Stand For Something
2019 - 2020 TCBA CONTACTS, COMMITTEE & SECTION CHAIRS
www.tulsabar.com
PHONE: 918-584-5243 FAX: 918-592-0208 1446 South Boston, Tulsa, OK 74119-3612 Executive Director Tami Williams tamiw@tulsabar.com Ext. 1002 Membership Director
CLE, Sections & Committees
Open
Ext. 1001
Front Desk Coordinator
Lawyer Referral, Golf Liaison, General Inquiries
Christy Bush frontdesk@tulsabar.com Ext. 1000
Accounting accounting@tulsabar.com
Tulsa Lawyer Editor - Michael Taubman mptaubman@taubmanlawoffice.com Associate Editor - Milly Dunlap Tulsa Lawyer Submissions - tulsabarnews@yahoo.com
TCBA OFFICERS
President................................................................ James C. Milton Past President......................................................... Hon. Ann Keele President-Elect................................................. K imberly K. Moore Vice President............................................................. Kara Vincent Secretary..................................................................... Natalie Sears Treasurer................................................................. Philip D. Hixon Budget/Internal Operations........................................ Mike Esmond Foundation President .................................................... Jim Hicks Director at Large (1) Large Firm................................. Philip Hixon Director at Large (2) Large Firm.......................... C. Austin Birney Director at Large (1) Medium Firm................................ Kara Pratt Director at Large (2) Medium Firm.................. Jennifer L. Struble Director at Large (1) Small Firm............................................. TBA Director at Large (2) Small Firm................................. Megan Beck Director at Large (2) Public Sector............... Hon. Linda Morrissey ABA Delegate............................................................. Molly Aspan OBA Delegate........................................................... Ken Williams Library Trustee (1)......................................................... Julie Evans Library Trustee (2)............................................ Trisha Linn Archer Presiding Judge ..................... Judge William J. Musseman, Jr.C.J., U.S. District Court .................................. Hon. John DowdellC.J., Tulsa Municipal Court............................. Hon. Gerald Hofmeister TU Law School.......................................................... Rachel Baker
FOUNDATION APPOINTMENTS
Law Day................................................... Hon. Martha Rupp Carter Law Day Co-Chair.........................................................Lizzie Riter Community Outreach................................................ Ashley Webb Golf Chair................................................................ Pat Mensching Scholarship Chair.................................................... Faith Orlowski Submission, Grapevine & AdvertisingVisit www.tulsabar.com Subscriptions to Tulsa Lawyer are available for $40.00 a year to those who are not Tulsa County Bar Association members or others who do not currently receive the publication. Contact Greg Gordon at 918-584-5243 Ext. 225.
FOUNDATION
President...........................................................Christina M.Vaughn Vice President...............................................................Justin Munn Secretary................................................................................... TBD Treasurer/Budget......................................................... Philip Hixon Trustee/Capital Campaign Chair............................... Chad McLain Trustee.......................................................................... Jim Gotwals Trustee.................................................... Hon. Martha Rupp Carter Trustee....................................................................... Ken Williams Trustee............................................................. Zach Smith Trustee........................................................... Honorable Ann Keele President................................................................ Jim Milton TCBA Pres. Elect.................................................. Kimberly Moore
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Animal Law..................................................... ..........Katy Inhofe Bench & Bar.................................................... ........... Vicki Cox Budget & Internal Operations.......................... .......Mike Esmond Children & the Law......................................... ........Stephen Hale Children & the Law Vice Chair....................... .......Natalie Sears CLE ................................................................. ..........Lizzie Riter Diversity Development.....................Hon. April Seibert & Ben Fu Fee Arbitration................................................. ...Tamera Childers Law Related Education.........................Hon. Robert LaFortune Lawyer Referral............................................... ......Cathy Hoopert Pro Bono ............................................................... Mac Finlayson Membership Services....................................................Kara Pratt Mentoring......................................................... .....Faith Orlowski Mentoring Co-chair.......................................... ........Randy Lewin Military/Veterans ............................................ Hon. David Guten Nominations & Awards.................................... ....Hon. Ann Keele Professionalism................................................ ...........Rick White Public Relations....................................................Steve Layman Social Media.........................................................Ephraim Alajaji Special Events..Co-Chairs.................Sabah Khalaf / Tim Rogers Tulsa Lawyer.................................................... Michael Taubman
SECTION CHAIRPERSONS
ADR/Mediation..........................................................Melissa Fell Bankruptcy....................................................... ........Paul Thomas Corporate.......................................................... Kevinn Matthews Criminal Law................................................... ........................ Employment Law............................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Energy & Mineral Law.................................... .......Ryan Pittman Family Law...................................................... ...Todd Alexander Health Law . .................................................... ..... Kristen Evans Health Law Vice Chair..................................... Whitney Dockrey Immigration Law Chai..................................... Whitney Webb Juvenile Law.................................................... ..Lizzie Riter Litigation Co-Chairs...............Robert Mitchener & Robert Winter Municipal Law................................................David Weatherford Paralegals/Legal Assistants.............................. .........Gloria Jones Paralegal /Legal Assistants Vice Chair............ Deborah Gresh Probate/Estate/Elder......................................... ...Catherine Welsh Solo/Small Firm............................................... ......Karen Wilkins Tax ......................................................... .....Ashlee Crouch Technology ...................................................... ............................ Workers Comp................................................. ............................ Young Lawyers................................................ ....Ephraim Alajaji * Section Chairs will be updated as positions are filled. Tulsa Lawyer is a monthly publication of the TCBA. The TCBA does not necessarily share or endorse the opinions expressed in the materials published. The views are those of thoughtful contributors. Similarly, advertising does not imply endorsement by the TCBA of products or services or any statements concerning them.
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TULSA LAWYER
In this Issue
A Message from
Jim Milton 2019-2020 TCBA President
Candidate Filing/ Nominations Sought for the 2020-2021 TCBA Membership Year March 15th -March 30th
See page 7 for details.
Mark your calendars!
TCBA Law Day Luncheon Friday, May 1st
February 2020
2
We Have to Stand for Something
6
Section News
8
TCBA's New Executive Director Tami Williams
9
Woman's Suffrage March & Rally Feb. 22nd
11 From the Trenches...One Lawyer's Fight Against Human Trafficking By Shar Agosto 12 A Book Review by the Honorable Martha Rupp Carter
The Woman’s Hour, The Great Fight to Win the Vote, by Elaine Weiss '
15 Lynn Miller Law Day Book Club Schedule 19 Holiday Challenge - We Just Can't Say Thank You Enough! Natalie Sears, Chair 19 LAST CHANCE CLE! 20 Get to Know Christy Bush TCBA Lawyer Referral and Front Desk Coordinator 21 Special Events Committee - Time to Join the Circus! 23 Mentoring Luncheon - Thursday, February 27th
Making Connections - Celebrating the Holidays
24 Real Estate: One of the Highest Expenses of Your Business By Sara Thrasher, CARR
Day s ' e ntinur e 28 Grapevine & Classifieds l a y V m yo aff! p p fro A St Ha B TC TCBA Bar Center Hours 9am-5pm Monday - Friday 26 In Memory of...
Tulsa Lawyer 1
A Message from the President
Jim Milton WE HAVE TO STAND FOR SOMETHING
Representatives of the Tulsa County Bar Association recently met with Cubic Creative to discuss design concepts for TCBA’s website and brand update, which with luck and hope you will see rolled out in the near future. With Cubic, website updates are about more than just how they look and how easy they are to navigate. I think we can all agree that the look, feel, and navigation of our website are all past due for update. Cubic will help us communicate who the Association is, both on the website and across all of the Association’s communications with its members and the community. This project began under Judge Ann Keele’s term as TCBA President, and is proceeding under the steadfast guidance of our executive staff -Greg Gordon and Tami Williams.
I first met Greg at Fellowship Lutheran Church, where we both attend. I was on the Church Council when Greg was elected to serve. He succeeded me as President of Church Council. He and our friend Roy Brockmeier were instrumental in guiding Fellowship forward for several years as Council President. When Fellowship’s church administrator retired, Greg stepped in and served for several years in that role. When Greg retired a second time, Roy took over as church administrator and continues to serve Fellowship in this role.When TCBA needed an Interim Executive Director, I knew that Greg would be the right person. We are lucky that he agreed to serve. We are even more lucky that he agreed to be a candidate in our search for a new Executive Director. Greg knows processes, management, people, group dynamics, and most of all, service. Greg engaged in a top-to-bottom review of how the TCBA can serve its members, providing leadership and guidance to the Association’s Board and Executive Committee along the way. During his tenure, the Association modernized its financial reporting, staffing plan, and technology.
Greg Gordon has a degree from Colorado School of Mines in chemical and petroleum refining engineering. He spent more than 25 years at Williams, rising to various leadership roles including Vice President and Chief Information Officer, before retiring and going into consulting work. Along the way, Greg found inspiration in the nonprofit world, contributing significantly to the United Way and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma. His leadership skills were well- recognized. Greg was a member of Class XXIV of Leadership Oklahoma. 2 Tulsa Lawyer
December 21, 2019 ~TCBA BOD Holiday Party Five Oaks Lodge
Front Row: Ken Williams, TCBA Pres. 2015-2016; Christy Bush, Lawyer Referral & TCBA Front Desk Coordinator; Tami Williams, TCBA Executive Director; Hon. Martha Rupp Carter, TCBA Pres. 2007-2008; Faith Orlowski, TCBA Pres. 2011-2012. Back Row: Christina Vaughn, Pres. 2017-2018; Kimberly Moore, Pres. Elect 2019-2020; Jim Hicks, TCBA Pres. 2013-2014; Jim Milton, current TCBA President; Jim Gotwals, TCBA Pres. 2012-2013; Greg Gordon, retiring TCBA Executive Director.
Greg is the epitome of a servant leader. According to James C. Hunter, in his 1998 book, The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership, leadership is a skill “of influencing people to work enthusiastically toward goals identified as being for the common good.” [Hunter, at 79.] An integral part of this style of leadership is serving and sacrificing for those you lead. [Id. at 85-86.] To that end, Greg has served the TCBA, and sacrificed for it, by among other things coming out of retirement to lead us over the past two years. When Greg is running a project, the project is never about Greg. Instead, Greg steadfastly ensures that the Association’s volunteers have what they need, and that the project runs smoothly. With Greg’s leadership, the Association reoriented itself toward its mission and values -- providing value and service to its members, the legal profession, and the community. Over the summer, Greg told me that he was ready for his third retirement -- this time, from his position as Executive Director of the TCBA. I tried to talk him out of it, but I knew that his mind was made up. Greg has agreed to remain available as a consultant, and to continue assisting our Association on several key projects, most notably the interior remodel.
Fortunately, in our search for a new Executive Director, we found another candidate who showed outstanding credentials and skills. Soon after Greg Gordon was hired as Executive Director, he hired Tami Williams to serve on his team as Membership Director. Tami has an MBA from The University of Tulsa and graduated from the Oklahoma Center for Non-Profits’ 2011 Standards of Excellence Program Tami served for nearly ten years as Director of the Tulsa Press Club and Benevolent Association, meeting a number of TCBA’s members along the way. She then worked as Financial Monitor at the INCOG Area Agency on Aging. During her nearly two years with the TCBA, Tami has shown tremendous skill in serving our Association and its members in every way possible. Tami can run all aspects of the TCBA’s operations. In fact, Tami earned a promotion from Membership Director to Director of Operations this past fall. In her new position, Tami put to work the financial and budgeting skills she learned at TU and while working at the Press Club and INCOG. Tami has a passion for what she does. She is tireless in her efforts to make everything she touches better.
Over the past two years, Greg provided Tami As I considered Greg’s words further over the weekend, with training and mentorship to help ensure a seamless I was reminded that skill and professionalism in the transition. Our Board of Directors and Executive practice of law can be celebrated regardless of any Committee have determined that Tami is ready to step view on the merits of a dispute. As lawyers, we must into the role of Executive Director. The Executive be able to shake opposing counsel’s hand at the end of a Committee will make its formal recommendation on trial or argument, and recognize the skills that it took to January 14. The Board will vote on January 21. I pick up the mantle of the side with which you disagree, am writing this column well in advance of these two knowing that both sides’ attorneys must zealously and meetings, but have confidence because our Executive skillfully advocate for their client. Committee and Board have discussed the decision This, in my view, is why we as lawyers can over the past several months. We scheduled listening sessions to provide Board members with the opportunity celebrate both prosecutors and defense attorneys, to hear Tami’s vision for the TCBA. And Tami has government lawyers and civil rights attorneys, been a consistent presence at the TCBA for two years, plaintiffs’ counsel and defense counsel. In adopting providing our members a front-row seat to observe her our Constitution, the people reserved to ourselves rights leadership abilities. We will be in good hands as we that must be defended -- and which are shaped through litigation. The litigation of these rights can provide embark on the Roaring 20’s! a special thrill to attorneys. Sometimes everything Now about that meeting with Cubic Creative. aligns to the point where most of our members might Cubic’s professional staff provided an expert view be rooting for one side or the other. But even then, as into how the TCBA views itself, with results from lawyers, we respect those who take the difficult case, or membership surveys. Cubic then provided analysis the unpopular client. of how the TCBA should present itself to its members Regardless of one’s political and community. When it came time to talk about the leanings, there are attorneys who TCBA’s role in advocacy, I spoke up, pointing out (as are heroes to many of us. Some I’ve pointed out in this space before) that the TCBA is of us think of Atticus Finch as a voluntary association with diverse views on political the ultimate hero in the practice issues. So while we are advocates, the TCBA shouldn’t of law. Any number of John advocate for controversial political views that would Grisham’s characters might fit the alienate some portion of our members. bill. Justice Thurgood Marshall’s My friend Greg Gordon reminded me, though, Gregory Peck as legendary legal battles are a “We have to stand for something.” As I was leaving Atticus Finch source of inspiration. In January the meeting, I responded that one thing we stand for 1941, Marshall traveled to Hugo, is the ability to stand for something. In other words, Oklahoma to represent W.D. Lyons, who was charged lawyers and the TCBA stand for the legal structure in with a gruesome murder. During our country. This legal structure allows our members an extended initial confinement, to advocate for or against any law or policy. We have Mr. Lyons was held at the TCBA members on all sides of the important legal Choctaw County jail, and then issues of our day. While the TCBA provides pro bono at the Oklahoma State Prison attorneys for the forcible entry and detainer docket, in my hometown of McAlester. these attorneys represent both tenants and landlords. Several weeks after his arrest, he And even outside of this pro bono project, the TCBA was beaten until he confessed. has attorneys representing both sides of these disputes. Eleven hours after the beating, Likewise, the TCBA has members who are prosecutors he confessed a second time. Thurgood Marshall, and defense attorneys, plaintiffs’ counsel and defense The second confession was the first Africancounsel, government lawyers and civil rights lawyers, allowed as evidence, with the American to serve on the US Supreme creditors’ counsel and debtors’ counsel. resulting conviction upheld by Court. the Oklahoma Court of Criminal 4 Tulsa Lawyer
Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. Lyons was pardoned in 1965. Reading Mr. Lyons’ story gives new meaning to my own occasional visits to the Choctaw County Courthouse. My cases don’t have near the weight or significance as the case of W.D. Lyons. But we as lawyers strive to represent our clients with the level of skill exemplified by these heroes of ours.
for rebuttal have expired. The Court allowed her to go on. After enumerating examples of gender discrimination’s slow retreat in the decades prior to 1970, Ginsburg argued: “We’re not asking you to change the country. That’s already happened without any court’s permission. We’re asking you to protect the right of the country to change.”
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a hero to many attorneys, young and old. When I was in law school, one of my mentors was Prof. Louise Weinberg, who like Justice Ginsburg attended Harvard Law School not long after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg it began admitting women. Prof. Weinberg told me of her difficulties in finding employment after graduation from law school. But after clerking for Judge Charles Edward Wyzanski, Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Prof. Weinberg worked for a Boston law firm before embarking on her academic career. Prof. Weinberg remains at The University of Texas School of Law, where she holds Louise Weinberg the William B. Bates Chair in the Administration of Justice, formerly held by Charles Alan Wright.
So, what do we stand for? We stand for the rights of litigants and their lawyers to litigate skillfully and passionately, before a fair and disinterested judiciary, for the protection of rights, for the enforcement of rights, for a fair shake, for justice, and for change. We should continue to illuminate these things for each other and for our greater community. We are uniquely qualified for this mission.
In the movie, On the Basis of Sex, Justice Ginsberg litigated against a provision of the U.S. Tax Code which denied men a deduction for caregiver expenses. Justice Ginsberg argued the case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Judge William J. Holloway, Jr., who was born in Hugo, Oklahoma, wrote the Court’s opinion setting aside the gender discrimination resulting from Section 214 of the Code. In the movie, Ginsberg’s dramatic moment comes after her four minutes reserved
Do you like to write?
Sincerely, Jim Milton TCBA President, 2019-2020
Bar Center Hours 9:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday
Be a part of Tulsa Lawyer Magazine?
Contact mptaubman @taubmanlawoffice.com or tulsabarnews@yahoo.com
Photo Credits: Atticus Finch - By Universal Pictures - eBay, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67270089 Justice Thurgood Marshall -United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID cph.3b07878. Ruth Bader Ginsburg-Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc. pnp/pp.print Louise Weinberg -The University of Texas at Austin. Photographer is Rick Patrick. Tulsa Lawyer 5
Section News Family Law
Todd Alexander Family Law Section Chair February 27, 2020 – Speaker: Julie Bushyhead, Esq. (OK-DHS) March 26, 2020 – Speakers: Linda Van Valkenburg, Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC -and- Jaime Vogt, MS, LPC All meetings are 12:00 (Noon) - 1:00 p.m. at the TCBA Center.
Share what is happening with your section! Send updates, articles and photos to tulsabarnews@yahoo.com
TCBA Bankruptcy Section Paul Thomas, Bankruptcy Section Chair
Meeting Dates: March 19th May 21st July 16th
TCBA Paralegals Gloria Jones, Chair
Thursday, February 6 10th Anniversary TCBA Paralegal Section Lunch Reception, James Milton, TCBA President, Guest Speaker Thursday, March 5 Medical Marijuana Law Updates presented by John Hickey, Hall Estill
Health Law Section
Kristen Evans, Section Chair The Tulsa County Bar Association’s Health Law Section would like your feedback. Please be on the lookout for an email survey. If you have ideas or would like to become involved, please contact Kristen Evans, Section Chair, at kevans@hallestill.com, or Whitney Dockrey Miller, Section Vice Chair, at wjdockrey@saintfrancis.com. 6 Tulsa Lawyer
TCBA's New Executive Director - Tami Williams I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the new Executive Director the Tulsa County Bar Association and advance its mission. I want to thank Greg Gordon for his outstanding service and for assisting the board move TCBA forward in a more cohesive and streamlined manner. I will miss having him in the office daily and am appreciative of the guidance and mentoring he has provided me over the last 18 months.
to Justice; enhance our CLE courses and viewing capabilities; revive some sections and committees that have had little activity; further the TCBA mission within the community; and focus on forward-looking opportunities.
With the arrival of a new year and a new decade, so too are things new at the bar center. A new staff, new programs and a soon to be new look and brand. I hope you all are as excited as I am about these changes and I invite you I am lucky to have a fantastic to join me at the Bar Center and be a teammate in Front Desk Coordinator, part of this journey of growth at TCBA. Christy Bush and we will soon have a Sincerely, new membership director. Together, and under the guidance of a very Tami Williams dedicated board of directors, we will work to enrich TCBA services within Lawyer Referral, Pro Bono and Access
TCBA Member Sighting Amber Pecio Garrett TCBA’s own Amber Peckio Garrett was one of the newly sworn in Oklahoma Bar Association Governors. The Swearing In Ceremony for the OBA Officers and Governors was for those whose term began at the start of 2020. This was one of the first ceremonies conducted in the newly remodeled Supreme Court Ceremonial Courtroom.
Send in your pics to share of our TCBA Members participating in the legal community! Send to tulsabarnews@yahoo.com and be sure to include names and event information. 8 Tulsa Lawyer
Celebrate 2020 Law Day theme,
“Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Democracy: The 19th Amendment at 100” Come to the Women’s Suffrage March & Rally! Saturday, February 22 at 11:00 a.m. Tulsa Historical Society & Museum grounds 2445 South Peoria
Sign up at www.tulsabar.com or contact Tami at tamiw@tulsabar.com
The public is welcome to participate at no cost. White attire and signs in support of Women’s Suffrage encouraged. Votes for Women! * If inclement weather, rally will be held inside the Museum
Tulsa County Bar Foundation & Tulsa County Bar Association
Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Monday May 4, 2020
Lafortune Golf Course What for news on sponsorship opportunities and registration!
From the Trenches...
One Lawyer's Fight Against Human Trafficking By Shar Agosto Legal Director, The Demand Project, Inc. Member August Law Firm PLLC
10 Tulsa Lawyer
In 2009, I learned about the horrors of human trafficking. Before then, I lived in my own little bubble as a young mother of three rambuncous kids - I knew bad things happened in the world -- homelessness, sexual abuse, and mental health problems. But I had no idea that humans bought and sold other humans like we buy and sell products everyday. I had no idea that parents sold their children for drugs or to pay their debts. But what I learned, I could not unlearn. I began to read anything and everything I could find about this human tragedy. I did not know what I could do, but I was going to find a way to do something! I started working with the Not For Sale Campaign in Arkansas. We were focused on spreading awareness to businesses, churches, and anyone who would listen that the human trafficking is the major travesty of our time. Many states had begun passing anti-trafficking laws, but this was new territory and there was little traction fighting human trafficking. I found that spreading awareness, though necessary, was not making much of an impact. How could I make a bigger impact? The anti-trafficking fight seemed best fought in the law arena and so I applied to law school at University of Tulsa. I loved law school! What an amazing world I stepped into! I absorbed every piece of knowledge that I could with a focus on how I could fight trafficking as a lawyer. In my 3L year, I began interning for The Demand Project, Inc., a local nonprofit that has been fighting human trafficking in Oklahoma since 2013. The Demand Project fights human trafficking on four fronts - Prevention, Prosecution, Rescue, and Restoration. I focus on Restoration, where we provide services to victims of human trafficking, including wrapping a a team of people around them like a therapist and mentors. I began the Legal Department to address the legal needs of our clients who, on top of being victims of human trafficking, have criminal rap sheets, family issues, and immigration needs. Many of our clients have drug issues, all of them have PTSD, all of them have been abused sexually, and most have experienced homelessness. This work is heart-breaking and extremely rewarding. Righting wrongs and seeing victims become restored members of our community are just a few of the rewards.
The biggest gap in services right now is housing. Victims of human trafficking are a unique population that do not fit into most of the programs offered by nonprofit housing services. There are 13 beds for adult victims of sex trafficking in Oklahoma and 15 beds for children. There are only 100 beds available for children sex trafficking victims in the entire United States. This is a huge gap. The Demand Project works tirelessely to find housing options for adults and is poised to open the largest campus in the United States for minors who have been sex trafficked or sexually exploited. This campus sits on 54 acres in Northeastern Oklahoma and will offer a comprehensive, victim-centered, trauma-informed Journey Program, tailored to each resident. This work feeds my passion - to see children and adults, who lived lives ravaged by abuse, on a new and restored trajectory. It is why I became a lawyer and why I love being a lawyer.
Shar considers herself an A-Type Free Spirit. She has a writing degree from Pepperdine University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa. She lives in Owasso with her husband Dan and their six kids. She enjoys paperwork, checking off boxes, collaborating on poetry, and fighting human trafficking with The Demand Project. Her practice is designed around affordable legal care for every type of budget because she believes that legal care should be and can be affordable. Tulsa Lawyer 11
Lynn Miller Law Day Book Club Review Submitted by The Honorable Martha Rupp Carter
The Woman’s Hour, The Great Fight to Win the Vote, by Elaine Weiss A smidge of PSTD still remains from the impact of reading this American history of suffrage. If it were acceptable, this review would be a text, “OMG,” and have dozens of Emoji faces to reflect awe, shock, horror, surprise, disappointment, inspiration, as well as embarrassment. The embarrassment stems from ignorance of this history. Really, with regard to significant events a mere hundred years ago, how can voting women not know how they came to have suffrage? And, what is suffrage, anyway? Simply put, “suffrage” is the right to vote in public elections; “universal suffrage” means everyone gets to vote and not just men or property holders. A cell phone search indicates: “Suffrage has nothing to do with ‘suffering’ – unless the wrong person is elected.” This little gem is shared because of all the suffering required for American women to attain suffrage. Seventy- two years of agitation by three generations of suffragists culminated in the summer of 1920 in Nashville, Tennessee. Suffragists (“Suffs”)
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Nineteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
had thirty-five state ratifications of the 19th Amendment in hand when they met the Anti-Suffragists (“Antis”) to fight for the necessary 36th State. Eight states had rejected ratification and three refused to consider the issue at all. Two states of the then forty-eight states remained, Tennessee and North Carolina. North Carolina was viewed as a sure bet to reject. The Susan B. Anthony Amendment, or the Nineteenth Amendment, was submitted to the U.S. Senate in 1878 where it sat for 40 years. It passed the House of Representatives 2/3 majority by one vote in 1918; the Senate passed the Amendment in early June 1919. The Senate’s timing was viewed by some as spiteful as many state legislatures did not meet that year; burdens and expenses of calling special state sessions would create obstacles. Timing would be tight to attain ratification by the states to allow women to vote in the 1920 fall presidential election. American suffragists were embarrassed; more than twenty other nations had granted the vote to women. To them, it was a national disgrace that America had just fought a war to make the world safe for democracy and despite that, not allow half of the American citizens to participate in democracy. The times were tumultuous both globally and nationally, creating additional resistance to a change such as enfranchising women with the right to vote. The promise that the Great War was the War to End All Wars
was looking false. An ailing President Woodrow Wilson was battling for support of the Treaty of Versailles and losing traction with his proposed League of Nations. Labor groups were striking throughout the country and race riots erupted in many cities. The depression and violence generated by national prohibition added to the unrest as well as reported bombings by anarchists. The belief was if the Nineteenth Amendment did not pass before the fall elections in 1920, it might well never pass. The status of suffrage prior to the Nineteenth Amendment was purely a state issue. The map reflecting suffrage status in each state looked like a crazy quilt. Some actually allowed full suffrage and some none at all; some allowed women limited suffrage such as in municipal or presidential elections but not in state elections. Tennessee, the first state in the deep south to do so, had the year before in 1919 enacted limited suffrage allowing women to vote in municipal and presidential elections. The Tennessee Governor signed this bill the last hour of the last day. Suffragists did not take any comfort in Tennessee’s decision; it did not indicate a favorable view to ratification of the 19th Amendment.
Tennessee was assessed by various suffrage groups as a hornet’s nest. The Tennessee Suffs were in conflict just as the Suffs were nationally with their division into two rival camps. The Tennessee legislature had a reputation for being susceptible to bribery. The Tennessee Democratic Governor was in a fight for reelection and was striving to avoid the issue to preserve his own political survival. All the while the Governor was being pressed by President Wilson who had gradually gone to the suffrage side. Powerful interests in Tennessee, the railroad, liquor and manufacturing, were against suffrage. No one could predict what a crazy, mind-befuddled, ignorant, and inadequate woman voter would do; but she wouldn’t likely support liquor or child labor. She wouldn’t know how things ought to go. Arguments against suffrage included: female suffrage mocked the Creator’s plan, undermined women’s purity and men’s chivalry, threatened the home and family, was contrary to the Bible’s teaching that women’s place was in the home rather than
“When she takes the ballot box, you’ve given her a coffin in which to bury the dignities of womanhood.”
Tulsa Lawyer 13
the dirty realm of politics and voting. Interestingly, the medical wisdom of some was that strenuous thinking would harm a woman’s reproductive organs, draining blood from her ovaries to her brain. As well, it countered the belief of the day that man knew what was best for woman and was uniquely suited to decide and vote for her benefit. Woman suffrage would undo the supremacy of the white race and the southern way of life. Suffrage was an insidious front for feminism and socialism. The deadly principles embedded in the 19th Amendment were argued to be the surrender of state sovereignty, Negro women suffrage, and race equality. Southern states had not traveled that far in time from the devastation of the Civil War and the insult of Reconstruction when black men were allowed to vote and Confederate soldiers stripped of that same right. Tennessee Antis had not healed and the ratification fight rubbed them even rawer.
within the state during the Civil War created a rocky and difficult terrain for the upcoming Great Fight for the Cause. The shame of the race issue played over and over by the Antis to generate fear of the loss of white supremacy caused by ratification was somewhat balanced by the Suffs’ selfish distancing from black supporters of their great Cause and their disregard of suffrage issues faced by blacks.
The field work of Suffs and Antis before the Tennessee Governor at last, and only after his successful primary election, called the legislature’s special session was overwhelming in scope. Any yet it amounted to only a tiny appetizer to the great feast of effort, cunning, treachery, blackmail, bullying occurring The rifts among the national and state suffrage during the Tennessee groups, within the political parties in both the Tennessee Governor’s race and the upcoming presidential election, legislature’s special session to consider ratification and the deep divisions within the state itself due to of the Nineteenth Amendment. This “Tennessee War regional interests, physical geography and conflict of Roses” fought most particularly in the House of
14 Tulsa Lawyer
“. . . it took some gumption to be a Suff in Tennessee; it wasn’t a very respectable calling.”
Representatives is head-spinning. Yellow-rose bedecked Suffs and red-rosed bedecked Antis ran amok, accosting and berating each other as well as hapless Tennessee legislators on the wrong side. Legislators’ positions on suffrage unexpectedly and unpredictably shifted, unaccountably. Shadowy men of unexplained origin had things to say to the legislators. False telegrams bearing frightening and untrue news of family emergencies called wrong-minded legislators home. Patrol squads of Suffs and Antis prevented legislators from sneaking home early from the special session, and, as well, located and escorted them where they needed to be on time to vote. Police protection had to be ordered for some legislators due to threats to safety and well-being. Twenty-five delegates opposing suffrage were whisked away across the state line to Alabama on the Red Rose Brigade in a strategic move to destroy the quorum. News reporters were delighted to see their stories of the fracas on the front page rather than the women’s section.
The 2020 Law Day Theme "Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Democracy: The 19th Amendment at 100,"
There are shining moments, depending on viewpoint, of a young representative who heeds his mother’s advice in a letter delivered to him during the vote on the House floor.
Book Club discussion leaders have selected books that will be discussed on the dates listed below. Registration is limited to TCBA members and one guest per member with a limit of fifteen participants per session. Members may register for any one or more sessions. To register, email Judge Martha Rupp Carter at martha.carter@oscn.net Sessions will start at 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. The specific time and location of the session will be provided in the registration confirmation.
Author Weiss is unsparing in her detail of the warts on both sides of the conflict. As well, she refrained from villainizing the Antis, giving a full picture to illustrate motivations and agendas of the flawed humans on both sides of the issue.
February 6, 2020 Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens Discussion Leader: Judge Jane Wiseman
The Woman’s Hour is meticulously researched and detailed, so much so, that the twist and turns of these decades old happenings read like a novel. This history supports the adage that fact is stranger than fiction. Even though the outcome is known, the writing and the information imparted were mesmerizing. You will be unable to stop reading because you have to see what happens next on this rollercoaster, hanging-by-yourfingernails ride. Readers of this book will never in future be unmindful or complacent as they vote.
The Honorable Martha Rupp Carter
March 12, 2020 Conviction: The Murder Trial That Powered Thurgood Marshall’s Fight for Civil Rights by Denver Nicks and John Nicks Discussion Leader: Denver Nicks & John Nicks
April 23, 2020 Education by Tara Westover Discussion Leader: Morgan Smith May 5, 2020 The Second Founding: How the Civil War and Reconstruction Remade the Constitution by Eric Foner Discussion leader: Robert Spoo
Tulsa Lawyer 15
2019 HOLIDAY CHALLENGE WRAP UP We Just Can't Say Thank You Enough! Natalie Sears, Chair This past holiday challenge was our most successful year yet! For the past five years, we have continued to grow this challenge each and every year and I cannot thank everyone enough for what they have done for our community. Our committee is already looking forward to a successful 2020 year, so mark your calendars so you can participate again later this year! I wanted to thank everyone again for their wonderful donations and willingness to adopt families of all sizes. And, thank you to everyone who showed up at our wrapping party this year! For those of you who donated financially, we cannot thank you enough: • The Children & the Law Committee • Steve Hale • Jim Milton • Sara Schmook, of the Schmook Law Firm • Hall Estill • Sheila Powers • Ken Ray Underwood • The Board of Directors of the TCBA • Jonathan Wade Another appreciative thank you to everyone who adopted families! • Children & the Law Committee, Family of 3 • GableGotwals, family of 4 • Rhodes, Hiernoymus, Jones, Tucker & Gable, family of 4 • Henry + Dow, family of 4 • Cordell & Cordell, family of 3 • Tulsa County 3rd Floor Judges & Staff, family of 5 • TCBA Staff, family of 3 • Robinett, Swartz & Aycock, family of 4 • The Fields Family (Rachel & Nolan Fields), family of 3
• Sanders Law, family of 2 • Jones, Gotcher & Bogan, family of 4 • TU Law 1Ls, family of 4 • Steidley & Neal, family of 6 • TU Student Bar Association, THREE families of 4 to 5 • TCBA Paralegal Section, family of 3 • The Riter Family, family of 2 • The Bullock Family, family of 5 • Secrest Hill Butler & Secrest, family of 6 • World Outreach Church, family of 7 • ½ Ls at TU Law, family of 3 • Franden | Farris | Quillin | Goodnight & Roberts, family of 6 • Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison & Lewis, TWO large families of 6-7 • Judge Jayne’s Girl Scout Group, family of 6 • Military Law Group, family of 3 • Conner & Winters, family of 6 • Frederick Dorwart Lawyers, family of 4 The funds raised will go to benefit the Santa Shop and adopt families in need next year, as well! Continued on next page... Tulsa Lawyer 17
I would also like to say THANK you to Judge Keele’s sister for donating over 100 pairs of FITS wool socks to Family & Children’s Services to give back to those in need! Lastly, another shout out to Dalesandro’s Italian Restaurant for their generous support, and to Ashley Webb and the TCBF Community Outreach Committee who coordinated the restaurant event.
Have a wonderful leap year!
Make plans next year to join the challenge!
18 Tulsa Lawyer
We can help!
TCBA CLE VIDEO REPLAY SCHEDULE Contact tamiw@tulsabar.com for more information
Get to Know Christy Bush
TCBA Lawyer Referral and Front Desk Coordinator What is your full name? What do you like to be called? Christy Lynn Bush, “Christy” How long have you worked for the Tulsa County Bar Association? 1.5 months What position(s) have you held with the Association? Lawyer Referral and Front Desk Coordinator Tell us about your family. I am the proud mother of adult two daughters (31 and 29) and one adult son (21) and “GiGi” to three of the most amazing grandchildren (10, 5 and 2). Do you have pets? Yes - I have three of the best rescue doggos, BuddyBoy a mini-aussie, Izzy-Boo, Maltese mix and Max (aka Maximus Buttamus), an ornery, scruffy, wirehaired mutt. What were you doing before you came to work for What’s your favorite home-cooked meal? the TCBA? Friendsgiving, at my house with all the fixins. I have been a paralegal in various areas of law for the last 28 years. What’s your favorite restaurant? Oh so many to list .. go to’s would be Tucci’s, Elote, In What is your favorite memory from growing up as the Raw, Ti’Amo or anything local. a child? Going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house and having What month is your birthday? lots of family around. November How long have you lived in the Tulsa Metro Area? Coffee, tea or soda? 27 years. COFFEE What do you like best about living in Tulsa Metro What are your hobbies or thing you love to do on Area? your weekends? The cultural diversity, the friendly people, Art Deco, I volunteer with Tulsa Foundation for Architecture, The and the rich history of Tulsa. Outsiders House Museum and Tulsa Tough. Sunday drives to nowhere specific and antique shopping. When What is the most difficult part of your job? not doing those things, I enjoy spending time with Some of the Lawyer Referral call-ins …because you family, friends and grandkids. know…people are crazy! Favorite Hero: What is the easiest part of your job? My Grandpa. Working with Greg and Tami – they are awesome! Favorite Places to travel: Who does the cooking at your house? ANYWHERE near or far. I do. I love to cook and entertain. 20 Tulsa Lawyer
TCBA's Special Event Committee is Running Away to the Circus! AKDAR SHRINE CIRCUS 
 Saturday 2/29/2020 10:00 AM PAVILION AT EXPO SQUARE
Front Row Tickets available for $8 each. Maximum of 4 tickets per member. Limited Quantity. All tickets must be picked up at the Bar Center.
CONTACT TAMI WILLIAMS @ tamiw@tulsabar.com
The Tulsa Roughnecks Special Events Committee March Activity
Stay tuned to find out more!
Small downtown AV rated law firm needs experienced paralegal.
Must be proficient in Word, Adobe, and Excel. Timeslips and QuickBooks required. Duties: maintain paper and electronic case files; draft documents; discovery; exhibit preparation and maintain calendar. Send resumes, references and writing sample to mary.gutierrez@jrgotlaw.com.
Advertising Rates and information available at www.tulsabar.com
Tulsa Lawyer 21
Making Connections
The TCBA Mentoring Committee is hosting a luncheon on
The TCBA Board of Directors Holiday Party was held Dec. 21st at Five Oaks Lodge.
Thursday, February 27th at the University of Tulsa.
The program will include Randy Lewin and Faith Orlowski detailing the program and application process to students.Â
Attorney's who volunteer will talk about their experiences with mentors, networking and the importance of mentorship within the legal profession, both as students and new lawyers. Watch your TCBA emails for details!
John & Kara Pratt, Natalie Sears and her husband. Ryan Nanney
Mac Finlayson and wife Lori
Jim Gotwals & Stephen Hale Tulsa Lawyer 23
Real Estate: One of the Highest Expenses of Your Business By Sara Thrasher, CARR
When it comes to managing expenses in your business, there are dozens of categories to evaluate: equipment, technology, interest rates, supplies, marketing and more. Many business owners are quick to shop-out what they believe are the most obvious expenses but few understand the impact of one of their largest costs and how it can be dramatically reduced to increase profitability. One of highest expenses for most businesses is payroll, with another typically being real estate. Commercial real estate encompasses your monthly rent or mortgage payments, along with the property’s taxes, insurance, operating expenses, maintenance fees, utilities and janitorial costs.
desired concessions, including build-out period, tenant improvement allowance, free rent, lease rates, annual rate increases and many other provisions.
With so many choices to evaluate — and the understanding that each one affects your bottom line — why is it that so many businesses fail to capitalize on the real estate opportunities in front of them? The short answer is that most business owners and corporate tenants simply don’t have the knowledge and expertise in commercial real estate to make the most of these opportunities. They view real estate as a necessary evil rather than an incredible opportunity to improve profitability, reduce expenses and improve the quality of their customers’ and employees’ experience. When the correct approach is taken, you may actually look forward to real estate negotiations!
When considering payroll and real estate, only one of them is really negotiable. With payroll, you either Let’s take a look at three things you should pay people their value or they typically find a job that consider to make the most of your next commercial real will. Real estate, however, is 100-percent negotiable. As a business owner, you have the choice of estate transaction. leasing or owning, as well as choosing the location and type of building: being in a suburban or urban office building, retail center, stand-alone building, industrial complex, special purpose facility and more. You can choose the size of your space, the design and the landlord to work with. And if you do want to own, you get to decide whether to buy an existing space or develop your own from the ground-up.
1. Timing
Every transaction has an ideal timeframe. Knowing when to start the commercial real estate negotiating process is vital — too early or too late, and you risk communicating to the landlord or seller that you're not experienced, which can hurt your ability to negotiate the best possible terms.
First, don’t wait for your landlord to approach When negotiating the economic terms of a you on a lease renewal negotiation. Start by consulting lease, you have a say in the length of lease and the with a professional commercial real estate agent so you can understand the ideal timeframe to start your transaction. Then, create a game plan for what you want to achieve and approach your landlord with your own renewal terms. 2. Representation
Landlords and sellers prey on unrepresented tenants who don’t understand the commercial real estate market or their top options. If you were a Fortune 500 company, the landlord would approach you with 24 Tulsa Lawyer
the highest level of respect, assuming you either have an expert real estate broker to represent you or a team of internal professionals well-equipped to handle the transaction. In contrast, when a landlord or seller begins negotiations with an unrepresented tenant, they likely won't greet them with the same level of respect, sensing an opportunity to take advantage of a small business owner without commercial real estate knowledge and skills.
But here's a tip: Commercial real estate representation for tenants is free. Because commissions are paid in commercial real estate just like they are in residential — set aside in advance for two parties, not just one — a tenant or buyer isn’t saving money by not having a broker. And if there aren’t any savings when not using an agent, then showing up without one only further detracts from your credibility. 3. Leverage and Posture
It is nearly impossible to emerge victorious from a negotiation without leverage and posture, both of which are created by bringing multiple real estate options to the table. If you limit yourself to one property, you’re at the mercy of that owner. Since most landlords and sellers negotiate professionally, it’s easy for them to spot when you don’t have other viable options.
Simply telling a commercial landlord that you have another proposal won’t give you a strong enough posture. Most landlords look at unrepresented tenants and assume they don’t know the market, don’t understand all their options and are not really serious about making him or her compete for their business. Leverage and posture are created when you have the right timing, professional representation, an understanding of all your available options and a detailed game plan of what you want to accomplish to capitalize on the market. These three factors are the first of many that allow commercial tenants and buyers to reduce one of their highest expenses, which can dramatically impact your profitability and cash flow.
CARR is one of the nation’s leading providers of commercial real estate services for tenants and buyers. Every year, thousands of companies trust CARR to achieve the most favorable terms on their lease and purchase negotiations. CARR’s team of experts assist with start-ups, lease renewals, expansions, relocations, additional offices, purchases, mergers and acquisitions. Companies choose CARR to save them a substantial amount of time and money, while ensuring their interests are always first. Visit CARR.US to learn more and find a commercial real estate expert near you.
Join the TCBA
Paralegal Section as they celebrate 10 years with the TCBA!
Lunch Reception Thursday, February 6, 2020 11:45 a.m. Tulsa County Bar Center 1446 South Boston
Guest Speaker: TCBA President, Jim Milton RSVP to frontdesk@tulsabar.com b y Monday, Feb. 3rd
We would especially like to see paralegals, all the past officers and charter members join us!
Sara Thrasher is a commercial real estate agent with CARR, a firm who only represents buyers and tenants. She moved to Tulsa three and half years ago with her husband and three sons. She has 15 years of experience in private accounting, real estate, and development.
Tulsa Lawyer 25
William (Bill) Beauchamp Selman
William Beauchamp Selman (Bill) passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. Bill was 74 years old. Bill will be remembered for his dedication to his family, quick wit and steadfast kindness. Bill was born in Oklahoma City, OK on April 15, 1945. He graduated from Edison High School in 1963 and subsequently, in 1967 graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. While attending college, Bill was an intramural swimmer and for three years played on the Northwestern varsity soccer team. After college and at the height of the Vietnam conflict Bill volunteered to enlist with the U.S. Marine Corps and for nine months attended Officers Training School in Quantico, VA. In August 1968, Bill deployed for 13 months to serve in Vietnam, first as a Lieutenant with the command of the 3rd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines and later as a Historical Officer for the 3rd Marine Division. His infantry combat platoon consisted of approximately 60 men under his command. After Vietnam, Bill volunteered for assignment as a platoon commander with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines with the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea where he served until 1970. For his service in Vietnam Bill was awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Bill was proud of his military service and enjoyed retelling his deployment stories to his family and friends. After his military service Bill attended law school at the University of Oklahoma, obtaining a Juris Doctor degree in 1973. Upon graduation Bill joined the law firm of Cheek, Cheek & Cheek in Oklahoma City, then a year later he joined the law firm of Rhodes, Hieronymus, Jones, Tucker and Gable in Tulsa where he worked until 1990. In May 1990, Bill organized the law firm of Selman & Stauffer, Inc., 26 Tulsa Lawyer
then in 1996, he organized Selman & Associates, Inc. where he worked until he retired. Bill was active in various legal associations as a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association, Tulsa County Bar Association, and a member of the Tulsa Estate Planning Forum. Bill cared about others more than himself and was always ready to put a positive spin on his clients’ issues. Practicing law provided countless opportunities to improve his clients’ lives and he often talked about his enjoyment in helping others. It was during law school when Bill met the love of his life Jean Marie Buford. Bill and Jean met on a blind date the couple’s fathers arranged while traveling to an OU football game, and on August 12, 1971 Bill & Jean were married. For over 48 years they lived in Tulsa raising five children and active in the lives of their 14 grandchildren. Bill was a family man finding happiness in his children’s activities coaching youth basketball and soccer. He was known to his family as a peaceful father always willing to listen to, and problem solve with, his children. His consistent supporting reminder to his children was “don’t forget, you’re the greatest!” During his life Bill was active in several organizations as a counselor for the Kanakuk Kamps near Branson, MO., a 36 year member of the Rotary Club of Tulsa, Church of Saint Mary, Tulsa Ducks Unlimited, The Metropolitan YMCA Board of Greater Tulsa, and the Downtown Tulsa YMCA, serving a year as the organization’s Chairman. Bill was proud to serve as the Chairman of the RAT Patrol, a Committee of the Rotary Club of Tulsa, which he built and installed 89 park benches in 29 parks throughout Tulsa. Bill had several hobbies and was a constant explorer. He enjoyed family genealogy mapping, bowling, playing golf, computer games, swimming and OU football. Bill spent over 40 years swimming at the Downtown Tulsa YMCA and the Tandy Family YMCA creating lifetime friendships with many patrons. Many times he would stop and teach children swimming strokes he perfected over the years. While on vacation several years ago, Bill was proud he skydived on the North shore of Oahu, Hawaii at the young age of 61. Bill’s family remembers several summer road trips, in the family station wagon, exploring the country from coast to coast. He would never take the shortest route, instead choosing to stop and sightsee as they traveled across the country. Bill was known to set off on all day hikes to rediscover the countryside, collect rocks, connect with his children and he never missed an opportunity to explore a cave! Several times he would hike to a hill top to erect a teepee to the amusement of his children. Bill had a saying “the map is not the territory” compelling him and others to experience the many natural pleasures in life. He and his family enjoyed decades of summers at Wauhillau Outing Club in Welling, OK and winters duck hunting at the family’s duck camp near Okmulgee, OK. Countless memories were created with his family playing cards, croquet, ping pong, shuffleboard, swimming, hunting and storytelling. These memories will carry on for generations within his family. Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father Jeanne and Beau Selman.
He is survived by his adoring and devoted wife of more than 48 years, Jean Selman, and has left a legacy of loving children and grandchildren including daughters Mary (Selman) Kaiser and husband, Bill and Wendy (Selman) Macha and husband, Brian; and his sons, Richie Selman and wife, Katherine, Charlie Selman and wife, Jill and Scott Selman and wife, Meredith. Bill cherished his 14 grandchildren Will Kaiser 20, Matthew Kaiser 18, Beau Selman 16, Amy Kaiser 14, Bella Selman 11, Lydia Selman 10, Savannah Selman 10, Claire Selman 7, Henry Selman 7, Charlie Selman 7, Levi Selman 6, Grant Selman 5, Sandy Macha 4, and Gage Selman 2. Also surviving and missing him dearly are his brothers and sister and their spouses, Bob and Ellen Selman, Chuck and Kathy Selman and Lynda (Selman) and Mike Swenton. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. funeral service for Bill was held on Monday, January 13, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Saint Mary at 1347 E 49th Place followed by a Military Funeral Honors at Memorial Park Cemetery at 5111 S Memorial Drive. If you were privileged enough to know Bill Selman you know him for his compassion, generosity, kindness and character. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you give a donation, in the name of William B. Selman, to the Aquatics Program at the Tandy Family YMCA at 5005 S. Darlington Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74135. Bixby Funeral Service, 918-3691700. www.bixbyfuneralservice.com
Marion M. Dyer It is with great sadness that we announce that Marion M. Dyer passed away December 26, 2019 at the age of 86. He graduated from Bagley High School in Tahlequah in 1951 and Northeastern State University in 1959 where he was a member of Phi Lambda Chi Fraternity and served as Alumni Association President. He graduated from the University of Tulsa School of Law in 1965 and was a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association and Tulsa County Bar Association for over 50 years. He was an attorney in Tulsa and Broken Arrow and was in the first group of Special Judges appointed in the State of Oklahoma. He honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He loved all animals, particularly his many Westies who accompanied him on visits to elderly patients. He traveled extensively and chose London as his top destination. He loved its people, its architecture and its flea markets. He was a 50-year charter member of St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Stephen’s UMC, Board of Trustees, 400 W. New Orleans Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74011 or Oklahoma Westie Rescue, www.okwestierescue.com.
Tulsa Lawyer 27
Grapevine N e ws Hall Estill, with offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Denver and Northwest Arkansas, announces that David T. Potts has been elected a Shareholder in the Tulsa office. “This accomplishment is a testament to David’s leadership and commitment to the firm’s clients and our community,” said Mike Cooke, Managing Partner for Hall Estill. “He is a talented attorney and his election to Shareholder status is well deserved.” David joined Hall Estill in 2017 as Special Counsel. He focuses his practice in the Tax field, assisting clients in the areas of federal, state and local taxation, including controversy, litigation, and ad valorem matters. Prior to joining Hall Estill, David was a partner at James, Potts & Wulfers, Inc. David earned his J.D. from the University of Tulsa College of Law and is involved in the Tulsa County and Oklahoma Bar Associations, as well as the Tulsa Tax Club. Further, he is a member of the board of directors for The Center For Individuals With Physical Challenges.
Aston, Mathis & Campbell, PLLC, welcomes Zach Duvall to the firm. Mr. Duvall obtained his undergraduate degree in 2007 from the University of Oklahoma, and his law degree in 2013 from Oklahoma City University. He was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar in September, 2013. During law school, Mr. Duvall obtained a Certificate in Energy and Natural Resources Law. After law school, Mr. Duvall entered private practice where he practiced criminal and civil litigation, and conducted title examinations. Subsequently, Mr. Duvall worked for a large oil and gas exploration and production company. Before joining the firm, Mr. Duvall served as Assistant General Counsel for the Transportation Division of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Mr. Duvall’s primary areas of practice are presently focused on Administrative Law, Business & Commercial Law, Business Organizations, Civil Litigation, Contracts, Estate Planning, Probate and Estates Administration and Real Property.
Classified Ads General legal office admin assistant available 24/7. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience with secretarial, databases, accounting, etc. Please call Brenda at 918/805-9110 or email 364osage@gmail.com.
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Jon Starr
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