Feb 2023 Tulsa Lawyer Magazine - Corrected

Tulsa MagazineLawyer Black MonthHistory

Did You Know?

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

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

Boardroom

Deposition Room

Past President's Room

Benefactor's Room

Seminar Room (shown as classroom set up)

2022-2023 TCBA

Pg.

Philip D. Hixon

A Message from the President 2022-2023

WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS …

Every U.S. president since Gerald R. Ford in 1976 has declared February as Black History Month, also sometimes referred to as National African American History Month, to celebrate the historic achievements of African Americans. The annual commemoration’s history dates to 1915—fifty years following ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which formally abolished slavery in the United States:

Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

February has been home to the commemoration from the beginning because it is the birth month of President Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809) and noted former-slave turned abolitionist, orator, author, and statesman, Frederick Douglas (estimated February 1817 or 1818 and observed on February 14).

This month’s issue of the Tulsa Lawyer is dedicated to the achievements of pioneering African American attorneys who were members of the Association and/or practiced in the Tulsa community. I hope you will enjoy their stories.

In the February 2014 edition of this publication, former TCBA president and current OBA past-president, Jim Hicks, authored an encyclopedic article in this space regarding several of these attorneys. With attribution to Jim’s well-researched article, I offer the following synopsis of his work. (I also recommend Robert M. Jarvis, Remembering Isaiah: Attorney I.H. Spears and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, 57 Tulsa L. Rev. 429 (2022), which was also used in preparing this article.)

In February 1921, Buck Colbert “B.C.” Franklin— namesake of the legal clinic at the University of Tulsa College of Law—moved to Tulsa to open a law practice with Isaiah “I.H.” Spears and Peter “P.A.” Chappelle. After destruction of the building during the chaos, terror, and conflagration of May/June 1921, the practice temporarily operated from a tent before relocating to an office on Greenwood Avenue.

In Lockett v. City of Tulsa, the firm defeated a city ordinance that would have required all new construction in Greenwood to be fireproof with the District Court finding the ordinance amounted to a taking without due process. Before dissolving the firm in 1924, the firm achieved two published decisions of the Oklahoma Supreme Court in which the firm was also a named defendant. See Howard v. Southwestern Mortg. Co., 1924 OK 467, 226 P.80; Howard v. Ketcham, 1923 OK 1078, 221 P.25.

Following dissolution of the firm, Mr. Spears eventually moved to California with a detour through Arkansas; the final years of his life are recounted in Professor Jarvis’s Tulsa Law Review article. Closer to home, Mr. Franklin and Mr. Chappelle continued as positive influences on the Tulsa community both directly and indirectly. In 1934, Mr. Franklin seated the first black juror in an Oklahoma criminal case; and of course, he is remembered as the father of celebrated historian, John Hope Franklin, a Harvard graduate and recipient of numerous, prestigious awards, including a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Mr. Chappelle was the grandfather of the Hon. Carlos J. Chappelle, who became the first African American Presiding Judge of the Tulsa County District Court in 2014, and Danny C. Williams, who served as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma from August 2012 until March 2017.

Amos T. Hall and Primus C. Wade, another pair of accomplished attorneys, appear in the Association’s membership photograph for 1946-1947. Mr. Hall was counsel of record in several published opinions of the U.S. Supreme Court, appearing in several of them with co-counsel Thurgood Marshall. See, e.g., McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Ed., 339 U.S. 637 (1950); Fisher v. Hurst, 333 U.S. 147 (1948); Sipuel v. Board of Regents of Univ. of Okla., 332 U.S. 631 (1948). Notably, the Sipuel case was a precursor of, and cited with approval in, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483, (1954). (In remembrance of Mr. Hall’s impressive body of work and at the suggestion of Bench and Bar Chair Kevinn Matthews, the Association is considering institution of an Amos T. Hall Award as part of the annual award ceremonies. Hopefully, we’ll be able to share additional details in coming weeks.)

Mr. Wade appeared as counsel of record in twentyseven published opinions of the Oklahoma Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal appeals between 1937 and 1962, appearing in several of those as co-counsel with Amos Hall, P.A. Chappelle, and B.C. Franklin. See, e.g., Bayouth v. Howard, 1948 OK 34, 190 P.2d 793; Franklin v. World Pub. Co., 1938 OK 501, 83 P.2d 401; Johnson v. Bearden Plumbing & Heating Co., 1937 OK 495, 71 P.2d 715.

As Jim Hicks did in his 2014 article, I will close this one with an oft-quoted portion of the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Because of brave people like Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglas, B.C. Franklin, I.H. Spears, P.A. Chappelle, Amos Hall, Primus Wade, and numerous others who have come before and after them, we’re able to affirm these truths and celebrate all those who have embodied them.

Please take time to read the other celebrations of pioneering African American attorneys appearing in this issue.

Philip D. Hixon TCBA President, 2022-2023

Cullem Family

Riter Family

Moore Family

Stafford Family

Charney-Brown, LLC

Clement Legal

Franden | Farris | Quillin |

Goodnight & Roberts

TCBF Outreach Committee

Emily Duensing

Coffey Senger & Woodard, PLLC

Hunt Family

Aycock | Aussenberg

GableGotwals

McDaniel Acord, PLLC

Sears Family

Welsh & McGough, PLLC

Univ of Tulsa College of Law

Student Bar Association

Scott Family

TCBA Staff

Barber & Bartz, PC

Taubman Family

Nesser Family

Jones, Gotcher & Bogan, PC

Carl & Kara Vincent

Thank you to all of the Holiday Challenge participants!

The Juvenile Law Section and Children & the Law Committee

Lizzie Riter, Chair

A Special Note of Thanks...

Dear

TCBA Holiday Gift Challenge Participants and Donors, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Parent Representation Defense Program extends our heartfelt gratitude to you for your support of our clients and their families during the Holiday season. Your recognition of our vulnerable, yet strong families’ heroic efforts to survive and thrive while exiting the child welfare system and reunifying together as a family was overwhelming! The holiday gifts you donated to our clients and their children brought sheer joy, delight, and cheer. Your generosity brought tears of happiness to our families and

exclamations of emotions! The words “thank you” do not convey our enormous gratitude to you for the blessings you have bestowed! From all of us, you have truly blown us away with your kindness!

Thank you!

LASO, Parent Representation Defense Program Staff, Contractors and Parents!

Gwendolyn Clegg , Program Director Parent Representation Defense Program at Legal Aid

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Ruth Addison Martin

Firm/Organization: Addison Martin Law, LLC

Family: Married with three boys

How long have you been practicing law and what are your practice areas? I started practicing in 2007. I generally focus on: Business law, Criminal law, Labor & Employment Law, and Landlord/Tenant law to name a few

What do you like most about being a lawyer? Every day represents a new opportunity to help someone in need

What has been your biggest professional achievement? Passing the bar exam at 21 years old

What is your passion outside of work and the law? Traveling around the world

What is the best advice you have ever received? Don’t assume you know the answer, simply ask the question, and see what you learn

How long have you been a TCBA member? Since 2007

Has your career benefited from being a member of the TCBA? If so, please share. Yes, I served as the Chair of the Diversity Development Committee several years ago. I was able to meet and mentor several middle and high school children. Some of them have decided to pursue careers in law and law enforcement

If you could spend the day with one attorney/judge, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

RBG. She is a trailblazer that knows how to get a seat at the table and get people to listen

What is your favorite book, movie, or television show?

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

Tell us a fun fact that no one knows about you! I was once accidentally bitten by a family pet, Xena, an albino boa constrictor

What is your favorite food? Fried plantains (my family is from Ghana, West Africa)

2023 Lynn Miller Law Day Book Club Books and Discussion Leaders

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

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

Registration is to be made through Judge Martha Rupp Carter at mruppcarter@yahoo.com and is limited to fifteen persons. TCBA members may register themselves

and up to one friend to accompany and participate with them. Judge Carter will confirm registration and provide necessary additional details for each session. TCBA members may register for any one or more or all sessions.

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

Happy reading to all in 2023!

Judge Martha Rupp Carter, 2023 Law Day Co-Chair

February - Where the Crawdads Sing

Author - Delia Owens

Discussion Leader - Wendy Drummond

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

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

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

March - In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss

Author - Amy Bloom

Discussion Leader - Richard Eagleton

Date/Location - TBD

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

April - Killers of the Flower Moon

Author - David Grann

Discussion Leader - Larry Yadon

Date - April 27th, Noon

Location - TBD

A Crime Writer’s Perspective

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

Register by emailing

Judge Martha Rupp Carter at mruppcarter@yahoo.com

Each session is limited to fifteen persons.

TCBA members may register themselves and up to one friend to accompany and participate with them.

February

Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens

March

In Love: A Memoir of Love and

Loss, Amy Bloom

April

Killers of the Flower Moon, David Grann

TCBF Annual Golf Tournament May 8, 2023 The Club at Forest Ridge

Dear TCBA Membership:

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

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

As a leader in the community, we know you understand the need to take an active role in supporting area non-profits. Participating in this golf tournament will not only see your sponsorship go back into the community

but also allow you the opportunity to network with other players, sponsors, and guests. Sponsors are also recognized in the Tulsa Lawyer magazine, the official publication of the Tulsa County Bar Association, which is shared with approximately 2,000 attorneys. Sponsor information will also be posted on the TCBA website and all event signage. Please contact Tami Williams at the Tulsa County Bar Association at 918-584-5243 or tamiw@tulsabar. com for more information. We hope to see you, your employees, friends, and colleagues for a game of golf, food, and fellowship . . . all for the betterment of the Tulsa community.

Sincerely,

Brian Keester, TCBF 2023 Golf Tournament Chairman

How Did Presidents' Day Come to Be?

Monday, February 20, 2023 is Presidents' Day.

In the late 1870s, Senator Steven Wallace Dorsey proposed the idea of adding Washington's birth date, February 22, to the four existing bank holidays previously approved in 1870. Signed into law January 31, 1879, by President Rutherford B. Hayes, the law was implemented in 1880 and applied only to District federal workers. Washington's Birthday had become the first Federal holiday to single out an individual's birth date, and the honor lasted for less than a century.

In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill which moved a number of Federal holidays

to Mondays. In 1971, with the implementation of the Uniform Monday Holiday Law (82 Stat. 250 ), the third Monday in February became the date on which Washington's Birthday is celebrated.

Some reformers had wanted to change the name of the holiday as well to Presidents' Day, in honor of both Lincoln and Washington, but that proposal was rejected by Congress and the holiday remained officially Washington's Birthday. While the name change has never been authorized by Congress, it has gained a strong hold on the public consciousness to honor all U.S. Presidents, and is generally used on calendars, in advertising, and even by many government agencies.

(govingo.gov)

VP'S CORNER Stephanie

Jackson

TCBA Vice President 2022-2023

Make Your Move

Oh, how I love February. I enjoy seeing all of the social media posts of people getting engaged on Valentine’s Day or simply outwardly expressing their love for a significant other. It brings welcomed warmth to a cold month, especially in Oklahoma, that typically brings in blustery cold temperatures, and even snow flurries. Also, it is a wonderful time to celebrate African American History Month. If you have not already been, I would encourage members to visit one of our national museums, Tulsa Historical Society, Greenwood Rising, or simply visit John Hope Franklin’s Reconciliation Park to experience riveting collections and interactive experiences. I promise that you will not regret it.

This month we also celebrate President’s Day and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. One of the most inspirational moments in my life came in 2008, when our family was visiting Washington, D.C., during National Police Week. Although I was there to receive an honor, I was more inspired by the actions of my then six year old daughter. As we walked around the National Mall, upon reaching the Lincoln Monument I pointed out the place where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood to deliver his “I Have A Dream” speech. She immediately bent down, threw up her arms to make the biggest muscles she could, and smiled the biggest smile. It was not until later when I developed the film that I saw the power in that moment. The words “I Have a Dream” below her little feet with President Lincoln sitting behind her smiling. That picture continues to inspire me to be a movement in my community.

I hope this February brings you inspiration from the love surrounding you. I hope it inspires you to also be a movement and not a monument in our Tulsa

community. To my hardworking TCBA leadership, committees, members, and Tulsa area law firms, thank you for all of the love, leadership, and tenacity you showed over the holidays to ensure all of the families were adopted during the 2022 Holiday Challenge. Lizzie Riter you answered the call and went above and beyond with your team during TCBA’s partnered event with the Parent Defense Team at Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma. Let’s keep the love and warmth going in February!

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

Stephanie Jackson TCBA Vice President, 2022-2023

TCBA Seeking Liberty Bell Award Nominations

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

Please forward all nominations to Tami Williams,

TCBA Executive Director

tamiw@tulsabar.com

Nominees may be an individual or a group that has:

• Promoted better understanding of the rule of law

• Encouraged a greater respect for law and the courts

• Stimulated a sense of civic responsibility

• Contributed to good government in the community

Previous Recipients

1984 Lois McIlroy

1988 Mary Jo Speaker

1989 Nancy McDonald

1990 Lynn Jones

1991 George Singer

1992 Jill Tarbel

1993 Ha Thi Crick

1994 Steven Dow

1995 Michael Reggio

1996 Marty Mundell

1997 Winona Tanaka

1998 Kim Camp

1999 Harriet Morgan

2000 Sally Howe-Smith

2001 Sandra K. Cousins

2003 Chester Cadieux

2004 Jane Kolesnik

2005 Channel 2

2006 Tuesday Morning Miracle Workers

2007 Hamilton 6th Grade Teachers

2008 Community Service Council of Greater Tulsa

2009 Theresa Hansen

2010 Sherri Carrier

2011 Cortez Tunley & Tava Slocum

2012 Ralph Schaefer

2013 Cheryl Conklin

2014 Disabled American Veterans

2015 Bill Braun

2016 Julie Delcour

2017 Suzane Stewart

2018 Amley "Popsey" Floyd

2019 Christine Po

2019 Karen Keith

2020 Not Awarded

2021 Candace Pierce

2022 Michael Willis

Deadline for nominations is Friday ~ March 31, 2023

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Valerie J. Evans

Firm/Organization: LAW OFFICES OF VALERIE EVANS

Family:

Married to Walter Evans, Campus Police Chief of OU-Tulsa, son Brad who has given me a beautiful bonus daughter, five granddaughters and one grandson, and my daughter Melanie.

How long have you been practicing law and what are your practice areas? I have been practicing law 30 years this coming April. (Where does the time go?) My practice areas are primarily Workers Compensation, some personal injury and general practice.

What do you like most about being a lawyer? Helping my clients achieve the desired result of course! I also like the fact the law exposes you to so many different subjects that I must learn.

What has been your biggest professional achievement?

I’m still waiting…

What is your passion outside of work and the law?

My family and checking out great restaurants.

What is the best advice you have ever received? “Just do YOU”

How long have you been a TCBA member? Off and on for about 12-15 years.

Has your career benefited from being a member of the TCBA? If so, please share. Hopefully I can be an asset to the TCBA.

What is your favorite book, movie, or television show?

That question is always a moving target… but right now I really enjoy the Tulsa King!

Tell us a fun fact that no one knows about you! I was one of the flag corps captains back in the 80's. It was so long ago, I’m sure that those who did know have forgotten!

What is your favorite food? Pizza!!

Left to Right: Stephanie Jackson, TCBA Vice president and Valerie Evans at the Spring 2022 Expungement Expo

State of Oklahoma Legislature Forum Held

The Judges of the 14th Judicial District and the Tulsa County Bar Association and the TCBA Bench and Bar Committee welcomed members of the State of Oklahoma Legislature at the Tulsa County Courthouse on December 15, 2022. The event offered an opportunity to Legislators, Judges and TCBA leadership to meet and discuss judicial concerns and goals for 2023. All of the Tulsa County judges attended the breakfast portion of the event, and some of those Judges led tours and answered questions for the legislators.

The Oklahoma Appellate Courts were also represented by Justice Dana Kuehn and Judge Stacey Hixon. Also in attendance were Court Administrator Kim Hall, and members of the TCBA, including President Phil Hixon, Past President Kara Vincent, Executive Director Tami Williams, TCBF President Judge Ann Keele, TCBA YLD Member Mary Clement, TCBA Members Ashley Webb and Tulsa Lawyer Chair Michael Taubman, TCBA Bench & Bar Chair Kevinn Matthews and committee member Diana Cupps.

Following opening presentations by Presiding Judge Doug Drummond and Judge Kelly Greenough, the legislators were broken into groups for tours. Members of the Oklahoma House and Senate attending included:

• Sen. Dave Rader

• Sen. Jo Ann Dossett

• Sen. John Haste

• Sen. Dana Prieto

• Rep. Terry O’Donnell

• Rep. Todd Gollihare

• Rep. Melissa Provenzano

• Rep. Chris Banning

• Rep. Suzanne Schreiber

• Rep. John Waldron

TCBA Hosts Judicial Panel at Bar Center

On December 20th, the TCBA hosted a two-hour Judicial Panel with judges from both Tulsa and Oklahoma counties. The panel, moderated by Bill Leach of McAfee & Taft, explored the differences in the local rules and practices in the two largest volume venues in our state. Participating judges included Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Noma Gurich, Tulsa County District Court Judges Daman Cantrell and Judge Kelly Greenough, and Oklahoma County District Court Judge Aletia Timmons. The event was a members-only affair with 100 members attending. Half of those attended remotely and several more stopped by for the reception that was held after the presentation and sponsored by McAfee & Taft.

Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Noma Gurich, Oklahoma County District Court Judge Aletia Timmons, and Mary Quinn Cooper, Shareholder and Practice Group Leader with McAfee & Taft.

Lawyers Helping Lawyers

If you need support... reach

out!

Oklahoma City Meetings 6-7:30 p.m. on the dates listed below.

In-person meetings in Oklahoma City are held at the office of Tom Cummings, 701 NW 13th St., Oklahoma City. The group will also meet virtually at the same time using BlueJeans. Email debraj@okbar.org for login information.

Meeting Dates: Vitsit okbar.org/

Tulsa Meetings are held 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the office of Scott Goode, 1437 S. Boulder Ave., Ste. 1200, Tulsa. scottbgoode@gmail.com

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

See What CAP Can Do!

Stories of Black History in the Tulsa Legal Community

Amos T. Hall 1896-1971

Born in 1896 in Bastrop, Louisiana, and graduated from Gilbert Industrial College in Baldwin, Louisiana, Hall arrived in Tulsa in 1921. While working as a custodian of First Methodist Church, he obtained a set of law books from which he taught himself the law. Admitted to the practice of law in Oklahoma in 1925, Hall was the attorney for the State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for a number of years, was a member of the National Legal Committee of that organization and of the Tulsa chapter of the NAACP for twelve years. He appeared in many cases where the civil rights of minorities were infringed, and actively pursued causes to protect voting rights, challenge restrictive covenants, ensure equality in teacher salaries, and protect against racial discrimination in the prosecution of black criminal defendants. For his efforts in raising funds to build the Carver Youth Center on Pine Street, Hall was honored as an Outstanding Citizen of Tulsa by the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce.

He was chairman of the First Baptist Church in North Tulsa, a 33rd degree Mason, a Grand Master of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, served on the boards and committees of organizations such as YMCA, St. Johns Hospital and National Conference for Christians and Jews. Hall acquired honorary doctorate degrees from Langston University school of religion and one in Law from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. He was appointed as a special district judge in Tulsa, January 1969 and elected as an associate district judge in September 1970.

In early legal battles for civil rights, Tulsa lawyer Amos T. Hall joined NAACP lawyer Thurgood Marshall in suing the University of Oklahoma Law School for refusing to admit Ada Lois Sipuel, a black woman who was otherwise qualified for admission. In 1947, it was “a crime for the authorities of any white school to admit a negro pupil” and a crime for a teacher to give instruction to a student of another race. The Oklahoma Supreme Court upheld the state's policy of segregating black students, and held that the state did not have a duty to admit a black student in a white school, nor did it have to create a separate law school for black students until sufficient demand for such an institution was established. Hall and Marshall successfully appealed the decision. The United States Supreme Court held that the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution required Oklahoma to provide black law students with the same opportunity for legal education at the same time as it did for any other group. Lacking a "black" law school, the University of Oklahoma, as the only public law school, was required to admit Sipuel. Sipuel graduated from OU law school in 1951. In 1992, Sipuel was appointed to the OU Board of Regents.

Based upon the Sipuel decision, the Oklahoma legislature amended the criminal statutes to permit admission of black students to universities and colleges attended by white students, but only in cases where such institutions offered courses not available in the black schools, and further provided that in such cases instruction "shall be given at such colleges or institutions of higher education upon a segregated basis." Following the law, the University of Oklahoma admitted black students but segregated them from white students within the school.

In 1950, Hall was again before the United states Supreme Court challenging the state’s action in requiring his client, G.W. McLaurin, to sit apart from white students. These separate seats and rows in the classroom library and cafeteria were marked “reserved for colored.” In this landmark civil rights case, Hall convinced the United States Supreme Court that state institutions of higher learning could not constitutionally

deprive black students of the opportunities for interaction offered to students of other races. This decision provided the basis for the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education that segregation of black children was detrimental too their educational and psychological development, and that the doctrine of “separate but equal” education had no place in the field of public education. Thus, Tulsa Lawyer Amos T. Hall influenced some of the most farreaching civil rights decisions in the last 100 years.

Amos T. Hall passed away at the age of 75 in November 1971. A Chapter of the American Inns of Court in Tulsa bears his name.

Primus Wade

1906-1963

Tulsa attorney Primus Wade served honorably as a staff sergeant with an Army truck company during WWII. After his passing the Tulsa County Bar Association acknowledged his importance in the September 1963 issue of Tulsa Lawyer with the following:

Alvin Hayes, Jr.

1932-2005

Alvin Hayes, Jr. was the City of Tulsa's second African-American city prosecutor, serving from 1989 until 1997. He also served as an Assistant Public Defender for the City from 1985-1989 and then was in private practice. He was a member of the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, the Business and Industrial Development Corp., the Tulsa County Bar Association, the Tulsa Urban League and the Tulsa Civil Service Commission. Mr. Hayes passed away April 20, 2005 at the age of 73.

These stories and more can be found in the book

Building Tulsa Lawyers at Work published by the Tulsa County Bar Association in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of TCBA (1903-2003). Copies available for members at the Bar Center.

ATTORNEY - LEADER DIES

Attorney Primus Wade leaves a hard-tofill spot in our profession. He was indeed a credit to his profession, his race, his family and his death is a great loss to Tulsa. The association will miss the dedication and enthusiasm which he brought to his work on the innumerable civic and charitable activities in which he participated or directed, All the members of the Tulsa County Bar Association extend their sympathy to the Primus Wade family for the loss of this fine gentleman and brother attorney.

Reprinted with permission of the Tulsa County Bar Association.

Oren Griffin, Ph.D., JDDean of TU College of Law

Oren Griffin, Ph.D., J.D. became the first African American to lead the University

of Tulsa College of Law on January 1, 2022. Dean Griffin completed his undergraduate education at Southern University in New Orleans and received a master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa. He earned his law degree from Washington and Lee University School of Law and his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. He is a nationally recognized leader in the field of higher education law and policy. Dean Griffin is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences for organizations such as the National Association for Student Personal

Administrators, the National Association of College and University Attorneys, Stetson University College of Law National Conference on Law and Higher Education, the Alabama College System, and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Officers. In addition, his scholarly work has appeared in the Journal of College and University Law, the Law and Psychology Review, the Seattle Law Review, the West Education Law Report, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. Dean Griffin is also the author of Investigating College Student Misconduct published by the Johns Hopkins University Press in 2018.Citing info: Oren Griffin named Dean of TUs College of Law. The University of Tulsa. (2021, August 31).

Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://utulsa.edu/orengriffin-dean-law/

Street Law LessonTriggers Skills for Managing Anger

Support students, support the community... join us as a Street Law Program Sponsor

Something to Celebrate!

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

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

If

Sincerely,

the Fellows

New Year & Happy Birthday!

Philip Hixon TCBA President

February Fun Facts

• January and February were the last two months to be added to the Roman calendar (c. 713 BC); originally, winter was considered a month-less period.

• Originally, February was made the last month of the calendar year. Eventually (c. 450 BC), February was moved to its place as the second month.

almanac.com

Are you looking for new client opportunities in 2023?

The TCBA Lawyer Referral & Information Service may be just what you need!

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

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

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

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

• New attorneys looking to increase client base?

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

Areas that always need increased participation:

• Spanish speaking attorneys in all areas of law

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The shareholders of McAfee & Taft, Oklahoma’s largest law firm, have elected Tulsa-based attorneys Katie Gant Crane, William J. Holland, and Dru A. Prosser, as well as Oklahoma City-based attorneys Kaitlyn Schrick Chaney, Alex Duncan, Christian S. Huckaby, Jeffrey L. Vogt, and Chase C. Webb as fellow shareholders, effective January 1, 2023. The announcement was made by managing director Michael Lauderdale.

Katie Gant Crane is a trial lawyer whose commercial litigation practice encompasses complex business disputes, class actions, securities litigations, internal and government investigations, and whitecollar criminal defense. Prior to joining McAfee & Taft, she practiced in the New York offices of Levine Lee LLP and Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, and clerked for the Honorable Vincent L. Briccetti of the U.S. Court for the Southern District of New York. Crane earned her law degree from Fordham University in 2013.

William J. Holland’s practice is primarily focused on the resolution of complex business disputes, with a focus on public and private companies in the financial services sector. Holland earned his Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) from the International

Association of Privacy Professionals and his achievements have earned him inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch, as well as Oklahoma Super Lawyers’ list of “Oklahoma Rising Stars”. Prior to joining McAfee & Taft, Holland served at a publicly traded Texas-based financial services company. He is a 2013 graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law.

Dru A. Prosser is a trial lawyer whose state and federal litigation practice encompasses a broad range of complex business litigation. He has dedicated his practice to cultivating a comprehensive understanding of the civil litigation process. His achievements have earned him inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch. Prosser is a 2015 honors graduate of the University of Tulsa College of Law.

With more than 175 attorneys, McAfee & Taft is one of the nation’s 250 largest law firms as ranked by the National Law Journal.

Crowe & Dunlevy attorney J. Christopher Davis has been inducted into the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (NADN).

NADN is America’s foremost professional organization for experienced mediators and arbitrators practicing in the field of civil & commercial conflict resolution. Membership is by invitation only and requires a minimum of 200 successful mediations.

“This is a tremendous honor for Chris,” said Roger A. Stong, Crowe & Dunlevy’s president and CEO. “Chris has been very active in alternative dispute resolution, in addition to his trial practice, and well-deserves this recognition.”

A shareholder and director in the firm’s Tulsa office, Davis represents clients as a member of the firm’s Alternative Dispute Resolution, Insurance, Intellectual Property, Litigation & Trial, and Product Liability Practice Groups. With more than 27 years of experience in the courtroom, Davis represents businesses and individuals throughout Oklahoma in state and federal courts. A

seasoned litigator and mediator, Davis is Oklahoma’s only active paraplegic trial attorney.

Davis is a former federal law clerk, serves as an Adjunct Settlement Conference Judge, is a member of the Committee on Local Rules and Court Operations, and is a former member of the Admissions and Grievances Committee for the U.S. Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma.

Davis received his Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He graduated cum laude from Oral Roberts University (ORU) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, and holds a Master of Arts in Biblical Literature as well as a Master of Education in Applied Linguistics from ORU.

GableGotwals is pleased to announce that Carrie McNeer has been promoted to Shareholder, effective January 1, 2023. Carrie’s practice focuses on defending corporate and individual clients in a wide variety of complex litigation in state and federal courts. Her experience includes representing insurance companies in a wide range of claims, including bad faith and medical malpractice defense. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Association of Defense Counsel.“Carrie is a valuable member of our litigation team. Her extensive experience in insurance and health care litigation has been an asset to those practice groups,” said John Dale, CEO of GableGotwals. Carrie received her J.D. from The University of Tulsa College of Law and her BSBA in marketing at The University of Tulsa.

Best & Sharp is pleased to announce that Emily K. Wilson has been elected as a Partner with the firm. Emily joined the firm in 2020 bringing an extensive background in civil litigation, civil rights litigation, employment law, administrative law, and municipal and governmental liability litigation. In addition to being licensed in Oklahoma, Emily is also licensed in Kansas and holds an inactive license in Colorado having previously worked for both the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the City of Wichita, Kansas.

Emily is originally from Tulsa and a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School but moved away to attend college at the University of Denver during which time she met and married an Air Force Academy graduate who loves to fly. Emily has spent over twenty years moving to various duty locations with her husband and expanding her legal practice in each of the locations except for Hawaii. Having returned to Tulsa after her husband’s retirement, Best & Sharp is looking forward to her future with the firm.

2022-2023 TCBA CONTACTS, COMMITTEE & SECTION CHAIRS

www.tulsabar.com

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

1446 South Boston, Tulsa, OK 74119-3612

Executive Director

Tami Williams

tamiw@tulsabar.com

Ext. 1002

Membership Director CLE, Sections & Committees

Heather Heck heatherh@tulsabar.com

Ext. 1001

Front Desk Coordinator General Inquiries

frontdesk@tulsabar.com

Ext. 1000

Accounting accounting@tulsabar.com

Lawyer Referral & Community Resource Navigator

Jeril Haug jerilh@tulsabar.com

Ext. 1003

Tulsa Lawyer Editor - Michael Taubman michael@tulsafirm.com

Associate Editor - Milly Dunlap

Tulsa Lawyer Submissions - tulsabarnews@yahoo.com

TCBA OFFICERS

President ......................................................................Philip Hixon

Past President...............................................................Kara Vincent

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

Vice President......................................................Stephanie Jackson

Secretary....................................................................... Lizzie Riter

Treasurer.............................................................. Michael Taubman

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

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

Director at Large (1) Large Firm.................................Natalie Sears

Director at Large (2) Large Firm.......................... Austin Birnie

Director at Large (1) Medium Firm..................................Kara Pratt

Director at Large (2) Medium Firm.................. Jennifer Struble Director at Large (1) Small Firm.................................. Mark Smith

Director at Large (2) Small Firm...........................Linda Morrissey

Director at Large (2) Public Sector.........................Hon. Ann Keele

ABA Delegate............................................................. Molly Aspan

OBA Delegate................................................................Rick White

Library Trustee (1)........................................................ Julie Evans

Library Trustee (2)..................................................... Kim Vojvoda

Presiding Judge .......................................... Hon. Doug Drummond

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

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

TU Law School Student Representative .. Stephanie Acquario

FOUNDATION APPOINTMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Treasurer......................................................................Philip Hixon

Trustee.................................................................... Hon. Ann Keele

Trustee........................................................................ Justin Munn

Trustee......................................................................... Philip Hixon

Trustee...........................................................................Lizzie Riter

Trustee.......................................................................Chad McLain

Trustee ......................................................................Jim Gotwals

Trustee Catherine Hoopert

Trustee................................................................ Michael Taubman

TCBA President......................................................Philip D. Hixon

TCBA Pres. Elect.......................................................Mike Esmond

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Access to Justice..........................................Pansy Moore-Shrier

Animal Law ..........Katy Inhofe

Bench & Bar Kevinn Matthews

Children & the Law....................................................Lizzie Riter

Children & the Law Vice Chair..........Timothy Michaels-Johnson

CLE...............................................................Pansy Moore-Shrier

Diversity

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

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

Lawyer Referral .......Karen Wilkins

Membership Services....................................................Kara Pratt

Mentoring ........................................................ ......Shena Burgess

Military/Veterans ............................................ ...Mitchell Garrett

Military/Veterans Co-Chair Hon. David Guten

Nominations & Awards ........Kara Vincent

Pro Bono............................................................... Mac Finlayson

Pro Bono Co-Chair......................................................Aaron Tift

Professionalism ...........Rick White

Public Relations....................................................Steve Layman

Social Media.................................................... ....Collaborative

Special Events ................................................. .......Natalie Sears

Street Law ....................................................... ..............Co-chairs

................................................>. Pierre Robertson , Kara Vincent

Tulsa Lawyer Michael Taubman

Young Lawyers Division...........................................Billy Duncan

SECTION CHAIRPERSONS

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

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

Bankruptcy Hon. Paul Thomas

Business/Corporate...........................................Kevinn Matthews

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

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

Employment Law ....Jonathan Shook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tax ......................................................... ..........Ashlee Hall

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

* Section Chairs will be updated as positions are filled