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Tulsa Lawyer Magazine December 2017

ProBono - Season of Service

2

A Message from

Christina Vaughn

2017-2018 TCBA President

10 Oklahoma Free Legal Answers: A Pro Bono Tool

In this Issue

TULSA LAWYER December 2017

3

Santa Brings a Law Suit There is still time to donate!

4

VP's Corner Kimberly K, Moore

8

The Holiday Challenge

6

Courthouse Assistance Program

By Daniel Gomez

9 TCBA Happenings

12 Health & Wellness Suite - New Benefits

By Jim Calloway

Director, Oklahoma Bar Association Management Assistance Program

22

The Lawyer Referral & Information Service

By Catherine Hoopert, Chair

13

Continuing Legal Education Calendar

15 Section News

Don't forget it's

16 Do You Really Know What LASO Can Do? 17

20

Theatre Tulsa: Tulsa’s National Treasure is Still Making History!

By Jarrod Kopp, Executive Director of Theatre Tulsa

Fee Arb - What You Need to Know

24 Everyone Has a Story- Why I'm a Lawyer 26 A Guilty Plea Can Wreak Havoc on Your

Ability to Practice Law

By Sheila J. Naifeh 28 Grapevine 31 Classifieds Tulsa Lawyer 1

A Message from the President

Christina M. Vaughn

The Millennial Crossroad Greetings TCBA members, I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your loved ones. I also hope you had the opportunity to take advantage of the plethora of free CLE offerings in November. We have seen record attendance numbers thus far, which is very exciting. For those of us who are known to procrastinate from time-to-time, there is still plenty of free CLE available this month.

While we are all extremely busy during this time of year both at work and at home, this is nevertheless a good time of year for reflecting upon and examining our traditions to decide whether they can be improved upon, whether they should be retired, or whether they have stood the test of time. For law firms, this examination is perhaps more important now than ever before due to the growing number of millennial lawyers entering the workforce coupled with the growing number of baby boomers leaving the workforce. As a result of this generational turnover, law firms are, with increasing frequency, struggling with the same fundamental problem: that traditional law firm culture is a poor match for the millennial personality. Law firms are typically conservative and hierarchical, with a focus on selling time. Their culture is often centered on experience, seniority, and the encouragement of personal sacrifice. By and large, these things hold exceptionally little interest for the typical millennial, who is more drawn to an environment that provides for collaboration, occupational creativity, rapid advancement, and personal fulfillment.

Before going further, it should be noted that a discussion such as this about large groups of people based upon generational characteristics will be rife with over-generalizations and it must be remembered that there are many exceptions to the broad strokes painted herein. At this point, you may be thinking ‘ugh, not another article about millennials in the workplace!’ But before you stop reading and move on to another article in this publication, please consider this: in five 2 Tulsa Lawyer

years or so, millennials will constitute the majority of lawyers in virtually every law firm in the country, and the majority of partners within ten. They will also be the stakeholders and decision makers in our client’s businesses. Knowing this, it might be time to concede that simply ignoring this issue or demanding that our young lawyers conform to the traditional law firm style and culture may not be the best approaches in terms of succession planning, partnership grooming and client relations.

This topic has been on the agenda at each of the Bar leadership conferences I have attended on behalf of the TCBA, it is often written about, and it regularly surfaces in meetings within firms. Yet, we seem no closer to bridging the gap, and firms remain baffled by and unsure of how to work with millennials.

So, what can we do to get on the right track?

I recently read an article by Jordan Furlong entitled “Deciphering the Millennial Lawyer”, which is the source of and inspiration for much of this article. In it, the author seeks to correct some misconceptions about millennials that are often a source of disconnect between millennials and the partners for whom they work. Furlong notes that millennials are often misjudged as entitled, lazy, and disloyal. In terms of entitlement, this impression comes from the fact that millennials are “preternaturally confident” in themselves because they have been raised to have the utmost belief in their abilities. As a result, millennials will often engage with partners and even clients with a degree of self-possession to which others are unaccustomed.

Furlong also contends that millennials are not lazy, but rather are resistant and resentful of attempts to fill their plates with busy-work. He says, “[y]ou might argue that Millennials don’t want to pay their dues, but that’s not true—they don’t want to pay your dues.” By this he means that just because some of us had to spend our formative attorney years doing the scut work, doesn’t mean that they will accept having to do so.

Next, what is often seen as disloyal is simply the peripatetic nature of millennials. Unlike their more senior counterparts, millennials will not stay at a firm that is not meeting their needs simply because they don’t want to be labeled a ‘firmjumper.’ This does not mean that every millennial employee is destined to leave. It does mean that firms will need to work harder than before to keep young lawyers from leaving.

Since training young lawyers requires an investment of both financial and time resources, it makes sense to take reasonable steps to try to keep them once you’ve made the investment.

Taking the time to understand these misconceptions is a good first step in achieving a détente. Different doesn’t mean bad.

So try to focus on the attributes that make them great lawyers and future leaders. The next, and perhaps more important step, is accepting that millennials are not going to fit the traditional mold nor follow the tradition path. As Furlong notes, “[t]his is the operating system that came fully installed with your millennial lawyers upon their arrival in your firm, and you can’t replace it with any of the DOS-based programs you grew up with.” Indeed, they would rather leave than work in what they consider undesirable conditions. When presented with the ‘it’s my way or the highway’ ultimatum,

millennials will have an Uber at the curb before you can say Jack Robinson. This doesn’t mean they cannot be long-term, valuable contributors to our organizations. It simply means that we have to be willing to take a more flexible approach and value their unique style and ingrained characteristics.

Furlong recommends a number of other steps that firms can take to maintain productive working relationships with their millennial lawyers, and I encourage you to read his article in full, which is available at lawyerist.com.

If you are still with me, please continue on to the other exceptional articles in this issue. The TCBA Tulsa Lawyer Committee and the TCBA staff who are responsible for putting together our monthly publication are doing an outstanding job, particularly in adding new and interesting content that you don’t want to miss.

I wish you all the very merriest of holidays and most joyous of new years!

Sincerely, Christina M. Vaughn TCBA President, 2017-2018

Santa Brings a Law Suit Th e Tulsa County Bar Foundation

The drive annually provides business attire to men and women in need so they may make the best possible impression during a critical job interview or their first day of work. The legal community is particularly well “suited” for this task as so many of us wear professional attire every day. If you have professional or business casual clothes for men or women – suits, dresses, skirts, blouses, dress pants and shirts, ties, belts, shoes, etc. – please begin to put them aside for the benefit of needy and deserving Tulsans.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2017 THROUGH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

organizations include the Salvation Army, John 3:16 Mission, and Women in Recovery, who truly appreciate and utilize your donation of professional attire to better our community.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated (and tax deductible.) Tax receipts will be made available if you leave your name, mailing address, and a general description of the items donated at the time you drop off your donations. Let’s have a wonderful holiday season, and build on the past success of this drive by cleaning out our closets and helping Tulsans get back to work!

Ashley R. Webb, Community Outreach Committee Chair, Tulsa County Bar Foundation Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison & Lewis, Inc.

All items should be clean, on hangers and ready to wear. At the conclusion of this year’s drive, the TCBF’s Drop-off during regular business hours: Community Outreach Committee will deliver the TULSA COUNTY BAR clothing to Tulsa area charitable organizations. Past 1446 South Boston, Tulsa, OK 74119

Tulsa Lawyer 3

VP's Corner Kimberly K. Moore, 2017 – 2018 What Does December Mean to You? December means many things to many people especially depending on how old you are. For adults it’s the last month of the year, remembering your youth, missing a loved one, winter is coming, kids are home, decorating, buying presents, family get-togethers, family vacations and hopefully snow, snow, snow. If you’re a child the meaning is very different. It means no school, Santa Claus, presents, snow, being spoiled by grandma and grandpa, making cookies and gingerbread houses.

All of these things are wonderful and bring joy to many people. And as you grow older the meaning of this holiday month changes. You pay more attention to the giving that goes on around this time of year. The canned food and coat drives. Toys for Tots and Tree Angles. The Salvation Army volunteers that stand out in the freezing temperatures ringing a bell and accepting donations. So much good happens around this time of year because people realize how important it is to give back.

Cherish the memories you make each year with the ones you hold so dear while remembering the loved ones who are no longer here, watching your children and grandchildren on Christmas Eve as they drift off to the land of nod, to see the sparkle and awe in their faces the next morning to see what Santa brought and to check if the jolly old man ate the cookies they set out the night before.

Above all remember the less fortunate. Be kind, be giving, adopt a family for this Christmas, walk up to a stranger in need and give them a gift card for no reason and no thanks needed.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Stay safe this year and God bless.

Events

• Children and the Law Committee 2017 Holiday Challenge – contact nsears@cordelllaw.com

• Santa Brings a Lawsuit – now through December 13 – drop off at Riggs Abney or the TCBA • BOK Center Winterfest 2017 – Nov. 24, 2017 to Jan. 7, 2018

• Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights – Bartlesville, OK – Nov. 24, 2017 to Dec. 23, 2017 • Rose District Ice Skating Rink – Broken Arrow – Nov. 16, 2017 to Jan. 7, 2017 • Philbrook Festival Nights– Nov. 17, 2017 – Dec. 23, 2017 • Hanukkah – Dec. 12, 2017 to Dec. 20, 2017 • Kwanza – Dec. 26, 2017 – Jan. 1, 2018

• Castle Christmas at the Castle of Muskogee – Nov. 23, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2017 4 Tulsa Lawyer

Happy Holidays from the TCBA Staff!

TULSA COUNTY BAR

FOUNDATION & FELLOWS

Making a memorial donation is a great way to support your Foundation.

And don’t forget to make your end of the year charitable donations!

Donations are tax deductible.

Contact accounting@tulsabar.com.

Tulsa Lawyer 5

Courthouse Assistance Program:

A Pro Bono Opportunity from TCBA and Legal Aid

By Daniel Gomez, TCBA Legal Aid/Pro Bono Committee Chair

The Courthouse Assistance Program (“CAP”) is a pro bono collaboration between the Tulsa County Bar Association and Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. to assist indigent individuals at Tulsa County’s forcible entry and detainer (“FED”) docket. It began in 2010 and is going strong today. The program assists mostly tenants, but landlords who qualify also can avail themselves of CAP’s assistance. TCBA’s contribution, provided largely by its pro bono committee, includes recruiting attorneys, paralegals, and law students to contribute their time and skill on a pro bono basis. Beth Nellis, ACP, and Karen Langdon are the key personnel at Legal Aid who have been crucial to the program’s success. Nellis reports that CAP has accepted hundreds of cases and estimates that attorneys have contributed more than 2,000 billable hours with value exceeding a half-million dollars. The program is always in need of new recruits, and TCBA members are encouraged to contact TCBA or Legal Aid to express their desire to participate.

the client in the FED hearing. The CAP attorney’s assistance begins and ends in one afternoon. If the result is eviction, the client is referred to other agencies for further assistance.

Participation in CAP may be one of the easiest and most rewarding experience for an attorney, paralegal, or law student to volunteer their skill and service to help someone in desperate need. To volunteer, an attorney need only attend a short training program and review materials on relevant housing laws and regulations.

Training sessions are organized by Legal Aid, led by current TCBA Vice-President Kimberly Moore, who also has compiled the training materials. The trainings are thorough, yet efficient, and are perhaps the best “crash course” available in any area of law. It is this basic knowledge of a tenant’s rights and a landlord’s responsibilities that indigent renters often lack. CAP volunteers, armed with knowledge of the law, can then apply their education, experience, and instincts in fact evaluation, negotiation, and where necessary, trial skills, to advocate for their client. Young lawyers looking for court room experience are especially encouraged to participate to not only serve the community, but to “learn by doing” in a real-world environment. Law students can also gain first-hand experience by helping process CAP referrals and assisting CAP attorneys in negotiation, witness preparation, and in developing effective strategies.

The FED docket is held each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 2:00 p.m. in Courtroom 112 of the Tulsa County Courthouse. Judge Millie Otey is the presiding judge and has also been a fierce advocate and coordinator for CAP. The docket is called first to determine who has appeared and parties are given an opportunity to meet and to try and resolve the dispute without need for judicial intervention. If an agreed resolution is not possible, an FED hearing (essentially a mini bench trial) is held later that afternoon with CAP’s mission addresses an area of great need and testimony, argument, and a ruling from the bench. volunteers are essential to ensure the program remains strong and effective over the long-term. According to

CAP volunteers are present and on-site at the the most recent United States Census Bureau statistics, Tuesday and Thursday dockets to take referrals. The approximately one in six Oklahomans (16.1%) live at referred parties meet with Legal Aid assistants for or below the federal poverty line. A 2014 report from an intake interview to see if they meet Legal Aid’s Columbia University’s National Center for Children in eligibility requirements. If the person qualifies, a Poverty found 24% of all children in Oklahoma were CAP attorney provides their services in attempting to living at or below the federal poverty line and a total negotiate a resolution and, if necessary, representing of 51% were living at or below Legal Aid’s qualifying 6 Tulsa Lawyer

income of 200% of the federal poverty line. Another 27% are below Legal Aid’s other qualification criteria.

According to an August 2016 Oklahoma City Journal Record article, Oklahoma ranks 44th out of 50 states for access to justice. When indigent families and individuals are faced with an FED summons, it is often the last step before homelessness. Without a legal advocate, indigent renters are at risk of being deprived of due process or an opportunity to plead a compelling case to avoid eviction.

CAP is a great equalizer to ensure that indigent families and individuals are provided basic legal protections when facing difficult financial conditions and the risk of losing the basic necessity of safe housing.

Success, they say, breeds success, and CAP’s success has it looking to expand. One might be surprised to learn that CAP is the only such program in the state, and currently exists only in Tulsa County. TCBA’s pro bono committee, led by its chair Jim Proszek, applied for and was recently awarded a financial grant from the Oklahoma Bar Foundation to expand CAP to additional

counties. The grant provides the seed to begin expansion to neighboring counties, and possibly Oklahoma County, with the overarching goal to replicate the program in all of Oklahoma’s 76 counties. The expansion program will focus on contacting county FED judges, recruiting volunteers, and providing training in Legal Aid offices statewide.

To ensure the continued success of CAP both locally and in its upcoming expansion initiative, volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and law students are crucial. Please contact TCBA or Legal Aid to express your desire to contribute your time and skill to this worthy cause.

For more information on CAP, or to volunteer, please contact Karen Langdon, LASO Pro Bono Coordinator, at 918-295-9422 or Karen.langdon@ laok.org, or Kimberly K. Moore at 918-295-9433 or Kimberly.waite@laok.org.

TCBA Children & the Law

Natalie Sears, Chair

TCBA Holiday Challenge

Are YOU or YOUR FIRM looking for a last minute tax deduction for 2017? Then look no further!

The TCBA Holiday Challenge is still going on and Family and Children’s Services could really use our support! You still have time to donate to this year’s holiday challenge by making checks payable to “TCBF” with “Holiday Challenge” written in the memo line! Cash donations are being accepted until December 6th, so act now! Let’s give back to those in need and provide them with warm clothing and shoes this holiday season.

All 2017 sponsors will be recognized in the Tulsa Lawyer Magazine as being totally awesome people with generous hearts (so let me know if you would prefer your donation to remain anonymous). Let’s show our Tulsa area children in need that they are not forgotten. Please join us and let’s make the 2017 Holiday Challenge a huge success!

Cash: Send your tax deductible donations payable to TCBF and note “Holiday Challenge” on your payment. Cash donations will be accepted through December 6, 2017.

Please feel free to reach out to me at nsears@cordelllaw. com so I can give you information on how to get involved.

STILL NEED YOUR CLE? TCBA Videos Replays Dec. 18th – 22nd Dec. 27th – 29th Be sure to check the TCBA website for schedules and details.

Find out the latest TCBA happenings!

The TCBA will be closed for the holidays...

December 25th & 26th for Christmas Monday, January 1st for New Year's Day 8 Tulsa Lawyer

TCBA Happenings

The 2017-2018 TCBA Board of Directors started their business for the year with the first BOD meeting held Thursday, September 21, 2017.

Send us your member pics & happenings! tulsabarnews@yahoo.com

Members of the TCBA attended the TU Public Interest Board on Wednesday, October 18, 2017.

Tulsa Lawyer 9

A Pro Bono Tool for Today’s Busy World — Oklahoma Free Legal Answers

By Jim Calloway Director, Oklahoma Bar Association Management Assistance Program

We all seem to be too busy these days, does not carry professional liability insurance to especially during the holiday season. People with assist those deserving of need. After signing up at limited financial resources often lead stressed and Oklahoma.freelegalanswers.org, you can review busy lives too. questions posted by fellow Oklahomans who have been prequalified by an income screening process.

Most of us became lawyers because we want to help people. Full-service pro bono representation Oklahoma.freelegalanswers.org allows you to is still greatly needed. Taking on a complete legal select the areas of law you provide legal assistance representation for an indigent client can be time- for and help those whose needs are greatest. You can consuming, but Oklahoma.freelegalanswers.org, a choose to accept only the questions where you feel joint project of the Oklahoma Bar Association, the comfortable providing help and then have 24 hours American Bar Association and Oklahoma’s Access to post an answer. Most attorneys will be able to to Justice Commission, allows Oklahoma lawyers compose a well- formulated response in less than half to serve people with limited financial means by an hour. Often, you will be able to simply direct an contributing a limited amount of your time and legal individual to helpful resources. expertise.

All attorney volunteers will be covered by a

This provides the perfect way for a lawyer professional liability insurance policy purchased by employed by a business (or who is retired) and the ABA. Individuals posting questions will not be

www.okbar.org/members/MAP/freelegalanswers.aspx 10 Tulsa Lawyer

provided the lawyer’s name or contact information.

They may submit a follow-up question to you through the service, but those, too, are limited.

(Note: We of course cannot guarantee what might be ordered disclosed in discovery should there be litigation, but volunteer lawyers will still be protected by the liability insurance.)

You can find more information and view a short video about the service at www.okbar. org/members/MAP/freelegalanswers.aspx.

We encourage lawyers reading this to visit the site Oklahoma.freelegalanswers.org and sign up now. You will feel rewarded from helping other and you will be able to impact the lives of fellow Oklahomans with your contribution.

Join us for the next Tulsa Lawyer Meeting!

UPCOMING MEETING DATES

Thursdays - Dec. 28 & Jan. 25th 11:30am-1:00pm - TCBA Small Conf. Room Email juliec@tulsabar.com the day before for lunch count.

Tulsa Lawyer 11

Reduce your holiday stress with TCBA MEMBER BENEFITS: Health & Wellness Benefit Suite Citibike.Tours • The only 7-person circular bike in Oklahoma (and probably the whole Midwest!

• Ride around Tulsa offering various tours of the city, ranging from 30 minutes to an hour.

• Whether you want a leisure ride, or a team-building opportunity, this one-of-a-kind experience is a must-do.

• Citibike.Tours offer a $25 discount (reg.$45) and also a portion of their purchase will go to provide rides for the deaf/blind community and teambuilding for at risk schools. To book online go to: https://citibiketours.acuityscheduling.com/ schedule.php?appointmentType=4205510 Stephen Lindsey of Legacy Fitness & Performance • Health and fitness services, including personal training and virtual coaching.

• Private and small group personal training, workout and performance programming, as well as nutrition services like meal planning available.

• Pricing on private training is $40 for 30 minutes and $75 for 60 minutes. Small group training starts at $40 per person. Pricing on workout and nutrition programming is $159.

• Stephen is offering 10% off all services at this time for TCBA members.

• Contact Stephen at slfitpro@gmail.com or call him at (918) 813-0121 for more information.

The Hungry Ninja • Convenient and customizable ways to nourish yourself and your family.

• Personal concierge service for you to order fully customized meals that can be delivered to your home or office or picked up from them.

• Meals are prepared, packaged, delivered so all you have to do is refrigerate and heat when you are ready to enjoy them.

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, so you may never have to cook again!

• Delivery is available in the greater Tulsa area either weekly or bi-weekly.

• Call Ryan or Maegan at (918) 973-1963 to get started.

Sacred Wellness Ashley Anne Ashton, LMT • Specializes in Trigger point, Sports, Active Release, Myo Fascial, I.A.S.T.M, Cupping, and Raindrop therapy • Facebook.com/aaa.sacred • Instagram: @aaa.sacred • Located off 51st between Yale and Harvard • Call for appointment: (253) 820-8708 and refer to TCBA member discount • Discount: 1 hour massage discounted to $55 (normally $70) Massage & Bodyworks by Michelle Michelle Hodges, LMT • Located at 1099 S. Aspen Ave., BA OK 74012 • Call for appointment: 918-641-4104 and refer to TCBA member discount • Discount: 50% off your first 1hr massage • 25% off any and all massages for the next year • Discount can apply to house-calls, or office setup • 50% off massage during birthday month

T-Town Training & Fitness • Discounted membership to their gym.

• They offer a fun and encouraging environment – with challenging workouts – that support their member's health and wellness lifestyle.

• conveniently located in the East Village District in Downtown Tulsa. It's close to all major highways, which makes it easily accessible from anywhere in the Tulsa metro area.

• Indoor training area of more than 3,000 square Stressful week? feet and more than 3,500 square feet of outdoor • Stop by the TCBA today and every Monday at 12-12:30 for a meditation session. All sessions are functional workout space.

FREE to all members and your office staff, $5 to all others 12 Tulsa Lawyer

14 Tulsa Lawyer

TCBA Section News The TCBA Corporate Law Section is Back!

Congratulations to Tom Robertson and family!

The TCBA Corporate Law Section is active again due to the efforts of Kevinn Matthews, who has agreed to serve as its Chair this year. Their first meeting was on Tuesday, October 24th, and addressed the topic of “Legislative Updates” via a panel discussion with Gary Derrick (Derrick & Briggs, LLP) and H. Wayne Cooper (Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson) with University of Tulsa College of Law Professor, Tom Arnold, serving as Moderator.

Tom Robertson gave a powerful and informative presentation to a packed room at the October Employment Law section meeting on the topic of Retaliation – The Most Dangerous Claim. After a thorough presentation and a vibrant Q&A, Tom rushed to the hospital to meet his first grandchild Mason Harris Robertson, who was born just minutes before Tom began his presentation. The Employment Law Section extends its congratulations and best wishes to the entire Robertson family!

Special thanks to Tom Robertson for his wisdom and commitment to educating members of the bar!

Kevinn, in-house counsel with WPX Energy, plans to have the section meet once a quarter. Each meeting will feature an informative panel discussion with guest speakers who are prominent experts in their fields. In addition to the guest speakers, he plans to have Law Professors serve as panel moderators at each meeting.

Section members who attend these meetings will receive one hour of free CLE credit per meeting.

Law students are also encouraged to join the section and attend these meetings. TU Law Student, Ian Jones, serves as the section’s Student Liaison and plans to attend each meeting.

To join the TCBA Corporate Law Section please contact Julie Cook at the TCBA. The TCBA Corporate Law Section is for attorney members who practice in the area of corporate law, including both in-house and outside counsel, and those who serve in a corporate executive, managerial, or supervisory capacity. The Section serves as an educational resource sponsoring 3 CLE luncheons per year on topics specific to this area of the law. Section membership provides for a social meeting environment with unique opportunities for member attorneys to meet and discuss issues of concern to their practices. Please join us for opportunities to build relationships, keep abreast of current developments in corporate law and obtain continuing legal education in a convenient venue.

Litigation SectionSteve Boaz to Speak

On January 18, 2018, the Litigation Section of the TCBA will be meeting from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Tulsa County Bar Association.

Attorney and Mediator Steve Boaz, author of the monthly Oklahoma jury verdict publication “The Boaz Report”, will report on the most notable jury verdicts and trends from 2017. Lunch will be served, followed by a presentation from 12:10 to 1:00. Attendees will receive 0.5 CLE credit.

The Litigation Section was founded by trial lawyers for trial lawyers of all practice areas with a goal of improving as advocates.

Ryan Fulda

Trevor Hughes

Tulsa Lawyer 15

Do You Really Know What LASO Can Do? Check out these quick facts...

Providing free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals, seniors, the disabled and veterans in Oklahoma.

Low-Income Application Line 888-534-5243 Mon -Thurs, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Seniors (60+) Oklahoma Sixty Plus Legal Aid Seniors Helpline 855-488-6814 Toll-free!

BASIC NEEDS Legal Aid seeks to ensure basic needs for clients, especially those involving: • Income maintenance for survival • Freedom from harm and violence • Access to housing • Freedom from hunger • Access to health care

Find Legal Information, Court Forms & Other Help

NO LEGAL FEES Legal Aid does not charge fees to represent eligible clients.

Funding is provided by the Legal Services Corporation, the State of Oklahoma, Area Agencies on Aging, the Oklahoma Bar Foundation, local United Way organizations, and other private funding.

• Legal Aid also works with community groups serving low-income people.

ELIGIBILITY Eligibility is generally limited to low-income people and seniors age 60 and over. Legal Aid considers income, assets, and family size, among other factors in determining eligibility.

They can help someone...

• defend themselves and children agaist a violent partner or spouse; • keep a landlord from evicting you before you have a chance to find other housing; • get the disability benefits your child needs to survive since you, as a single parent, must stay home to care for them; or, • keep the bank from garnishing Social Security benefits, if that is your only source of income.

ELIGIBILITY FOR SENIORS LASO attorneys offer seniors (age 60 and over) legal advice.

LASO also provides community education events for seniors.

Seniors call 855-488-6814 Toll-free!

Or ask for help on the website: http://www.legalaidok.org/senior-legal-help 16 Tulsa Lawyer

• Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma® legal services provides legal advice and materials on many kinds of legal problems.

• Legal Aid attorneys and paralegals are available to speak to agencies and groups on a variety of legal subjects.

• Visit LegalAidOK.org for free legal information and resources in your area.

Legal Aid cannot help everyone who asks for legal services.

Sometimes we are only able to give legal advice or help people represent themselves in court.

Examples of cases we handle include: • Family Law - cases of domestic violence, divorce, paternity, child support, guardianship • Housing Law - foreclosure, eviction, landlord/tenant problems, including public housing and section 8 • Consumer Law - wage & bank account garnishment, debt collection, bankruptcy • Public Benefits - unemployment, social security, SSI/SSDI, SNAP (formerly food stamps), Medicare/Medicaid, TANF • Other Civil Legal Problems - expungements, driver’s license issues

Attorneys you can be a part of LASO

by VOLUNTEERING! LASO needs the help of attorneys in private practice, to volunteer to help individual clients or at legal clinics.

If you are a lawyer or law student, contact the LASO office near you or fill out the online contact on our web site at:

www.legalaidok.org/volunteers **Information provded from LASO public information pamphlet.

Important! Each case is different. This gives you general legal information, not specific legal advice.

Theatre Tulsa:

Tulsa’s National Treasure is Still Making History!

By Jarrod Kopp, Executive Director of Theatre Tulsa Non-profit organizations frequently offer education, This past year alone Theatre Tulsa won national volunteerism, youth and community collaboration. attention with the awarding of a prestigious grant from the New York City-based Shubert Foundation, one Rarely does a nonprofit provide all of them. of only two organizations in Tulsa to receive such an There is a rare exception - and believe it or not, it’s a honor. local theatre company that has been serving Tulsans since 1922. Theatre Tulsa is the longest-lasting, “Theatre Tulsa’s 95-year history would make a great continuously running local theatre company west of drama,” said Jarrod Kopp, Executive Director of the Mississippi. But even at 95 years, the organization Theatre Tulsa. “While most arts organizations last only a decade or two, we’ve stayed in business for nearly a isn’t slowing down - in fact, it’s speeding up! century because we stay focused on priority 1 - serving This season has seen great success so far with its Tulsans.” blockbuster production of the epic American musical “Ragtime,” followed in the fall by its classically-styled It has been that way since the beginning. Tulsa production of “Amadeus”, a dramatized account about transplants Bonnie Reed and Hope Holway decided the life and mysterious death of Wolfgang Amadeus Tulsa was in need of a community theater, so on Dec. 10, 1922 they incorporated the original Tulsa Little Mozart.

Theater Players. A decade later, the group raised money The rest of the season looks despite the Great Depression even brighter with planned to build a theater. Two years productions of Andrew later, the group incorporated Lloyd Webber’s “Evita,” as Tulsa Little Theatre.

Steven Sondheim’s “Into The Woods” and the outrageous Mel Brooks’ comedy “The Producers”

The theater struggled over the next few years, surviving a threatened bank foreclosure in 1935. A number of donors stepped in and the theater paid off its mortgage in 1940. During World War II, it produced shows for military camps and veterans’ hospitals.

However, new administration and governance has provided new stability, structure and vision.

In June 2012, 11 professionals were voted onto the Theatre Tulsa Board of Directors to help reinvigorate the theatre, preserve its historical value to the The Little Theatre was now prospering and by 1959 community and fulfill its potential to become Tulsa’s was the largest non-professional theater company in the flagship theatre. A major revitalization was launched U.S. In 1964, its membership was 8,000 subscribers. By that summer and has created continuous momentum, 1972 it had the largest community theater membership financial stability and consistent, critically-acclaimed in the nation, and has had more than 1.5 million artistic productions. This vision was based on models members over the past 50 years. of similar civic and community theatres in equivalent cities across the nations that are thriving.

Theatre Tulsa has had many firsts; it was the first community theater in the country to premiere “Our In that first year of rebirth, Theatre Tulsa’s new Town” (1939) and “All My Sons” (1947); the musical leadership managed to wipe away the existing debt, “Brownstone” (1985); “Miracle on 34th Street: A reconnect with sponsors and donors, and started to Musical Adaptation” (a 1993 original musical written rebuild its member subscriber base. for Theatre Tulsa); “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” (2003); and the first American production of Today, Theatre Tulsa is thriving in its new direction, “Pitmen Painters” (2011). Theatre Tulsa’s production and positioning itself as the leading regional theatre of “Forever Plaid” sold out more than 400 shows in company in Tulsa, OK. The company is achieving its 1995 and 1996. bold objectives through multiple channels of diverse programming, including three different series: Theatre Along the way, several noted performers received their Tulsa Broadway Series for well-known productions; first stage experience with Theatre Tulsa, including Theatre Tulsa Next Stage for new or socially relevant Jeanne Tripplehorn, Sam Harris and Kristin Chenoweth. works; and Theatre Tulsa Family for children and their families. Theatre Tulsa also hosts “Bard in the Brady”, a Unfortunately, Theatre Tulsa began to decline in the modern Shakespeare festival in downtown Tulsa that is early 2000s. The company was struggling financially free to the public. These programs total 11 productions for various reasons including: lack of administrative per year and more than 75 performances that attract an experience in nonprofit governance, reduction in season average of 15,000 theatre goers annually. subscriptions, and the loss of board fundraising and corporate sponsorships. In 2012, Theatre Tulsa nearly Theatre Tulsa's Broadway Series serves as the closed its doors forever. company’s main stage season and produces five popular,

18 Tulsa Lawyer

high-quality musicals. These works showcase the best in local talent by casting highly trained performers and hiring the best directors, choreographers, designers, and technicians in Tulsa. The musicals are often performed to packed houses and receive high praise from patrons.

Over the past several years, Theatre Tulsa has established itself the flagship theatre company for Tulsa.

The company has grown its budget, staff, audience, productions, and revenue streams, all while setting a new standard for quality for locally-produced theatre.

“The mission of the Broadway Series is to create a demand for local theatre” said Kopp. “These ambitious productions utilize Tulsa’s extraordinary talent and cultivate audience support for the larger performing arts community.”

But Theatre Tulsa’s efforts go far beyond the stage. The company has plans to expand its educational programs, a vital service in the face of local and state budget cuts to arts education. Additionally, Theatre Tulsa is increasing its focus on volunteerism, donor management and the variety of productions well into its 100th season.

The Theatre Tulsa Next Stage series focuses on socially-relevant and new works. Many of these works are recent Pulitzer Prize-winning dramas, such as “Clybourne Park” in 2014. “With Next Stage we try to provide Tulsans theatre that is not typically performed in the area and to start conversations about important social issues” said Kopp.

“The Theatre Tulsa of today will not be the Theatre Tulsa of tomorrow” says Kopp. “But whatever the future brings, serving Tulsa will always be how we make history.”

Jarrod Kopp is the executive director of Theatre Tulsa, and an award-winning theatrical director of several TT productions. Kopp comes from a diverse business background in advertising, marketing and corporate communications, and has been involved in Theatre Tulsa’s final production each season is the the Tulsa theatre community since moving to Tulsa in summertime “Bard in the Brady” Festival, which is a the 1990s. modern and urban take on Shakespeare in the Park.

“Bard in the Brady” takes place within the Brady Arts District in the heart of downtown, with the Tulsa skyline serving as backdrop for the production. The mission of “Bard in the Brady” is expose classical theatre to those who may not normally have access to see the works of Shakespeare performed. Bard in the Brady is completely free and open to the public.

Theatre Tulsa Family presents theatre for young audiences, and is also incorporated into the company’s Broadway Academy education program. These titles are crafted for children and their families to enjoy.

theatretulsa.org

All photo credits to Trina Fowler.

Tulsa Lawyer 19

What is Fee Arbitration?

And what does it have to do with me?

Tamera Childers, Fee Arb Chair

At no cost to lawyers or former clients, this Committee resolves disputes involving the amount or reasonableness of attorney fees and/or costs charged or to be charged by the lawyer for professional services for the benefit of the former client.

The arguments of the lawyer and former client are received by an Investigator selected by and from the Committee members. The Investigator interviews the parties and summarizes their positions and presents those positions to the Committee in a closed hearing that is not open to the public or the parties.

Committee decisions are made by majority vote of a quorum of at least 12 persons including both attorneys and non-attorneys. Decisions of the Committee are binding upon the parties and may be enforced by subsequent court action. This Committee does not resolve client grievances.

Committee meetings are scheduled at 4:30 p.m. on the following dates: • December 7 • January 4 • February 1 • March 1 • April 5 • May 3 • June 7 • July 5 • August 2 For more information, contact Committee Chairperson, Tamera A. Childers of Tamera A. Childers, PLLC, at 918-574-8990 or by email at tamera@divorcetulsa.com.

What Happens When a Client Requests Fee Arb?

1. The Committee consists of more than twelve (12) attorneys, each having practiced law for more than five (5) years and several non-attorney members.

2. Should you elect to participate in this arbitration process, the arbitration will be relatively quick; there will be no charge to you; and the decision of the Committee will be binding on both attorney and client.

3. Your arbitration will be assigned to one of the attorney committee members who will act as an investigator.

4. The investigator will meet with client, attorney, and other witnesses, as necessary.

5. Your agreement to arbitrate this matter should foreclose any potential other legal action for collection of this debt; and I encourage you to participate in this process.

Tulsa Lawyer 21

TCBA's Lawyer Referral and Information Service A new look for clients and participating attorneys...

The TCBA Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS), formerly known as the Lawyer Referral Service, has formally included a key component of its service “information” to its name, and adopted the ABA’s Model Rules for the Operation of a Lawyer Referral Service.

In addition, the TCBA Board of Directors approved a revised mission statement for the program: The Tulsa County Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service is a longstanding program serving Tulsa and its surrounding communities.

The primary purpose of the service is to refer those needing legal representation, and who can afford reasonable attorney’s fees, to an experienced, qualified attorney who practices in the area of law appropriate to their needs.

The service also strives to provide general information regarding consumer, government and other agencies and community resources when appropriate.

There is a widespread misconception that the TCBA Lawyer Referral Service is a pro bono program. It is not – and recently the TCBA LRS Committee that oversees the program has made some changes to address this misconception.

In the past the service, which charges $25 for the referral and includes up to 30 minutes of initial consultation, had been marketed as “an easy way to get legal advice” and as a source to get legal questions answered. This model worked for a time, but given both societal changes and changes to the rules governing attorneys it needed to be adjusted. More and more referral clients were pro se, but did not know what they needed to do; therefore they wanted a referral to an attorney who would tell them how “not” to have to hire an attorney. Also, an increasing number of referral clients wanted to use the 30 minute consultation for document drafting or review.

In response to feedback from panel attorneys, several who cited (then) Proposed Oklahoma District Court Rule Modification Rule 33 and Rule 1.2 (c) of the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct, the service now points clients such as these to other available resources including informational websites; the ABA sponsored Free Legal Answers; and local programs offering free and reduced cost legal services.

Beginning with this membership year, the TCBA’s LRIS has a whole new look both to prospective clients and participating lawyers. Your TCBA membership profile includes the opportunity to participate in TCBA's LRIS online system to receive, deny, accept, monitor, pay and report your participation. By providing a 30 minute no obligation legal consultation to a person of the general public screened by TCBA staff to an area of law in which you choose to practice, you may receive a new best client.

Lawyer Referral & Information Service, Chair Catherine W. Hoopert

22 Tulsa Lawyer

Waller Jorgenson Warzynski LLC participates in the TCBA Lawyer Referral Service because it allows us to help unrepresented people in a time of need and uncertainty. Some of the referrals lead to life changing recoveries for some clients. One such client was an 85 year old woman on social security who tripped on an entrance way rug in a store. She struck her head and underwent two craniotomies.

Otherwise, she made a full recovery. We were fortunate to obtain a six figure recovery for her and her family who lived a very frugal lifestyle. I have never been hugged so much in my career. It’s about the hugs! ~ Richard Warzynski, Longtime LRIS Panel Attorney Leave the marketing and sales to TCBA LRIS!

Most prospective clients are referrals from the courthouse, judges and other contact persons i n various f ie lds who intersect with the general public.

To restart LRIS's marketing and sales campaign, the Tulsa County court system has been provided updated informational reference cards for display at the county court clerk's public counters. In addition, small information reference notepads were provided for judges to give to those persons who need legal representation and the TCBA website for online contact referral has been updated. The LRIS Committee hopes to expand its presence to and for the public this year and you can help by participating and by also referring that person who you may not be able to serve to TCBA LRIS.

“In addition to providing an immediate source of prospective clients, it has improved myself and my practice through the variety of persons served that come from much different walks of life. I am grateful for the many legal challenges, experiences, and as said by someone previously - THE HUGS! - are awesome by being able to explain the legal process in a way that a person understands. Many referrals just need information about the law and want to understand why something occurred this way or that way, and what are their options”.

- Catherine W. Hoopert, Chair of the LRIS Committee, has participated in the lawyer referral service program since 2014 after returning to private solo practice from private industry

“LRIS offers attorneys an opportunity to direct prospective clients regarding options for dealing with a particular issue through a thirty minute free consultation. Many of the prospective clients are grateful for the initial direction, but decide not to go further.

Other prospective clients retain the LRIS panel lawyer to handle the resolution of the issue. Those clients sometimes become repeat clients. Also those clients refer others who may require legal representation and services. Participation in LRIS is the perfect blend of service to those persons needing a knowledgeable lawyer and the reality that we all depend on a new stream of clients for the success of our legal practice.” ~John B. DesBarres, has participated in the lawyer referral service program since 2013 after deciding to transition to private solo practice from mid-size law firm practice

How can you participate and receive prospective client referrals?

Contact Julie Cook at the Bar Center, 918-587-5243 ext. 221.

Tulsa Lawyer 23

Why I'm a Lawyer...

Profiles of the TCBA Board of Directors

Daniel Gomez

My journey to becoming a lawyer is somewhat untraditional.

I have no lawyers in my family and knew no lawyers growing up. My first real exposure to legal studies was antitrust topics and general business law as an undergraduate economics major. I then elected to take a civil rights course where we studied Supreme Court decisions on topics of free speech, free exercise, criminal procedure, and other interpretations of the Bill of Rights. These topics sparked my intellectual curiosity. I was intrigued by the detailed and sometimes difficult analysis of complex legal

Raised in small town, Lindsay, Oklahoma, I knew at a young age I wanted to be a lawyer. My stepfather (“Dad”) adopted me when I was 10 years old; and I remember the magnificence of the courtroom and thinking how important the lawyers and judges must be. The judge was an older gentleman who was very kind to my parents and me. The way he treated us always stuck with me. My Dad was an oil field truck driver, and he came to court in his work clothes and dirty boots. At first, I was worried that we looked out of place, but soon the embarrassment turned to pride and then became the drive for me to get an education (the first in my family to do so).

Sometimes life gets in the way; and my educational and career path is not that of a traditional student. After graduating near the top of my high school class in 1982, I attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. After completing two semesters at NSU, I moved to Ponca City, got married and raised two daughters. When my children were in middle school, I began attending night classes at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, while working a fulltime job.

24 Tulsa Lawyer

issues addressed in Supreme Court decisions, and was interested in the role the courts have played in shaping our history. After discussion with my undergraduate professors, I determined that law school was where I wanted to be after graduation.

Ultimately, what I enjoy most as a lawyer is being part of a profession as opposed to simply a career. I’m fortunate that I can help paying clients in addressing important issues that affect their business or governmental operations, and can also help those in need through pro bono services.

My most rewarding experiences have been pro bono cases, including a first amendment free exercise case and an immigration asylum appeal for a family hoping to remain safely in our country after fleeing a devastating situation.

The breadth of possibilities and the opportunity to make a difference is what drives me as a lawyer.

Tamera A. Childers

After obtaining my Associates Degree from NOC, I commuted to Stillwater and graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Finally able to fulfill my lifelong dream, I graduated with honors from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2003.

My dad was a simple man without any formal education, but was the smartest, most honest and hard-working person I’ve ever known. He taught me the value of a strong work ethic and integrity. He told me on the day of my law school graduation to never forget where I came from and not to get too big for my britches. I always keep that in mind and strive to be the kind of professional my dad would be proud of.

From Everyone at

Wishing You & Yours a

Merry Christmas and a

Prosperous New Year!

918-583-3353 | www.copyscanandmore.com | 15 East 5th Street, Suite 100, First Place Tower, Tulsa, OK 74103

A GUILTY PLEA CAN WREAK HAVOC ON YOUR ABILITY TO PRACTICE LAW

By Sheila J. Naifeh

I’m Sheila J. Naifeh, and I have been a solo practitioner in Tulsa for 26 years. I regularly teach Continuing Legal Education classes on the subject of ethics. My practice consists of representing lawyers who have disciplinary issues by helping them navigate through formal and informal grievances, disciplinary hearings, suspensions, reinstatements, and the effect mental health issues could have on their license to practice. Lately there has been an increase in interim suspensions of lawyers related to their conduct in and out of the courtroom.

Rule 7.1 of the RGDP, 5 O. S. Ch. 1, App. 1-A, states that “A lawyer who has been convicted or who tenders a plea of guilty or nolo contender pursuant to a deferred sentence plea agreement in any jurisdiction of a crime which demonstrates such lawyer’s unfitness to practice law … shall be subject to discipline.”

The primary purpose of these interim suspensions is to protect the public. The Court gives the Oklahoma Bar Association through the Office of the General Counsel the authority to investigate these matters.

Since late 2015, the Supreme Court has directed all county clerks in Oklahoma to send a copy of the judgment and sentences of all lawyer’s pleas to the Supreme Court within five days of receipt. This is considered the start of a Rule 7 case. The Oklahoma Bar Association through the General Counsel no longer has discretion in whether the criminal case is brought before the Supreme Court. As a result, every case in which there is a plea or conviction will get a Supreme Court Bar Docket (SCBD) case number and will now become a matter of public record. This not only means all felony cases, as has been the standard in the past, but all misdemeanor cases as well.

Only after the bar docket case is publicly filed does the Supreme Court, through Order the Chief Justice, make a cursory interlocutory decision as to the lawyer’s fitness to practice law. The Court has three options: to dismiss the case, to ask the lawyer to show cause why an interim suspension should not be entered, or to immediately 26 Tulsa Lawyer

suspend the lawyer. The Supreme Court makes no distinction between a guilty or no contest plea, and even a deferred sentence is treated as a conviction for purposes of handing down an interim suspension.

An interim suspension can have a huge impact on the way a lawyer’s professional life unfolds. The suspended lawyer has to notify all current clients of the suspension, withdraw from all pending cases, and shut down their practice for an indeterminate period of time. Most of these cases can take from six months to a year for a final resolution.

An interim suspension is not a discipline, but through briefing and a three-judge tribunal hearing, the Court will make a final decision based on the evidence presented by the lawyer and General Counsel as to the lawyer’s fitness to practice law. The end result is a final discipline such as a reprimand, public censure, a term of suspension and a diversion program specific to that lawyer’s transgression, or disbarment.

The lawyer has an opportunity to brief why the interim suspension should be set aside. If they do not lift the suspension, the lawyer can then file a brief in mitigation of discipline. The lawyer has a right to testify at the three-judge tribunal and call witnesses on his behalf.

The General Counsel can call witnesses who have been harmed by the conduct. The Professional Tribunal will then make a written recommendation to the Court for their consideration. It is a high burden for the lawyer, but the mitigating evidence through briefing and the tribunal hearing go a long way to helping the Court determine the outcome.

The Court does look at a lawyer’s pattern of arrests and convictions to determine whether he will harm the public if he continues to practice because he may pose a substantial threat of harm to his clients. In my experience, it is common for a lawyer to receive a deferred or reduced sentence for a first time misdemeanor DUI, (for example,) and those cases tend to be dismissed by the Court without disruption of his practice. If, however, their is a serious bodily injury, the consequence may be more severe.

Not all interim suspensions are a result of a conviction or guilty plea. A Rule 6 Supreme Court Bar Docket case can be filed if the lawyer engaged in bad conduct, such as misappropriating funds, engaging in inappropriate relations with a client, or other conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice. The same procedure is followed in these cases.

These immediate interim suspensions are brought on very short notice and the briefing schedule is very quick. This creates substantial negative consequences for the lawyer, his clients, third parties, and to the entire legal system while giving that lawyer little time to put together a defense.

You have no duty to self report. If you try, the General Counsel will also tell you there is no duty to self report.

Upon conceiving a plan to correct the situation that gave rise to the arrest or bad behavior, and in anticipation of a plea, self-reporting can be a positive thing as it is viewed as a mitigating factor.

The lesson? Be proactive at your office parties to make this holiday season safe. Be sure to carpool or Uber when you’ve had a cocktail and be sure to take care of your fellow co-workers.

On a side note, many of my friends laugh at the idea I am wellversed in ethics. The reason is simple. As a new lawyer, I was obsessed with reading all the disciplinary cases. I just wanted to make sure that I knew what I could get away with.

Grapevine News ANN KEELE OBA FAMILY LAW SECTION ATTORNEY OF THE YEAR 2017

James R. Gotwals and Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce that John C. Gotwals has joined the law firm as an associate after his admission to the Dispute Resolution Consultants practice of law. Mr. Gotwals is a fourth is honored to announce that Ann Keele generation Oklahoma lawyer. He holds has been named OBA Family Law a B.A. in Business Administration, with Section Attorney of the Year for 2017. minors in Economics and Philosophy Ann represents what is best in being an advocate and an from Principia College. He received his Juris Doctor from experienced, pragmatic problem solver in the resolution of the University of Oklahoma College of Law in the Spring of domestic matters. Ann is also available to serve as a special 2017, where he also received a Business Entrepreneurship master in complex/high conflict matters. We appreciate her Certificate and the American Jurisprudence Award for Non being a part of our team and are appreciative of the OBA in Profit Organizations, as well as being named to the Dean’s recognizing her high standards in the practice of law.

List, Dean’s Leadership Council, and Dean’s Leadership Fellows.Mr. Gotwals’ practice will focus on providing

We are pleased to announce that Ann Keele, partner business law and civil litigation services to closely held at Monroe & Keele, P.C., has been named the Oklahoma businesses and their owners in both federal and state courts.

Bar Association Family Law Section Attorney of the Year He will also assist business owners and clients with their for 2017. Ann was presented this prestigious award at personal legal needs including tax, estate planning, family the OBA Annual Meeting on November 2, 2017 in Tulsa. law, and litigation. James R. Gotwals and Associates, Inc., Congratulations on this tremendous honor, Ann! founded in 1978, is a full service legal practice that focuses on domestic, civil, and probate litigation, along with business services and mediation.

THE HONORABLE STEPHEN R. CLARK OBA FAMILY LAW SECTION JUDGE OF THE YEAR 2017

We are pleased to announce that the Honorable Stephen R. Clark, Special Judge of the Tulsa County District Court has been named the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section Judge of the Year for 2017. Judge Clark exemplifies professionalism and fairness, and is most deserving of this honor. Congratulations, Judge Clark!

Grapevine submissions should be sent to tulsabarnews@yahoo.com

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your news!

28 Tulsa Lawyer

Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, LLP welcomes associate attorney Jason T. Seay to its Oklahoma City office.Jason has experience in civil litigation focusing on data security and privacy matters, healthcare law, regulatory compliance, administrative law and coverage disputes. His practice includes indemnity disputes, complex litigation, appeals, election and campaign finance lawcompliance. Jason will also assist with transactions unique to entrepreneurs, government contracting, construction contracting and government investigations.He joins Doerner from the Attorney General’s Office. Previously, Jason earned his Juris Doctor with Health Law Certificate from the University of Tulsa College of Law and a Bachelor of Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma.

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Crowe & Dunlevy attorney Mike McBride III was recently elected as first vice president of International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL). McBride is one of only two Oklahoma general members of IMGL, previously served as second vice president and treasurer, director of membership and has received the IMGL President’s Cup Award for his outstanding accomplishments.

McBride serves as chair of the firm’s Indian Law & Gaming Practice Group and is also a member of the Banking & Financial Institutions, International and Litigation & Trial Practice Groups.

He has more than two decades of experience in gaming, federal Indian law, litigation and complex transactions as a trial, appellate and business lawyer.

McBride has tried more than 50 cases to conclusion in federal, tribal and state courts, and as a judge and justice, has adjudicated numerous cases and authored many published decisions. He excels in gaming regulatory matters, betthe-tribe litigation, tribal government matters, economic development and regulatory matters. Chambers and Partners has recognized McBride with its Star Individual designation in Native American law for several years in a row, its highest individual ranking.*

McBride currently serves as attorney general of the Seminole Nation, has served as justice of the Pawnee Nation Supreme Court from 2003 until 2012 and is the former attorney general to the Sac and Fox Nation. He received his Juris Doctor from The University of Oklahoma College of Law and his bachelor’s degree from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

IMGL is an invitation-only, nonprofit organization focused on scholarship, ethics and professionalism in the gaming industry. Comprised of gaming attorneys, regulators, educators, executives and consultants from around the world, it is the pre-eminent global gambling law networking and educational organization shaping the future of gaming law.

Founded in 2001, IMGL has 350 members and represents more than 43 countries as well as members in 34 states and territories in the United States. *Crowe & Dunlevy has no input in the rating methodologies used by Chambers and Partners.

IonOklahoma Magazine recently recognized its 2017 award winners for NextGen Under 30, including Crowe & Dunlevy attorney Stacy A. Schauvliege. This recognition is given to Oklahoma professionals younger than 30 who demonstrate talent, drive and service to their organizations and communities. Recipients were recently honored at a banquet. Schauvliege has been with the firm’s Tulsa office since 2014 and serves in the Aviation & Commercial Space, Banking & Financial Institutions and Real Estate Practice

Groups. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Oklahoma State University and received her law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School. She is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Diversity Committee, Junior League of Tulsa and Tulsa Young Professionals. She was also recently recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America in Native American Law. NextGen Under 30 was started in 2011 as a platform for recognizing and encouraging the next generation of Oklahoma leaders who excel in their organizations and give back to their communities. Award winners are selected based on their contributions to their communities. A panel of judges selected more than 180 winners this year, stretching across multiple trade categories.

Steve Holden is pleased to announce the addition of Jackie Montejano as a named partner of the firm, which has recently changed its name to Holden & Montejano.

“The firm's name change recognizes Jackie's significant contributions to the firm and the outstanding results she has achieved for our clients. Jackie is a talented attorney whose experience brings a unique perspective to complex legal issues," said Steve Holden, President of Holden & Montejano.

Jackie is Managing Partner of the Dallas office, and is an experienced litigator in insurance defense and insurance coverage disputes including first party and bad faith litigation, transportation litigation, employment law, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, products liability, premise liability, and consumer law. She has prosecuted and defended cases in Texas, Louisiana, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Ohio, and Rhode Island.

As well as a firm name change, Holden & Montejano has also launched a new website www.HoldenLitigation.com.

The firm is recognized as one of the most technologically advanced firms in the nation.

Holden & Montejano now has regional offices in Dallas, Houston, Oklahoma City, and its home office remains firmly planted in Tulsa. The firm is licensed to practice in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas.

Contact Us Tulsa Lawyer Cover Photo Contest

Not a writer but love the lens?

Submit your photos for a chance to be featured on the cover of a future Tulsa Lawyer Magazine.

The deadline is always the first of the month prior to the month of publication. Example: Dec. 1st to be considered for the January issue.

Send to jodyg@tulsabar.com.

Each winner will be awarded a $25.00 gift card!

Photo must be your work and you must own the rights to it.

GRAPEVINE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Grapevine submissions that exceed these limits will be edited as necessary.

Submissions should be emailed to tulsabarnews@yahoo.com Firms: Firm announcements that include multiple persons should not exceed 350 words maximum.

Individual Announcements: Individual announcements, relocation notices, award announcements, solo notices and similar items should not exceed 175 words.

Pictures: Pictures for individuals mentioned in announcements are welcome. Please use the name of the person as the title of the picture when submitting.

Submission Deadlines: All grapevine submissions should be received by the 1st of the month prior to the month of publication. Example: April 1st is the deadline for the May issue.

Tulsa Lawyer will make every attempt to include announcements received by the deadline in the next available issue. If space runs low, we will hold your announcement until the next issue that has available space.

Large announcments such as Super Lawyers, etc. may be withheld from publication if space is limited in any given issue.

30 Tulsa Lawyer

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STEIDLEY & NEAL, PLLC, is searching for an associate attorney with 1-5 years’ experiencefor its Tulsa office. Competitive salary and other benefits commensurate with level of experience. Looking for a motivated candidate interested in providing assistance to a litigation partner. Applications with be kept in strict confidence. Send resume to Steidley & Neal, located in CityPlex Towers, 53rd Floor, 2448 E. 81st St., Tulsa, OK, 74137, attention Dwain Witt, Legal Administrator.

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Applicants must be proficient at legal research, writing, analysis, and practical litigation strategies, and must be able to work in a fast-paced team environment. Salary commensurate with experience.

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But for that privilege and status, lawyers have an obligation to provide legal services to those without the wherewithal to pay, to respond to needs outside themselves, to help repair tears in their communities.�

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