Seasons Greetings
2020 - 2021 TCBA CONTACTS, COMMITTEE & SECTION CHAIRS
www.tulsabar.com
PHONE: 918-584-5243 FAX: 918-592-0208 1446 South Boston, Tulsa, OK 74119-3612 Executive Director Tami Williams tamiw@tulsabar.com Ext. 1002
Front Desk Coordinator General Inquiries Mallory Sanstra
frontdesk@tulsabar.com Ext. 1000
Membership Director Accounting CLE, Sections & Committees accounting@tulsabar.com Lisa Laughrey Ext. 1001 Lawyer Referral & Community Resource Navigator Jeril Haug jerilh@tulsabar.com Ext. 1003
Tulsa Lawyer Editor - Michael Taubman michael@tulsafirm.com Associate Editor - Milly Dunlap Tulsa Lawyer Submissions - tulsabarnews@yahoo.com
TCBA OFFICERS
President................................................................ Kimberly Moore Past President......................................................... Jim Milton President-Elect............................................................ Kara Vincent Vice President.......................................................... Philip D. Hixon Secretary..................................................................... Natalie Sears Treasurer................................................................. Mike Esmond Budget/Internal Operations........................................ Lisa Creveling Foundation President ...........................................Christina Vaughn Director at Large (1) Large Firm................................. Philip Hixon Director at Large (2) Large Firm.......................... C. Austin Birney Director at Large (1) Medium Firm................................ Kara Pratt Director at Large (2) Medium Firm.................. Jennifer L. Struble Director at Large (1) Small Firm...........................Tamera Childers Director at Large (2) Small Firm...........................Linda Morrissey Director at Large (2) Public Sector.........................Hon. Ann Keele ABA Delegate............................................................. Molly Aspan OBA Delegate................................................................Rick White Library Trustee (1)......................................................... Julie Evans Library Trustee (2)............................................ Trisha Archer Presiding Judge ..................................... Judge William LaFortune U.S. District Court .................................. Hon. John Dowdell C.J., Tulsa Municipal Court............................. Hon. Gerald Hofmeister TU Law School.......................................................... Rachel Baker
FOUNDATION APPOINTMENTS
Law Day ......................................................................Lizzie Riter Community Outreach................................................ Ashley Webb Golf Chair.......................................Trisha Archer & Brian Keester Scholarship Chair.....................................................................TBD Submission, Grapevine & AdvertisingVisit www.tulsabar.com Subscriptions to Tulsa Lawyer are available for $40.00 a year to those who are not Tulsa County Bar Association members or others who do not currently receive the publication. Contact Lisa Laughrey at llaughrey@tulsabar.com
FOUNDATION
President...........................................................Christina M.Vaughn Treasurer..................................................................... Philip Hixon Trustee....................................................................... Chad McLain Trustee.......................................................................... Jim Gotwals Trustee.................................................... Hon. Martha Rupp Carter Trustee....................................................................... Ken Williams Trustee...........................................................................Lizzie Riter Trustee........................................................... Hon. Ann Keele Trustee..........................................................................Justin Munn TCBA President.....................................................Kimberly Moore TCBA Pres. Elect........................................................Kara Vincent
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Access to Justice.............................................. ......Shena Burgess Access to Justice Co-Chair...............................Hon. Tanya Wilson Animal Law..................................................... ..........Katy Inhofe Bench & Bar.................................................... Kevinn Matthews Children & the Law......................................... ........Lizzie Riter Children & the Law Vice Chair..........Timothy Michaels-Johnson CLE ................................................................. .........James Asbill Diversity Development......................................................Ben Fu Diversity Co-chair...................................................DeborahReed Fee Arbitration................................................. ..........Gary Crews Law Related Education...................................Stephanie Jackson Law Related Education Co-Chair.................... ........Ron Jones , II Lawyer Referral............................................... Catherine Hoopert Membership Services....................................................Kara Pratt Mentoring......................................................... .....Faith Orlowski Mentoring Co-chair.......................................... ........Randy Lewin Military/Veterans ............................................ ...Mitchell Garrett Military/Veterabs Co-Chair.............................. Hon. David Guten Nominations & Awards.................................... ...........Jim Milton Pro Bono............................................................... Mac Finlayson Professionalism................................................ ...........Rick White Public Relations....................................................Steve Layman Social Media.........................................................Collaborative Special Events.................................................. .......Natalie Sears Tulsa Lawyer.................................................... Michael Taubman Young Lawyers Division................................. ....Ephraim Alajaji
SECTION CHAIRPERSONS
ADR/Mediation..........................................................Melissa Fell Bankruptcy....................................................... ........Paul Thomas Business/Corporate.......................................... .............................. Criminal Law................................................... ........Daniel Levy Employment Law............................................. ...Kassidy Quinten Energy & Mineral Law.................................... .......Ryan Pittman Family Law...................................................... ...Todd Alexander Health Law . .................................................... ..... Kristen Evans Health Law Vice Chair..................................... Whitney Dockrey Immigration Law Chair.................................... ....Whitney Webb Juvenile Law.................................................... ..........Lizzie Riter Juvenile Law Co-Chair.......................Timothy Michaels-Johnson Litigation Co-Chairs...............Robert Mitchener & Robert Winter Municipal Law................................................David Weatherford Paralegals/Legal Assistants.............................. .........Gloria Jones Paralegal /Legal Assistants Vice Chair............ Deborah Gresh Probate/Estate/Elder......................................... ...Catherine Welsh Solo/Small Firm............................................... .....................TBD Tax ......................................................... .....Ashlee Crouch Technology ...................................................Pansy Moore-Shrier Workers Comp................................................. ............................ * Section Chairs will be updated as positions are filled.
Tulsa Lawyer is a monthly publication of the TCBA. The TCBA does not necessarily share or endorse the opinions expressed in the materials published. The views are those of thoughtful contributors. Similarly, advertising does not imply endorsement by the TCBA of products or services or any statements concerning them.
A Message from the President
Kimberly K. Moore 2020-2021 TCBA President
Pg. 2
1st Quarter
Golden Rule Award
TULSA LAWYER
In this Issue
December 2020
2
Holiday Mindfulness
5
Golden Rule Award
6
Fighting the Flu
9
Honoring Our Heroes - Tulsa Veteran's Day Parade
10 Tulsa's Women in Law The Honorable Martha Rupp Carter 14 TCBA's Full Virtual Live CLE Schedule 17 VP's Corner - Are You Ready? Philip D. Hixon 18 Aiming High in Service and Scouting An Interview with Wendy Drummond Michael Taubman
Julie Bushyhead The Bar Center is closed during renovations. The staff is available to members via phone or email during business hours of Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm
918-584-5243
22 Lawyers Against Pawverty - Cutest Pet Winners Animal Law Committee 23 Pet Superlatives 24 Holiday Challenge - Thank You 25 Committee & Section News 28 Fostering Joy 29 Featured CLE - Full Days 31 Court Appreciated Pro-Bono Attorneys 32 In Memory of.... Dan Kramer 35 Grapevine 36 Classifieds
"In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing and the next best thing is the wrong thing–the worst thing you can do is nothing." ~Theodore Roosevelt Tulsa Lawyer 1
A Message from the President Kimberly K. Moore
Holiday Mindfulness
Dear Friends,
Adopting the angels from the Christmas tree at the mall or your church or adopting a family through TCBA, those opportunities may infuse the spirit of the holidays in people who can then carry it forward to share with others. With the distance we’ve all experienced during this 2020 due to risk of disease and illness, making time for loved ones and bringing family together, without judgment, may be the greatest gift you can give to them. Nothing is too small, so take the opportunity to be thankful for the time you have together.
For me, it’s not the holiday season without hearing the old standards like, Holiday Inn, Christmas in Connecticut, and White Christmas. Of course, you can’t say no to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer no matter your age, as it conjures up memories of times past. As I write this article, I am sitting on my back porch, cozied up in front of a nice fire pit and a cup of hot pumpkin-spiced apple cider taking in the quietude of the evening. My boys are down for the night, at least they are supposed to be, so I am surrounded by my fur Also remember, there are people available to babies. listen when we are struggling with our issues, and there are resources available to help us when we’re the ones December is also a time of hustle and bustle as feeling overwhelmed. It’s been a tough year in the we feeling the year drawing to a close. We desperately practice of law for everyone, large and small, bench and try to decide what to buy for our friends and family. bar. TCBA’s service to our legal community is here for Watching for the sales ads. Preparing for the company its members, and we’re happy to try to help you. that will descend. Decorating the house, the office, and sometimes our cars and ourselves, lest we be seen as “not in the holiday spirit”. Grocery shopping galore, Thank you to the Community as there’s always one more thing you need to make that Outreach Committee for making meal perfect. Planning vacations – well maybe not this the following donations: year. Most importantly getting all of our hours in before we ring out the old and in the New Year, right? As we all can get caught up in the moment let us be mindful of those less fortunate. It’s never about how much we spend, but have we given of ourselves to others. A simple kind word and a smile given to a stranger or a co-worker may be the gift for the person who feels alone and unacknowledged in their existence.
Lawyers Fighting Hunger - $1,000 Christian Ministries Alliance - $400 Family Promise $250 Pause4Paws - $600 matching gift
Bar Updates! • The interior remodel of the TCBA is set to begin November 16. WHAT!!! The Bar staff will be temporarily relocating to a nearby office for the duration of the construction. • Membership numbers are doing very well at 2017 members. As always, I am amazed at the generosity and willingness of our members to help out others. Our community needs us now more than ever. Please consider making a charitable contribution to support our community. Please note that many of our annually scheduled charitable events, like Santa Brings a Lawsuit, have been canceled due to Covid-19. The TCBA/TCBF Community Outreach Committee has opportunities for you to make a difference with your tax deductible donations through charitable projects such as: • Fostering Connections with their ‘Fostering Joy’ program (formerly “Christmas for Kids) • Lawyers Fighting Hunger • Family & Children Services – Holiday Challenge 2020 • Christian Minister’s Alliance with their monthly food distribution in North Tulsa • Lawyers Fighting Pawverty benefiting Pause for Paws • Family Promise of Tulsa County I want to wish you all a safe, festive and blessed holiday season. I look forward to seeing everyone in 2021.
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Tu l s a County Bar Association Welcome to
VocalMeet
TCBA's New On-Demand CLE Platform! The TCBA is pleased to announce a new and innovative way to fulfill your Oklahoma CLE requirements from the comfort of your own home or on-the-go. Our CLE's are now online through VocalMeet and available for purchase to members at a discount with code tcbamem1.
Check it out at
www.tcba.vocalmeet.com *Please note virtual CLE's will remain free for members when watched live.
See page 15 for a list of all the Continuing Legal Education available for viewing as of December 1st!
www.tulsabar.com
tulsabarnews@yahoo.com
TCBA President, 2020-2021
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
The Benefits of Flu Vaccination 2019-2020 Flu Season: Flu Burden Averted from Vaccination
During the 2019-2020 season, CDC estimates flu caused: • 38 million flu illnesses. • 400,000 flu hospitalizations. • 22,000 flu deaths. • It could have been even worse without flu vaccines. • Nearly 52% of the U.S. population 6 months and older got a flu vaccine during the 2019-2020 flu season, and this prevented an estimated: • 7.5 million flu illnesses, more than the combined population of Kentucky and Kansas. • 105,000 flu hospitalizations, enough people to fill Michigan Stadium at the University of Michigan. • 6,300 flu deaths, equivalent to saving about 17 lives per day over the course of a year. Imagine the impact if more Americans chose to get a flu vaccine. Many more flu illnesses, flu hospitalizations, and flu deaths could be prevented. The estimates for the 2019-2020 influenza season are preliminary pending additional data from the season. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/index.html Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
TCBA Members & Staff doing their part to help stop the flu! Get your shot and remember to stay home if you don't feel well! Help keep your office healthy!
Thank you to CVS for administering the flu shots. Pictured clockwise: Ashley Webb, The Santra Family & Elise Williams, Kimberly Moore, Maverick Santra, Mallory Sanstra, Jeril Haug, and Colin Tucker pictured to the right.
TCBA CLE Hot Topics! Get Signed Up Now! • Dec. 3rd: Broader Implications of the McGirt Opinion by Deborah Reed, Reed Legal, PLLC 12pm – 1 HR • Dec. 14th: Starting Again: Career Changing for the Mid-Career Lawyer by Jim Calloway, Oklahoma Bar Association 12pm – 1 HR
TCBA Prize Winners Oct. Wellness CLE’s for gym sessions Tracy W. Robinett
Yoga for yoga basket Wyn Dee Baker
Refer-A-Friend $50 Visa Gift Card Gae Widdows
CONGRATULATIONS!
12 Tulsa Lawyer 8 Tulsa Lawyer
We d n e s d a y, N o v e m b e r 1 1 , 2 0 2 0
TCBA Members and Staff honored our Veterans during the Tulsa Veteran's Day Parade . Thank you to all who participated!
Tulsa’s Women In the Law By the Honorable Martha Rupp Carter
This article is dedicated to D. Faith Orlowski, a Tulsa woman’s woman lawyer, a woman of firsts in generosity, kindness, professionalism, competence and humor like no other. We will miss her inspiring spirit, her contagious laugh, and her love of life and the law. Keeping the faith, as Faith showed us how, would honor her. As we grieve, we know D. Faith Orlowski we “are much richer for the life which she lived.” History is often the result of who remembers events and persons and acts to memorialize those memories. Although sometimes elusive and imperfect, history can inspire, instruct, and light the way forward for those who follow. The history of Tulsa's women lawyers is made of just such stuff. It may be imperfect or incomplete, but nonetheless inspires and teaches. It is powerful and humbling to learn of our pioneer sisters, their grit and audacity as they paved our way and allowed us to see what is possible as women lawyers, judges, mentors, benefactors, and persons of quality and worth. United States Constitution, Amendment XIX. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by any State on account of sex. Ratified August 18, 1920.
10 Tulsa Lawyer
We laud fierce, dedicated women from everywhere in this special year of 2020 marking 100 years of the 19th Amendment. Endowing women with the right to vote afforded women the fullest recognition of citizenship. Securing women’s right to vote was a brutal affair spanning seventy-two years and three generations of
combat. An Oklahoma suffragist actually died fighting for the Sate’s ratification of the 19th Amendment. Miss Aloysius Larch-Miller was seriously ill with the Spanish influenza in February 1920 and had been instructed by her doctor to remain in bed. She instead summoned her strength to make an impassioned plea in a county convention debate for a special legislative session to address Oklahoma’s ratification. She defeated her debate opponent with her eloquence and logic. After stirring her audience to action, she went home and died two days later. The Oklahoma legislature made ratification of the 19th Amendment on February 27, 1920, her memorial. Reflection on Tulsa's rich heritage of women in the law is a fine way to celebrate the enfranchisement of women. When Grace Elmore Gibson was admitted to the bar in 1929, and began trying cases before juries, women had not yet been granted the right to serve on them. Ms. Gibson’s view of women serving on juries was different from the prevailing view of the time, that women’s emotions would make their decisions for them. Her view was instead that women would add a new dimension to decision-making in jury trials. The regard of Ms. Gibson’s male colleagues might have been indicated by the Tulsa County Bar Association’s selection of her to serve for several weeks in a district judgeship for a vacationing judge. She was tapped in 1936 by Governor E. W. Marland to sit on the Oklahoma Criminal Court of Appeals in the embezzlement case against a county judge. This honor led to the first opinion ever written by a female member in that appellate court, an opinion in which the two other judges concurred. Ms. Gibson was active in political and community affairs, ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. House of Representatives, served in World War II as director of the Women’s Contact Corps of the Office of Civilian Defense to marshal women volunteers to assist in the civil defense area in Oklahoma. She was appointed in 1944 by Tulsa’s Mayor to serve in the post of city treasurer, the highest non-elective city post to be held by a woman up to that time.
In 1942, Tulsa women lawyers Louetta Bellamy, Jewell Russell Mann, and Maude Rounsaville joined with three Okmulgee women lawyers to successfully appeal a decision denying their client her statutory widow’s allowance based on provisions in an antenuptial contract. In re Rossiter’s Estate, 1942 OK 211, 129 P.2d 856. The holding was that a provision in an antenuptial contract purporting to waive the statutory right to a widow’s allowance is against the state’s public policy and is void. Louetta Bellamy Dick, who passed the bar in 1925, and Jewell Russell Mann and other women lawyers of their time continued making good trouble. They worked on securing the passage of the “eight major state offices amendment,” which permitted women to hold the eight major state offices in Oklahoma, and on the “woman juror bill,” which made women eligible to serve on Oklahoma juries.
on women’s rights, to urging women should be subject to the draft following her appointment to Tulsa’s Selective Service Board.. She was active in her community and her church, retiring from the practice in 1985. Ms. Mann was actually pointed out to me at a massive cattle call docket in the earliest days of my practice. A male attorney directed my attention in the crowded courtroom to smallish older woman who was wearing a hat; Ms. Mann, he said, always wore hats. His attitude toward her was most respectful as he tried to explain who she was and why her presence impacted me. I will always regret the timidity that blocked me from walking over and meeting this amazing woman lawyer pioneer. Jewell Russell Mann was described as a “good attorney, one who gave good advice” who was often requested by her contemporaries, “Slow down, Jewell, we need to catch up to you.” Norma Frazier Wheaton was admitted to the bar in 1927, continuing as a lawyer in the law firm where she was initially employed as a secretary, becoming a partner in 1947. She worked for ten long years to secure the rights for women to serve on juries before the success in In re House Bill No. 145 and the primary election in 1952.
Ms. Dick was actively involved in community affairs and assisted many young women in gaining a higher education so they could achieve their goals. Jewell Russell Mann authored a Tulsa County Bar Association resolution upon her friend Ms. Dick’s death, describing the great loss created by her passing, and, recognized “but all are much richer for the life which she lived, and In 1942 when the highest office a woman all will cherish her memory.” could hold in Oklahoma was that of department head, Ms. Wheaton spearheaded legislation to amend the Jewell Russell Mann was admitted to the bar in 1928 Oklahoma Constitution to grant women the right to when only three female attorneys practiced in Tulsa. hold the state offices of governor, lieutenant governor, She accepted a job as secretary upon graduation from secretary of state, auditor, attorney-general, treasurer, law school, advising: “You had to accept it. Now I superintendent of public instruction, and state examiner tell young women applying for jobs not to mention and inspector. State Question 302 addressing the the can type.” Ms. Mann, along with Mildred Brooks qualifications for elective officers, including allowing Fitch, Norma Wheaton, and Dorothy Young brought an women to run of office, was adopted in a 1942 general original action in the Oklahoma Supreme Court to test election due in large part to her efforts. Ms. Wheaton was the constitutionality of a bill in In re House Bill No. 145, elected the first woman president of the Tulsa County 1951 OK 288, 237 P.2d 624. The 1951 holding that the Bar Association in 1946. She legislature had the authority to revise the qualifications was the first woman on the of jurors expressed in the original statute by eliminating Oklahoma Bar Association the disqualifications of women to serve on juries was Board of Governors, then called happy news. The generic word “men” included women. the Executive Council. She was active and prominent in Ms. Mann ran for judicial office in 1966, losing by the American Bar Association. less than 2000 votes. She was an activist for women and for women’s rights in all contexts, from deploring Dorothy Young was admitted state protective laws decreeing women could work no to the bar in 1928 and was more than 54 hours in a week, to her appointment by Tulsa County’s first woman President Richard M. Nixon to an advisory committee judge when Governor Murray Dorothy Young
Tulsa Lawyer 11
appointed her judge to the juvenile court, where she • The Honorable Doris L. Fransein was the first served from 1954 until 1966. woman Tulsa municipal judge, later providing extraordinary service as Chief Judge of Tulsa County The good trouble fashioned in their time by Grace, District Court’s Juvenile Division. Louetta, Jewell, Maude, Mildred, Norma, and Dorothy, • The Honorable Dana L. Rasure, Chief Judge and the friends and supporters they met along the way, of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the earns and deserves our respect and admiration. The hopes Northern District of Oklahoma, was the first woman supporting their collaborations, friendships, strategizing to be appointed to serve as a bankruptcy judge in and plotting, ambitions and dreams, and the strength of Oklahoma. their collective will endure to the present. We hope the • Anne B. Sublett was co-founder and former accomplishments of our times make them proud. President of Tulsa Lawyers for Children, Inc., formed to recruit, train lawyers to provide pro bono A small sampling of women lawyers who follow in their services for abused, neglected and deprived children steps is briefly described, with apologies for the many before Tulsa District Court's Juvenile Division. amazing Tulsa women lawyers whose histories have • The Honorable Jane P. Wiseman is a founding failed to be included. member of the board of director of the Oklahoma Trial Judges Association and serves on the Oklahoma • Imogene Harris - following graduation from Court of Appeals. University of Tulsa College of Law in 1958 with the • Catherne M. Cullem served the University of highest grade point average in her class, she was one Tulsa College of Law as its Interim Dean and Vice of the first women attorneys hired by a major Tulsa Dean following her thirty year teaching career with oil company and as Assistant City Attorney for the the College. She is now a staff attorney for the City of Tulsa. Honorable Deborah B. Barnes, Oklahoma Court of • Phyllis Zimmerman provided legal services in Civil Appeals. the adoption of more than 5000 children over five • Linda Martin served as a senior woman partner decades in Tulsa. in Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, was • Norma H. Eagleton was the first woman to hold a one of only three women to be confirmed by the voting position in City of Tulsa as its Commissioner Oklahoma Senate to serve on the Oklahoma Mining of Finance and Revenue, and first woman to serve as Commission, and is a founding member and former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner. president of the Tulsa Women Lawyers Association. • The Honorable Stephanie K. Seymour was the first • The Honorable Martha Rupp Carter is the first woman appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for woman Tulsa City Attorney and first Oklahoman the Tenth Circuit. International Municipal Lawyers Association Local • The Honorable Margaret Lamm was the first Government Fellow. woman trial judge in Tulsa County when appointed • Renee DeMoss is Tulsa's first woman Oklahoma Bar as a special judge in 1970. She was elevated in 1972 Association President and former president of the as District Judge, the first woman in Oklahoma to so Tulsa County Bar Association. serve. • Deirdre Dexter, Faith Orlowski, the Honorable • The Honorable Claire V. Eagan was Tulsa's first Ann Keele are former Presidents of the Tulsa County woman United States District Judge of the Northern Bar Association. District of Oklahoma. • The Honorable Mille Otey (ret.) - Tulsa's first Woman • Mary Frances Edmonds is an Assistant General President of the Tulsa County Bar Foundation. Counsel with the Williams Companies, generous • N. Kay Bridger-Riley co-founded Tulsa Women with her time and talents in support of women and Lawyers Association in 1980, and was the first diversity. woman to chair OBA Young Lawyers Division. • Pamela Shelton is Senior Litigation Attorney with Her service as Chair and connection formed in her Williams Companies and a strong supporter and extraordinary service to the ABA resulted in Justice mentor to young corporate women lawyers. Ruth Bader Ginsburg appearing in Tulsa.
• The Honorable Dana Kuehn serves on the County District Court and has presided over some Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. of the most difficult and high profile criminal cases • Mary Quinn Cooper is a partner of McAfee and in Tulsa County. Taft and serves as national trial counsel for major • Christina M. Vaughn serves as attorney general corporations and defends product liability claims for one of the large Indian tribes in Oklahoma, is and class actions across the country. admitted to numerous tribal courts, and is a past • Martha Cordell served University of Tulsa School President of the Tulsa County Bar Association. of Law as its Associate Dean for Student Affairs, • Rebecca Nightingale is the first woman Presiding mentoring and advancing many young women Judge for the Tulsa County District Court lawyers over the years. completing her predecessor’s term as well as her • Teresa Meinders Burkett is a partner in Conner own two year term. & Winters healthcare practice group after working • Rachel Blue practices intellectual property law and through law school as a cardiac care nurse. She is has mentored women law students for more than as well as a tireless volunteer for numerous civic a decade with her “Off the Record” event bring groups. women law students and women practitioners and • Kimberly Hayes is former President of the judges together. Oklahoma Bar Association and a leader in family law practice, serving in state and local family law sections. Judge • Kathy R. Neal practices employment law and is a Martha Rupp Carter frequent trainer, lecturer, and writer on employment issues. She serves as an administrative employment law judge with the Oklahoma Department of Labor. • Janet Levit serves as Interim President of the University of Tulsa, and formerly as Dean of the University of Tulsa College of Law. • Elise Dunitz Brennan practices healthcare law and is the first Oklahoma attorney elected as a Fellow of the American Health Lawyers Association. • Christy Caves is the Executive Director for the Center for Career Development and Professional To share your Engagement for the University of Tulsa. She works actively to involve law students in bar activities. remembrances and • Elizabeth C. Hocker served as Executive Director tributes to Faith Orlowski, of Tulsa Lawyers for Children, Inc., a nonprofit formed to recruit and train volunteer attorneys please email to represent abused, neglected or abandoned tulsabarnews@yahoo.com children. During her tenure she increased the number of volunteer attorneys and funding for the by Dec. 8th to be included organization. in the January issue. • Amy Santee is the senior program officer for the George Kaiser Family Foundation and has directed resources in the areas of female incarceration and criminal justice reform including Women In Recovery and Still she Rises, Tulsa. • The Honorable Sharon Holmes is the first African American woman District Judge for the Tulsa
Tulsa Lawyer 13
• • • • • •
All courses are virtual this year. Virtual space is limited to 100 attendees per course, unless otherwise noted. Schedule is tentative and seminars are subject to change. Materials will be emailed to attendees. The cut off to register for a class is 5pm on the day before the course. Please note that you will need to register for the course through the www.tulsabar.com website, AND register for the course on VocalMeet once you receive the email with the link to the course. • You will receive the link by email the morning of the seminar. • CLE's are free for members to watch live (on the day and time the presenter is presenting them). • Or $35 per 1 hour course to watch the recording at a later date.
Non-member rates to watch these 1.0 HR - $50 CLE's live or recorded are: 2.0 HR - $75 14 Tulsa Lawyer
3.0 HR - $100 4.0 HR - $125
5.0 HR 6.0 HR 7.0 HR 8.0 HR -
$150 $175 $200 $225
Tu l s a C o u n t y B a r A s s o c i a t i o n
VocalMeet
TCBA's On-Demand CLE Platform!
www.tcba.vocalmeet.com
Topics available for viewing effective Dec. 1st • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Miss a live CLE that you really wanted to see? Need to take care of CLE at midnight?
Habits of Healthy & Happy Attorneys How Not To Be Dumb On Social Media COVID-19 and Force Majeure Clauses in Contracts A New Take on Trial Skills Employment Law Hot Topics Lawyers Helping Lawyers Ethics Update Guardian Hot Topics and Issues Improving Your Odds in Mediation Medical Marijuana Employment Issues Implementing an Online Marketing Strategey Employment Law Update: Important Developments in Federal and State Law The Role of a Step-Parent Working From Home: Tech Tools, Tips and Real Life Challenges Overview and Mechanics of the Small Business Restructuring Act ("SBRA") Zoom & BlueJeans for Legal Professionally Delivering Limited Scope Legal Services Safely & Effectively Basic Probate and Estate Administration Dissecting a Business Valuation: How to Understand, Support and Attack the Components The Changing World of Evictions 2020 Fair Housing and Ethical Considerations During the COVID-19 Pandemic Women In Law Bankruptcy Law Update Financial Exploitation: Overcoming Barriers to Recovery and Prosecution Family Law State Criminal Jurisdiction: How McGirt v. Oklahoma Should Affect Your State Criminal Practice Serving on Non-Profit Boards & Ethical Considerations for Lawyers The Current State of Medical Marijuana in Oklahoma Handling Personal Injury Cases from the Defense Perspective
"Keep checking VocalMeet, as these CLE's will be posted throughout December! • • • •
A New Lawyer's Guide to Starting a Law Practice Trial Skills: A Cross Examination Clinic Uninsured Motorists Coverage Broader Implications of the McGirt Opinion
Interested in watching the day long topics such as Immigration, Family Law, Criminal Law, Juvenile Law and Estate Planning? Email LisaL@tulsabar.com for more info.
Member Benefit - Find Your Calm!
VP'S CORNER
Philip Hixon, TCBA Vice President
Are You Ready? Finally, it is December. We’ve entered the last month of 2020. Rhetorical question or not: Are you ready? It has been a memorable year for me personally and professionally—some fond, some not so fond, a few categorically miserable, and a few worse than that. But it’s almost over! (Please note that the graying, grizzled mug in this month’s photo compared with the photo in prior issues is the result of a 7-year delay in updating headshots and not (entirely) attributable to 2020.) The deadline for CLE is looming on the horizon. Are you ready? The TCBA has a full calendar of live CLE events scheduled this month, beginning on December 1 with a Trial Skills Cross Examination Clinic (2 hr/0 hr ethics) and ending on December 18 with the Hon. Sharon Holmes sharing the secrets to “How to Keep Judges Happy” (2 hr/2 hr ethics). There are eleven other live events between these bookends, including another three opportunities to earn ethics hours: “Juvenile Law Day” on December 9 (5 hr/1 hr ethics), “2020 Annual Estate Planning” (8 hr/1 hr ethics), and “Legal Issues Facing Veterans with PTSD” (1 hr/1 hr ethics). The holiday season is also in full swing. Are you ready? I suspect that many of you are in full-stride by now. (Someone in my household, who is not me or my sixth-grader, began Christmas shopping in September.) Unfortunately, there are many people in our community who are not ready for the holidays, especially gift-giving holidays, through no fault of their own. If you or your firm haven’t already signed up for the TCBA Holiday Challenge, I encourage you to contact Lizzie Ritter to adopt a family, if it’s not too late, and if it is too late, please consider a cash donation, or take it upon yourself to find another worthy cause in the Tulsa community to help someone less fortunate.
Construction on the long awaited interior remodel of the Bar Center is underway (or at least scheduled to be underway). Are you ready? Hopefully, when the remodel is complete, circumstances will allow us to return to in-person events at out spiffy, new Bar Center. In my September article, I closed with some brief comments on an electronic state court filing system. In the interim, I’ve had the opportunity to do some digging on prior efforts to stand up the state equivalent to CM/ ECF. The system has a name: Oklahoma Unified Case Management System (OUCMS). Beginning in 2007, the OCIS Revolving Fund fee, which is part of the case filing fee, was increased from $10 to $25, with the difference being designated (at least initially) for the OUCMS. The Oklahoma Supreme Court has engaged in two rounds of rulemaking. In 2012, the Supreme Court published rules (SCAD-2012-36, 2012 OK 61) establishing a pilot program. In 2013, the Supreme Court amended its rules (2013 OK 67, 2013 WL 3729211) to incorporate specific provisions for the OUCMS, which remain part of the current rules. See, e.g., Okla. Sup. Ct. R. 1.1(e), 1.33(a)(1), 1.36(d)(1). According to a Tulsa World article from April 2014, the OUCMS was supposed to be implemented in four counties by the end of 2012 and statewide by autumn 2015. Statewide electronic filing: Are you ready? We’ll have to wait for electronic filing, but I’ll keep snooping as time permits. Until then, take care, Merry Christmas, and happy holidays! See you in 2021.
Tulsa Lawyer 17
Aiming High in Service and Scouting An Interview with Wendy Drummond –
Newly Appointed International Commissioner of Girl Scouts USA By Michael P. Taubman
“Aim at a high mark and you will hit it. No not the first time, nor the second, and maybe not the third… but keep on aiming and keep on shooting for only practice will make you perfect. Finally, you will hit the bullseye of success.” -Annie Oakley As we approach the holidays in this time of COVID, you’ll no doubt hear at some point those familiar strains of the old holiday standards, such as “Over the river and through the woods…”, harkening to the past when travel with the family was more commonplace. Now imagine if you will that it’s around 1971-1973, you load into the family’s black and white station wagon to go traversing the Mesopotamian 18 Tulsa Lawyer
valley from Tehran to Rome. In this vibrant cultural adventure of sights, sounds and smells, you learn firsthand about international affairs. For one young girl scout, this begat a life of interest and inquiry in the larger world that has turned full circle now. The Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) recently appointed Wendy Drummond to serve as the International Commissioner of GSUSA and the Global Representative to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), bringing her international experience to benefit young women all around the globe. Wendy Drummond has been a Girl Scout since her first scout leader, her mother Marjorie Poole, started her on this journey. After graduation from the University of Georgia in 1954, Drummond’s mom, Marjorie, met her dad, Joe, on a blind date when he returned from serving as a paratrooper in the Korean War. Her father’s family hailed from North Carolina and a long lineage in the Presbyterian church with generations of ministers, but her father “knew he wanted to serve the mission of the church, just not in ministry” recalled Drummond. He earned his MBA and became involved in the church in its missionary operations. Drummond describes her mother as having “endless energy and absolutely loved her time teaching Iranian women about life skills and health at the Presbyterian mission school in Tehran. She had a natural talent for languages and spoke Farsi very well even in her 80’s. She was adventurous – not many women would even consider a 3 month driving expedition from Tehran to Rome with 4 small children and a tent!” Drummond credits her parents for her driving spirit to lead and serve, “[mom] was also extremely entrepreneurial and very successful in real estate, buying and selling rental properties in Southern California. She was my first Girl Scout Brownie troop leader and ensured that I learned about entrepreneurship through
my cookie sales! She was fearless, confident, full of Ojai. She was accepted into the American Field Service energy and endlessly generous. Traits that I aspire to exchange program at 17, where she would go abroad to every day.” live with a family in northern Italy in a town of 500 As she explained about her international origins, people. She explained that she spoke no Italian starting Wendy Drummond came into the world as a surprise. out but made do with the little Spanish she spoke at the Born the 4th child of Marjorie and Joe Poole, her parents time. were Presbyterian missionaries living in Tehran, Iran Drummond learned to speak Italian over time, when their daughter arrived. Her first experiences with which is just one of her many language abilities that the larger, international world did indeed start from includes French, Spanish and some Swahili. Recalling those family trips in the aforementioned station wagon her Italian experiences, she remarked “they are like my traversing Mesopotamia. “I remember it had this pop- second family.” She still maintains a close relationship up type of carrier on top of the luggage rack that Dad with her Italian family, and they’ve kept in contact would take down and it made into a tent, and one night during the COVID pandemic. “It’s been very tough for we woke up literally on the Black Sea because the tide them. They live in a small village that got hit early on.” had come in and we floated out a little way from shore. After Italy, Drummond attended American University My Dad had to jump into the water to pull us to shore in Washington, DC, earning her B.A. in International while my Mom was trying to keep all these kids calm Studies. in the floating tent” Drummond recalled. She first put her degree to use as an intern in The Poole family returned to the U.S.A. and the Foreign Service, with her first posting in Nigeria settled in California, still adventuring there between during a time of great unrest where the sound gunfire the ocean and the mountains. Drummond would spend and hostage concerns were a normal course of going her formative years between Orange County and the about her day. As tensions escalated, her team was L.A. suburbs before attending Ventura High School in told they needed to relocate, which involved an Army-
crawl into an Ethiopian Airlines office in Lagos to get her ticket to board the plane with the team. She flew out of Nigeria headed for her next posting, when illness overtook her. Landing in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she went to the hospital where she spent a couple of weeks fighting illness, alone with no family, no email and no cell phones to connect her with her parents. “It’s probably better that they didn’t know what was going on during that time because it was frightening.” Once she recovered, Drummond returned to her assignment, which involved being loaded up in a small plane, landing in a dry lakebed and waiting in the sweltering heat to be picked up and driven to a United Nations refugee camp near the border of Sudan. “The camps were like an entire city, with thousands of people there fleeing violence and oppression. My job was to go into the camps, interview people about their experiences and gather information from the local chief about what they needed from relief workers.” “I recall a meeting with the chief… and he wanted more blankets. I thought, ‘here I am dying in this 115º - 120º heat, and they want blankets?’ But I learned to look at it from their perspective where the temperature getting down to 75 80 is like a cold snap to them.” Eventually, she returned to the U.S. with an expanded worldview on the human condition. Her multicultural experiences informed her along the way, and she plans to use those experiences to bridge the divide for young girls and women as part of her role with GSUSA. In beginning this three year appointment, Drummond steps into the position formerly occupied by Judith Batty, who recently assumed the role as Interim CEO for GSUSA. “In taking on this role with [GSUSA], it’s a position that requires someone who has experience internationally because it involves not only serving on our [GSUSA] Board, but the role acts as the ambassador to the [WAGGGS] as well” said Drummond. The mission of GSUSA is ‘Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place’, which their affiliation with WAGGGS spreads that message of empowerment to 151 countries, over 10 million girls, and bridges worldwide cultures of young women. Understanding the human conditions requires more than just images on the internet, it demands interpersonal interaction for the exchange of ideas. The 2020 world conference was scheduled to be in Uganda, ∘
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which ended up being held virtually due to COVID concerns. Drummond explained that “the virtual space is driving the conversation about technology as a platform. The international camps this year were held virtually, and I took part in their closing celebration that linked all of the camp sites together.” When asked about her goals for her term in this role, she explained that it’s a work in progress. Drummond wants to “bring it to more countries where girls are struggling. We want these girls to be involved in global collaboration, to become problem solvers, and to be empowered.” Drummond is no stranger to managing multiple operations at once. In addition her work as an attorney with the Drummond Law Firm, where she has split time between the Tulsa and Pawhuska offices, she serves as CEO of Drummond Communications, LLC, with over 250 employees across 42 locations in 8 states. She’s led major fundraising efforts for Emergency Infant Services in Tulsa, and she serves on several boards and organizations throughout Oklahoma, including being a Member of the Annie Oakley Society of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum where she’s also a Board Member. Her servant’s heart born of those Presbyterian missionaries in the fertile valley of the cradle of civilization. Drummond continues to carry the spirit of service onward both in a local and global scale, amplifying the voices of young women around the world who Drummond sees as our future leaders. Like the quote from Annie Oakley inspires, Wendy Drummond aims at a high mark of service, and she keeps aiming for perfection.
Michael Taubman is the Editor and Committee Chair for Tulsa Lawyer Magazine. If you have news about a TCBA Member that you think is worthy of sharing, please let us know. Email tulsabarnews@ yahoo.com
LAWYERS AGAINST PAWVERTY CUTEST About Pause4Paws PET CONTEST Animal Law Committee Congratulations to our winners! Cutest Cat- Sasha Grace (Most Likely to be in a Cat Commercial) Furbaby Parent- Vicky Benedict
Each year the Animal Law Committee chooses a beneficiary of the Lawyers Against Pawverty fundraiser. This year the committee chose Pause4Paws, a Tulsa nonprofit that believes that people should not have to choose between getting urgent medical care and keeping their pets. Pause4Paws provides short-term emergency foster care for pets of individuals impacted by homelessness, mental illness or addiction, so they can get medical, mental health or addiction treatment without having to abandon their pets.
A big thank you goes to Studio D Photography for the fabulous photos and the generous donation of proceeds to Lawyers Against Pawverty! And look for these stars in the upcoming Tulsa Pets magazine! Lawyers Against Pawverty raised a total of $690 for Pause4Paws and the TCBA Community Outreach is matching $600 for a total of $1290!
Special Thanks to
Studio D Photography 918-494-6686 8220 South Harvard, Tulsa, OK
Cutest Dog - Chance
(Most Likely to Save the World) Furbaby Parent Allen & Carol Pease
Most Likely to Star in Their Own Reality Show Back row L-R, Sassy, Howie, front row Allie, Moo, Rowdy Alisa Johnson
22 Tulsa Lawyer
Best Resting Pounce Face Mookie - Katy Inhofe
Most Likely to Catch a Mouse Miche - Katy Inhofe
Pet Superlatives
Everyone who has a pet knows that their pet is the BEST and MOST! These are no exception!
Best Kisser Orion - Hannah Collins
Most Likely to be a Superhero Jeanne Hutter Most Likely to be a Real Life Teddy Bear Ruggles - Lisa Devins
Most Likely to Jump Ship Binx - Tami Williams
Most Likely to Succeed Jerze - Mindie Baab Prettiest Princess Salem - Tami Williams
Most Patriotic Brown, Allen and Alle Richmond & Lynda Brownson Most Likely to Become an Instagram Model Nancy Innis Most Likley to Start a Band Michael Jordan Hannah Collins
Most Likely to Join the Circus Lulu - Lisa Laughrey
HOLIDAY CHALLENGE UPDATE Thank you to the following individuals & firms for supporting this excellent cause! ADOPTING FAMILIES TCBA Rhodes, Hieronymus, Jones, Tucker & Gable McDaniel Acord & Lytle, PLLC Mike Ralston and Sharolyn Whiting-Ralston Robinett, Swartz & Aycock David and Jenny Keglovits Viridian Legal Services, PLLC Joe and Stephanie Callahan John and Kristen Brightmire Children and the Law/Juvenile Law Section Charney Brown PLLC GableGotwals Mullican & Hart, P.C. Joe and Sara Bohannon Secrest Hill Butler & Secrest Legal Aid of Oklahoma – Tulsa Division Klenda Family Cullem Family Military Law Group Paul McGuire and Shena Burgess Stafford-Riter Family The Lawyers of Kendall Whitter TU Student Bar Association Franden | Farris | Quillin Goodnight + Roberts
Jones, Gotcher & Bogan, PC
MONETARY DONATIONS Richard Noulles Gale Allison Doris Astle Dwight Smith Gary C. Clark Ken Brune *as of 11-10-20
Check out the January issue for more updates and photos! 24 Tulsa Lawyer
And thank you to FITS Socks Company for their donation of 63 pairs of high quality merino wool blend socks to distribute to families!
Committee & Section News LITIGATION SECTION Litigation Section Chairs Robert Mitchener, III and Robert J. Winter. For the upcoming membership year, Mr. Mitchener and Mr. Winter are working to schedule virtual presentations on litigation practice skills, the anatomy of a $500 million dollar lawsuit, getting your arbitration mojo back, and conducting virtual depositions, mediation, and hearings during COVID-19. This year’s Litigation Section meetings will be held virtually on the third Thursday of every month during the noon lunch hour. Please join us! rmitchener@praywalker.com rwalker@praywalker.com
CLE COMMITTEE
James Asbill,Chair It is my goal to make sure that our CLE programming adapts as well, and that we are bringing this community content that is informative, instructive, and relevant. We have an exciting slate of topics scheduled for this fall, and I am grateful to each and every individual who has volunteered their time and expertise for these presentations. If there is a topic you are interested in having a presentation on, or would be interested in presenting, please make it known to us! I want to ensure that we are providing content that is both informative and useful to our members. jasbill@tulsalawyer.com
Resource Page
- Just click the link at the top of our web page, www.tulsabar.com - A quick resource with links to press releases and notices for Tulsa County Courts, OSCN, Northern District of Oklahoma, OBA, Dept. of Health, State & District Administrative Orders and more.
CRIMINAL LAW SECTION
My name is Danny Levy and I am a prosecutor with the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office. I am excited to chair this year’s Criminal Law Section. 2020 has brought sweeping changes to the practice of criminal law in Tulsa County. The McGirt decision fundamentally altered the foundation of criminal law practice. COVID-19, and its associated consequences continue to present practitioners with an ever changing (and sometimes virtual) courthouse experience. My goal is to use the Criminal Law Section to tackle these challenges as we adapt to our ever changing new normal. I look forward to seeing you soon—hopefully in person! Please feel free to email me at dlevy@tulsacounty. org with any questions or suggestions.
BANKRUPTCY SECTION
The TCBA Bankruptcy Section gathers bimonthly to hear poetry, enjoy a lunch meal (when Covid-19 restrictions allow), and discuss substantive bankruptcy issues and cases (in that order). Members are encouraged to engage both sides of their brains as we explore words and ideas that enrich our lives and practices. Our meeting schedule for the rest of the fiscal year is: 1/21, 3/18, 5/20, and 7/15 – from noon until 1:00 p.m. on the TCBA’s virtual meeting platform. Please join us, suggest to topic for discussion, and/or be a presenter yourself. We are better if you are involved. Also, please look for (and read) the Bankruptcy Section’s Poem of the Week – included in TCBA’s weekly e-mail blast. Bankruptcy Section Chair Paul Thomas (918) 581-6687 Paul.thomas2@usdoj.gov ALL TCBA SECTION AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS ARE INVITED TO SHARE THEIR INFORMATION AND ACTIVITIES IN TULSA LAWYER! PLEASE EMAIL tulsabarnews@yahoo.com
Tulsa Lawyer 27
Fostering Joy Winter is likely our darkest season. That is, it gets dark outside sooner, the weather turns cold and the light is muted. But it’s also our Holiday Season, a season of lights when we celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah. Even in difficult times, we gather with family and friends to celebrate our love and relationships. We give gifts. Even if by Zoom and mail this year. But, some of us struggle in families without a lot of Holiday light. Stress and strain, economic and emotional, peaks this time of year. And children, from infant to teenager, often bear the weight of it. Oklahoma’s Foster Child Care system also peaks in capacity this time of year. Children, through no fault of their own, find themselves out of their family circumstances and into Foster Care with little more than the clothes on their backs. Imagine the darkest season of the year without your familiar surroundings and no Christmas or Hanukkah lights in your life. A few years ago Social Workers at DHS began what is now called “Fostering Joy” by taking money out of their pockets to provide these children something for Christmas. Gifts suitable for infants, kids and teenagers wrapped for Christmas. Something to unwrap on Christmas morning and feel love in what must be a strange situation. Just something to say you are loved in this season of light. And, maybe some grooming products, clothes and essentials. Imagine the children from a Charles Dickens’ novel and you get the picture of what these Social Workers were seeing at Christmas, right here in greater Tulsa. Now, from that humble beginning has developed “Fostering Joy” to help children in state foster custody and their foster families. Last year 1,600 children were provided a little Christmas. This year, we estimate at least 2,000 children in our area will need some Christmas in Foster Care. Every year the number grows and the need extends up to Christmas morning with kids coming in. Every year it’s a challenge to keep up. But, you can help this year. Sponsor a Foster child by signing up and getting the items on the “Fostering Joy” list. Each list is made to meet that child’s needs. The workers review each gift, wrap them and deliver to that child in time for Christmas. Or, you can do what I’ve 28 Tulsa Lawyer
done for years and give “Fostering Joy” a contribution. That’s the easiest option. Funds are needed up to Christmas morning as kids arrive in Foster Care. With your monetary contribution workers go out and buy the items on each child’s list, wrap them and deliver to that Foster home. Believe me, there is no better feeling than giving a Foster child in dark circumstances a little love in this Season of Light.
TCBA JOB BANK Whether you're searching for the perfect candidate or you're looking for your dream job, the TCBA Job Bank allows you to connect with the best of Tulsa's Legal Community! • Job posts are FREE for members • $50 per post for nonmembers
The TCBA Community Outreach Committee is supporting Fostering Joy with a matching donation!
Durin g thi s seas on be unusual the g a ood w part of do to e can all help!
The Community Outreach Committee will match up to $1000 of member donations to Fostering Joy. Send checks to TCBF, 1601 S Main, Ste 300, 74119 (Make checks out to TCBF. Must be received by Dec. 22nd) Tulsa Lawyer 29
CLE ETHICS HOURS?
The TCBA has you covered...check out these offerings! • Dec. 16th 12pm – 1 Ethics Hour Legal Issues Facing Veterans With PTSD by Travis Barnett, US Army, Mitchell Garrett, US Marine Corps & Hon. David Guten, US Air Force • Dec. 18th 12pm – 2 Ethics Hours How to Keep Judges Happy by Hon. Sharon Holmes
See page 14 for all the details!
30 Tulsa Lawyer
Court Appreciated Pro-Bono Attorneys The Court Assistance Program volunteers have always been special but this year the pro bono attorneys have been exceptional! These dedicated compassionate individuals have exhibited amazing flexibility and patience, especially with the issuance of evolving moratoriums and processes. Cassia Carr, Williams Co. Natalie Cornett, Eller Detrich Terrell DoRemus, DoRemus & Associates Mac Finlayson, Eller Detrich Shane Henry, Henry & Dow Brian Huddleston, Huddleston Law Sloane Lile, Eller Detrich Allison Martuch, Taylor Legal
The following CAP volunteers have made a tremendous difference in hundreds of Tulsa families' lives and they each deserve our gratitude and appreciation.
THANK YOU! Kevin Matthews, Levinson Law J.W. McBee, McBee Law Chad McLain, Graves McLain Ashley Ogle, Norman Wohlgemuth Heidi Shadid, Eller Detrich Andrew Shank, Eller Detrich Aaron Tifft, Hall Estill Karen Walsh, Riggs Abney Whitney Webb, Bowman Webb
TCBA WANTS YOU • VOLUNTEER FOR "CAP" COURT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FORCIBLE ENTRY & DETAINER ("EVICTION") DOCKET, • EVERY DAY AT 2 PM - EXCEPT WEDNESDAY • JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER 500 W. ARCHER- FREE PARKING.
CONTACT: BETH NELLIS, CAP COORDINATOR bethnellis@cox.net or 918-760-3945
Dan Ross Kramer 1946-2020
"If I could see the world Thru the eyes of a child What a wonderful world this would be There'd be no trouble and no strife Just a big happy life With a bluebird in every tree..." ~Patsy Cline, Lyrics to "If I Could See the Wolrd"
Dan was born on May 18, 1946 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the son of Ross and Edith Kramer. He earned his law degree from the University of Tulsa in 1974. Throughout his career, Dan was passionate about helping people as a defense attorney. On May 11, 1984, Dan married the love of his life, Vickie Kramer. He enjoyed spending time with those he loved - and had a special love for his grandchildren. Dan had a deep love for animals, always known to be feeding the birds and other wildlife at his office. Dan will be remembered for his generosity to all, as well as his love for the St. Louis Cardinals and Mickey Mouse. Dan
Remembering Dan.... Dan Kramer was my mentor when I came to the Professional Center 29 years ago. He taught me how to deal with the District Attorneys on cases, which gave rise to being able to get along with them early on. His brand of lawyering was unique in that every lawyer that had a case against him knew they could trust him with his word. Dan was known to get the best deals because of his temperament, his honesty, and his integrity. His clients knew and appreciated they got good deals because Dan was their lawyer. Dan would
loved to share Mickey Mouse with everyone! His hundreds of Mickey Mouse ties will not soon be forgotten. To know Dan was to love him. Surviving family include his wife of 37 years, Vickie Kramer; his two daughters, Dawn Moody and husband, Chad of Tulsa, and Wendy Plew and husband, Brett of Kalamazoo, Michigan; five grandchildren, Chase and Brynn Moody of Tulsa and Emma Grile, Daniel Grile, and Hensley Plew, all of Kalamazoo, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to the Humane Society of Tulsa.
arrive at the office two hours before it would open, and on weekends. He represented many more clients than most lawyers. He was old fashioned in that he didn't own a cell phone or use a computer. He would use a typewriter to write his motions. Dan would feed all the cats that would hang out by the office. One beloved cat, Denver, became his best friend and would come in the office and be with Dan the whole time he worked. The office owner decided to get rid of the cat, but Dan threatened to move out if the cat wasn’t allowed to roam our halls. He was an avid animal lover.
I come from an office with several lawyers that have been here around thirty years each. The sign out front of our office lists them in order of how long they have been here. I have been waiting to become at the top of the list. I have seen lawyers retire or move on, and the first three lawyers now are named Dan Kramer, me and Darrell Bolton. I now have been here the longest. But my name will always be second. We will always honor you Dan. Sheila J. Naifeh Dan Kramer was the best thing to ever happen to this office. When I started working the front desk he always greeted me kindly and even brought donuts on occasion. We both loved old fashioned donuts. He really did have a heart for animals. He’d feed the birds every day, even on weekends, and he fed Office Kitty at least twice a day. She
even got her scheduled desk time where she’d sit on his desk and get daily ear scratches. He’d ask me and Karol to look out for her when he was going out of town which we gladly did. She was well loved and so was he. I loved to see his face light up when any of us would bring our pet into work. He’d always ask me how my dogs and kitten were doing. Not only was he kind to animals, he was kind to his clients as well. I can’t count how many clients I’ve spoken to who have nothing be good things to say about him. So many of them have been clients for years because of how much they trust and appreciate his steadfastness. He was always reliable even when he didn’t have a cell phone. He was a genuinely kind and gentle human being. I think I speak for all of us here at the office when I say he will be immeasurably missed. Christina Funderburk Dan's Receptionist
Grapevine News Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, LLP congratulates our attorneys who have been selected to the 2020 Oklahoma Super Lawyers® list. Each year, only five percent of the lawyers in the state are honored in the Super Lawyers® list and no more than 2.5 percent are named to the Rising Stars list. A special congratulations to three of our attorneys who were named to the Top 25 Women Attorneys. Super Lawyers: William C. Anderson – Environmental Sam G. Bratton, II – Bankruptcy: Business Jon E. Brightmire – Appellate Kristen L. Brightmire – Employment Litigation: Defense N. Lance Bryan – Construction Litigation Lewis N. Carter – Business Litigation H. Wayne Cooper – Mergers and Acquisitions Kevin C. Coutant – Real Estate George W. Dahnke – Business Litigation S. Douglas Dodd – Media/Advertising Phillip R. Feist – Estate and Probate Tom Q. Ferguson – Business Litigation Linda C. Martin – Environmental Litigation Moura A.J. Robertson – Family Law Sarah J. Timberlake – Employment Litigation: Defense Top 25 Women Attorneys: Kristen L. Brightmire – Employee Litigation: Defense and Top 25 Women Attorneys for Oklahoma Linda C. Martin – Environmental Litigation and Top 25 Women Attorneys for Oklahoma Moura A.J. Robertson – Family Law and Top 25 Women Attorneys for Oklahoma Rising Stars: James R. Bullard – Family Law Rebecca D. Bullard – Employment and Labor Kaylee Davis-Maddy – Healthcare D. Ward Hobson – Intellectual Property Lauren R. Myers – General Litigation Sara E. Potts – Business Litigation Crowe & Dunlevy attorney Malcolm E. Rosser IV was recently named a Fellow of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys (ACMA). Co-chair of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group, his practice comprises commercial real estate acquisitions, development, construction and finance and lending, as well as zoning and land use, leasing and loan workouts. Rosser was selected for the honor based upon professional experience, qualifications and community involvement. ACMA 28 Tulsa Lawyer
is a national organization uniting real estate finance lawyers to strengthen skills and professional networks. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Rosser received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma.
Hall Estill, has announced that Nicole Longwell has joined as special counsel in the Tulsa office and Bryan Lynch and Natalie Sears have joined as associates in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa offices respectively. Prior to joining Hall Estill, Longwell served as in-house counsel for the last eight years with Magellan Midstream Partners, LP and T.D. Williamson, Inc. managing commercial, employment, operations, engineering and construction matters. She also worked in private practice for twelve years gaining significant experience in complex litigation matters after graduating law school. Longwell focuses her practice in the areas of commercial, services and procurement contracting, construction, civil litigation and energy law. She earned her J.D. from the University of Tulsa College of Law, with highest honors, where she was part of the Order of Curule Chair, Order of Barristers and the Tulsa Law Review. She earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Northeastern State University. Lynch focuses his practice in commercial litigation, corporate and employment law. He received his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Oklahoma and his J.D., with honors, from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Lynch is a member of the Order of the Coif, Order of the Barristers, and Phi Beta Kappa, and served as a Cortez A.M. Ewing Public Service Fellow. While in law school, Lynch served as an assistant executive editor of the American Indian Law Review and was two-time member of the University of Oklahoma College of Law National Moot Court Team. Sears focuses her practice in general civil litigation, family law, and trusts and estate litigation. She graduated, with honors, from the University of Oklahoma and obtained her J.D. from the University of Tulsa College of Law. Sears has been recognized as a Rising Star in family law by Super Lawyers since 2017. In addition, she was named the Tulsa County Bar Association Young Lawyer in 2017 and received the Tulsa County Bar Association President's Award in 2019.
Attorneys Jaycee Booth, Greg Buzzard, Katie Campbell, Garrett D. Lessman, Baxter Lewallen and paralegal Shana McHaffey have joined Crowe & Dunlevy in the firm’s Oklahoma City and Tulsa offices. Booth is an attorney in the firm’s Oklahoma City office, assisting clients with matters in the Labor & Employment and Litigation & Trial Practice Groups. She graduated with honors from Oklahoma City University School of Law as a Merit Scholar and was inducted into the Order of Barristers. A member of the William J. Holloway Inn of Court, international legal honor society, Phi Delta Phi, and Organization for the Advancement of Women in the Law, she served as a judicial intern with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Booth received her Bachelor of Science in biology from West Texas A&M University. Buzzard is an attorney in the firm’s Tulsa office. A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, he is a member of the Indian Law & Gaming Practice Group. Buzzard received his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School where he served as president of the Native American Law Students Association. Prior to law school, he attended Dartmouth College where he graduated cum laude, served as president of the Native Americans at Dartmouth student organization and was a recipient of the Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship. Before joining the firm, Buzzard clerked for the Honorable Jeffrey L. Viken of the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota. Campbell is an attorney in the firm’s Oklahoma City office. A member of the Labor & Employment Practice Group, she assists clients with general litigation matters. Campbell received her Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law where she graduated magna cum laude and was a Merit Scholar. During law school, Katie received CALI awards in Legal Research and Writing, Income Tax Law and Employment Discrimination and was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity and the William J. Holloway Inn of Court. She also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from the University of Oklahoma. Lessman is an attorney and member of the Private Wealth & Closely-Held Business, Corporate & Securities and Taxation Practice Groups in the firm’s Oklahoma City office. He received a law degree and a Master of Laws in Taxation from Boston University School of Law where he graduated as an Edward F. Hennessey Distinguished Scholar. A National Merit Scholar, Lessman received his undergraduate degree from Baylor University.
Lewallen is an attorney in the firm’s Oklahoma City office and assists in general litigation matters and in the representation of broker-dealers and financial institutions on matters of compliance as a member of the Litigation & Trial and Securities Litigation, Enforcement & Compliance Practice Groups. He received his Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University where he graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into the Order of the Barristers and was named the OCU Law Outstanding Graduate for 2020. Prior to law school, Lewallen attended Washington and Lee University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English before serving as a field representative in the United States Senate. McHaffey is a paralegal in the firm’s Oklahoma City office and a member of the Securities Litigation, Enforcement & Compliance Practice Group. She brings more than 16 years of experience in the securities industry to assist attorneys representing securities firms, individual securities agents and investment advisors. She also supports attorneys in their drafting of core pleadings, reviews matters for early case resolution and collects, organizes and analyzes document production. A Certified Financial Planner, McHaffey graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in health administration.
Hall Estill, has announced 35 of its attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion on the 2020 Super Lawyers annual list of the state’s top attorneys. Seven attorneys were named 2020 Oklahoma Rising Stars, a prestigious recognition for up-and-coming attorneys, and two attorneys, Elaine Turner and Molly Aspan, were listed as a top 25 female attorney, as well as a top 50 attorney in Oklahoma. Super Lawyers has been recognized by bar associations and courts across the country for the legitimacy and rigor of its selection process. Attorneys are selected using a rigorous, multi-phase rating process including peer nominations and evaluations combined with third party research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, and the lawyers recognized represent no more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state. Launched in 1998, Rising Stars is a list that recognizes the top up-and-coming attorneys in the state. To qualify for this award, candidates must be 40 years old or younger, or have been practicing for 10 years or less. Hall Estill Super Lawyers Bryan J. Nowlin, Business Litigation D. K. (Ken) Williams, Jr., Energy & Natural Resources Daniel R. Ketchum, II, Estate & Probate Elaine R. Turner, Employment Litigation: Defense J. Kevin Hayes, Energy & Natural Resources
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Tulsa County Bar Center new temporary location.
1601 S. Main Suite #300 Tulsa, OK 74119 36 Tulsa Lawyer
James C. Milton, Estate & Trust Litigation James D. Satrom, Energy & Resources Jerrick L. lrby, Business Litigation John M. Hickey, Construction Litigation John M. O’Connor, Business Litigation Jon Epstein, Media/Advertising Larry G. Ball, Business Litigation Mark Banner, Class Action Michael D. Cooke, Mergers & Acquisitions Michael E. Smith, Energy & Natural Resources Michael T. Keester, Construction Litigation Molly A. Aspan, Employment & Labor Pamela S. Anderson, Energy & Natural Resources Randall K. McCarthy, Intellectual Property Richard A. Wagner, II, Family Law Robert D. Nelon, Media/Advertising Seth A. Day, General Litigation Stephen W. Ray, Business/Corporate Steven A. Broussard, Employment Litigation: Defense Steven W. Soulé, Bankruptcy: Business Thomas A. Creekmore Ill, Bankruptcy: Business W. Deke Canada, Business/Corporate William W. O'Connor, Business Litigation Hall Estill Rising Stars Christopher L. Carter, Real Estate Daniel V. Carsey, Business Litigation Jacqueline M. McCormick, Business Litigation Kristen Pence Evans, Civil Litigation: Defense Matthew R. Gile, Family Law Natalie S. Sears, Family Law Tami J. Hines, Business Litigation
Tulsa County Bar Association 1446 S. Boston Ave. Tulsa, OK 74119
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