pools range in size and style, with temperatures ranging from 45-degree cold plunges to 104-degree hot springs. Some pools, like the fresh- water Globe Pool, are all-ages, while others, like the salty Dead Sea Pool, are adults-only. Along with a replica of the Jordanian sea, with enough salinity for an effortless float, WorldSprings features other globally inspired springs including crystalclear hot tubs inspired by the Yarrangobilly Hot Springs of Australia; Texas’ own version of Iceland’s serene Blue Lagoon; and Japaneseand Korean-style springs steeped in skinnourishing bicarbonate. Each area includes cabanas, birch-clad saunas, poolside drink service, fire pits and cold plunges, designed to reduce inflammation and increase circulation. Soak sessions can be booked for three or six hours, and include towels and amenities (like hydration stations and changing rooms). After, explore the rest of Grandscape, a shopping and entertainment development filled with restaurants, bars, retail options, attractions and hotels.
MINERAL HOT SPRINGS
Hilton Anatole
YOU WILL ARRIVE AT YOUR DESTINATION IN 3.5 HOURS
SOMETIMES YOU WANT A VACATION WHERE YOU DON’T HAVE TO THINK TOO MUCH OR SPEND TIME IN THE CAR GOING FROM PLACE TO PLACE. THIS IS THE TYPE OF GETAWAY WHERE THE HILTON ANATOLE SHINES; YOU CAN PARK YOUR CAR ON A FRIDAY NIGHT AND HAVE NO NEED TO GO BACK TO IT UNTIL SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
This family- and pet-friendly resort is in the heart of downtown Dallas, but feels like a small slice of paradise. It is easy to forget you are even stateside with the Asian-inspired décor, one of the largest and most beautiful private art collections in America and the sevenacre private Sculpture Park. Over 1,000 rare and unusual treasures and works of art, many that once graced the royal palaces of kings, emperors and czars from Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia — dating back as far as the fifth century BCE — now adorn the hotel’s entryways and embellish its walls. Many of these sculptures, installations and pieces are accessible to tactile examination.
At 600,000 square feet of event space, 79 meeting rooms, nine ballrooms and 1,610 guestrooms including 127 spacious suites, the property truly feels like its own city.
In addition to the beauty and art, the highlight of the Hilton Anatole is the JadeWaters Resort Pool Complex featuring a beach-entry pool, winding water slides, a 630-foot lazy river, splash and play zones for young children, cabanas and daybeds and JadeWaters
Grill & Bar for poolside dining. Families, groups and individuals can easily spend all day here. The hotel also has special events such as kid-friendly foam parties and is an entertainment complex. In addition to JadeWaters, the Hilton Anatole recently introduced a Topgolf Swing Suite on property and renovated its tower guest rooms, including the family suite that sleeps up to six people. Foodies and kids will love the four restaurants
and five bars. Options are SER Steak + Spirits, an American steakhouse located on the 27th floor, an adorable candy shop and the game-changing Counter Offer, open 24 hours a day for gourmet grab and go items.
The hotel also recently introduced “Camp Anatole”, an add-on to your room so families can turn their vacation into a cozy campsite with camp-inspired bedding, teepees, snacks, games and more.
ARKANSAS
Eureka Springs
YOU WILL ARRIVE AT YOUR DESTINATION IN 4.5 HOURS
EVER SINCE ITS FOUNDING IN 1879, EUREKA SPRINGS HAS BEEN AN OASIS IN THE OZARKS OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS. SO NAMED FOR ITS ABUNDANCE OF NATURAL SPRINGS, SAID TO POSSESS NATURAL HEALING ELEMENTS, PEOPLE HAVE BEEN FLOCKING HERE EVER SINCE — FOR ITS SPRINGS, AND SO MUCH MORE.
For a small community of under 3,000, Eureka Springs has the shopping, scenery, hotels, art and restaurants of a much larger city, all nestled in a pastoral patchwork of winding roads, rainbowpainted staircases and rolling hills.
Downtown, the Spring Street main drag ascends past historic hotels, like the wrought iron-clad New Orleans Hotel and the Basin Park Hotel. The latter overlooks Basin Spring Park, host to numerous events — like outdoor concerts and a New Year’s Eve “water drop” throughout the year. Up and down the hill, you’ll pass all manner of storefronts, from Tee Rex Toys and the wonderland-themed Missy’s White Rabbit Lounge to Grotto WoodFired Grill and Wine Cave and Rogue’s Manor, a classic American restaurant in a vintage mansion right next to Sweet Spring.
Lodging options range from soaring historic hotels, like the Basin Park and the allegedly haunted Crescent Hotel & Spa (which offers guided ghost tours into the basement), to cute cottages and rustic inns. Rock Cottage Garden
OVERLOOK IN EUREKA SPRINGS
Bed and Breakfast is a 1935 motor court-style inn made of rocks, with the look of a fairy tale, and the nearby Wanderoo Lodge — perched on the meandering, tree-lined crest above downtown — is a mod, art-filled motel with live music and an on-site bar.
On the outskirts of town, amid the
lush hardwood forests that flank Eureka Springs, travelers can swim and hike at Lake Leatherwood, sample lavender-infused pastries at La Grange Lavender Co. farm and marvel at the architecture of Thorncrown Chapel, a 6,000-square-foot feat of wood and glass in the hills.
BASIN PARK HOTEL
THORNCROWN CHAPEL CRESCENT HOTEL & SPA
MISSOURI
Big Cedar Lodge
YOU WILL ARRIVE AT YOUR DESTINATION IN 5 HOURS
OUT IN THE FORESTED WILDS OF THE OZARKS, TIME STANDS STILL. AWAY FROM THE NOISE AND THE TRAFFIC, SOUTHERN MISSOURI IS AN ALLNATURAL WONDERLAND OF REST, RELAXATION AND RECREATION — ALL OF WHICH ABOUND AT BIG CEDAR LODGE.
Flanked by shimmering lakes, rocky plateaus and rolling, tree-lined mountains, the sprawling lodge is both a destination in itself, and a gateway to adventure. Located just 10 minutes south of Branson, itself a treasure trove of family-friendly attractions, the property was designed to connect travelers with nature, while offering comfortable rooms, cabins, cottages and glamping tents in which to luxuriate. Altogether, the lodge boasts 362 accommodations across 4,600 acres of land overlooking Table Rock Lake. On-property, guests can choose from five golf courses and two boating marinas, along with a spa, numerous restaurants, a fitness
center and all manner of activities in the great outdoors. These run the gamut from bass fishing and history walks to nature trails and dinner cruises aboard a yacht.
There’s even a self-guided cave tour, accessible via the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon and Nature Trail, where hikers can refresh at the Bat Bar and relax next to an underground waterfall. Fun Mountain, meanwhile, features a miscellany of indoor and outdoor activities for kids and families, including an undersea-themed bowling alley, go-carts, laser tag and a ropes course. Whatever your activity of choice, be sure to end the day with the lodge’s traditional Sunset Ceremony, wherein a Civil War-era cannon fires
off a blast as guests raise a glass from Buffalo Bar or Osage Restaurant.
In addition to rooms, cottages and cabins, Big Cedar Lodge offers luxury accommodations for couples and families alike, including the 700-square-foot Carriage House Cottage for two to four people, and the majestic, twostory Governor’s Suite overlooking the lake.
This is also the perfect place for families to stay who are looking to experience Silver Dollar City, White Water and all Branson has to offer.
BIG CEDAR LODGE
LOST CANYON CAVE AND NATURE TRAIL
TOP OF THE ROCK
Kansas City
YOU WILL ARRIVE AT YOUR DESTINATION IN 5 HOURS
A MECCA OF CULTURE AND A MELTING POT OF ART FORMS AND PASTIMES, KANSAS CITY HAS SEEN ITS FAIR SHARE OF ATTENTION LATELY, THANKS IN NO SMALL PART TO TRAVIS KELCE AND TAYLOR SWIFT.
But in addition to celebrity sightings and NFL games, Missouri’s most populous city has a smorgasbord of metropolitan amenities befitting a group-friendly road trip.
Long regarded as a barbecue destination, Kansas City recently took its culinary heritage a step further by opening the world’s first barbecue museum. The brand-new Museum of BBQ, which opened at the shops at Crown Center in April, is an immersive, multisensory experience that sheds a new light on the all-American tradition of low-and-slow cookery. Guests enter through an oversized door designed to resemble a giant smoker, followed by a spree of themed exhibits, with installations such as Meat, Rub, Wood & Fire, Smoke and Sauce, and regionally inspired sections like the Carolinas, Texas … and of course, Kansas City. Be sure to take a dip in the giant Bean Pit, filled with
LAZIA AT THE CROSSROADS HOTEL
8,000 bean-colored balls, and peruse the museum’s vast art collection before shopping for sauces and rubs in the gift store.
Beyond barbecue, Kansas City’s world-class museum scene offers an ode to the various cultural touchstones that make the city such a bucket list destination.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art features art from all manner of mediums and all corners of the world, with works spanning 5,000 years. Collections include Native American art, a sculpture park and design and decorative arts, plus among the largest Chinese art displays in the hemisphere.
Another Kansas City pastime is celebrated at the American Jazz Museum, complete with a Jazz Academy and a live music venue called
the Blue Room, and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to the legacy of Black baseball players in the U.S.
After a day of museum-hopping, travelers can experience the real thing at institutions like Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue and Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, followed by jazz at the Green Lady Lounge Group-friendly hotels include The Fontaine, a chic boutique at Country Club Plaza with a rooftop pool and cabanas, and the Crossroads Hotel, a downtown icon with sweeping skyline views from its own rooftop bar, Percheron. Couples, meanwhile, can cozy up at The Truitt, a quaint inn near the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
GREEN LADY LOUNGE
ARTHUR BRYANT'S BARBECUE
AMERICAN JAZZ MUSEUM
Hot Springs
YOU WILL ARRIVE AT YOUR DESTINATION IN 5.5 HOURS
NESTLED IN THE PASTORAL OUACHITA MOUNTAINS OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS, HOT SPRINGS IS A TOWN TEEMING WITH HISTORY — INCLUDING THE POTABLE KIND.
Home to Hot Springs National Park, the historic district features a perfectly preserved lineup of Renaissance Revival bathhouses along Bathhouse Row, including two where travelers can still soak in traditional
tubs and thermal pools. The mineral-rich water, which initially trickled 8,000 feet underground as rainwater some 4,000 years ago, is heated to 143°F by the Earth’s core before bubbling back up at the surface. The two bathhouses where visitors can soak are The Buckstaff Bathhouse and The Quapaw Bathhouse, while another has been converted into the luxe Hotel Hale, and another is now Superior Bathhouse Brewery — the first brewery within a national park, and among the only breweries in the world to make beer from thermal water. The historic Arlington Hotel, which towers over Bathhouse Row as the largest hotel in the state, also offers rooms with mineral water tubs. Elsewhere in Hot Springs, water takes top billing at the Mountain Valley Spring Water Museum & Visitor’s Center, where guests can sample the same spring water that attracted fans like Elvis, and stay at The Waters hotel, complete with a rooftop bar overlooking Bathhouse Row. Behind the bathhouses, visitors can stroll the scenic Grand Promenade, built entirely of bricks and inspired by the Prado in Havana, Cuba. It sits at
the base of Hot Springs Mountain, lined with hiking trails and a paved road, all culminating with the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, with a 216-foot observation deck overlooking the panoramic valley.
Later, enjoy drinks and live music at The Ohio Club, the oldest continuously operating bar in Arkansas, and a former fixture for notorious gangsters like Al Capone and Bugsy
Siegel. Dive deeper into Hot Springs’ mobster era at The Gangster Museum of America, with its own Capone Gallery. And for equine history, catch a race at Oaklawn Hot Springs, one of the oldest thoroughbred race tracks in the country.
ARLINGTON HOTEL
BATHHOUSE ROW
HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK
TOP ATTORNEYS 2025
Summary. To create the list, the magazine contracted DataJoe Research to facilitate an online peer-voting process and Internet research process. DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers. To create the list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-voting process. We paired this with an Internet research process to identify success characteristics. DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had, at time of review, a current, active license status with the appropriate state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a lawyer's current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that lawyer was excluded from the list. In addition, we checked available public sources to identify lawyers disciplined for an infraction by the state regulatory board. These entities were excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine for its final review and adjustments.
Final note. We recognize that there are many good lawyers who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding lawyers in the region. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination and Internet research campaign are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective lawyers may not appear on the list.
Disclaimers. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.
Questions? For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.
ADOPTION LAW
Denielle Williams Chaney Chaney Law Firm PLLC Edmond 405-595-1751
Linque H. Gillett LHG Law Office Oklahoma City 405-367-8187
Abigail M. Patten Phillips Patten Law Oklahoma City 405-235-5944
Tina Peot
Petersen Henson Meadows Pecore & Peot PC Norman 405-329-3307
Shannon Taylor The Law Office of Shannon D. Taylor Oklahoma City 405-602-8446
Melisa L. Van Meter Van Meter Law Office PC Norman 405-329-2233
Jennifer Yowell Adoption Attorney Jennifer Yowell Oklahoma City 405-615-5150
ANTITRUST LAW
D. Kent Meyers Crowe & Dunlevy Oklahoma City 405-235-7729
APPELLATE LAW
Catherine L. Campbell Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-606-4788 Legacy
Hilary Hudson Clifton Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-606-4730
Gerard M. D'Emilio GableGotwals Oklahoma City 405-568-3318
Heather L. Hintz
Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-552-2414
Lauren Kiefner Crowe & Dunlevy Oklahoma City 405-234-3226
Jana L. Knott Bass Law El Reno 405-262-4040
Jennifer L. Miller
Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-606-4723
Clyde A. Muchmore Crowe & Dunlevy Oklahoma City 405-235-7734
Austin T. Ray Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-606-4774 Rising Stars
Melanie Wilson Rughani Crowe & Dunlevy Oklahoma City 405-235-7714
Kurt Rupert Hartzog Conger Cason Oklahoma City 405-996-3405
ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION
Robert Lyle Clemens
R. Lyle Clemens Attorney Mediator Oklahoma City 405-478-0058
George S. Corbyn Jr. Corbyn Law Firm PLLC Oklahoma City 405-239-7055
Chris Deason Chris Deason PLLC Edmond 405-496-9268
Charles E. Geister III Hartzog Conger Cason Oklahoma City 405-996-3356
James L. Gibbs II Goolsby|Proctor Oklahoma City 405-524-2400
Joe M. Hampton Tomlinson McKinstry PC Oklahoma City 405-702-4346
Bill C. Hetherington Dispute Resolution Consultants Edmond 918-382-0300
Alissa Hutter Hutter Law Norman 405-579-3939
John M. Thompson Crowe & Dunlevy Oklahoma City 405-235-7774
ATTORNEYS FOR NON PROFITS
Jeri D. Holmes Nonprofit Solutions PC Oklahoma City 405-844-2286
AVIATION
J.D. Brown McAfee & Taft Oklahoma City 405-270-6028
Clay Ferguson Gilchrist Aviation Law PC Oklahoma City 405-252-8888
Jack Gilchrist Gilchrist Aviation Law PC Oklahoma City 405-252-8888 Legacy
Chad Gilson Gilchrist Aviation Law PC Oklahoma City 405-252-8888
J. Robert Kalsu Crowe & Dunlevy Oklahoma City 405-239-6622
Tony X Morales Gilchrist Aviation Law Oklahoma City 405-252-8888
Alexis Sadeghy Gilchrist Aviation Law PC Oklahoma City 405-252-8888 Rising Stars
William van Egmond Insured Aircraft Title Service LLC Oklahoma City 405-681-6663
Erin M. Van Laanen McAfee & Taft Oklahoma City 405-552-2208
BANKING AND FINANCIAL
Zane T. Anderson Crowe & Dunlevy Oklahoma City 405-234-3244
John W. Funk Conner & Winters LLP Oklahoma City 405-272-5710
Daniel J. Glover Hall Estill Attorneys at Law Oklahoma City 405-553-2812
Joel W. Harmon Crowe & Dunlevy Oklahoma City 405-239-6637
J. Mark Lovelace Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-552-2404
Legacy
Melvin R. McVay Jr. Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-235-4100
Legacy
John W. Mee III Mee Hawkins Greenhaw & Cotner PLLP Oklahoma City 405-848-9100
Brock Z. Pittman Christensen Law Group PLLC Oklahoma City 405-232-2020
Justin L. Pybas Conner & Winters LLP Oklahoma City 405-272-5711
Armando J. Rosell Rosell & Love PLLC Oklahoma City 405-702-0477
Moira C.G. Watson Hall Estill Attorneys at Law Oklahoma City 405-553-2831
Thomas Weatherford Mee Hawkins Greenhaw & Cotner PLLP Oklahoma City 405-848-9100
BANKRUPTCY AND WORKOUT
Larry G. Ball
Hall Estill Attorneys at Law Oklahoma City 405-553-2826
Elisabeth Brown Elias, Books, Brown & Nelson PC Oklahoma City 405-208-8544
George M. Emerson Riggs Abney Neal Turpen Orbison & Lewis Oklahoma City 405-843-9909
Jared D. Giddens Conner & Winters LLP Oklahoma City 405-272-5721
Gary Hammond Mitchell & Hammond Oklahoma City 405-216-0007
Anthony Hendricks Crowe & Dunlevy Oklahoma City 405-239-5411
William H. Hoch Crowe & Dunlevy Oklahoma City 405-239-6692
Luke Homen Convenient Bankruptcy Oklahoma City 405-296-0059
Clayton D. Ketter
Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-606-4792
Timothy D. Kline
Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-552-2435
Stephen J. Moriarty Fellers Snider Attorneys at Law Oklahoma City 405-232-0621
Kiran A. Phansalkar Conner & Winters LLP Oklahoma City 405-272-5711
Craig M. Regens Crowe & Dunlevy Oklahoma City 405-239-5418
Jason A. Sansone Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-552-2425
BUSINESS LAW
Evan D. Chambers Hartzog Conger Cason Oklahoma City 405-235-7000
Grady Conrad Klingenberg Conrad & Associates Oklahoma City 405-236-1985
Steven C. Davis Hartzog Conger Cason Oklahoma City 405-996-3330
Lysbeth George Liz George and Associates Oklahoma City 405-689-5502
John J. Griffin III Hartzog Conger Cason Oklahoma City 405-996-3308
Kayla M. Kuri
Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-552-2419
James W. Larimore Crowe & Dunlevy Oklahoma City 405-239-6643
Jordan LePage Ball Morse Lowe PLLC Norman 405-701-6988
Billy Lewis Goodwin & Lewis Oklahoma City 405-900-5700
Bryan R. Lynch Hall Estill Attorneys at Law Oklahoma City 405-553-2310
J. Blake Patton GableGotwals Oklahoma City 405-568-3306
Stacy S. Ramdas Rosell & Love PLLC Oklahoma City 405-702-0478
John D. Robertson Hartzog Conger Cason Oklahoma City 405-996-3312
Thomas R. Russell Hartzog Conger Cason Oklahoma City 405-996-3316
Jonna Vanderslice McAfee & Taft Oklahoma City 405-552-2297
Amy D. White Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-552-2489 CIVIL LAW LITIGATION
Hilary Sullivan Allen Spencer Fane LLP Oklahoma City 405-753-5929
Eric L. Combs Lytle Soule & Felty Oklahoma City 405-235-7471
Eric S. Eissenstat Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-606-4760 Legacy
Bradley A. Gungoll Gungoll, Jackson Box & Devoll PC Oklahoma City 405-272-4710
Andrew E. Henry Crowe & Dunlevy Oklahoma City 405-235-7738
Patrick Lane Ball Morse Lowe PLLC Norman 405-701-6977
Larry D. Ottaway Foliart Huff Ottaway & Bottom Law Firm Oklahoma City 405-232-4633
Grant P. Scowden Ball Morse Lowe PLLC Norman 405-701-6967
Amy M. Stipe GableGotwals Oklahoma City 405-235-5512
Thomas G. Wolfe Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-552-2401 Legacy
Clyde Russell Woody Conner & Winters LLP Oklahoma City 405-272-5736
COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
Matthew W. Brockman Hartzog Conger Cason Oklahoma City 405-235-7000
Daniel Edward Bryan
Hornbeek Vitali & Braun PLLC Oklahoma City 405-236-8600
John Bunting
Oklahoma Council on Judicial Complaints Oklahoma City 405-522-4800
Daniel V. Carsey Hall Estill Attorneys at Law Oklahoma City 405-553-2313
Jennifer K. Christian Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-552-2490
Matthew D. Craig Ogletree Deakins Oklahoma City 405-546-3761
J. Dillon Curran Conner & Winters LLP Oklahoma City 405-272-5711
Matthew K. Felty Ryan Whaley Oklahoma City 405-239-6040
Joshua C. Greenhaw
Mee Hawkins Greenhaw & Cotner PLLP Oklahoma City 405-848-9100
Mark E. Hornbeek Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-606-4756
Richard E. Hornbeek Hornbeek Vitali & Braun PLLC Oklahoma City 405-236-8600
Patrick L. Hullum Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-552-2478
John M. Krattiger GableGotwals Oklahoma City 405-568-3301
Fred A. Leibrock Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-235-4100
Mark R. McPhail Hartzog Conger Cason Oklahoma City 405-235-7000
Nick Merkley GableGotwals Oklahoma City 405-568-3311
Kelly L. Offutt Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-552-2480
CONSTRUCTION
Alan Bardell Hayes Magrini & Gatewood Oklahoma City 405-235-9922
Henry D. Hoss
McAfee & Taft
Oklahoma City 405-552-2245
Jeffrey M. Love Rosell & Love PLLC Oklahoma City 405-702-0392
CONSUMER DEBT
Minal Gahlot Oklahoma Consumer Law Firm Oklahoma City 405-331-5811
CORPORATE COUNSEL
Simon W. Bright McAfee & Taft Oklahoma City 405-270-6082
CORPORATE FINANCE MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
Matthew K. Brown McAfee & Taft Oklahoma City 405-552-2304
Joshua L. Edwards Phillips Murrah PC Oklahoma City 405-606-4739
Rick L. Warren Steptoe & Johnson PLLC Oklahoma City 214-251-8162
William H. Whitehill Jr. Fellers Snider Attorneys at Law Oklahoma City 405-232-0621
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Richard Scott Adams Adams & Associates Oklahoma City 405-232-9100
Tommy Adler Adler Markoff & Associates Oklahoma City 405-452-8416
Adam R. Banner The Law Offices of Adam R Banner PC Oklahoma City 405-778-4800
Eric Bayat Bayat Law Oklahoma City 405-413-2100
W. Brett Behenna Krahl Goerke Meyer & Behenna Oklahoma City 405-930-4300
Ed Blau Blau Law Firm Oklahoma City 405-232-2528
John P. Cannon Cannon & Associates Law PLLC Edmond 405-704-3536
Curtis Clay Overman Legal Group Oklahoma City 405-605 6718
J.W. Coyle IV Coyle Law Firm Oklahoma City 405-830-5288
John W. Coyle III Coyle Law Firm Oklahoma City 405-831-9006
Clay Curtis Overman Legal Group Oklahoma City 405-605-6718
Jacquelyn Leslie Ford Jacqui Ford Law Oklahoma City 405-604-3200
Dan Good Adler Markoff & Associates Oklahoma City 405-452-8416
James D. Harvey Jr. Riggs Abney Neal Turpen Orbison & Lewis Oklahoma City 405-843-9909
Gary James Gary J. James & Associates Oklahoma City 405-521-9900 Legacy
Amber B. Martin Martin Law Office Oklahoma City 405-236-8888
Mack K. Martin Martin Law Office Oklahoma City 405-236-8888
Jaye Mendros Mendros Law Office PLLC Oklahoma City 405-605-8639
Joi E. Miskel The Law Office of Joi E. Miskel Oklahoma City 405-840-7783
Laura Neal Laura Neal Law Oklahoma City 405-526-4112
Hayley Potts The Potts Law Office Oklahoma City 405-236-2221
J. Patrick Quillian
J. Patrick Quillian Attorney at Law Oklahoma City 405-896-9768
Peter L. Scimeca Fellers Snider Attorneys at Law Oklahoma City 405-232-0621
Corey Stone Ball Morse Lowe PLLC Norman 405-701-0840
Thomas Stone Cannon & Associates Law PLLC Edmond 405-500-2083
Thomas Stone Cannon & Associates Law PLLC Oklahoma City 405-451-1228
Matt Swain Swain Law Group Norman 405-719-2465
Kyle B. Wasson
Midtown Attorneys PC Oklahoma City 405-942-9595
Gary W. Wood Riggs Abney Neal Turpen Orbison & Lewis Oklahoma City 405-326-9606
EDUCATION
Laura L. Holmes The Center for Education Law PC Oklahoma City 405-528-2800
Joy Turner Oklahoma Disability Law Center Inc Oklahoma City 405-525-7755
Joe E. White Jr. White & Weddle PC Oklahoma City 405-858-8899
ELDER LAW
Stephanie Alleman Alleman Law Firm PLLC Oklahoma City 405-252-0472
Chantelle Hickman Alleman Law Firm PLLC Oklahoma City 405-252-0472
Ashley Ray McAlister McAlister & Nicklas PLLC Edmond 405-359-0701
Roberto L. Seda Seda Law Firm PLLC Oklahoma City 405-759-0678
Amy J. Sine Hartzog Conger Cason Oklahoma City 405-235-7000
Stacey D. Spivey Hartzog Conger Cason Oklahoma City 405-996-3365
Amanda Swain Swain Trusts & Estates Law Oklahoma City 405-701-0798
Brooke H. Unruh Brooke H.Unruh Attorney at Law Edmond 405-769-1215
Kathy E. Wallis Wallis Law Group Edmond 405-726-9888
Bria Winston Ball Morse Lowe PLLC Oklahoma City 405-701-6970
Jennifer L. Wright Wright Law Firm Edmond 405-531-0040
WORKER'S COMPENSATION
Thurman Royce Banks Austin & Banks Law Firm Oklahoma City 405-620-0252
Emily Biscone Johnson & Biscone Pa Oklahoma City 405-232-6490
Michael D. Carter Hall Booth Smith PC Oklahoma City 405-509-7867
Kristi Bynum Funck Caldwell Funck Thompson & Hanner PC Oklahoma City 405-232-1456
Jack Stipe Stipe & Belote LLP Oklahoma City 405-254-7796
BUILDING OKLAHOMA’S FUTURE, ONE PROJECT AT A TIME
F Box Law Group
or decades, the attorneys at Box Law Group (BLG) have been a trusted legal partner for developers, investors, and property owners navigating real estate transactions, entitlements, and litigation throughout Oklahoma.
From municipal approvals to condemnation and land use disputes, BLG brings not just experience, but also strategic insight that instills confidence. The firm has played a pivotal role in Oklahoma City’s urban core revival, contributing to one of the region’s most notable transformations.
What distinguishes BLG is its strong network of municipal and district relationships and a reputation for getting projects across the finish line. Clients don’t just hire legal counsel; they gain strategic partners who understand the intricacies of municipal law and deliver results where it matters.
BLG believes legal representation should accelerate progress, not delay it. With a practical, resultsoriented approach, the firm’s attorneys work closely with clients to overcome legal hurdles and capitalize on development opportunities, instilling a sense of optimism.
The firm’s attorneys have earned consistent recognition as “Super Lawyers” and “Rising Stars” every year since 2017. Local publications have also honored them for excellence across multiple practice areas, highlighting their legal expertise and commitment to client outcomes.
Clients often credit BLG’s involvement as the difference-maker that moves their projects forward. That reputation is built on decades of focused, effective legal work in one of the state’s most competitive environments.
Learn more about BLG, their practice and services at boxlawgroup.com.
Stiletto Legal Group
WHEN TRUST IS BROKEN, WE STEP IN
At Stiletto Legal Group, advocacy is personal.
Attorneys Nicole Snapp-Holloway and Meagan
Crockett-Edsall form a powerhouse team specializing in protecting individuals in all forms of institutionalized care—including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, memory care centers, and facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities—as well as pursuing justice in cases of hospital negligence and medical malpractice.
When healthcare facilities break their promises, the harm cuts deep. Vulnerable people suffer, and families are left without answers. That’s where Stiletto steps in. They understand how the corporate healthcare systems operate—and how to hold them accountable when they fail.
Every case gets personal, focused attention. With decades of combined experience, Nicole and Meagan work directly with
clients—to uncover the truth, demand accountability, and fight for the justice every family deserves.
Nicole and Meagan see every case as a challenge to the broader system. They’re fighting to expose neglect, confront systemic failures, and push for a future where caregiving means genuine compassion, not just empty promises.
When trust is broken, Stiletto Legal Group stands ready as a powerful ally, ready to fight for you and your family.
Advocating for the Vulnerable Among Us.
Adler, Markoff & Associates
Adler Markoff and Associates is a full-service law firm that provides Oklahoma residents with exceptional representation and compassionate support.
Our team of talented Oklahoma lawyers draws from more than 100 years of collective experience to deliver positive resolutions in cases spanning the spectrum of legal issues.
The AMA Law team’s unwavering dedication to securing the best outcomes for every client distinguishes them as top attorneys. Each attorney takes pride in building meaningful relationships by sharing their personal contact numbers, ensuring they are accessible and available around the clock.
“Working with AMA Law was the best experience I have ever had working with a law firm. They are truly dedicated to their clients and go above and beyond what you would ever expect an attorney to do for you.
They are knowledgeable, well-versed in the law, and will go the extra mile to see a case through. I can’t thank them enough for
their hard work, and I highly recommend them to anyone who needs an attorney!” – Previous client
AMA Law Attorneys recognized on the 405 Top Lawyers List for another consecutive year:
• Daniel Markoff: Founder, Partner, and Head of Personal Injury
• Tommy Adler: Partner and Head of Criminal Defense
• Bria Moos:
• Dan Good:
Allison Hart Law Firm
CLARITY, COMPASSION, AND EXPERIENCE
WWith a legal career spanning over thirty years and three states, Allison Hart brings a client-focused approach to her Family Law practice. Hart graduated from Boston’s Suffolk University Law School and practiced in Massachusetts and Texas before being admitted to Oklahoma’s Bar in 2000. Currently, she serves clients in central Oklahoma, focusing on divorce, paternity actions, guardianships and adoptions.
Outside of the office, Hart has a passion for global exploration. This personal and transformative pursuit enriches her worldview and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life making her more empathetic and understanding of her client’s diverse backgrounds and needs.
Allison Hart P.C. blends deep legal knowledge with a peoplefirst mindset. When navigating sensitive family matters, clients find a trusted partner who values integrity, compassion, communication and practical solutions. In every case, the goal remains to guide clients with confidence and attentiveness.
Tom Cummings Law Firm
STANDING UP FOR THE INJURED
For over 45 years, Tom Cummings has been dedicated to representing Oklahomans in personal injury, medical malpractice, and plaintiff litigation. Since opening his solo practice in 1983, he has built a reputation as a diligent trial attorney who strongly believes in personal service and courtroom advocacy. His commitment to his clients is unwavering, making each individual feel valued and important.Recently, Tom has expanded his work to include forfeiture litigation involving marijuana and other government seizures. These complex cases align with his commitment to fighting for individuals facing overwhelming legal obstacles. Beyond his practice, Tom has chaired the Lawyers Helping Lawyers program for approximately 20 years. The monthly support group offers a space for attorneys working through personal or professional challenges—work he considers a privilege and an opportunity to listen, encourage and help others find their way forward.
WhitbeckBeglis, PLLC
WhitbeckBeglis, PLLC is a law firm with a strong focus on family law, handling a wide range of cases including divorce, guardianship, civil litigation, and criminal defense. What sets the firm apart is its national presence and its groundbreaking commitment to advocating for both men and women in family law. This versatility has quickly established WhitbeckBeglis as a leader in legal advocacy.
The heart of the firm is its people. At the Oklahoma City office, attorneys Amber Godfrey, Kimberly Rennie, Dawn Williams, and Devon Walke form a dedicated team, backed by skilled paralegals and client service experts. Across the larger organization, 22 attorneys contribute to a network of legal talent and compassionate service. Godfrey’s strategic approach has helped reshape families’ futures, earning glowing client praise. Rennie, known for her dedication and expertise, has built deep, lasting relationships with those she represents. Williams brings a compassionate and results-driven focus to her work, advocating for the best outcomes for her clients who often praise her unwavering support, clear communication,
and commitment to achieving positive and best results. Walke provides an acute sense of detail and logic to the team that is unmatched, but it is remarkably balanced by his empathetic approach to clients and cases—a juxtaposition not often found in the legal field.
WhitbeckBeglis’s Oklahoma team’s achievements extend beyond the courtroom. The Oklahoma team has earned leadership roles within the Oklahoma Bar Association and garnered recognition from respected legal institutions. Beyond their legal work, team members pursue diverse interests—from drag racing to gardening—reflecting a balance that enriches their professional lives. This fusion of legal excellence, clientcentered care, and personal passion defines WhitbeckBeglis PLLC, making it not just a law firm, but a trusted advocate and ally in the lives of its clients.
Jacqui Ford
JACQUI FORD LAW
acqui Ford is dedicated to your defense and invested in your future. With 20 years of experience defending Oklahomans, Jacqui knows how to fight and win cases.
“Our clients say coming to our office is like coming home. We love helping people become the best version of themselves,” she says. “We support our clients in all areas of life. Ford focuses on mental health, substance abuse recovery, healthy relationships, steady employment, and more. We teach courage, believe in hope, and know everyone deserves a second chance.”
This year alone, Jacqui Ford Law secured ten Not Guilty verdicts in serious cases, each client facing life in prison. Today, they are free and rebuilding their lives.
Ford is committed to protecting her clients from government overreach and demands due process and fairness for all. She believes justice is best served when law enforcement, prosecutors, and defense attorneys each do their jobs with integrity. Justice is the goal every day at Jacqui Ford Law. Her commitment to community extends far beyond the courtroom. She frequently teaches at OU, OCU, the Oklahoma Bar Association, and national training programs. Now serving her second term as President of the Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Jacqui trains attorneys to lead with courage, compassion, and grit, just as she does in her own practice.
Whether she’s teaching, advocating, or simply listening, Jacqui Ford is passionate about serving the community she proudly calls home.
Luke Homen Law PLLC
“CONVENIENT BANKRUPTCY”
Attorney Luke Homen began his legal career in 2008, and opened his own law firm in 2018. In the last seven years, his firm has become the largest debtor law firm in the state by placing an emphasis on high quality legal work provided to clients with convenience and compassion. Along with associate attorneys Alex Sullivan, Colin Barrett, and Hannah Davis they represent debtors in Ch. 7 and Ch. 13 bankruptcies across the state of Oklahoma.
“We represent regular people who have found themselves with too much bad debt, and who are often scared and stressed to the breaking point. We try to make bankruptcy less scary and more transparent,” Homen said. “We focus on the hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.”
With well over 100 5-star reviews on Google, it’s clear their focus on convenience, compassion and quality has served their clients well.
“Luke and his staff are the best in the business,” said one reviewer. “Hands down the most knowledgeable, professional and courteous firm I’ve had the pleasure of working with.”
Homen was appointed to the Rules Committee of the Western District of Oklahoma Bankruptcy Court in 2023, and testified as an expert witness on Chapter 13 bankruptcy in a civil jury trial in Oklahoma County, also in 2023. He graduated in the top 10 percent of his law school class at The University of the Pacific and has served as chair of the Oklahoma County Bar Association’s Bankruptcy Section since 2022. He is a dedicated member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
Phillips Murrah P.C.
Phillips Murrah P.C. is a commercial law firm providing integrated business and litigation strategies to a diverse base of industry-leading clients. The Firm was founded in 1986 with one guiding vision: Empower clients with the fresh insight, unique perspective, and strategic legal counsel necessary to achieve and maintain a competitive edge. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Phillips Murrah opened their Dallas office in 2018.
Phillips Murrah provides unrivaled representation at competitive rates while maintaining personalized relationships that clients should expect. They have a proven track record of representing clients in virtually every legal area, including general corporate matters, strategy and negotiations, governance and compliance, employment, mergers and acquisitions, taxation, commercial real estate, and cybersecurity, among others. If clients face legal disputes, Phillips Murrah can rapidly assemble a focused, integrated, and efficient litigation team to address all important aspects of a problem, in multiple jurisdictions, from trial through the appeals process.
Attorneys at Phillips Murrah regularly collaborate across the Firm to ensure the advice and representation provided meets their clients’ particular needs and objectives. The Firm’s variety of legal practice areas and ability to assemble multidisciplinary teams enables Phillips Murrah to be a strategic partner and a one-stop shop for clients’ legal needs.
“Our Firm is also heavily invested in our community,” said Marketing Director Dave Rhea. “From our corporate partnership with the OKC Thunder Community Foundation to individual activities of our attorneys and staff, Phillips Murrah demonstrates our commitment through consistently investing time and resources into helping improve our community.”
Joe Carson
WARHAWK LEGAL
Injuries and accidents happen and are usually unexpected. The last thing one wants to do when recuperating from an injury is deal with the financial and many times combative aftermath that ensues after an unfortunate situation. This is where Attorney Joe Carson and the staff at Warhawk legal come in.
With over 25 years of experience successfully representing clients, Joe and his staff work tirelessly to help you with your case. They have built a solid reputation for not only their work ethic, but also their experience in the field of personal injury and wrongful death cases.
“Joe Carson and his staff were extremely helpful to me and my family during a difficult time. This could have been a confusing time for us, but with his help, it went very smoothly,” said one former client.
Joe and his staff do make the daunting legal process smoother and they are known for their integrity in helping clients achieve results. They rely on creative and effective solutions for legal issues and are always available to discuss any questions or concerns a client may have regarding their case.
“Joe Carson and the staff at Warhawk Legal are the best! They handled my case very professionally and kept me informed throughout the process. They were quick to respond to any questions, and I was always treated with kindness and respect. I highly recommend them!” said a former client.
Joe Carson has received numerous prestigious awards from the legal community, including an AV® rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and inclusion in the exclusive list of SuperLawyers® . Having reached million-dollar and multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, Carson has membership in the Million Dollar and Multiple Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Joe Carson is also a frequent speaker in the areas of litigation, personal injury and wrongful death matters.
Hard-working, honest and accessible; that’s Warhawk Legal. Put your trust in them, and move forward with your life.
Cannon & Associates
Cannon & Associates fights for clients in criminal defense and family law. Their mission: Fierce Advocates® for families and freedom. They prioritize building genuine connections and understanding each client’s story.
“We walk beside our clients—one family, one person, one problem at a time. We give clients a voice when they may otherwise not be heard,” said founder John Cannon.
This year, five attorneys from the firm were named Top Attorneys by 405 Magazine in family law and criminal defense. The team was also honored by the community in the Oklahoma City Community’s Choice Awards—nominated for Best Law Firm and four of the Best Family Law Attorneys in OKC.
With over 900 five-star Google reviews, Cannon & Associates is the trusted choice in Oklahoma. Every case matters. Every person matters. And we’re here when you need us. FREE Case Strategy Sessions available.
Maples, Nix & Diesselhorst
Maples, Nix & Diesselhorst, PLLC is a plaintiff’s personal injury law firm dedicated to helping Oklahomans achieve justice and accountability when they or a loved one suffer catastrophic injuries or wrongful death due to negligence. Whether caused by a corporation, hospital, nursing home, or individual, we stand with our clients every step of the way.
Partner Glendell Nix leads our Medical Malpractice team, while Partner Jacob Diesselhorst heads our Birth Injury team. Attorneys Cody Roberson and Shea Bracken play vital roles on both teams. Our strength also lies in our exceptional legal assistants—Viridiana Gallagos, Stephanie Lassak, and Cherri DiSalvatore—whose compassion and knowledge are invaluable. As Glendell Nix says, “We are sincerely blessed to work with such great assistants.”
At MND, we’re not only experienced—we’re committed to constantly improving as advocates, fighting for justice on behalf of our fellow Oklahomans.
Johnson & Biscone
ROOTED
IN JUSTICE, DRIVEN BY FAMILY
At Johnson & Biscone, advocacy runs in the blood. Sibling attorneys Emily and James J. Biscone have built a reputation for compassionate, results-driven representation in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and Social Security disability law.
Alongside Joseph C. Biscone II and Bryce Johnson, they lead a powerhouse team committed to guiding Oklahomans through life’s most difficult moments.
“We’re more than legal advisors,” says James J. Biscone. “We’re here to protect and support people during some of the hardest times of their lives.”
With over 100 years of combined experience, the team has recovered millions for injured clients, always treating them like family.
“Our values are simple,” adds Emily Biscone. “We lead with dignity, compassion, and relentless advocacy.”
Their Oklahoma roots and family-driven mission ensure every client is met with dedication and empathy.
“We’re here for working Oklahomans,” James says. “That’s who we are, and who we’ll always be.”
Jennifer L. Wright
WRIGHT LAW FIRM
Jennifer L. Wright is the heart behind Wright Law Firm in Edmond, where she helps individuals and families through some of life’s most personal moments—whether it’s planning for the future, settling an estate, or navigating guardianship. With 20 years of experience, Jennifer’s known for her warm, approachable style and the way she makes complex legal issues feel manageable.
Her practice focuses on estate planning, probate, elder law, and guardianship—all areas where empathy and clarity make a big difference. Clients appreciate her thoughtful, one-on-one approach and the care her team brings to every case.
Jennifer is also an active voice in the community. She speaks regularly on legal topics and serves on several boards including the Oklahoma City Estate Planning Council, Arc of Oklahoma and the Edmond Women’s Club.
At the core of everything she does is a commitment to helping others feel heard, supported, and confident in their next steps.
Fuller Tubb Bickford Warmington & Panach
Conflict often demands more than just legal expertise. It calls for clarity, calm and a path forward. That’s where Fuller Tubb Bickford Warmington & Panach stands apart. Founded nearly 80 years ago, the firm has long been a trusted name in business litigation, a tradition continued by partner Michael Bickford.
The firm has also emerged as one of Oklahoma’s leading employment law firms, led by Jeremy Tubb, Courtney Warmington,
Clay Curtis Law
CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER
Clay Curtis was born in Oklahoma City and graduated from Bishop McGuiness in 2003. He went on to Oklahoma State University where he received a B.S. in Economics. After OSU he went on to the University of Oklahoma College of Law where he graduated in 2011.
In 2011 Clay begin his career at the Oklahoma County Public Defender’s Office where he worked for more than 6 years. While there, Clay gained valuable experience and developed a love for helping those who find themselves involved in the criminal justice system. Clay’s experiences while in public service included countless trials, a significant amount of time working in the courtroom, and a vast familiarity working with diversion programs offered in the county.
After leaving the Public Defender’s Office in 2018, Clay formed his own law firm before eventually founding Overman Legal Group with his current partners. Also, in 2018 Clay went on to win the Clarence Darrow Award recognizing him as the Defense Attorney of the Year for his work on multiple homicide cases where his clients were found not guilty at jury trial.
Matt Panach and Emma Payne. The practice is recognized for handling high stakes matters with discretion and care. Clients and peers routinely acknowledge the firm’s ability to resolve the most challenging issues while preserving relationships and reputations.
This year the firm also welcomed Molly Tolbert, a seasoned attorney who brings significant experience in antitrust, securities, and constitutional litigation. This addition strengthens the firm’s ability to tackle legal challenges with precision and strategic insight.
Creative thinking, strategic guidance, and a focus on longterm outcomes define the firm’s approach. With decades of experience, the team offers more than legal solutions—it provides peace of mind when it matters most.
Kelli D. Kelso
Kate N. Dodoo
MCAFEE & TAFT
Kate N. Dodoo is an accomplished attorney with over 19 years of legal experience serving the public and private sectors. Leading the Appellate and Immigration & Compliance Practice Groups at McAfee & Taft, Kate represents businesses in appellate litigation and immigration matters and provides counsel to major U.S.-based corporations with global operations and foreignowned companies with business interests in the United States. Her unique business ethos involves treating clients as business partners, going beyond traditional legal representation to deeply understand their objectives, and collaboratively working towards achieving success. Her adeptness and proficiency in navigating complex legal landscapes are pivotal to her specialized practice areas of appellate, business immigration, and compliance. Kate’s dedication to her clients as a strategic partner and her achievements have earned her inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (commercial litigation), the Journal Record’s Leadership in Law, and Top Attorneys for Appellate and Immigration Law, as named by 405Magazine.
McAfee & Taft has distinguished itself as an industry leader in providing clients with creative and innovative strategies for meeting their business and legal needs. The firm is one of the largest and most respected full-service business practice law firms in the region.
Minal Gahlot
OKLAHOMA CONSUMER LAW FIRM
When powerful companies take advantage of everyday people, Attorney Minal Gahlot steps in. Minal has dedicated over a decade to representing clients in various consumer protection cases, including auto dealership fraud, solar panel scams, lemon law claims, debt collection abuse, repossession defense, credit reporting errors and more. Minal, a relentless advocate with a strong record of verdicts, awards, and settlements, has been repeatedly named a Top Consumer Law Attorney by 405 Magazine.
But what sets Minal apart is her unwavering commitment to people. Her clients consistently describe her as kind, patient, and deeply invested in their well-being. She listens. She responds. She fights — for justice, for fairness and for the best possible outcome. This commitment makes her clients feel valued and important.
Faith and family are the cornerstones of Minal’s life. These values shape the way she practices law. For Minal, advocacy isn’t just a job; it’s a calling.
Whether you’ve been misled by a dealership, harassed by a debt collector, or victimized by identity theft, Minal Gahlot and her dedicated team are here to help. At her firm, you’re never just a case file — you’re a person, and your fight becomes hers. Call today to schedule your consultation.
Unruh & Co
TURNING EXPERIENCE INTO PEACE OF MIND
Brooke Unruh brings over a decade of experience as an oil and gas title attorney to her estate planning and probate practice at Unruh & Co. Her background in examining deeds, leases, and legal documents provides her with a unique perspective in helping families ensure their estates are in order.
Clients appreciate Brooke’s approachable and communicative style, often noting her compassion and professionalism. She is committed to making the estate planning process transparent and accessible, offering upfront pricing and a streamlined approach.
In 2025, she introduced “The Legacy Project”, a series of educational workshops designed to simplify estate planning and empower individuals to take control of their future. Outside of the office, Brooke serves as Chairman of the Board for Tenaciously Teal and Vice Chair of the Better Business Bureau of Central Oklahoma.
Brooke’s commitment to her clients and community reflects her mission to deliver clear, compassionate legal guidance that brings lasting peace of mind.
Tipton Law Firm
GUIDING FAMILIES THROUGH LIFE’S TOUGHEST MOMENTS
Founded in 2023 by Molly Tipton after a decade at one of Oklahoma City’s top firms, Tipton Law Firm offers strategic, compassionate support in complex family law matters. Molly’s hands-on approach gives clients direct access to a seasoned advocate experienced in divorce, custody, paternity, adoption, and guardianship cases.
Recognized for excellence, Molly has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2023 and 2024, a 405 Magazine Top Lawyer in 2022, and a 2025 NAFLA Top 10 Under 40 Attorney in Oklahoma—honors that reflect her dedication and proven results.
Beyond the courtroom, Molly contributes to the community through Infant Crisis Services and Positive Tomorrows.
At Tipton Law Firm, we empower clients to make informed decisions and stand strong—whether reaching resolution through mediation or litigation. When your family’s future is at stake, trust a proven advocate who will fight for your best interests every step of the way.
Dunlap Codding, PC
PROTECTING ALL THINGS CREATIVE
Founded in 1957 as Oklahoma’s original intellectual property firm, Dunlap Codding is the state’s largest and most versatile IP boutique.
Dunlap Codding is ranked in Band 1 (the top band) in Chambers, whose editors note, “The firm continues to boast one of the strongest benches in the market, with multiple renowned and active practitioners. Its team handles a range of complex contentious and non-contentious matters that demonstrate clear cross-border expertise.” Chambers also quotes a client as saying, “They are very well versed in IP and trademark law, and the court’s interpretation of the law. I would say Dunlap Codding is the best of the best in the IP arena.”
The firm also stands out for its free event space—DC on Film Row—which it opens to the community with only one caveat: The event, group, or meeting must be something that strengthens the community and brings us all together.
GableGotwals
Beginning as a two-person law partnership in 1944, GableGotwals has grown into a full-service law firm with approximately 100 attorneys and 70 other business professionals in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Houston.
The firm represents a diversified, nationwide client base consisting of Fortune 500 companies, privately owned businesses, government agencies and officials, entrepreneurs, non-profits, and individuals.
GableGotwals is consistently recognized for its high-quality legal
Wallis Law Group
PLANNING WITH PURPOSE
Founded by Kathy Wallis in 2006, Wallis Law Group began as a solo practice with a clear mission: to provide compassionate, personalized estate planning services. The firm has grown to a trusted team of seven, serving clients statewide. Their growth reflects stability and reliability, thanks mainly to word-of-mouth referrals and a reputation for quality, integrity, and compassion.
Wallis Law Group focuses on estate planning, trust administration, probate, guardianships, and business formation. Their relational approach is rooted in building lifelong connections, giving clients peace of mind and confidence in their future.
Kathy’s impact extends beyond the office. She was named the 2019 Edmond Chamber Woman of the Year, graduated from Leadership Edmond Class XXIII, and serves as Chair of the Edmond Economic Development Authority. She is an avid supporter and volunteer in her community. Her community service includes Edmond Mobile Meals, mission work in Guatemala and Haiti and Acts 2 United Methodist Church, where she serves as Administrative Council Chair.
At Wallis Law Group, planning today means peace of mind tomorrow delivered with heart, dedication, and a personal touch.
services across numerous specialties, including corporate, litigation, employment, regulatory, tax, and white-collar crime/government enforcement. They advise clients across multiple industries, including energy, healthcare, insurance, banking and finance, education, technology, construction, and manufacturing.
GableGotwals has a deep bench of long-time private practitioners, former in-house attorneys, SHRM-certified attorney, Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers, former federal judicial clerks, former U.S. Attorneys, and other governmental officials. This mix of experience gives them a unique ability to spot costly risks and capitalize on valuable opportunities for their clients.
Local Energy Attorneys
DINING
Sipping Season
Summer calls for icy treats, like this Frozen Flight at Mexican Radio P. 70
A Latin-Inspired Love Letter
Vecina joins the OKC dining landscape
BY MATT KIROUAC PHOTOS BY DANNY VO
hen Vecina first opened in Phoenix in 2019, local critics called it “fiercely original,” and a “gem from start to finish.” The Latin-inspired restaurant was praised for its “one-of-a-kind menu,” emboldened by spices, salsas and chiles. If lightning strikes twice, Oklahomans will be singing those same praises, now that lauded chef James Fox has expanded Vecina to the Quail Creek area in Oklahoma City.
All the hallmarks that made the original such a sensation are here, but Vecina 2.0 is “bigger, badder and better” according to Fox.
“We wanted to put something together that was unique and great in every aspect, from the food to the drink and to the service, and everything in between,” Fox explained of the Phoenix original. “The space we had was 2,000 square feet, so you could make it intimate but still fun, and that’s the same vibe we wanted to go for in OKC. It’s been a cool thing to be able to expand to Oklahoma, and show y’all what we do in Phoenix, and have the same atmosphere and execution.”
Following Riserva Bar + Tapas and Culprits, Vecina marks the latest collaboration between Fox and OKC’s Provision Concepts, and considering
the praise already vaunted upon their previous projects, this latest venture bodes well for Oklahoma’s red-hot restaurant scene.
“Talking with Jeff Dixon (founder and CEO, Provision Concepts), it seemed like a no-brainer with all the restaurants that are already in Oklahoma, and I thought Vecina would be a great fit,” Fox said of his interest in expanding the acclaimed brand from out of state. “There’s still the nostalgic steakhouses of yesteryear, but there are also some new and different chefs coming in and doing some really cool things.”
And as evidenced by Fox’s menu, he can count himself among those ranks. The food adheres to the original’s ethos of local sourcing and scratchmade sauces and syrups, but in this case he’s sourcing baked goods from The Harvey Bakery, and even visited 10 different tortillerias before selecting Lupita’s Taqueria for Vecina’s corn and flour tortillas. With a larger kitchen in OKC, and a larger dining space emblazoned with an abstract mural by Carlos Barboza, Fox is able to fully explore a range of menu possibilities — including his personal favorites, like a mesquite-grilled carne asada rib-eye and hiramasa ceviche with grilled pineapple and coconut leche de tigre.
For that ceviche, yellowtail amberjack wasn’t readily available in OKC previously, but now that Fox has procured it, he’s hoping it opens the doors for other local restaurants to start using it too. Other standouts, from shareable plates to robust entrees, include white bean puree with crispy short rib; elote with chorizo butter; mussels with Spanish chorizo and The Harvey sourdough; and smoked half chicken with tomatillo nam prik and peanut mole. Along with drinks, like the mezcaland pineapple-based Return of the Velvet Underground, it’s all about adapting familiar flavors and making them bolder.
“As you grow, we’re utilizing things that I couldn’t even have thought about in my first restaurant,” said the chef. “We had no idea what type of success we were going to have. Now, it’s a bigger, better, badder situation here.”
Hot Weather, Cold Drinks
Finding the finest in liquid refreshment
BY MATT KIROUAC PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SPARK
ummer in Oklahoma City is the season for road trips and lazy lake days, for ice cream cones and patios. It’s also high time for a frozen cocktail. As the temperature rises, so too does our appetite for icy drinks, and fortunately for us, OKC is teeming with crafty versions of the cold stuff. Here’s where you should be drinking — and what to order — this summer.
The Mont - As much a rite of passage for OU students as it is for bar-goers in need of refreshment, The Mont is the stuff of potable legend. Open since 1976, the Norman institution ticks all the boxes for a summertime staple: It’s got a massive, tree-shaded patio. It’s got nachos, burgers and guac. And most especially, it’s got a treasure trove of frozen drinks, including Blue Hawaiians, daiquiris and The Mont’s signature Sooner Swirl, a colorful blend of sangria and margarita.
OSO Paseo - With its airy, cacti-clad patio and tropical cocktails, drinking at OSO Paseo feels so much like a coastal vacation that you’d swear you could smell the sea air. Or maybe that’s just the ahi tuna tostadas. On the “Baja Tiki”-inspired drink list, many of said cocktails
come frozen, including an orange-scented margarita; sangria made with blackberry brandy and raspberry puree; and the Polar Bear, wherein a frozen marg comes topped with Gran Marnier. These are vacation vibes, after all.
Mexican Radio - Mexican Radio may have relocated from the Plaza District to Midtown, and shifted to a counter-service model, but fear not: the frozen Dole Whip isn’t going anywhere. A calling card of the colorful cantina, the Dole Whip is essentially a Disney-fied frozen margarita, made with tequila, pineapple, banana liqueur, coconut cream, agave, lime and a Fruity Pebbles rim. It’s divine on its own, but even better when ordered as a frozen flight with a lime-y Cuba Libre, the Thunder-Rita with Blue Curacao and Flamingo Frozé with rosé, orange liqueur and grenadine.
BAR SEN - Noodles take top billing at the Plaza’s newly opened BAR SEN, but don’t sleep on the illustrious cocktails. For his anticipated follow-up to next-door Ma Der, chef Jeff Chanchaleune doubled down on drinks, offering a cocktail program that can hold its own alongside his Laotian noodles and pandan cinnamon rolls. Notably, there are
a couple frozen libations that rank among the most distinctive in town: the bourbon-spiked Frozen Curry Coffee with yellow curry coconut cream and pecan-coconut cookie crumble, and the Southeast Side, a quenching gin tipple with vermouth, cucumber, Thai basil and aloe.
Truck Yard - At Dallas-based Truck Yard, a sprawling patio party of food trucks, live music and astroturf in Lower Bricktown, imbibers can lean into the quirkiness of it all with flask cocktails and oatmeal cookie shots. There are also several frozen options that are just as irreverent, like the Salted Caramel Mudslide, a Salted Watermelon Marg and the Drunken Leprechaun, flavored with coconut and key lime pie.
The Jones Assembly - A restaurant that loves icy cocktails so much that it annually hosts Frosé-themed birthday bashes, The Jones Assembly is well-versed in elevating the frozen form. That famed frosé is an evergreen menu staple, made with rosé, gin, lemon and strawberry — and is joined by a newer innovation: the Frotini, which blends local Prairie Wolf vodka with espresso liqueur, cold brew and oat milk foam for a crisp riff on an espresso martini.
Spark - For fast-casual refreshment, check out The Jones’ sister concept, Spark. Now with three locations, including the original in Scissortail Park, the eatery pairs burgers and crinkle-cut fries with several frozen Club Specials. Along with the classic, with vodka and lime, guests can try others flavored with peach, blackberry-sage, pineapple-jalapeño and grapefruit-lavender.
R&J Lounge and Supper Club - Retro Americana is the bill of fare at Midtown’s quasiclandestine R&J Lounge and Supper Club, where classic — and often rare — cocktails are served in a dark, vibe-y space bedecked with funky art and cozy nooks. Among the rarities, like Sidecars and Harvey Wallbangers, bar-goers will find a pitch-perfect Grasshopper, essentially a boozy mint chocolate milkshake. There’s also a section devoted to tiki drinks, including Blue Hawaiians and Painkillers.
It’s the soft sound of a Native flute. The focus of a potter shaping clay. Traditions shared by living masters.
A NATION OF CULTURE
It’s an electric arc of talent that keeps us on our toes. Our legends on silver screens, in galleries, at stickball fields and podiums. It’s here.
ONE NATION. ENDLESS ADVENTURE.
CULTURE
The Bard Goes al Fresco
Happy 40th to Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park
BY LAVINIA CRESWA PHOTOS PROVIDED
ounded 40 years ago, Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park has become a staple in Oklahoma City. The creators of the company, Jack O’Meara and Kathryn McGill, felt that our community would benefit from seeing the works of William Shakespeare live on stage. Its first season was performed on a simple platform built in Hafer Park in Edmond, offering free performances of the classics Twelfth Night and A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Since then, the theatre company has moved twice and has now found its forever home nestled in the Paseo. A 55-seat indoor theatre hosts the productions during the chillier months, but in June, July and August, plays are once again performed under the stars, just as they were four decades ago. The outdoor theatrical space, called Shakespeare Gardens, is reminiscent of the days at Hafer Park, beautifully landscaped with rose bushes and pine trees. The ADA-compliant venue has a full liquor license, and guests are encouraged to sit on the lawn with a picnic basket and blanket, buy a bottle of wine and enjoy the show.
Artistic Director Tyler Woods said, “I am very excited to be leading Oklahoma
Shakespeare into its fifth decade. Since 1985, we have produced exceptional classical theatre for Oklahomans to enjoy at affordable prices, with accessible and family-friendly quality. This season, we invite you to the Paseo to discover Oklahoma Shakespeare!”
June 5-15, the outdoor season begins with The Merry Wives of Windsor, one of The Bard’s great comedies. Follow the lovable, clownish figure Falstaff as he attempts to seduce married women — and the shenanigans that follow.
Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost will take the stage Aug. 7-17. This heartwarming play is about four young men who have sworn off women just in time for some of the most desirable women in the world to arrive and fall in love with them.
Next up is the modern-day classic The Lion in Winter by James Goldman. This is a fictionalized historical play featuring both drama and comedy. King Henry II of England and his family, including his imprisoned wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, celebrate Christmas at his castle. Woods noted, “this play is well known to some, and will be a wonderful surprise to many. It is elegant, funny, charming and full of intrigue.”
Finishing off the season strong Dec. 4-21 is Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker, written by Erin Woods based on the letters and novels of Jane Austen. Tyler Woods proudly said, “this was written by my wife about a decade ago. The production is an interactive holiday ball set in Jane Austen’s home in the late 1700s. Our theatre has been completely decorated for Christmas and we teach patrons how to sing and dance, just as you would see in a Jane Austen movie. It is a unique experience for Oklahoma City.” Christmas Cracker is sponsored by Braum’s and audiences receive free ice cream as a holiday treat.
Whether you are a Shakespeare lover or a novice, the diversity of productions from Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park this season offers something for everyone.
→ For more information on these plays, or to purchase tickets, visit the company’s website at okshakes.org.
CHAMBER VOICES AT CRESCENDO! 2024 OH JOY PHOTOGRAPHY
CANTERBURY VOICES, OH JOY PHOTOGRAPHY
The Smell of Success
In Convo With
Oliver Fragrance Co.
BY LAVINIA CRESWA PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER
Tony Greenroyd, founder of Oliver Fragrance Company, travels the world making memories through the distinct aromas he notices during each new adventure. Inspired by nature and wanderlust, he transforms these memories into luxe fragrances, which he creates by hand in his northwest Oklahoma City headquarters. We sat down with Greenroyd to learn all about the olfactory delight that is Oliver & Co.
Tell us about your business.
“I named the company after my dachshund, Oliver. We began as a candle company but have expanded into other products like room sprays, perfumes and laundry detergent. The majority of our business is wholesale, selling to small boutiques and shops — our product are available places like Plenty Mercantile in the First National Building and the Oklahoma City
Museum of Art gift shop. Our goal is to have everything as fresh as possible, so most of our inventory has been made in-house within the last five days.”
What are you inspired by?
“I design my fragrances through my travels. The most recent fragrance is called Big Sur, inspired by a trip to California. I incorporate what I smell, but also how that location made me feel. I personally mix the notes until it is exactly what I want. Each fragrance is intended to be unisex, and each products uses 100% natural essential oils. We use the finest ingredients that we can find.”
What is your most popular fragrance?
“That would be Sunset 57. It is named after a place in Puerto Vallarta called Pier 57, where my partner and I would watch the sunset. It
was actually created by mistake — each new fragrance can take months to perfect and with this one, I was getting frustrated because it was just not working. I had been using grapefruit oil, but I accidentally grabbed pineapple oil one day … and that is how Sunset 57 was born. Last summer, Brittany Mahomes shared on her social media that it was her new summer fragrance and sales for this aroma just exploded.”
What sets your company apart from others?
“All of our fragrances have the similar mid-notes, which allows you to customize a specific fragrance in your home. They are made to ‘marry’ each other, as we say in the fragrance world, so they layer with each other really well. For instance, if you're burning Sunset 57 and Big Sur together, that will create its own unique fragrance.”
Would we ever see your products in big retail stores?
“No. Our brand is not just about us; it is about the lifestyle of living local, supporting small businesses and being advocates for them. I am selective about what stores carry our products. We are in one store in Edmond and one in Norman. Customers might go in to purchase Oliver and Co., but while they are there, find other products from another small businesses they want to try.”
What is next for Oliver Fragrance Co.?
“I like the pace that we are growing right now. I have an amazing team that helps facilitate the day-to-day operations, like filling and shipping orders. We recently started being carried in Plenty Mercantile at the airport and in the OKANA Resort gift shop. Our newest product is an oil diffuser, which is free with a monthly subscription service and you can switch fragrances at any time. I want to stay a small business that focuses on high quality products at an affordable price point.”
→ For more information on Oliver Fragrance Co and its products, visit oliverfragranceco.com.
A Timeless Town
Medicine Park’s low-key, lasting appeal
BY LINDA MILLER PHOTOS BY LINDA MILLER
isiting Medicine Park — with its cobblestone structures, calming waters and serene waterfalls — feels like a step back in time. And that’s part of its charm.
In 1908, a year after Oklahoma became a state, buildings began to spring up at the foothills of the Wichita Mountains. The project was the vision of founder John William Elmer Thomas, who after visiting the area became excited about its potential for development.
He purchased land and began construction on the state’s first resort town. Medicine Park Summer Resort and Health Spa quickly became popular. The Plains tribes believed, and shared with Thomas, that nearby Medicine Creek’s water had medicinal benefits.
The town grew with Thomas overseeing resort construction, along with cobblestone cabins and public buildings. Cobblestone structures and walls made from the native granite stones still add to the small town’s appeal.
One of the oldest buildings is the Old Plantation, built in 1910 as an open-air pavilion. Though it has been through many modifications and names, the now-named Old Plantation Restaurant is still one of the most recognizable structures in town.
Thomas’ house, a stone’s throw from the restaurant, is another original structure, along with dozens of others still standing.
Early on, people flocked to Medicine Park not only for the spa, but for the area’s expansive, breathtaking view of the nearby mountains, serene plains and calming waters. Picturesque Medicine Creek flows through it, and Bath Lake, formed in the 1920s as a swimming hole, is in the center of town.
Medicine Park became popular for tourists as well as politicians and celebrities. Will Rogers and Wiley Post had houses there. Its remote location also made it the perfect hideout for notorious outlaws Bonnie and Clyde, Pretty Boy Floyd and Al Capone.
Thomas’ attention always was divided between Medicine Park and politics. In 1907, he was elected to the first Oklahoma Senate, and in 1926 was elected a U.S. senator. That position required more time, so he sold the park to a corporation.
Thomas’ absence, coupled with the Great Depression and the start of World War II, caused the town to suffer financially. People moved away. The town looked lost and out of sorts, as if it were seeking a new identity — or its old one.
It was incorporated in 1969 and during the next decade the town began to turn around. Businesses and property developers found new interest there. So did the residents who partnered with students from OU and the Association for South Central Oklahoma Government for help. Through a grant, cobblestone walls were restored and cabins renovated. New businesses opened. Bath Lake became popular again. The town was reinvigorated, enticing visitors with soothing water and interesting cobblestones and majestic mountains. Today’s population is about 400.
In 2018 Expedia named Medicine Park the fifth prettiest town in the nation. A year later the Oklahoma legislature named it the Cobblestone Capital of Oklahoma. About 85% of the original cobblestone structures are still standing today. The town’s charming architecture and natural surroundings set it apart today, just as they did decades ago.
COBBLESTONE WALLS AND HOMES CAN BE SEEN THROUGHOUT TOWN
COOL, REFRESHING WATER IS A BIG ATTRACTION AT MEDICINE PARK
Cruising Toward 100
Oklahoma kicks off Route 66 centennial in style
BY JAKE DURHAM PHOTOS PROVIDED
The road to 100 has officially begun, and the anticipation for the upcoming celebrations is palpable.
Route 66 — America’s Mother Road — will celebrate its centennial in 2026. This iconic highway, stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, was a lifeline for many during the Great Depression and has been a symbol of freedom and adventure for generations of Americans. But towns across Oklahoma aren’t waiting for the official centennial to throw parties. The early celebrations have already started revving up, and nowhere was more evident this spring than in El Reno, where a full-throttle kickoff unfolded with burgers, chrome and a brand-new visitor center.
On the first Saturday in May, thousands gathered for El Reno’s Fried Onion Burger Day Festival. This tradition brings the smell of sizzling onions to the streets of downtown and honors one of the state’s most iconic comfort foods. But this year, the event was paired with something even more exciting: a ribbon-cutting for The Filling Station Visitor Center, a $1.4 million renovation of a vintage Route 66-era gas station. With a curated Made in Oklahoma gift shop and travel tips from local experts, it’s quickly becoming a favorite pit stop for road trippers exploring the highway’s western leg.
Just blocks away, the El Reno Cruisers added to the magic with their annual downtown car show, drawing classic car enthusiasts from across the region. With shiny chrome, vintage rides and live music, the show paid tribute to Route 66’s motor-loving legacy. And it’s not a one-time thing; the Cruisers keep the spirit rolling with monthly Cruise-Ins throughout the summer and their Small-Town Weekend in June, complete with drag races, a poker run and a chuckwagon lunch served in nearby Adams Park.
Elsewhere along the Mother Road, Oklahoma towns are stepping up with events that honor the highway’s past while embracing the road ahead. Clinton, home to the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, hosts a Route 66 Festival each May, featuring burnout contests, dog races and a concert under the stars. In Bethany, the 66 Festival lights up Memorial Day weekend with bluegrass, murals, car cruises and a children’s parade. These events are about celebrating the past, but also creating new memories and experiences for everyone who joins in.
June rolls into high gear with Stroud’s Historic Route 66 Wine & Food Festival, where guests sip from Oklahoma wineries, browse local vendors and enjoy live music in a town known as the state’s wine capital. Farther west,
Weatherford’s Heartland Cruise Car Show draws more than 250 classic cars to Rader Park, while Chelsea’s Totem Pole BBQ & Music Fest brings a quirky charm in October with live entertainment and the world’s largest concrete totem pole as its backdrop.
For those looking to dive deep into Route 66’s legacy, the AAA Route 66 Road Fest at Tulsa’s Expo Square is a can’t-miss experience with interactive exhibits that trace the evolution of mobility. Tulsa also hosts the Williams Route 66 Marathon each November, drawing runners from across the country for a scenic tour of the city’s neighborhoods, Art Deco architecture and the spirit of the Mother Road.
As these events continue to roll out through 2025 and into 2026, there’s never been a better time to hit Route 66. Whether you’re chasing burgers in El Reno, tasting wines in Stroud or catching a sunset in Clinton, each stop offers its own slice of Americana. Oklahoma is leaning into the Route 66 Centennial and inviting you to ride along.
So, fill the tank, crank the tunes and set your sights on the open highway. The Mother Road is turning 100, and the journey is already unforgettable.
