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TULSA LAWYER
In this Issue
A Message from
Christina Vaughn
2017-2018 TCBA President "Bright, Shiny, Happy Members"
Annual Meeting & Awards Issue
Thank you
Ann K
to all of our members for your contributions that make TCBA successful.
September 2017
5 Neil Bogan Award for Professionalism Joe Farris 8
Gary C. Clark Distinguished Service Award James R. Gotwals
10 James C. Lang Mentoring Award The Honorable Deborah Browers Barnes 12 Winter CLE Schedule 14 Outstanding Senior Lawyer Paul Naylor
16 Zoo Review - Member Event 17 Outstanding Young Lawyer Natalie Sears 18 Golden Rule Award-4th Quarter The Honorable Rebecca Brett Nightingale 22 President's Awards Presented by Matthew Farris 24 Tulsa County Bar Foundation The Charitable Arm of the TCBA 25 2016-2017 Foundation Awards Presented by Jim Gotwals 28 Art & Relaxation In Photos
29 Pawverty - Feeding the Pets of Tulsa's Homeless 30 Capital Campaign 32 Grapevine 34 2017-2018 Committees & Sections 35 Classifieds Tulsa Lawyer 1
Tulsa County Bar President Christina M. Vaughn
"Bright, Shiny, Happy Members" 2 Tulsa Lawyer
2017-2018
This borrowed phrase will be my mantra for my term as TCBA President. By now many of you have heard the story of how I came to have adopted this phrase as my mantra, but for those of you who haven’t, I will tell it once more and share some of my thoughts for how I hope to bring it to life. Earlier this year, at a bar leadership conference, I attended a panel discussion dealing with voluntary bar membership challenges and opportunities. One of the speakers on the panel discussed the need for a change in focus from membership recruitment to membership retention. She suggested that rather than focusing on gaining new members, voluntary bars should focus on satisfying
their current members. This she promised, would not only result in happier members, but also in an increase in new members joining because current members will become ambassadors for the organization. I am wholeheartedly convinced that she is correct.
We will also continue the annual membership month started by Past President Matt Farris. As we did for the most recent membership month, we will offer numerous events and services, including at least one family friendly event, to our members free of charge during our 2nd annual membership month. Kara Pratt The TCBA has already taken a major step toward is continuing as Chair of the Membership Committee shifting our focus to member satisfaction by voting and I have no doubt that she and the Membership to offer our full winter slate of CLE free of charge to Committee will plan a superb event. our members. The free winter CLE schedule, which you will have received in your membership packets, I also want to encourage you all to attend the is comprised of over 30 courses, totaling over 60 CLE OBA Annual meeting at the Tulsa Downtown Hyatt hours. The cost of your TCBA membership, which will from November 1 - 3. One of our own, Kimberly Hays, now provide you with a plethora of options to fulfill all will be inducted as OBA President at the meeting and of your annually required CLE at no additional cost, we should be there to show the TCBA’s overwhelming is less than the cost of 12 hours of CLE. I have had support for her. incredibly positive feedback from our members on this I cannot tell you how honored and excited I am change and have also heard from many non-members who intend to join in order to take advantage of this to serve as your President. I know that I have some big shoes to fill as our past presidents have left legacies of new benefit. excellence of leadership and service. I can assure you The TCBA also recently implemented several that I will look to those great leaders for guidance as I amendments to the By-laws. If you are interested in serve the TCBA in the coming year. Luckily, I am not reviewing the amended By-laws, they are available tasked to do the job alone and am extremely fortune to on the TCBA’s website. One of the changes was have a brilliant, strong, creative, and dedicated Board the addition of a social media standing committee. of Directors, who I know will help me in making great Ephraim Alajaji will serve as the first Chair of the strides for the TCBA this year. Social Media Committee. He will be posting lots of Finally, I invite you contact me with your useful information on the TCBA’s Facebook page and our new Twitter page (@tulsabar), which went live on suggestions for additional improvements we can make August 24th. I encourage you to follow both to stay this year or to identify additional membership benefits current on TCBA activities, CLE, benefits and contests. you or your firm would like the TCBA to provide. Because membership satisfaction is our primary goal, This year we will be analyzing each TCBA we both want and need to hear your feedback and will committee to determine what improvements can be give it the highest priority. made to better serve our members and the community. I look forward to working with and for you this We have already started this process and have identified an area of improvement for our mentoring program. In year! years past, this program has acted somewhat as a matchmaking service; pairing attorneys with law students (or Sincerely, new attorneys) for coffee or lunch. We have found Christina M. Vaughn that neither our members nor the students have been TCBA President, 2017-2018 particularly satisfied with this program. So, this year, we will try a new approach. We are still in the process of working out the details, but in general, the program will be designed to give students practical experiences by scheduling them to attend and observe depositions, closings, hearings, etc. Tulsa Lawyer 3
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Neil Bogan Award for Professionalism After graduating from the University of Missouri in 1969, Joe enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany as a military intelligence officer. Following four years of service and an honorable discharge, Joe entered the University of Tulsa College of Law and graduated with honors. As an attorney, Joe continued to pursue and model for others a standard of excellence. As the managing partner of Franden, Farris, Quillin, Goodnight + Roberts, Joe encourages his colleagues to follow what he calls “Lombardi Time.” Vince Lombardi, the great Hall of Fame football coach of the Green Bay Packers, expected his players and coaches to be 15 minutes early to every meeting and practice. Arriving “just” on time meant arriving late. Following Joe’s example, attorneys at the firm are sure to allow those 15 minutes of “Lombardi Time” before appointments and hearings.
Joe Farris
Joe Farris exemplifies the saying “grace under fire.” Despite his military background, Joe treats the courtroom not as a battlefield, but as an arena for friendly competition. Where other attorneys might succumb to the pressures of stress, Joe never loses sight of our professional rules’ admonition to “[seek] a result advantageous to the client but consistent with requirements of honest dealing with others.” In his roughly four decades of practice, Joe has exemplified the values of integrity and courtesy honored by the Neil E. Bogan Professionalism Award.
Though he thrives in the fast-moving, highstakes atmosphere of trial, Joe is known to both the plaintiff and defense bar as a courteous advocate. Joe’s focus at a recent presentation to the Tulsa County Bar Association reflected his approach: his advice and war stories centered on getting to know jurors as people within the confines of voir dire. His focus on understanding the people involved in every case is a clear foundation for his success in a wide range of practice areas, from transportation to family law, and as a mediator and adjunct settlement judge. His genuine interest in the people he meets through his practice—whether clients, opposing parties and their counsel, or jurors—is reflected in his success as a trial lawyer. Joe is a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the American College of Trial Lawyers, as well as a member of the Defense Research Institute and Association of Defense Trial Attorneys. For the last 7 years, Joe has been ranked in the top 50 Super Lawyers, and for the last 3 years he has been ranked in the top 10 Super Lawyers in Oklahoma. In 2014, he received the ranking of #2 in the state. continued on page 6... Tulsa Lawyer 5
Joe is always on the lookout not just for a client, but a cause. Only two years out of law school, he seized an opportunity that many seasoned attorneys would consider daunting. The Public Service Company of Oklahoma planned to build two nuclear reactors near Inola, but locals were concerned by the potential for meltdown, health risks, and environmental impact. Joe scored crucial victories in the case, including persuading General Electric to release confidential safety report information. It was the first time such information had been released in a nuclear licensing proceeding. Eventually, the legal battle led developers to abandon the project. Later, in the 1990s, Joe represented 1,200 employees of a McDonnell Douglas plant in Tulsa who believed their employer had closed their specific plant to save money on pensions and benefits. As lead counsel, Joe won the case at the district court level, and eventually brokered a favorable settlement on appeal. Finally, Joe exemplifies the attorney as community servant. With his wife Sandy, Joe
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volunteered with Meals on Wheels for ten years, delivering food every week to homebound seniors. With his Sam Elliot mustache and plain-spoken manner, Joe blends style and substance into a winning combination. He is known throughout the Oklahoma legal community for his dedication to zealous advocacy tempered with respect. He is a true ambassador of our profession’s ethical rules and an ideal recipient of the TCBA’s Neil E. Bogan Professionalism Award.
Say "Thank YOU" to a veteran this Veteran's Day. Please send us the name of a veteran you would like to acknowledge and we will include them in our November issue of Tulsa Lawyer. Email tulsabarnews@yahoo.com By October 1st Include: Name, Branch of Service & photo if desired. Please make note if they are deceased so we
Congratulations to Michael McBride III!
The winner of the photo contest for the Tulsa Lawyer cover! To enter your photo see page 29 of this issue.
may acknowledge it.
Tulsa Lawyer 7
Gary C. Clark Distinguished Service Award recent years, devoted an extraordinary amount of his time serving the legal community through his positions and activity within and for the Tulsa County Bar Association and Tulsa County Bar Foundation. As a third generation Oklahoma lawyer, Jim attended the University of Oklahoma in Norman where he received his B.B.A. in Finance in 1972 and a J.D. in 1975. He entered private practice immediately, and soon thereafter, founded James R. Gotwals and Associates, Inc., in 1978. Since that time, he has embarked on a remarkable legal career, the scope of which has produced a litany of awards and recognition due to a seemingly insatiable desire to donate his time and resources, contributing to the various needs of our legal profession, both locally and statewide.
James R. Gotwals
The Tulsa County Bar Association is pleased to recognize James R. Gotwals as the 2017 recipient of the Gary C. Clark Distinguished Service Award. This award is given to those who have provided extraordinary service to the Bar and for distinguished contributions to the legal profession. Jim has provided extraordinary service through his legal career, and in particular, in
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His principal areas of practice include domestic litigation, civil and commercial litigation, real estate, business organizations and probate law. Jim is also a certified mediator. He carries an AV rating in Martindale-Hubbell, and he and his firm are listed in The Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. Jim has been listed in the Best Lawyers in America in domestic relations since 1993 and in family law mediation since 2011. He was co-selected as Family Lawyer of the Year in Oklahoma by Best Lawyers in America for 2013, and he has been listed as a Super Lawyer. Jim is licensed to practice in all Oklahoma courts, the United States District Courts for the Northern and Eastern Districts of Oklahoma, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He is an active member of the Oklahoma Bar Association (OBA), having been Past Chairman of the OBA Family Law Section and having served on the OBA Board of Governors. He is a sustaining Fellow of the Oklahoma Bar Foundation, and is also a member of the American Bar Association and both the Oklahoma and American Associations for Justice. Additionally, he is a Term Master of the Council Oaks/Johnson-Sontag Chapter of the American Inns of Court in Tulsa.
Although too exhaustive a list to completely enumerate, Jim’s contributions have led to an extensive list of achievements and awards over the years, including being named the Oklahoma Bar Association’s 2016 recipient of the Joe Stamper Distinguished Service Award. For this award, Jim is being recognized for his service to the Bar and his distinguished contributions to the legal profession. He has donated his time extensively to the Tulsa County Bar Association (TCBA) over the years, having served on numerous committees, including the Bench and Bar Committee, Law Related Education Committee, Professional Responsibility Committee, and the Family Law Section, the latter two of which he also served as Past Chairman. He is a Past President of the TCBA, and currently is serving his second term as President of the Tulsa County Bar Foundation (TCBF). Over these past four years as President, Jim has presided over the TCBF during the capital campaign and worked with the Capital Campaign Committee, which has overseen the recent renovations of the TCBA Bar Center. Most importantly, Jim has done an outstanding job of this immense and time-consuming undertaking. Jim was an original member of the “Families in Transition” group from 1997-1999, where he assisted in developing the family law litigation procedures for the 14th Judicial District in Tulsa County until his term expired in 2004 and was re-appointed in 2011. Jim received the Hood-Corbitt Award for excellence in family law from the TCBA Family Law Section in 2012. He has lectured extensively in the areas of family law and mediation in Tulsa and is the author of many papers on issues involving attorney’s fees, use of financial experts, oil and gas royalties and support alimony.
Jim is actively involved in many aspects of the community, including membership for forty years in the Marian Council 1104 Knights of Columbus (Grand Knight for ten years until 2011); Board of Directors, Tulsa Central High School Foundation (2007-present); and legal counsel to Board of Directors of Riverfield Country Day School (1988-present). He has been involved in the Department of Human Services “Christmas for Kids,” and a volunteer lawyer for Legal Services of Eastern Oklahoma and for DVIS Conflicts Panel for many years. Jim is an avid fan of OU football, and the Gotwals family, with multiple generations of graduates, has supported OU through their decades of giving, service and advocacy. Jim believes in giving back to his community and profession, and his actions illustrate that philosophy. He has been an outstanding leader, exceptional mentor and a pillar of the Tulsa legal community. His commitment to service sets a stellar example for those following his path, as he has been the embodiment of service with humility. Jim is, without question, one of the most devoted members of the Tulsa County Bar, and his service over the years, along with his wisdom and guidance, has enhanced the lives of our members and countless others in the community. He is a model of integrity and civility, and his exemplary service to the Tulsa County legal profession and the surrounding community is deserving of distinguished recognition. Jim Gotwals is the living illustration of what contributions were considered of the attorneys for whom the Gary C. Clark Distinguished Service Award was founded.
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James C. Lang Mentoring Award The Tulsa County Bar Association’s James C. Lang Mentoring Award is an award tailor-made for Judge Deborah Browers Barnes who serves currently as Presiding Judge of Division IV of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals. Judge Barnes truly “demonstrates commitment to the profession by providing encouragement, guidance, and support to aspiring attorneys.” Judge Barnes’ interest in the success of new lawyers and law students is a passion of hers. She has a desire to help new lawyers respect the law and to instill in them the important role in society the legal profession plays. Most importantly, Judge Barnes impresses upon new lawyers and law students the critical requirements of honesty, civility and professionalism in the legal profession. Lawstudents, aspiring to participate in our profession, work hard to earn their degrees and pass the bar exam. The path on their journey to a professional life in service of their clients and communities can be fraught with many distractions, pitfalls, self-doubts, and failures. These are the years when mentoring can make a profound difference between success and failure for those students. In part through the judicial internship program offered by all three of the state’s law schools, Judge Barnes has provided that difference for success for many law students. Under the wing of Judge Barnes, judicial interns are immersed in the fundamentals of appellate practice. They learn about the crucial importance of making a record in the trial court and study the standards of review appellate courts must apply when reviewing lower court rulings. The students perform research and write research memoranda. They listen to, and participate in, discussions of the case law and statutory language as applied to the facts in the appellate record. They witness the conscientious diligence of the judges and their staff, while working with them as a team in a professional, respectful work environment. They learn about confidentiality, and they attend oral arguments, observing the importance of detail. They learn that facts matter and the decisions rendered on appeal affect lives. They learn that honorable lawyers are the keepers, and respecters, of the truth. 10 Tulsa Lawyer
The Honorable Deborah Browers Barnes Since she began her service as a judge in 2008, each year Judge Barnes has provided judicial interns with this kind of professional guidance and mentoring. She generously gives of her time, experience, and wisdom, teaching and coaching the interns as they strengthen their research, writing, and critical thinking skills. She not only gives of herself, she literally gives the best of herself. Each intern gains a wealth of practical knowledge, an enhanced respect for the rule of law, and a sense of profound gratitude for our judicial system. Their judicial internship experiences with her are forever woven into the fabric of who they will become as members of our profession. In the words of her most recent intern,
"Judge Barnes has had a profound impact on my budding legal career. She is one of the most selfless women I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and I am so lucky to have been able to work with her, even if it was only for a short time. Judge Barnes took a chance on me and allowed me to work with her and the incredible staff of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals for a short time between the end of my first year of law school and my summer internship with the Department of Justice in Oklahoma City. During this short time frame, Judge Barnes made sure that I was exposed to as much of the court experience as possible, even securing a scholarship for me to attend the Oklahoma Sovereignty Symposium. I am a proud member of the Cherokee Nation and I was able to see a different side of the legal experience when I was able to attend a panel of former Assistant Secretaries of the Interior and hear their stories of advocating for the rights of Native American tribal communities on the federal level, as well as being able to meet all sitting members of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Judge Barnes takes the future of the legal profession seriously and gives freely of her time to ensure that the next generation of attorneys is well equipped to advocate for our clients, whoever they may be. She shows compassion for all those around her and has a heart for the people of Oklahoma. I know that I can count on Judge Barnes to be my biggest motivator and I am fortunate to have been able to work with her. "
A graduate of the Oklahoma City University School of Law, from which she earned her Juris Doctorate degree in 1983 with distinction graduating first in her class, Judge Barnes maintains a keen interest in the development of
the newest members of our profession. Valerie Couch, Dean Emeritus and Norman & Edem Professor of Law said of Judge Barnes: "Faith, patience and integrity born out of experience – those attributes and many others have made Judge Deborah Barnes one of the most effective mentors in our state’s legal community. She has brought many law students and new lawyers within the sphere of her influence. Her strength of mind, capacity for discerning the truth, and unending store of kindness have created a bridge over tumultuous waters for many. With the heart of a servant and the strategic mind of a leader, she has served both individuals and the legal profession in Oklahoma during her entire career. And certainly, looming large on the long list of her beneficiaries is Oklahoma City University School of Law itself. Judge Barnes has served on the law school’s Executive Board since the board’s inception in 2000. Her dedication to the education and preparation of new lawyers has strengthened the school and helped deepen and expand its mission. As dean, I personally benefited from her perceptive nature and her kind advice and encouragement in times of challenge. And I, like so many others, am tremendously grateful for her friendship." Judge Barnes is a three-time honoree (Circle of Excellence) of The Journal Record’s “50 Making a Difference” program which recognizes Oklahoma’s leading women in both professional endeavors and in their communities. Her dedication to mentoring and supporting aspiring attorneys ranks high among those endeavors, and she is a truly worthy recipient of the James C. Lang Mentoring Award.
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Outstanding Senior Lawyer
Paul B. Naylor
The Tulsa County Bar Association is pleased to recognize Paul B. Naylor as the Tulsa County Bar Association’s 2016-2017 Outstanding Senior Lawyer. Paul graduated in 1967 from University of Tulsa College of Law and began his law practice focusing on civil actions, representing plaintiffs with injuries, disabilities and death, eventually establishing the Naylor, Williams and Tracy law firm. He currently is an attorney in private practice with the firm Naylor & Williams, LLC and is a member of the Tulsa County Bar Association. As he became aware of the needs, he has done more for children in Oklahoma in a pro bono capacity than many of us who work on behalf of children as our fulltime jobs. Mr. Naylor first learned of Tulsa Lawyers for Children (TLC) in 2006 when he participated in the organization’s training on the Children’s Code and practice in juvenile deprived cases. From that time to the present, representing children in these actions became a passion for him. He has a delightful personality and enthusiasm for child advocacy that is contagious to all who know him. He is truly passionate about helping children, especially, those most vulnerable in our society.
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During his eleven-year association with TLC, Paul has tirelessly represented 76 children in 52 cases. Mr. Naylor accepts appointments to voluntarily serve as guardian ad litem for minors in juvenile court and represents children in Oklahoma Department of Human Services custody in guardianships and adoptions. Fellow TLC board member, Anne Sublett states, “It’s difficult to describe what he has meant to TLC and the many children it serves without sounding hyperbolic. Paul is generous, kind-hearted, humble, energetic, dedicated and, of course, smart. He loves kids and it shows in everything he does.” Mr. Naylor stepped up to be a “Next Friend” for a named child plaintiff in the Federal lawsuit, against the Oklahoma Department of Human Services brought by the Children’s Rights organization, which is resulting in major changes for children in the custody of that organization. When a child needs expertise that Mr. Naylor does not possess, he finds someone to volunteer. In everything he does, he inspires those around him to greater energy and dedication, always with a smile and his characteristic wit. Mr. Naylor has been an enthusiastic member of the Child Protection Coalition’s Advocacy Committee. April Merrill, Chair of the Advocacy Committee states, “Paul faithfully attends monthly meetings and always contributes well-thought-out suggestions for what the committee can do to improve the lives of Oklahoma children. His ideas and questions frequently improve the way the committee advocates for changes to legislation or implementation of policies impacting children in the child welfare system.” Children immediately connect with Mr. Naylor and trust him with their traumatic stories. A great example of Mr. Naylor’s commitment was his representation of a terrified three-year-old boy placed in the Laura Dester Children’s Center due to neglect. This little boy had actually been turned over to an inebriated stranger by his father who had been, allegedly, impaired by drug addiction. The young boy had never been in DHS custody before and was confused, frightened, and inconsolable. Fortunately, Mr. Naylor was assigned to represent this little toddler on a deprived child docket. He went above and beyond to promptly visit the child, reassure him and patiently explain what was going to happen so that the little boy felt safe and comforted. This is just one of many stories to illustrate the passion and commitment Mr. Naylor has for innocent and disenfranchised children in our community. He is always willing to share his experiences with those around him in order to foster a better understanding of the plight of children in our community.
Judge Doris Fransein, Chief Judge of the Juvenile Division of the Tulsa County District Court, makes this observation about Mr. Naylor. “Paul Naylor displays a true dedication to the well-being of children and youth who appear in court. This dedication and care is not only directed towards those who are involved with the deprived dockets, but also to those same children who are unfortunately involved in the juvenile justice system. Mr. Naylor visits his clients; advocates for his clients and ensures that his clients are receiving the best care possible. What he doesn’t know about legal procedures, he asks. I truly believe that given the opportunity, representing children and youth within our juvenile division of court would be Mr. Naylor’s full-time commitment.” As Mr. Naylor became more involved in Tulsa Lawyers for Children, he was elected to the TLC Board of Directors in 2008. Two years later he was elected President of the Board. As president of TLC, he steered the organization through the Great Recession and brought it through stronger on the other end and the organization has grown in quality and stature. A successful signature event was held for four years, funding has increased, and a full-time Resource Development Officer was hired and public awareness of the organization and its work on behalf of children has greatly improved. Mr. Naylor currently serves as a board member of TLC and continues to represent deprived children who desperately need TLC’s assistance. Separate from his work with children referred to TLC for representation, he has represented numerous minors for misdemeanor violations; successfully helping parents deal with children using drugs and alcohol through family interventions; and performed weekly mentoring with children at Eugene Fields Elementary School in Tulsa. Anne Sublett says it best, “As a man, a lawyer, a friend and an advocate for children, Paul Naylor represents the best our profession has to offer to those we serve.” Paul more than exemplifies the ideals for and standards that all attorneys should strive to achieve with his outstanding reputation as a Lawyer and for dedicated service to the profession and community. For this reason, the Tulsa County Bar Association is proud to honor Paul B. Naylor as the 2016-2017 Outstanding Senior Attorney.
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Member Event July 22, 2017
Tulsa Zoo
TCBA families enjoying the day! 16 Tulsa Lawyer
Outstanding Young Lawyer
Natalie Sears
Natalie Sears served both as Chair of the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) and Vice Chair of the Children and the Law Committee this year. Natalie’s tireless efforts to plan, organize, and participate in TCBA events was remarkable, and she demonstrated that she is indeed an outstanding young lawyer. Natalie is most deserving of this honor. Ms. Sears was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar in April 2015 after graduating from the University of Tulsa College of Law (J.D. 2014) and the University of Oklahoma (B.A., Magna Cum Laude, 2011). Natalie started her law practice as an associate with Monroe & Keele, P.C., and recently accepted a position at Cordell & Cordell as an associate attorney in family law. Some of YLD’s events lead by Natalie include the Trivia Night, Bowling League, and various mixers and networking events. Natalie’s work ethic and dedication to the TCBA is appreciated, and she is set to become Chair of the Children and the Law committee in this upcoming year.
Congratulations and kudos for this impressive achievement.
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Golden Rule Award 4th Quarter
The Tulsa County Bar Association Awards Committee is proud to announce the winner of the 4th Quarter Golden Rule Award in 2017 is the Honorable Rebecca Brett Nightingale. Judge Nightingale began her judicial career after being in private practice for 7 years and a Tulsa County Assistant District Attorney for five years. Judge Nightingale was elected by Tulsa citizens to serve in 2003. She has been unopposed since that election, serving Oklahomans as a District Judge for 14 years. Judge Nightingale serves with distinction, but more importantly with passion for the law, litigants, and attorneys who appear before her. Judge Nightingale is thoughtful, strong, and compassionate. She exhibited these traits when she was approached by Judge Peterson in 2003. Her first day on the job as a District Judge, Judge Peterson told her she would be assigned a criminal felony docket. Next, he informed her first case to preside over would be a death penalty case. Without complaint or panic, Judge Nightingale put on her robe and headed to the courtroom. Judge Nightingale currently handles a civil docket. She has been very active on the bench serving on the Executive Committee, Special Judge Review Committee, Death Penalty Conflict Attorney Committee, and Special Judge Selection Criteria Committee. She was the district
court liaison to Early Settlement Program and served on the Mayor’s Emergency Task Force to Fund Early Settlement. Judge Nightingale has gone above and beyond her duties to handle her civil docket. First, she serves as the supervising judge for the Tulsa County Mental Health Court and the Tulsa County Drug and DUI courts. Judge Nightingale was called to answer questions regarding the drug court program for the U.S. Senate and did so with distinction. On top of her supervisor role, every week for over 2 years, she personally calls the Veterans Court docket. This service to our veterans is very important to the Judge. In her words: “It is a humbling experience to serve those amazing people who served our country. These men and women did their job for what they were paid. They didn’t really expect anything in return.” “Some came back to the U.S. and home with issues they didn’t have when they joined the military. They needed help. Now it is up to this court and a team of passionate people working together to help the veterans get their lives back together.”
The Honorable Rebecca Brett Nightingale GOLDEN RULE 1: capitalized G&R : a rule of ethical conduct : do to others as you would have them do to you 2: a guiding principle 18 Tulsa Lawyer
On May 5, 2015 she was elevated from her role as Presiding Judge Elect to Presiding Judge upon the news of Judge Chappelle’s retirement for health reasons. Devastated by the loss of her friend and colleague, she faced the new and sudden responsibilities as she had in 2003- with grace and strength. Judge Nightingale is Tulsa County’s first female Presiding. As the Presiding Judge, her extraordinary management skills, her passion for the citizens of Tulsa County, her energy and, perhaps most importantly, her calm temperament leads the county court through tough times. Despite enormous budget cuts, she has worked with the Supreme Court and the Legislature to ensure jury trials and court functions continued without a glitch. When the Public Defender position became vacant due to the illness of her friend Rob Nigh, she has diligently worked to help the office cope and hire a replacement. When the Tulsa County Sheriff was indicted her first week as acting Presiding Judge,
2016-2017 Golden Rule Winners 1st Quarter Allen E. Barrow, Jr. 2nd Quarter Trevor Reynolds 3rd Quarter Kevin T. Gassaway Rita J. Gassaway 4th Quarter The Honorable Rebecca Brett Nightingale 1st, 2nd & 3rd quarter winners have been featured in previous issues of Tulsa Lawyer.
she handled the grand jury, the media, and the turmoil with ease. She faced the flooding of the courthouse, the legislative attacks on the budget and salaries, and numerous administrative tasks, she faced these problems with a calm and thoughtful response and a positive outlook on the days ahead. Judge Nightingale’s incredible impact on the community, coupled with her accomplishments, make a worth recipient of the one of the TCBA’s most prestigious awards; the Golden Rule; which exemplifies the very best of the legal profession and provides models for others to follow.
Golden Rule Award Criteria
The Golden Rule award is given to lawyers who make outstanding contributions to their profession and have the highest of ideals and are willlng to mentor to those with less experience. Criteria for Award: 1. Recognizes the ethical and professional obligations as an officer of the court as well as the spirit and intent of the Rules of Professional Conduct. 2. Practices ethically and honestly and is true to his/ her word. 3. Strives for the traditional goals of moral excellence. 4. Exhibits the highest standards of fairness and integrity. 5. Sets a model example for conduct with members of the Bar and the Judiciary not only by words but more importantly by deeds. 6. Is civil, courteous and respectful towards the court and his/her opponents. 7 Is loyal to his/her client without trickery and deception and without using abusive practices or misleading the court or opposing counsel. 8 Avoids the temptation to make his/her client’s case into a personal vendetta. 9 Conducts himself/herself in a manner that improves the image of the legal profession in the eyes of the public. Tulsa Lawyer 19
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CS opy
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15 East 5th Street
can
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President's Awards Presented by Outgoing President Matthew S. Farris Past President’s Message Within my last article authored as TCBA President - appearing in the August Tulsa Lawyer Magazine (“TLM”) - I thanked numerous individuals who made my year serving as President of our association a success (at least in my mind). Now I serve our association as TCBA Past President, and part of my duties during the 2017-18 fiscal year include chairing the TCBA’s Nominations and Awards Committee. As I hit the ground running in my new role, I want to recap the President’s awards handed out during the TCBA’s Annual Meeting held on August 24th at the Hyatt downtown.
Tim Rogers
• January 21, 2017 - Tulsa Oilers Game
• February 25, 2017 - Tulsa Opera’s PUCCINI to POP When Tim agreed to serve as chair of the TCBA Special Events • March 2, 2017 - TU Law Talent Show Committee, I knew that particular committee was in for a great • April 22, 2017 - University of Tulsa Cane Crawl (a collaboration with the TCBA Young Lawyers year. Tim and I worked together Division) at the same law firm when Tim graduated from law school. As I • May 13, 2017 - Tulsa Roughnecks Game recall, I provided Tim with great wisdom and counsel as he began • October 3, 2017 - Oklahoma City Thunder at BOK Center his now flourishing legal career [author’s note – Tim’s recollection may differ]. Despite • August 15, 2017 - TCBA members received this possible discrepancy, what I do know for sure is that complimentary tickets to support a Comedy Night Tim is intelligent, hard working, and an all-around great f/b/o the Judge Carlos Chappelle Scholarship guy who agreed to serve the TCBA without reservation. Fund Below is a recap of Tim’s hard work as chair of the Special Events Committee: • October 4, 2016 - Oklahoma City Thunder Game at BOK Center • November 5, 2016 - Tulsa Symphony’s Raiders of the Lost Ark Center • December 11, 2016 - Tulsa Ballet’s The Nutcracker 22 Tulsa Lawyer
I have been on the TCBA Board of Directors since 2011, and I have never seen this committee so active. Well done, Tim! Your TCBA President’s award was well-earned.
"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." ~ Henry Ford
Kara Pratt Kara served the TCBA during 2016-17 as both a D ir e c torat-Large and as chair of the Membership Committee. Given my focus on membership satisfaction as TCBA President and the planning required to implement and execute the inaugural TCBA Membership Appreciation Month, serving as chair of the Membership Committee was no small task. Kara performed beautifully.
a casual, fun patio event with food and drink provided at the Rooftop above the Colonial Building located on Cherry Street on July 28. These events were a major success for the TCBA and generated much positive feedback from the membership, and discussions are already underway regarding next year’s TCBA Membership Appreciation Month. Bravo, Kara!
Christina Vaughn
As I stated last month, I have no doubt the TCBA is in good hands in 2017-18. Christina Vaughn will • Under Kara’s leadership, the Membership be an outstanding TCBA President. Committee and the TCBA staff organized and How do I know this? Because I executed the following complimentary events worked alongside Christina this in honor of our association’s extraordinary year (not every day…but almost!) membership. while she served the association as President Elect. She is intelligent, • Free Headshots: Free headshots were available to driven to succeed, and dedicated all TCBA members at the Bar Center on July 7, 14, to improving the TCBA as our association evolves in 20 and 25; modern times. The TCBA is fortunate to have Christina • Pinot Palette Night: TCBA members were able to serve as President. relax, commiserate and enjoy themselves painting I could drone on for paragraphs, but Christina a fun picture with fellow members on July 12. meticulously revised the TCBA Bylaws (a long overdue • Ethics CLE & Lunch: OBA General Counsel Gina L. Hendryx present a one hour CLE on ethics with a buffet lunch served to TCBA members on July 14. • Tulsa Drillers Night: TCBA members were able to enjoy Tulsa Drillers baseball (and complimentary Drillers bucks to purchase refreshments) with fellow members and guests on July 18; • Zoo Family Event: A family friendly event as TCBA members enjoyed an evening at the zoo. TCBA members and their families were treated to a private evening at the zoo and were able to feed the giraffes (a big hit with the kids) before enjoying a catered meal together on July 22; and • ‘No Suits Allowed’ Rooftop Party: TCBA members and guests concluded the TCBA Membership Appreciation Month by enjoying
project), was a driving force behind the TCBA Board of Directors’ historic decision to move to a free CLE model that will enable all dues paid members to attend the vast majority of the live TCBA CLE programs and seminars without paying additional fees, and was intimately involved in the planning and execution of the inaugural TCBA Membership Appreciation Month. Like many dedicated TCBA members, Christina helped all this happen for the association while maintaining a thriving legal practice; however, she has earned special recognition. As such, the TCBA President Elect [now President] was a recipient of a TCBA President’s award. Best of luck this year, Madam President. I know you will do well.
Sincerely, Matthew S. Farris Tulsa County Bar Association Past President 2017 – 2018 Tulsa Lawyer 23
Tulsa County Bar Foundation
The Charitable Arm of the TCBA Jim Gotwals, TCBF President The TCBF truly appreciates your support and contributions as membe r s . We are a visible manifestation of our members commitment to service to or profession and community. The TCBF owns and is responsible for maintenance of our Bar Center at 15th and Boston. Thanks to the hard work of the Capital Campaign Committee headed by Chad McLain and the generous financial support of our members, construction on the significant exterior renovations is complete with some punch list items remaining. We thank you for your significant financial support. We are still seeking contributions to fulfill other renovation objectives, (drainage issues and interior remodeling), and to provide a sinking fund for long term maintenance. The Foundation, as the charitable arm of the TCBA, undertakes various benevolent works on behalf of our bar. Through the Trustees, the dedicated committees and the bar staff, the TCBF provides scholarships for law students, the community outreach program, the law day programs, the highly successful TCBF Golf tournament, and numerous other charitable activities that provide good for the profession, our community and pride in our association. The Golf tournament this year raised and distributed a record $36,000.00.
We are also seeking to find a consistent and permanent funding source for the Foundation. Your thoughts and ideas in this endeavor and becoming a Fellow of the TCBF are welcome. The restart and refocus of the Fellows committee is an important goal of the Foundation. On behalf of the Foundation, we thank you for your many contributions of time, money and effort that enrich the lives of those in our community. It has been my privilege to serve as President with a great board of trustees. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve out my term as trustee. I have enjoyed my service to the TCBA and the TCBF. It has provided me with the opportunity to be around some of the finest attorneys in The city the state and across the Country. These ladies and gentlemen give of their time and energies not for money, adulation or praise, but simply for the betterment of their fellow man and their profession. The education that is available to bar leaders through the Tulsa Bar is priceless. We have been able to bring back several ideas from across the country through participation in national programs and ABA training.
Jim Gotwals We are serving the needs of the present members, President 2016 - 2017 the future members of the bar, and committing our Tulsa County Bar Foundation service to those in need.
24 Tulsa Lawyer
Foundation Awards
William C. Kellough
Daniel L. Crawford
When President Jim Gotwals asked Bill Kellough to chair the Golf committee for the 2016 event, everyone anticipated great success. The result went far beyond the expectations and the TCBF was able to donate $30,000 to the designated charities (the most in the history of the TCBF Annual Charity Golf Tournament). When asked to repeat as chair the Golf Committee for the 2017 tournament, Bill immediately proclaimed that he planned on topping the previous amount of donations. Some of us thought that was ambitious and a good goal to strive for, but did not think that we would actually be able to top the success for the 2016 tournament. Through perseverance and focused effort, Bill proved us wrong. In 2017 the TCBF’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament celebrated our most successful outing ever with a full slate of teams, great weather, and smooth management by Bill, his committee, and the Bar staff. The Foundation was able to donate $36,000 to the selected local charities. Many thanks for all of the hard work put forth by Bill and this year’s TCBF Golf committee; together, we are truly making a difference in the lives of others.
For thirty years, Dan Crawford has participated in the Tulsa Country Bar Foundation’s Law Week “Ask-A-Lawyer” event. For the last twenty seven years, he has volunteered to serve as the “AskA-Lawyer” chairman. Throughout the Spring of each of those years, he has coaxed, cajoled, enticed, begged, and beseeched a group of committed volunteer attorneys whose collective knowledge and experience ranges from routine to exotic and mundane to arcane. However, he isn’t just an organizer—he is a participant. How many calls has Dan answered in three decades? No one is exactly certain. After participating in “Ask-A-Lawyer” for more than fifteen years, Dan was challenged by then TCBA President Deidre Dexter to answer another 1,000 calls. He accepted her challenge and completed it in only eight years. But, Dan did not see it as “1,000 calls and done”; he saw it as “1,000 calls and counting”. That total continues to rise, and has been supplemented the last two year with responses to questions propounded by e-mail. Neither the number of hours served nor the number of citizens in community that have benefitted from the program can easily be counted. A big “Thank You” is well deserved to Daniel L. Crawford for extraordinary service to the public on behalf of the TCBA / TCBF. continued on page 26 ...
The TCBA will be closed for Labor Day.
Monday, September 4th
TCBF Golf Chair
“Ask-A-Lawyer”
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Foundation Awards
William C. McLain
Ashley R. Webb
As Chairman of the Tulsa County Bar Foundation’s Capital Campaign Committee, Chad has overseen the fund raising and the necessary renovations to the exterior of the TCBA facility. Although the actual construction phase of this project began in March of 2015, the planning for this project started as far back as 2012. Chad has persevered for more than five years to ensure the legacy of the Tulsa County Bar Association / Foundation and future generations of Tulsa Lawyers will have a facility for years to come. He still continues devoting time and effort to this project. The members of the Bar owe Chad a debt of gratitude for the countless hours and work that he has done on their behalf.
In his second term as chair of the Community Outreach Committee, Ashle y We bb ov e r s a w th e collaborative efforts between members of the committee and other TCBA / TCBF committees as we reached out to the members of the community to spread the efforts of volunteerism. This year the /committee continued the successful “Restaurant Night” program that allowed attorneys to participate in helping local charities and have a meal at the same time. He also continued the strong tradition of the Welcome Home Project which provides much need household goods to those looking to make a fresh start. This year the committee also renewed the relationship with the Children and the Law committee to help provide gifts through the “Holiday Challenge” to preselected families working with Family and Children’s Services. The Community Outreach committee continued with other programs that benefitted Reading Partners, the Mental Health Association, Feeding the Pets of Tulsa's Homeless and countless others with the traditional Santa Brings a Law Suit (which was expanded to provide decent clothing for indigent criminal defendants to wear at trial). Ashley and this committee (on behalf of Tulsa Lawyers) touch the lives of more of Tulsa’s unfortunate and underserved due to the hard work of Ashley, the committee members and staff. We owe them a or thanks and respect. They represent us well.
Capital Campaign Committee
TCBF Community Outreach Chair
TCBA HOURS 8:30am-5:00pm Monday - Friday 26 Tulsa Lawyer
Adam Keith Marshall
Judge Daman H. Cantrell
Adam Marshall has diligently performed the duties as Treasurer for the Tulsa County Bar Foundation for the past six years. He has maintained excellent records and kept us on target and advanced the success of the Foundation. This was throughout the period of raising funds for the TCBA building and construction. Adam devoted many hours and determined work simply to perform service for his profession and the Foundation. He has been a steady hand at board meetings and assisted Staff and the Foundation Board in clarifying and simplifying the financial statements. Although he must step down from the Foundation’s Board of Trustee’s due to term limits, he has set a standard for exceptional service.
This is the second time that Judge Cantrell has chaired the TCBF’s Law Day activities and this year provided additional activities and recognition for our members. All are aware of Judge Cantrell's Devotion to the moot court projects for High schools and his efforts to educate our youth about law and separation of powers. The Law Day Projects are the most visible and far reaching among those we participate in to demonstrate the fact that Lawyers care about their community and the rule of Law. Judge Cantrell exemplifies that example and we owe him our sincere appreciation for his leadership for the 2017 Law Day.
Outgoing TCBF Director 2011 – 2017 TCBF Law Day Chair
Tulsa Lawyer 27
Member Events Watch for scheduled events and don't miss out on the fun!
Pictured below: Mr & Mrs. Michael Taubman Mr. & Mrs. Travis Barnett
July 12th - Members got artistic at our Pinot's Palette event!
July 28th - It was "No Suits Allowed" for members joining us at the Rooftop Party.
Still looking for the right place to advertise? Do you own or operate retail shops, professional services, entertainment or restraurants in the downtown Tulsa area? If so, you should be advertising with Tulsa Lawyer. Target your audience with the many legal offices located downtown that receive Tulsa Lawyer every month! Contact Jody at jodyg@tulsabar.com 28 Tulsa Lawyer
Lawyers Against Pawverty ~ Feeding the Pets of Tulsa’s Homeless
Thank you to everyone who donated!
Grapevine News
Gregg J. Lytle recently joined McDaniel Acord, PLLC, as a partner. He will continue to practice in the areas of medical malpractice defense, employment, construction defects and civil litigation in Oklahoma and Texas McDaniel Acord, PLLC serves industry clients and individuals in commercial and business litigation, professional liability, employment, construction, casualty and environmental matters. The Firm also serves families in adoptions and guardianships, as well as divorce and custody matters
The shareholders of McAfee & Taft, Oklahoma’s largest law firm, have elected Brita Haugland Cantrell, the leader of the firm’s family law litigation practice, as a fellow shareholder. The announcement was made by managing director Michael Lauderdale. “We are very pleased that Brita has joined our shareholder ranks,” said Lauderdale. “It is a well-deserved honor.”
32 Tulsa Lawyer
Cantrell is an AV Preeminent peer review-rated trial lawyer whose practice is concentrated on the efficient representation of business clients confronting legal separation, divorce, custody or guardianship matters. Her experience includes the resolution of complex disputes involving business valuations, investigations and forensic accounting, asset and debt apportionment, and related tax issues. In addition, a portion of her practice is devoted to product liability defense. Her achievements as a trial lawyer have earned her inclusion in Oklahoma Super Lawyers. Cantrell’s 30-year career has spanned the public, private and non-profit sectors and includes serving as assistant attorney general for the State of Oklahoma for five years, as executive director of the Oklahoma chapter of The Nature Conservancy for six years, and as a lawyer in private practice for 19 years. Cantrell earned her law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and is a graduate of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. She is a member of the Tulsa County Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association and American Bar Association and is admitted in all state and federal courts in Oklahoma, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Submission Guidelines
Tulsa Lawyer Magazine Official Publication of the Tulsa County Bar Association
The Tulsa Lawyer is a full-color monthly publication of the Tulsa County Bar Association and is distributed to its membership of over 2,100 attorneys, Tulsa County Courthouse, the Law Library, the Oklahoma Bar Association and all advertisers.The Tulsa Lawyer accepts advertisements for products or services that have an existing or potential market in the Tulsa Legal Community. Space reservations may be requested, but no guarantee of ad placement can be made. The Tulsa Lawyer reserves the right to reject any advertisement. SUBSCRIPTIONS • Subscriptions are available for $40.00 a year for those who are not Tulsa County Bar Association members or advertisers. CLASSIFIED ADS • Classified ads are accepted at a charge of $35.00 for 40 words and .25 cents for each additional word. • You can add a small picture or color logo for $10.00. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS • The deadline for submitting advertisements is 5:00 PM on the 10th of the month preceding publication. • Example: Oct 10 for the Nov issue) Ads accepted after this date will be published if space and time allow. PAYMENTS • Due upon receipt of invoice. Please make check payable to TCBA. • Credit card payments can be made at our website www. tulsabar.com a small convenience fee will be charged. Advertising Rates - Please visit www.tulsabar.com or contact TCBA at 918.584-5243 Ext. 240 for ad sizes & rates. Submit: Send files to accounting@tulsabar.com PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS Preferred Material: Digital files are preferred. Four-color CMYK film is acceptable but file must be built to the correct ad dimensions. We cannot accept ads in the following formats: Microsoft Word, Publisher, Powerpoint or Corel Draw. Black only ads can be submitted as camera-ready copy.
File Formats Accepted: Color ads: All digital files must contain only CMYK data. No RGB or any other color space accepted.
Files must have a resolution of at least 300 dpi. Files will be output with a line screen of 133. The following are acceptable formats. Keep in mind, printer will not be able to make corrections in these formats: 1. CMYK or grayscale EPS All fonts must be outlined. 2. CMYK or grayscale TIFF 3. PDF 1.4 or lower version (Write a postscript file and use Acrobat Distiller to make PDF file; do not use an export PDF plug-in within program to make PDF. Distiller must be set up for 300 dpi, CMYK output.) 4. Fonts must be embedded. The following formats are also acceptable. All fonts and artwork must be provided along with page layout file. Printer will be able to make minor corrections if necessary: 1. QuarkXpress 6.5 or lower (PC or Mac version) 2. Illustrator CS2 or lower (PC or Mac version) 3. InDesign CS2 or lower (PC or Mac) 4. Pagemaker 7.0 or lower (PC or Mac version)
Black and White ads:
Files must have a resolution of at least 200dpi. If you are not familiar with the technical terms above, please feel free to call or email for clarification – Jody at accounting@tulsabar.com or 918-584-5243 ext 240. If staff assistance is required or requested to prepare any display advertisement there will be an additional “set-up” charge at $40 per hour, with a 1 hour minimum. This includes attempting to rearrange existing layout of an ad submitted. All advertising must be accompanied by a written request including: • • • • • •
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TCBA Sections & Committees Please send us your news, photos, meeting dates & topics! Share with the TCBA Membership and increase your member participation. Send items to tulsabarnews@yahoo.com Tulsa Lawyer 35
Tulsa County Bar Association 1446 S. Boston Ave. Tulsa, OK 74119
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