June 2025 Tulsa Lawyer Magazine V2

Tulsa Lawyer Lawyer Magazine

June 2025

Law Day Review, Immigration & More

1903

TULSA LAWYER

A Message from the President

In this Issue

Stephanie Jackson 2024-2025 TCBA President

June 2025

Pg. 2

Golden Rule Award 3rd Quarter Alan N. Barker

2

Honoring Connection, Constitution, and Community Stephanie Jackson

3

NEW!!! Native American Law Section

4

Law Day Review 2025

5

Fifty & Sixty Year Recognitions Trivia Night - June 12th Summer Pro Bono Challenge

6

Pg. 10

Tulsa County Law Library News Member Event - Happy Hour - June 2nd

7

Sandra Day O’Connor Award - Knox Brown Volunteer Opportunity at the Day Center

Voices of the Tulsa County Bar Association

By Ralph Schaefer

8

Brunton-Will CLE Award - Mbilike Mwafulirwa

9

Liberty Bell Award - Ginnie Graham

10

Golden Rule 3rd Quarter - Alan Barker

12

Still Time to Join Us for Book Club

Matt Farris & Bob Farris

13

TCBA & TCBF Annual Meeting & Luncheon

14

Voices of the Tulsa County Bar Association Matt Farris

Pgs. 14 & 16

16

Voices of the Tulsa County Bar Association Bob Farris

19

OBA Delegates Announced

20

What Non-Immigration Lawyers Need to Know About Immigration Law Today: Q & A Interview with Attorney Lorena Rivas Tamara T. Piety

23

TCBA Happenings

24

VP's Corner: Staying Connected Billy Duncan

25

Nominations Sought for Annual Meeting Awards

26

Law Day Student Contest Winners

27

Grapevine

&ODVVL¿HGV

Eat Out for a Cause - June 11th

Cover: Earthen tunnel Riverside Drive The Gathering Place @Richard/adobestock Tulsa Lawyer 1

A Message from the President

Stephanie Jackson

Honoring Connection, Constitution, and Community A Luncheon to Remember This year’s Law Day theme, “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One,” reminds us of the enduring power of unity. We were honored to have Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols deliver an inspiring keynote address at our soldout Law Day Luncheon. His remarks beautifully captured Celebrating Fatherhood and Mentorship the spirit of this year’s theme—highlighting not only what As we welcome the month of June, we are reminded of the unites us as Americans but also what binds us together as a many meaningful celebrations this time of year brings—most city, as Oklahomans, and as people committed to justice and notably, Father’s Day. It’s a moment to honor the guiding service. His message also resonated deeply with our Street KDQGV DQG TXLHW VWUHQJWK RI IDWKHUV DQG IDWKHU ¿JXUHV ERWK Law students, who joined us and left inspired about their in our families and in our profession. To all the dads and own futures in law and civic engagement. mentors who lead by example, offer wisdom, and support others while balancing the demands of work and life, I salute Congratulations to Our Honorees you and thank you for all you do.

To all of our Law Day award recipients—congratulations!

Your service, integrity, and commitment are shining Gratitude for a Remarkable Law Day examples of what our profession stands for. This year, we June also marks the conclusion of our annual Law Day are proud to recognize Mbilike Mwafulirwa who has celebration, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to served the last three years at TCBA’s Litigation Section everyone who made it such a tremendous success. Special Co-Chair, and is this year’s recipient of the Brunton-Will thanks go to our resolute TCBA Ask-A-Lawyer Co-Chairs, CLE Award; Ginnie Graham of the Tulsa World, recipient Mary Clement and Lizzie Ritter, along with TCBF Law Day of the Liberty Bell Award; and Knox Brown, Assistant Committee Chair, Tana Van Cleave for their extraordinary Professor of Political Science at Tulsa Community College, leadership and dedication. Your hard work brought to life a who received the Sandra Day O’Connor Award. We are PHDQLQJIXO VHULHV RI HYHQWV WKDW UHDI¿UPHG WKH LPSRUWDQFH proud to celebrate your achievements and the lasting impact of our Constitution and our shared responsibility as members of your work in the legal and civic community. of the legal community.

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Looking Ahead to Summer Activities As we look ahead to summer, I encourage each of you to take part in our upcoming events and Member Appreciation activities. Whether you’re new to the bar or have been a member for years, our goal is to offer something for everyone. Check our event calendar on the Tulsa County Bar Association’s website for details. These opportunities provide the perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and networking— great ways to connect with colleagues outside the courtroom RU RI¿FH Renew, Recommit, Reconnect

legacy is built on the involvement and passion of our members, and we are stronger when we each bring our talents to the table.

Thank You for Your Dedication Finally, a sincere thank you to our board, TCBA staff, and volunteers who keep our bar association running smoothly.

Your efforts, often behind the scenes, are noticed and deeply appreciated. +HUH¶V WR D VXPPHU ¿OOHG ZLWK FRQQHFWLRQ FHOHEUDWLRQ DQG continued service.

Please also take a moment to renew your membership if you haven’t already, and consider joining a committee. (renewals RI¿FLDOO\ EHJLQ LQ -XO\ %\ GRLQJ VR \RX KHOS HQVXUH WKH continued strength and impact of our bar association. Our

Sincerely, Stephanie Jackson TCBA, President, 2024-2025

Introducing Our New Native American Law Section The TCBA is thrilled to announce an exciting • expansion of our offerings for the upcoming membership year! In our ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive resources and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse legal landscape, we will be introducing a dedicated • Native American Law Section.

Networking opportunities: Connect with colleagues who share your passion and expertise in this specialized area of law. Build relationships and collaborate on important issues.

Educational resources: Access tailored content, including webinars, articles, and potential CLE programs, designed to enhance your knowledge and understanding of Native American law.

This new section will serve as a vital forum for members who practice, study, or have an interest in the unique legal issues affecting Native American WULEHV DQG LQGLYLGXDOV :H UHFRJQL]H WKH VLJQL¿FDQFH • Expert insights: Learn from practitioners, of tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and the SURIHVVRUV DQG OHDGHUV LQ WKH ¿HOG RI 1DWLYH complex interplay between federal, state, and tribal American law. law. This dedicated section will provide a platform for: More details about how to join the Native American • Focused discussions: Engage in meaningful Law Section and upcoming activities will be shared conversations about current legal developments, as we approach the new membership year. landmark cases, and emerging challenges in Native American law.

Law Day 2025: The Mayor’s Message of Unity and Civic Responsibility At this year’s Law Day luncheon, Tulsa’s mayor, Monroe Nichols, shared a heartfelt message about the importance of unity, shared values, and civic responsibility.

The theme, “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One,” served as a reminder that our strength as a community comes from working together.

He noted that our nation’s future depends on the active role of its citizens. Quoting Judge Learned Hand, he emphasized that true liberty lies in the hearts of people—that laws and courts are only helpful if individuals uphold the spirit of freedom and understanding.

He also pointed out that history teaches us the value of vigilance and responsibility. The safest way to protect our principles is through ongoing effort—by working together, bridging differences, and supporting one another.

&RQFOXGLQJ KLV UHPDUNV 0D\RU 1LFKROV UHDI¿UPHG his commitment to community goals, including ending homelessness, increasing affordable housing, and making Tulsa a safer and more inclusive city. He emphasized that these aims depend on unity, collaboration, and shared dedication to building a better future.

$V ZH UHÀHFW RQ /DZ 'D\ WKH PD\RU V PHVVDJH

0D\RU 1LFKROV UHÀHFWHG RQ WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI VWD\LQJ encourages us all to participate actively in our community. engaged and fostering connections in our communities. He Democracy and freedom require ongoing effort and a highlighted that the true foundation of our country is built collective commitment — an ongoing reminder that “Out of on mutual respect, dialogue, and shared purpose. While laws Many, One” is more than a phrase; it’s a call to action for all set the framework, it is our collective effort that keeps our of us. democracy strong.

4 Tulsa Lawyer

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE TULSA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION MEMBERS CELEBRATING 50 & 60 YEARS AS ATTORNEYS 60 Year Anniversaries Phil Frazier James O. Goodwin Judge Stephanie Seymour 50 Year Anniversaries E. Clifton Baker, Jr. Vaden F. Bales Kenneth L. Brune Mark E. Buchner H. Wayne Cooper

Jack D. Crews Robert A. Curry Terrel B. DoRemus James H. Ferris Steven P. Flowers H. Delbert Frieze Richard A. Gann James R. Gotwals J. Kevin Hayes James C. Hodges Richard K. Holmes -XGJH :LOOLDP .HOORXJK UHW Gary McDonald

David B. McKinney J. Michael Medina John G. Moyer, Jr. Charles “Buddy” Neal, Jr. Richard B. Noulles Harlan Pinkerton, Jr. Thomas L. Restor Carol J. Russo Allen M. Smallwood Charles M. Sublett Timothy J. Sullivan James A. Williamson

Tulsa Lawyer 5

Tulsa County Law Library The Tulsa County Law Library is a hidden gem in the county courthouse that is equipped to assist attorneys with more than just books. Located on the VHFRQG ÀRRU RI WKH FRXQW\ courthouse it is just steps away from the Court Clerk’s civil desk. Here, we have the ability to make photocopies, deliver and pick-up signed orders, and the library has two terminals dedicated to Westlaw Next access.

Normally, a Westlaw Next subscription would cost the average attorney thousands of dollars each month. However, the Tulsa County Law Library provides free access to its :HVWODZ 1H[W WHUPLQDOV RQ D ¿UVW FRPH ¿UVW VHUYHG EDVLV This subscription provides unlimited in-person access to various legal resources, such as case law from across the nation, federal opinions, and various examples of Oklahoma and Federal forms.

6 Tulsa Lawyer

The Law Library is also a great place to meet clients or opposing counsel. Our facility has a small conference room, which comfortably seats up to three people, and a large conference room, which comfortably seats up to ten people.

Both of these conference rooms may be reserved in advance by contacting the Tulsa County Law Library via email at lawlibrary@tulsacounty.org.

Another service the Law Library offers via email is our courier service. The Tulsa County Law Library E-Filing service is a courier service where attorneys are able to submit documents, QRW UHTXLULQJ WKH SD\PHQW RI D ¿OLQJ IHH WR WKH /DZ /LEUDU\ IRU ¿OLQJ ZLWK WKH &LYLO &ULPLQDO )DPLO\ 3UREDWH RU 6PDOO Claims Court Clerk desks. Moreover, attorneys may also submit a request to the Law Library to have a document picked up or delivered to a judge’s inbox or outbox. The corresponding charges for these services are outlined in the Tulsa County Law Library’s E-File invoice, which may be obtained by contacting the Law Library via email.

Whether, you are looking to print off a copy of the order you forgot at home, or you just want a quiet place to review your ¿OH EHIRUH D KHDULQJ WKHQ WKH 7XOVD &RXQW\ /DZ /LEUDU\ KDV you covered!

Sandra Day O’Connor Award Knox Brown

The Sandra Day O’Connor award honors the ¿UVW IHPDOH -XVWLFH RI WKH 8 6 Supreme Court. In retirement, she made it her mission to highlight the importance of legal civics education. The award will go to those who KDYH VLJQL¿FDQWO\ DGYDQFHG the teaching of legal civics in Oklahoma schools.

Burma and China, two countries without a recent history of participatory democracy. Giving these and other students a front-row seat to the legislative process opens up a new world, one in which they can see the process live and in action,” shared Knox in a 2023 article he wrote for the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal. “In my class, the YHU\ ¿UVW GD\ EHJLQV ZLWK D GLVFXVVLRQ TXHVWLRQ :K\ GR VR many people tune out of politics? This allows me to address not only some students’ hesitation to be in a required class, but their general disdain for, or indifference to, our political system.

This year, we are pleased to present this award to Knox Brown, an assistant professor of political science at Tulsa Community College.

He studies and teaches American politics and received his B.A. in political science and his Ph.D. in political science IURP 8&/$

On the website “Rate My Professors”, 89% of raters say they would take his courses again. Out of 104 raters, 83 rated him as “Awesome,” the highest score he could get.

“Every semester, the most common form of feedback I get from students is, to quote one recent conversation, ࡒ<RX¶YH PDGH PH KDWH SROLWLFV OHVV ࡓ ࡓ´

Congratulations, Knox, and thank you for educating “Every year, I take a group of students to the state FDSLWRO EXLOGLQJ ZKHUH ZH PHHW ZLWK HOHFWHG RI¿FLDOV DQG VLW young Oklahomans about their civic responsibility and LQ RQ ÀRRU GHEDWHV 7KLV \HDU¶V JURXS LQFOXGHG VWXGHQWV IURP encouraging their participation in government.

Register with the QR Code or at www.tulsabar.com

Tulsa Lawyer 7

Brunton-Will CLE Award Mbilike Mwafulirwa

The BruntonWill CLE Award is presented annually to an outstanding Tulsa County attorney who has demonstrated excellence in consistently teaching CLE courses. This award recognizes an individual dedicated to educating and instructing attorneys in the ever-evolving legal landscape. This year’s recipient is Mbilike Mwafulirwa.

Mbilike is an attorney at Coffey Senger Hancock & Harmon and was most recently at Brewster & DeAngelis. He has served as the Litigation Section CoChair for three years and has successfully put together many CLES, garnering public interest and interest in all groups within the TCBA. From the moment Mbilike became chair, he made it clear he wanted the Litigation Section to be a memorable and forerunning Section of the TCBA. He wanted this group to be notable in the kinds of information and

speakers it hosted. He always strived for well-attended and well-appreciated gatherings.

Notable CLE courses he has organized include “court views” from Judges like Chief Judge John Heil, Judge Moody, Judge Jason Robertson, and, maybe most notably, a discussion with all available federal Magistrate judges in the Northern and Eastern Districts of Oklahoma for a panel discussion about civil litigation in our federal courts. His goal was to leave an outstanding legacy of Section leadership while providing valuable education and insights, and he has!

&XUUHQWO\ 0ELOLNH LV WHDFKLQJ D FODVV RQ DUWL¿FLDO LQWHOOLJHQFH DW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 7XOVD &ROOHJH RI /DZ He has always been fascinated with automation and the intersection of law and technology. This fascination led KLP WR SXEOLVK DUWLFOHV DQG SUHVHQW &/( RQ DUWL¿FLDO intelligence and how AI-powered tools like Alexa, Siri, and self-driving cars factor into the legal landscape.

As ChatGPT and other generative AI tools grow in popularity, he incorporates those tools into his lectures and publications.

Thank you, Mbilike, for sharing your knowledge and including the TCBA in your quest for the most up-todate information on topics relevant to the practice of law.

Liberty Bell Award Ginnie Graham

The Liberty Bell Award is given to a nonlawyer who has promoted a better understanding of the rule of law, encouraged great respect for law and the courts, stimulated a sense of civic responsibility, or contributed to good government in the community. It is also one of the most prestigious awards presented by TCBF, and the Law Day Committee is proud to add Ginnie Graham as this years recipient.

Ginnie has investigated the tragedies of child abuse and neglect, inaccessibility of health care, substandard housing, and inequities among our residents. She says she covers these issues not because she’s a downer, but because VKH EHOLHYHV ZH FDQ ¿[ SUREOHPV LI ZH NQRZ WKH VWRU\ Ginnie says of opinion pages, “We need spaces for people to air their viewpoints and experiences in thoughtful and respectful ways. We cannot move forward if we dismiss or ignore each other. That’s why these growing divides are the most pressing issues we face. That’s where the Opinion pages have worth as a meeting place.”

Ms. Graham has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a masterࢀ s degree in public administration from the 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 2NODKRPD ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR KHU MRXUQDOLVP FDUHHU she has served on boards whose missions are important to

*LQQLH *UDKDP LV D ¿IWK JHQHUDWLRQ 2NODKRPDQ ZKR KHU VXFK DV 0HDOV RQ :KHHOV WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 2NODKRPD¶V has worked at the Tulsa World Newspaper for over 30 years Student Publications Board, and Edison Preparatory School and is currently the Editorial Pages editor. She has spent Foundation. her career sharing fellow Oklahomans’ stories, the ups and downs, highs and lows, to stimulate a sense of civic pride and obligation in all of us.

Tulsa Lawyer 9

Golden Rule Award 3rd Quarter - Alan N. Barker

ies the core values of respect, empathy, and professionalism that the Gold Rule Award celebrates. With a distinguished academic record—graduating with Highest Honors from the 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 7XOVD &ROOHJH RI /DZ DIWHU HDUQLQJ GHJUHHV IURP 2NODKRPD 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\²$ODQ¶V GHGLFDWLRQ WR KLV craft is evident in his over a decade and a half of legal service across Oklahoma, Missouri, and Mississippi.

For his integrity, community-mindedness, and exemplary service, we proudly award Alan Barker for the Gold Rule Award.

Award Criteria The Golden Rule award is given to lawyers who make outstanding contributions to their professions, have the highest of ideals, and are willing to mentor to those with less experience.

Criteria for Award: 1. Recognizes the ethical and professional obligations as an RIÀFHU RI WKH FRXUW DV ZHOO DV WKH VSLULW DQG LQWHQW RI WKH 5XOHV of Professional Conduct.

We are pleased to announce that Alan N. Barker has been awarded the 3rd Quarter Gold Rule Award by the Tulsa County Bar Association.

Allen’s dedication to integrity, community serYLFH DQG SURIHVVLRQDO H[FHOOHQFH H[HPSOL¿HV WKH WUXH spirit of the Gold Rule. Throughout his career, Alan has demonstrated a deep commitment to helping others through his legal practice and volunteer efforts.

He regularly volunteers with the Community $FWLRQ 3URMHFW &$3 SURYLGHV VXSSRUW DW 7XOVD &RXQW\¶V eviction docket to assist residents facing eviction, and chairs the Lawyer Referral Services committee, fostering connections within the legal community.

His approach is always client-focused and strategic, ensuring that every individual he serves receives personalized and practical solutions.

Hailing from Payne County, Oklahoma, and deeply connected to the local community, Alan embod10 Tulsa Lawyer

2. Practices ethically and honestly and is true to his/her word.

3. Strives for the traditional goals of moral excellence.

4. Exhibits the highest standards of fairness and integrity.

5. Sets a model example for conduct with members of the Bar and the Judiciary, not only by words but more importantly deeds.

6. Is civil, courteous and respectful towards the court and his/her opponents.

7 Is loyal to his/her client without trickery and deception and without using abusive practices or misleading the court or opposing counsel. $YRLGV WKH WHPSWDWLRQ WR PDNH KLV KHU FOLHQW·V FDVH LQWR D personal vendetta.

9 Conducts himself/herself in a manner that improves the image of the legal profession in the eyes of the public.

Tulsa Lawyer 11

BOOK CLUB! Although Book Club usually does not meet in August, a bonus book will be discussed at a surprise destination. The book is Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World. What is it I think about those Icelandic women?

2025 Law Day Book Club will conclude in November with participant’s choice of reading one of H.W. Brands’ American history books. Brands is the 2024 Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award recipient who is scheduled to be in Tulsa for a book signing on December 5.

His Pulitzer Prize Finalist is about Benjamin Franklin’s life and times. Learning why Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a traitor to his class would be fascinating reading as well.

Contact heatherh@tulsabar.com or visit www.tulsabar.com Note: Book Club generally meets at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesdays at the Bar Center, except August and December.

•

June 24 - A Fate Inked in Blood, Danielle L. Jensen

•

July 22 Hokeah

•

August - No meeting (Bonus meeting for anyone interested, to discuss Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World (OL]D 5HLG 'DWH 7%'

•

September 23 - Anxious People, Fredrik Backman

•

October 28 - When Will There Be Good News, Kate Atkinson

•

November 25 - Book by H.W. Brands, American historian

12 Tulsa Lawyer

Calling for a Blanket Dance, Oscar

Tulsa Lawyer 13

Voices of the Tulsa County Bar Association

Matt Farris

By Ralph Schaefer

Discipline is required in sports and law.

Matt Farris knows.

He played professional soccer after graduating from college, then earned a law degree, requiring both his full attention and discipline.

Matt played professional soccer for teams in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina. He graduated IURP WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 1RUWK &DUROLQD DW *UHHQVERUR ZLWK D ¿QDQFH GHJUHH LQ Moving back to Tulsa in 2002, Matt earned his law degree IURP WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 7XOVD &ROOHJH RI /DZ LQ The 1995 Tulsa Edison High School graduate, now Commerce Trust senior vice president/market executive, VDLG WKH GLVFLSOLQH UHTXLUHG RQ WKH VRFFHU ¿HOG LQ OHJDO practice, and as a bank executive is comparable. One must EH RUJDQL]HG ÀH[LEOH DQG UHDG\ WR IDFH DQ\ VLWXDWLRQ QR PDWWHU KRZ GLI¿FXOW Discipline also helps attorneys, especially young attorneys, establish a work balance between professional, private life, and community involvement.

An important part of one’s legal career is getting involved with legal programs and activities offered by the Tulsa &RXQW\ %DU $VVRFLDWLRQ 7&%$

“I’m still involved and know all the soccer people in Tulsa,” he said. “I do play golf, tennis, and pickleball. I like and enjoy athletics and have done it my whole life.”

Playing Division One soccer in college required personal discipline.

0DWW IRXQG KH ZDV WKH ORQH 2NODKRPDQ DW 81& *UHHQVERUR where he attended on a soccer scholarship. That wasn’t a 7KH 7&%$ KHOSV DWWRUQH\V JHW RXW RI WKH RI¿FH DQG PHHW problem because he found he had a built-in community lawyers outside their practices. among other soccer players. ³,I \RX DUH LQ WKH RI¿FH DOO GD\ DQG WKHQ JR KRPH LW LV KDUG to grow a practice and expand as an attorney,” he said.

“Tulsa’s legal community is not very big, and you will get to know many people quickly. I would advise young attorneys to get involved.”

“I loved every bit of it,” he said. It was a lot of work playing Division One soccer in college because you were in training, lifting weights, and practicing for games while attending classes.

Matt said professional soccer differed greatly from college soccer because people’s livelihoods were on the line. A young player on a professional team doesn’t understand that until they experience the environment. It is serious business Matt served in 2016-2017. if an older player in his 30s, with a mortgage and two kids, Recalling his love of sports, Matt’s soccer career started doesn’t get either playing time or misses out on bonuses; ZKHQ KH ZDV IRXU RU ¿YH \HDUV ROG +LV GDG %RE )DUULV his family suffers as a result. Consequently, it is much less was the coach, and those early lessons and love of the game about the collegiality of being part of a team and more about stuck. business and livelihood. Still, the memories of traveling all over North America as a young man playing professional Matt rarely plays his beloved game these days.

“I also am proud of the rare father-son combo as my father and I both served as TCBA presidents.”

soccer with experienced professionals, including several teammates who were veterans of the 1994 World Cup, are fantastic. I wouldn’t trade those years for anything.

Matt played professional soccer for four years and realized a life change was required.

Together with his wife Stephanie, they researched various law schools before deciding to return to Tulsa.

Law was also part of Matt’s life experience because Bob, his dad, and his deceased grandfather, Robert Farris, were Tulsa attorneys.

“I always thought law school was a good option, even if I didn’t practice,” Matt said.

He said Commerce Bank is a large regional bank, but not as well-known in Oklahoma. It is a different world, and learning about the inner workings of a large bank’s trust department was a challenge.

Matt found himself on a steep learning curve as he learned about the mechanics of trust companies.

“I was somewhat thrown into the deep end to learn quickly and grow the business,” he said. “Part of the bank’s strategy ZDV WR ¿QG VRPHERG\ IURP WKH 7XOVD DUHD ZKR NQHZ SHRSOH attorneys, CPAs, and general contacts in the community.”

“I knew and leveraged these contacts, introducing them to Commerce Bank and Commerce Trust’s offerings and services. We have had some nice growth as a result.”

+H DSSOLHG WR DQG ZDV DFFHSWHG E\ WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 7XOVD 5HÀHFWLQJ RQ WKH GLVFLSOLQH UHTXLUHG LQ VSRUWV DQG ODZ 0DWW College of Law, starting classes in January 2003. noted that both required someone to learn to deal with people $ PLG \HDU FODVV IRU ¿UVW \HDU ODZ VWXGHQWV ZDV RIIHUHG DW DQG FRQÀLFW 1RW HYHU\RQH SOD\LQJ SURIHVVLRQDO VRFFHU ZDV that time, and Matt earned his law degree in two and a half on the same page. years.

That is also true in law practice and in banking.

Returning to the classroom was an adjustment after being away from academics for almost four years.

Solving everyday problems and dealing with wealth management solutions is challenging. Just like in law 0DWW¶V UHDO OHJDO HGXFDWLRQ EHJDQ ZLWK KLV ¿UVW MRE DW WKH practice, things don’t always go smoothly. %DUURZ *ULPP ODZ ¿UP Discipline helps bridge the gap and make solutions under “They taught me how to be a lawyer,” he said. Work included general drafting of pleadings, attending court hearings, client meetings, general civil business litigation, and other assignments.

Matt also was surrounded by TCBA presidents, among them including Bill Grimm, Robert Sartin, and Jim Hicks.

They encouraged the young attorney to get involved in the TCBA. “It was just great to learn from mentors who were successful professionally, involved with the TCBA and community,” he said. “I was impressed by them, how they worked, but also found time for other things, so it wasn’t all 100 percent about WKH MRE , WKRXJKW WKH PL[WXUH RI WKH 7&%$ ZDV VLJQL¿FDQW and learned that getting out and meeting other lawyers in different practice areas was important.”

0DWW FKDQJHG ODZ ¿UPV MRLQLQJ 5RJHUV DQG %HOO LQ WKH VDPH ¿UP ZKHUH KLV GDG ZRUNHG 'XULQJ KLV WHQXUH DW WKLV ¿UP KH DOVR ZRUNHG ZLWK SDVW 7&%$ SUHVLGHQWV %RE UHWLUHG ZKLOH 0DWW ZRUNHG DW WKH ¿UP VR WKH\ ZRUNHG together for just a few years.

When Matt joined Commerce Trust, the wealth management division of Commerce Bank, in 2018 with the command to grow the trust company’s business in the Oklahoma market, banking was ahead.

challenging situations possible.

Voices of TCBA This innovative project, by the TCBA Law Week Committee, aims to preserve and share the rich stories of our members and the history of the Association.

Members interviewed are encouraged to contribute their unique experiences and insights, UHÁHFWLQJ RQ WKHLU MRXUQH\V ZLWKLQ WKH OHJDO profession and their connection to the TCBA. Through this initiative, we strive to highlight the diverse voices and histories that shape our community.

Leading the project and interviewing members is Ralph Schaefer, retired senior editor of the Tulsa Business and Legal News. He has interviewed U.S. Supreme Court Justices and did a series on the Oklahoma Supreme Court Justices.

The Tulsa County Bar Foundation and Oklahoma Bar Association honored him with the Liberty Bell Award, the highest recognition for a non-lawyer.

Your voice matters, and we look forward to celebrating the legacy of the Tulsa County Bar $VVRFLDWLRQ /HW·V EULQJ RXU VWRULHV WR OLIH

Tulsa Lawyer 15

Voices of the Tulsa County Bar Association

Bob Farris

By Ralph Schaefer

Bob Farris, in retirement, enjoys woodworking in his backyard shop. He also enjoys attending music concerts with KLV ZLIH 3DP DQG KDV ¿QH WXQHG KLV SLDQR VNLOOV DOWKRXJK KH plays other musical instruments as well.

But, as he looks back on a legal career that started in 1975 and ended with his retirement in 2018, Bob says that with respect to being a lawyer, he is most proud of his son, Matt, who served as the Tulsa County Bar Association President in 2016-2017, at 40 years-old, a post he didn’t hold until he was \HDUV ROG LQ $V KH UHÀHFWV RQ KLV OHJDO DQG teaching career, Bob advises lawyers in today’s profession, whether young or experienced, to be good listeners and avoid the “take no prisoners attitude.”

Becoming a lawyer was not Bob’s original ambition, DOWKRXJK KLV IDWKHU 5REHUW 5- )DUULV ZDV D WD[ DWWRUQH\ DW 0F.HH )DUULV ODZ ¿UP %RE ZDV VNLOOHG LQ PDWK and decided to utilize that talent to become a mechanical HQJLQHHU D GHJUHH KH HDUQHG LQ IURP WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 7XOVD 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ IRU WKH QHZ JUDGXDWH WKHUH ZDV D JOXW of engineers at the time of his graduation, and Bob struggled WR ¿QG D MRE +H JRW D MRE ± DV D FLYLO HQJLQHHU ± DW WKH :HVW 7XOVD 7H[DFR 5H¿QHU\ ³:KHQ \RX DUH \RXQJ DQG GRQ¶W KDYH any money, of course, you are going to say ‘yes’ to a job”, Bob said. The job was probably close enough to being a mechanical engineer.

But it wasn’t enjoyable for several reasons. First, Bob, as the “new kid on the block,” was assigned the job WKDW QR RQH HOVH ZDQWHG FOLPELQJ WKRVH IRRW UH¿QHU\ towers with plans in one hand to ensure everything was in RUGHU 5H¿QHULHV DW WKDW WLPH KDG H[WHUQDO ODGGHUV ZLWKRXW D safety cage around them. Climbing the ladder and carrying blueprints measuring three or four feet long in one hand was GLI¿FXOW ³, GLGQ¶W KDYH D VDIHW\ KDUQHVV ´ KH VDLG ³$OWKRXJK I did wear a hard hat.” It turned out that Bob also feared heights, and he knew he might die doing this. So after one year at Texaco, Bob resigned and applied to and was accepted DW WKH 78 &ROOHJH RI /DZ In 1971, Bob married his wife Pam, a registered nurse at St. Francis Hospital. She convinced her new husband to take a CPR class because his dad had a history of heart trouble. Taking that class paid great dividends some years down the road. Together, Bob and Pam saved his Texaco salary and lived off a similar salary she earned at St. Francis.

16 Tulsa Lawyer

Soon after starting law school, the couple decided to start D IDPLO\ 7KHLU VRQ 1LF ZDV ERUQ GXULQJ KLV ¿UVW \HDU DV D law student, and Pam took time off. They lived on that saved salary, but Bob knew he had to get out of law school as soon as possible so he could support his young family.

$W WKDW WLPH 78 KDG D SURJUDP FDOOHG D ³PLQL mester,” which allowed students to take a three-hour course in January, between the December and February break. It was also possible to take summer school classes.By doing all of that, Bob graduated in two and a half years, six months early, EHFDXVH ³, QHHGHG WR ¿QG D MRE ´ ,W ZDV DQG WKHUH ZDV a lawyer glut.

“Here, I had a stroke of good luck,” he said. “Ken Wagoner, one of my good law school friends, was from New Mexico. He interned with Tulsa Attorney Phil Frazier, who WKRXJKW KH .HQ ZRXOG EH JRLQJ WR ZRUN DW WKH ¿UP IROORZLQJ graduation.” Instead, Ken made the choice to return to New Mexico and told Bob about the position. “I interviewed with 3KLO DQG ZDV KLUHG ´ %RE VDLG ³7KH ¿UP EHFDPH NQRZQ DV Frazier Smith and Farris.” Smith was Jerry Smith, also a state senator.

Bob then had a second “stroke of luck.” A Tulsa County special judgeship opening was announced in 1981, and Bob considered and then applied for the single available position. “I was 31 years old and thought I would really like to be a judge,” he said. Then it was announced there was an opening for a second special judge. All Tulsa County District “It is really scary when you get out of law school. Judges interview special judge candidates, and Bob found Honestly, at that point, you are not a very good lawyer. You that he had practiced before all of them while working with don’t know what to do, so you spend tons of time every night, Phil Frazier. The interview was intimidating, but he knew WKH ¿UVW IHZ \HDUV UHVHDUFKLQJ DQG WU\LQJ WR ¿JXUH RXW KRZ the judges, and they knew him. At the end of the session, to handle a client’s case. It was challenging, and I did that for Bob was thanked for applying. ¿YH \HDUV ´ A few weeks later, it was announced that Bob and The CPR sessions, taken earlier at his wife’s -RKQ ) 5HLI KDG EHHQ VHOHFWHG WR ¿OO WKH WZR VSHFLDO MXGJH insistence, included learning the Heimlich Maneuver, a positions. Bob’s wife Pam and their two small boys, Nic lesson that proved invaluable. Bob was attending a TCBA and Matt, stood with him when he raised his hand to take the lunch with other attorneys, including Jack Short. “I’m sitting RDWK RI RI¿FH DV VSHFLDO MXGJH 5HLI VHUYHG DV D VSHFLDO MXGJH at his table and didn’t know Jack very well, even though before being named to the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals 'DG¶V ¿UP KDG KLUHG KLP ´ KH VDLG ³7KHUH ZHUH VL[ RU HLJKW and then as a justice to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Bob people at the table when I looked up and saw Jack starting said he didn’t know John Reif before being selected as a to get red in the face.” Asked if he was okay, Jack shook his special judge. “But we had similar personalities,” Bob head. “No,” he said, nothing. said. “They were looking for someone calm and collected.

Bob had CPR training but had never used the I am the middle child in my family, so I am pretty calm and Heimlich Maneuver. He wrapped his arms around Short, a collected.”

“Jerry really was an almost full-time legislator and didn’t practice too much law,” Bob said. “As a result of working with Phil, I had a really wide range of experience, from criminal to family law, contracts, real estate, probate, bankruptcy, and other disciplines. I did it all.”

large man, and gave a light thrust. Nothing happened. The second time, he pulled much harder, and something “blew out of Short’s mouth.” No ambulance was needed, and Short, thanking Bob profusely, made him promise to sit at the same table with him whenever they attended luncheons or dinners. He did.

6WDWH 7UDI¿F &RXUW ZDV %RE¶V ¿UVW DVVLJQPHQW DQG he is thankful for the clerks and people who were there to help him.

When sworn in, a new judge is given a black robe and gavel, and “that’s it.” The new judge wanted his clerk,

3UREDWH FRXUW ZDV WKH ¿QDO DVVLJQPHQW EHIRUH %RE resigned to return to private practice. “I left the courthouse ZKHQ UHWLUHG 'LVWULFW -XGJH 0 0 0DFN 0F'RXJDO D Sumpter gave the new judge “invaluable” advice partner with Rogers and Bell, asked if I would join the law ZKLOH VHUYLQJ RQ WKH WUDI¿F FRXUW $IWHU D \HDU DQG D KDOI RQ ¿UP UHVSRQVLEOH IRU WKH &KDSPDQ 7UXVWV %LOO %HOO WKH WKH WUDI¿F FRXUW GRFNHW %RE KDG WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR DWWHQG individual trustee for the Chapman trusts, had earlier asked the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada.

0F'RXJDO WR MRLQ WKH ¿UP EHFDXVH KH QHHGHG VRPHRQH KH This is where “they teach you what judges do,” he could talk to about various trust issues and have the opinion added. By that time, a new judge has probably made all the of someone he trusted. mistakes one can make.

McDougal had known Bob for many years and Clyde Sumpter, to call him “Bob,” but Sumpter replied, “I can’t call you Bob. I have to call you, Judge.”

Civil and criminal court assignments were next.

The criminal court docket included preliminary hearings and arraignments, and Bob said it is the judge’s role to determine whether the prosecution has shown probable cause that a crime was committed and that the defendant committed that crime. The defense attorney can cross-examine witnesses to test the prosecution’s case. District judges informed Bob that he had often been the only one to hear all the evidence.

Plea agreements are generally reached when the cases reach the district court level.

The Helmerich family probate case was Bob’s biggest judicial challenge. In a nutshell, the late Walt Helmerich Sr. set up trusts for his son, daughter, and grandchildren, naming his son, Walt Jr., as trustee of all the trusts. The trusts were fully funded with Helmerich & Payne stock. The sister sued her brother for more than $100 million, arguing that she would have received more money if the stock had been sold and the proceeds invested LQ D WUDGLWLRQDO GLYHUVL¿HG SRUWIROLR 7KH FRQÀLFW DURVH from Walt’s dual role: as president of Helmerich & Payne and trustee for the trusts comprising Helmerich & Payne stock.

followed his legal career. “One day Judge McDougal came to the courthouse to my chambers and asked to close the door,” Bob said. “He explained that Bill Bell had been diagnosed with a fast-moving cancer and was not expected to live much longer. Sharon Bell, his daughter, would be WDNLQJ RYHU DV WUXVWHH DQG ZRXOG SUREDEO\ EHQH¿W IURP KDYLQJ VRPHRQH ZKR FRXOG ¿OO WKH UROH ZLWK KHU WKDW KH KDG with her father.”

Bob talked to his wife Pam, and they agreed it was time to make a change. “I felt like I was sometimes losing my patience as a judge,” Bob explained. “Some attorneys would come to the courtroom unprepared and make arguments that didn’t make sense. I tried not to have a reaction that showed I was upset.” So, with patience ZHDULQJ WKLQ DQG IRU ¿QDQFLDO UHDVRQV²WKH QHHG WR KDYH money for their sons’ college education—he joined the 5RJHUV DQG %HOO ODZ ¿UP LQ

The Bank of Oklahoma, as the corporate trustee, managed the Chapman Trust investments, but Mr. Chapman wanted an individual trustee to sit on the boards RI WKH YDULRXV &KDSPDQ 7UXVWV EHQH¿FLDULHV %HQH¿FLDULHV LQFOXGHG 7KH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 7XOVD 7XOVD¶V +LOOFUHVW DQG 6W

7KH GDXJKWHU KLUHG D &KLFDJR ODZ ¿UP EHFDXVH -RKQ +RVSLWDOV WKH 7XOVD $UHD 8QLWHG :D\ DQG VHYHUDO DOO WKH 7XOVD ODZ ¿UPV KDG FRQÀLFWV RI LQWHUHVW LQ WKH FDVH outside of Oklahoma. Participating in monthly meetings The case was assigned to Bob, who, as probate judge, also ZLWK 6KDURQ %HOO DQG WKH %2. 7UXVW 'HSDUWPHQW RI¿FHUV oversaw protective orders and the mental health docket. “I Bob said he received an “unbelievable education about told the Chicago attorneys that I couldn’t take a month off economics and the investing world.” He held this role for to hear the case,” he said. “The attorneys admitted that they almost 25 years until 2018, when he completed an eased-in couldn’t spend a month in Tulsa trying the case, so they UHWLUHPHQW E\ VORZO\ GHFUHDVLQJ KLV RI¿FH KRXUV agreed to set aside two days weekly to try the case.”

Another life-changing opportunity occurred a year Bob rescheduled his dockets to give the case his DIWHU KH VWDUWHG KLV QHZ MRE DW 5RJHUV DQG %HOO 7KH 78 ODZ undivided attention, and it took a couple of months for dean called saying that Professor John Hicks had a chance the case to be heard. The parties would bring reams of WR WDNH D VDEEDWLFDO WR +DVWLQJV 8QLYHUVLW\ LQ &DOLIRUQLD ¿QDQFLDO UHFRUGV WR WKH FRXUWURRP DV HYLGHQFH WKDW WKH MXGJH and someone was needed to teach Wills and Trusts for would read. Since there was no jury, Bob had to make the one year. Bob told the dean that preparing to teach would decision. Research showed similar cases in other states had take hundreds of hours, and he didn’t see how he could been in favor of either the plaintiff or the defendant. He simultaneously teach and practice law. Hicks called Bob and ruled in favor of the brother based on other state Supreme offered his “bible” of notes that he used in the classroom.

Court decisions. The case was appealed but settled before The “bible” was described as a binder at least four inches it reached the Oklahoma State Supreme Court. “As a result, thick and contained materials that the long-time teacher , GRQ¶W NQRZ LI , ZRXOG KDYH EHHQ DI¿UPHG RU UHYHUVHG ´ KH knew by heart. Sharon Bell approved the arrangement EHFDXVH RI WKH &KDSPDQ 7UXVW¶V VXSSRUW RI 78 :LWK WKH said.

18 Tulsa Lawyer

“bible” in hand, Bob taught for a year and expected to return to focus on the law practice at the end of that year. It didn’t and wouldn’t happen.

He received a second call from the dean the following year, who announced that a law professor was retiring and asked if he would teach his classes.

Clinic and referred clients for legal help.

Bob’s involvement with the Tulsa County Bar activities helped him make friends with “lots of wonderful people practicing law.” Before that, he felt he was like most attorneys, keeping his head down to represent a client and then moving on to the next client. As TCBA president, he became involved in various activities that helped him see beyond just helping clients. The association helped open up a whole new world for Bob because he worked with attorneys on various committees.

Then he received yet another call from the dean, who inquired whether he would continue teaching, given the positive reviews he had received. The dual arrangement, which combined law practice and teaching, worked out At the urging of the late TCBA Executive Director EHFDXVH KH ZDV DZD\ IURP WKH ODZ RI¿FH IRU D IHZ KRXUV Sandra Cousins, he attended American Bar Association each day. meetings and made new friends.

Bob also taught an estate planning course at an Oklahoma Bar Association and OBA Board of LQWHUQ SURJUDP DW WKH 78 %RHVFKH /HJDO &OLQLF ,W ZDV during the AIDS epidemic, and people with the disease knew Governors activities also required time. “I’ll be eternally they would die soon, he said. Many clients either didn’t grateful that I got involved,” he said. have much or were indigent, but they were still concerned Now, in retirement, he is concerned about new and about their families. They could not afford a lawyer, and the experienced attorneys. “I’m 75 now, and I am old enough clinic provided a legal service and an opportunity for the to remember as a young lawyer when an attorney would go clinic students to meet with their clients and draft some basic estate planning documents. Law students learned to write into court, represent their client as best they could, then go wills, powers of attorney, advance directives, and other legal out and have a meal with their court opponent as friends or GRFXPHQWV 2WKHU DJHQFLHV OHDUQHG DERXW WKH 78 %RHVFKH do something socially. That’s pretty rare today.”

Tulsa Lawyer 19

What Non-Immigration Lawyers Need to Know About Immigration Law Today: Q & A Interview with Attorney Lorena Rivas

By Tamara T. Piety Attorney Lorena Rivas is a graduate of the 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 7XOVD &ROOHJH of Law where she furthered her interest in immigration law by participating in the Immigration Law Clinic there. After graduation Ms. Rivas worked for attorneys LQ VPDOO ¿UPV DQG WKHQ LQ 2020 went out on her own to form Rivas and Associates, which has grown by leaps and bounds since its founding and now has several lawyers in locations around the country. Rivas and Associates was named by Inc. magazine as one of the 5000 fastest growing FRPSDQLHV LQ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV DQG UDQNHG st in the southwest region. Ms. Rivas has served as the Chair of the immigration law section for the Oklahoma Bar Association DQG UHFHLYHG WKH )HUQ +ROODQG $ZDUG IURP WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ of Tulsa College of Law for recognition of her work in human rights and the empowerment of women. Given her credentials, she seemed to be the ideal person to help answer questions that non-immigration attorneys may have for immigration attorneys about how to help clients who may have immigration concerns.

A. :HOO WKH ¿UVW SLHFH RI DGYLFH , ZRXOG JLYH LV WKDW when you represent individuals, you should inquire as to their citizenship status as a matter of course in many areas, particularly criminal defense. Have this as a routine intake question for every client so that you are not blindsided by any unintended consequences.

For example, in criminal cases it is not unusual for an attorney to recommend that the client accept a plea deal, even if the client insists that he or she did not commit the crime, because the risks of going to trial and facing a much harsher sentence if convicted, are very real. While having a criminal record is never a trivial thing, if the alternative is FRQYLFWLRQ RI D PRUH VHULRXV FULPH ZLWK VLJQL¿FDQW MDLO WLPH conviction of a lesser crime with little or no jail time often is seen as a preferred outcome. For people without legal status in this country the situation is much different because any conviction at all may result in their deportation, even if it is not for a violent or serious crime. There are reports of SHRSOH EHLQJ GHSRUWHG IRU XQSDLG WUDI¿F YLRODWLRQ ¿QHV DQG the like.

And this concern is not limited to clients without legal status, even legal permanent residents (also known as JUHHQ FDUG KROGHUV FDQ EH DIIHFWHG $ FOLHQW ZKR LV FXUUHQWO\ in the process of seeking permanent residency through one RI WKH OHJDO URXWHV WR SHUPDQHQW UHVLGHQF\ JUHHQ FDUG PD\ Q. Ms. Rivas, I see so many questions on social have their application process derailed by a conviction of media about immigration issues from non-immigration any kind, even a misdemeanor. If the process has not been attorneys and I thought perhaps we could do a quick completed, a criminal conviction while in the process of question and answer on immigration issues for our nonapplying may derail that status. So, it is critically important immigration attorney readers. for any lawyer who is representing someone accused of a A. +DSS\ WR KHOS EXW ¿UVW , QHHG WR ZDUQ IRONV WKDW crime, public defender or private counsel, to know their immigration law is extremely complex. Most situations will client’s citizenship/residency status prior to recommending require specialized immigration counsel. This is not D ¿HOG a course of action. Even green card holders, people who for anyone who is not well-versed in immigration law to try have already successfully completed the process, are subject to being deported if they are convicted of certain to handle on their own. crimes. So, it is critically important for defense lawyers to Q. 5LJKW 7KH ¿UVW DQG PRVW LPSRUWDQW DGYLFH WKHQ LV be aware of a client’s immigration status. that once you realize that clients have an immigration issue And if you discover that a client does not have LV WR ¿QG WKHP UHSUHVHQWDWLRQ IURP VRPHRQH ZLWK H[SHUWLVH LQ WKH ¿HOG OLNH \RXUVHOI %XW NHHSLQJ WKDW LQ PLQG ZKDW legal status, for example they have overstayed a student are some basic guidelines you can offer non-immigration or work visa and are in the process of having it renewed, they immigrated here illegally, whether as an adult or as a lawyers about immigration law?

20 Tulsa Lawyer

child, they have temporary protected status that is subject to revocation, or are subject to deportation, you must immediate seek associate immigration counsel who can help you navigate the immigration system before recommending a course of action.

processing of the application. These statutes are meant to KHOS YLFWLPV RI DEXVH FULPHV DQG WUDI¿FNLQJ

Typically, immigrants are characterized as seeking ³DV\OXP ´ ZKHQ WKH\ DUH ÀHHLQJ SHUVHFXWLRQ LQ WKHLU KRPH country. They may be political dissidents, or have other Q. You mentioned several different types of status. grounds for asylum as noted above or otherwise established Can you give me a breakdown of what kinds of categories by law. In theory, someone can come to this country from anywhere seeking “asylum,” but it is potentially more of an there are?

XSKLOO FOLPE LI WKH\ GR QRW ¿W QHDWO\ LQWR RQH RI WKH JURXQGV A. Sure. Basically, there are two types of citizenship: IRU DV\OXP HVWDEOLVKHG E\ ODZ *HQHUDOO\ ÀHHLQJ YLROHQFH 3HUVRQV ERUQ LQ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV RU ERUQ RI 8 6 FLWL]HQV poverty, or crime are not valid grounds for asylum.

ZKR PD\ EH UHVLGLQJ HOVHZKHUH DQG 1DWXUDOL]HG FLWL]HQV Lastly, there are persons legally residing in the 7KHVH DUH SHRSOH ZKR ZHUH QRW 8 6 FLWL]HQV E\ ELUWK EXW became citizens through the process established by law. 8QLWHG 6WDWHV ZKR DUH KHUH RQ D non-immigrant visa. The most familiar ones are student visas, tourist visas, or work visas.

Both types of citizens have the same rights.

(DFK RI WKHVH FRPH ZLWK VSHFL¿F OLPLWDWLRQV IRU H[DPSOH LI The next category of status is Permanent Resident. you are here on a tourist visa you are not permitted to work This is often referred to as a “green card.” People with LQ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV DQG WRXULVW YLVDV W\SLFDOO\ SHUPLW VWD\V permanent resident status are not citizens but have most of of less than a year. Work visas and student visas may be valid the rights associated with citizens except they do not have for longer periods but typically, the moment that you cease WKH ULJKW WR YRWH RU WR KROG FHUWDLQ SXEOLF RI¿FHV :KLOH working for the employer for whom you got the visa, or you permanent residence may be revoked, it typically cannot stop being an enrolled student if you are here on a student be revoked except for some very serious misconduct. And visa, you no longer have the right to stay. revocation requires an immigration judge to order them A common problem is someone who came to the deported. The processes for naturalization and for permanent residency are established by Congress through legislation and 8QLWHG 6WDWHV RQ D VWXGHQW YLVD ZKRVH VWXGLHV KDYH EHHQ administered by the Immigration and Naturalization Service completed, but who has met someone here and would like in conjunction with other relevant agencies. Immigration WR VWD\ RU KDV D MRE RIIHU DQG ZRXOG OLNH WR VWD\ LQ WKH 8QLWHG FDVHV DUH KHDUG ¿UVW E\ DGPLQLVWUDWLYH MXGJHV ZLWK ULJKWV RI States. If a client has overstayed their visa and is subject to deportation, it is very important that they seek advice appeal to the federal courts. from an immigration lawyer immediately, especially before Permanent residency is a form of immigrant legal DWWHPSWLQJ WUDYHO RXWVLGH RI WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV 7KLV LV WUXH status, but there are others. People can be here seeking even if there is an appeal underway or they have initiated Temporary Protected Status. Temporary Protected Status, the paperwork for different or new status and the case seems unlike the others discussed, is established by the President unproblematic. Even those with relatively unproblematic

by Executive Order and can likewise be withdrawn by him. FDVHV PD\ ¿QG WKHPVHOYHV XQDEOH WR UHHQWHU WKH FRXQWU\ LI Temporary Protected Status protects people from deportation their new status has not yet been formally approved. for the period for which it is issued, typically 2 years, and is Q. Speaking of entering the country, I’ve seen subject to renewal. Someone who is here under Temporary Protected Status is obviously more vulnerable in some ways reports in the news of even citizens being subjected to than those whose status is protected by statute because their intensive questioning by Customs and Border Patrol. Is this status is at any moment subject to revocation. And because legal? the grant is relatively short term, every renewal offers A. 2EYLRXVO\ , FDQ¶W VSHDN WR WKH VSHFL¿FV RI DQ\ more opportunities for any problems or misunderstandings particular situation, but in general, Customs and Border to be viewed as a reason not to renew and to subject them Patrol have very broad authority at the border to question to deportation. Right now, immigrants from El Salvador, +RQGXUDV +DLWL 9HQH]XHOD 8NUDLQH DQG $IJKDQLVWDQ KDYH those seeking entry, even citizens. This can include detaining Temporary Protected Status (assuming that they meet other you and searching you even if you are a citizen. They may need a warrant to search your phone, but if you refuse to FULWHULD HVWDEOLVKHG E\ WKH JUDQW RI WHPSRUDU\ VWDWXV consent to a search, they can seize your phone and electronic Also, some statutes like the Violence Against devices. Again, whether there is probable cause to do so in :RPHQ $FW DQG DQWL WUDI¿FNLQJ ODZV RIIHU LPPLJUDQWV any particular case must be tested in court. In the meantime, preferred immigration status the right to be here during the LW LV OHJDO IRU WKHP WR FRQ¿VFDWH WKRVH GHYLFHV ZKLOH WKH\

Tulsa Lawyer 21

to handle yourself. However, it is also important to advise clients not to engage in physical resistance or to refuse to REH\ ODZIXO ZDUUDQWV 3K\VLFDO UHVLVWDQFH ÀHHLQJ UHIXVDO Q. We are seeing a lot of news of Immigration to cooperate with lawful requests can all result in criminal &XVWRPV (QIRUFHPHQW ,&( FRPLQJ WR SHRSOH¶V KRPHV RU charges that exacerbate and complicate whatever situation stopping people on the street. Do they have a right to do this EURXJKW WKH DXWKRULWLHV WR WKH FOLHQW¶V GRRU LQ WKH ¿UVW SODFH and what should someone do if they are stopped in the street It is critically important that clients do not complicate their or at work or if ICE comes to their home? cases in this manner.

A. Again, the answer is going to differ depending Thank you so much Ms. Rivas for all this on the facts of the case, but in general, everyone, whether information! I am sure our members deeply appreciate it! or not they are a citizen has the basic Constitutional rights we normally associate with searches and seizures. That is, in order to conduct a stop, agents must have probable cause to believe that the person they are stopping is someone they are seeking with, for example, an order of deportation, or who is here illegally. seek a warrant. This is something to be aware of if you are WUDYHOLQJ RXWVLGH RI WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV

In order to conduct a search of a home or business, authorities must have a search warrant signed by a judge.

It is not VXI¿FLHQW WR KDYH an administrative warrant. You may lawfully refuse to open the door to authorities who do not present a lawful warrant. And of course, there is a right to remain silent. The right to ask for an attorney and, in the LPPLJUDWLRQ FRQWH[W VSHFL¿FDOO\ WR SOHDG DV\OXP $JDLQ if a client has ICE at their door, they need an immigration attorney right away. This is not something you should try

TCBA Happenings Ask-a-Lawyer 2025 ~ Thursday, May 1st

Community Outreach Iron Gate Volunteer Day ~ Saturday, March 29th

Member Event: Tours of Tulsa-Art Deco Style ~ Saturday, April 12th

Brown Bag CLE: Tulsa County Alternative Courts, Litigation CLE with Judge Jason Robertson Tulsa Lawyer 23

VP's Corner Billy Duncan

Staying Connected June marks the end of one season and the quiet beginning of another. As school years conclude, vacations are planned, and the summer heat rolls in, many of us take a step back— professionally and personally—to regroup. However, even in this quieter season, the Tulsa County Bar Association continues to move forward, and I would like to use this space to talk not only about what is next, but also why it matters.

July begins our membership renewal season. On the surface, this may appear to be a routine administrative item, one more deadline in a long list of things to manage. However, I encourage you to view it differently. Renewing your membership is an intentional act. It is a choice to remain engaged, to continue participating in something greater than your individual caseload. It is how we, as professionals, remain connected to our broader legal community, and how we, as a profession, maintain our relevance in a constantly evolving landscape.

attending an event that falls outside your usual schedule.

Or it might be as simple as reaching out to a colleague and inviting them to become more involved.

This is not about doing more for the sake of busyness. It is about doing more of what truly matters, together.

7KH 7&%$ LV DW LWV EHVW ZKHQ LW UHÀHFWV WKH IXOO UDQJH RI voices, practices, and professional experiences within our legal community. Whether you are a litigator, a transactional attorney, an in-house counsel, or serve in the public sector, your perspective is valuable here. And there is meaningful work to be done that only you can contribute.

As we look ahead to July, I encourage you to renew not only your membership, but also your sense of purpose within the legal profession. Reconnect with the reasons you chose this path. Reinvest in the relationships that keep you grounded and inspired. And remember that the future of our legal community depends not only on the cases we handle or the 7KH OHJDO ¿HOG LV FKDQJLQJ 7HFKQRORJ\ LV UHVKDSLQJ WKH SROLFLHV ZH LQÀXHQFH²EXW RQ WKH SHRSOH ZKR FRQVLVWHQWO\ way we work. Clients are adjusting how they interact with choose to be present. attorneys. Expectations on our time, focus, and expertise Let us continue showing up. have never been higher. In the face of these changes, the TCBA is not simply a support system; it is a source of Billy Duncan direction. From continuing legal education to practice-area TCBA Vice President 2024-2025 roundtables, from wellness programming to mentorship opportunities, we are creating spaces where attorneys at HYHU\ VWDJH RI WKHLU FDUHHUV FDQ ¿QG FODULW\ VXSSRUW DQG professional development.

Remaining current is no longer optional. Remaining connected should be considered just as essential.

Earlier this spring, many of you participated in our Law Day events to help bring legal knowledge to the public, engaging with students, and representing our profession in meaningful ways. These moments are more than longstanding traditions.

They are how we reinforce public trust, how we clarify the role of the legal system in daily life, and how we reconnect with the values that brought us to this profession.

So, what lies ahead?

As we prepare for a new membership cycle, I encourage each of us to consider our involvement not as a routine obligation, but as an ongoing commitment to relevance, VHUYLFH DQG LGHQWLW\ ZLWKLQ RXU ¿HOG 7KLV PLJKW PHDQ WDNLQJ on a leadership position in a TCBA section. It might involve

Tulsa Lawyer 25

LAW DAY STUDENT CONTEST WINNERS

12th Grade Jorja Hermes

9th Grade Ajhith Balasubramanian

8th Grade Sophia Durant

7th Grade Kaigen Greenlee

6th Grade Addyson Meares

5th Grade Ruth Letney

2nd Grade Grayson Zell

1st Grade Maerwynn Brostrom

State Winner Peter Isley Kindergarten Landon McNeely

Pre K Lena Wilson

Sibling Winners with the OBA and TCBA

Aadhya and Ananya Duggirala

Congratulations to all who participated!

And to TCBF Law Day Student Contest Committee Chair, Caitlin Getchell!

State Winner Ash Dannar

Grapevine News James H. “Jim” Beauchamp RI¿FLDOO\ UHWLUHG IURP Tulsa County Bar Center Summer Hours the practice of law on May 1, 2025. Helton Law Firm is honored to continue serving Mr. Beauchamp’s clients and is Monday - Thursday, 9am-5pm committed to providing the same trusted, compassionate, and Friday, 9am-Noon skilled legal representation that Jim offered throughout his distinguished career.

Pray Walker is excited to “It’s an honor to carry forward the trusted announce the addition of partner, relationships Jim built with his clients over the years,” said A. Grant Schwabe as part of its Scott Helton, Founder and Managing Partner at Helton Law expanding commercial litigation Firm. “We are committed to maintaining the same level practice.

RI FDUH DFFHVVLELOLW\ DQG OHJDO H[FHOOHQFH WKDW GH¿QHG KLV “Grant brings a wealth of practice.” experience and a stellar reputation Helton Law Firm regularly assists estate planning to our team,” said C. Bretton Crane, and probate attorneys planning for retirement by offering managing partner at Pray Walker. “His depth in commercial tailored solutions to ensure that their clients continue to and general civil litigation and background strengthen our receive the highest level of service. It is our privilege to help ability to deliver exceptional legal counsel to our clients.”

IHOORZ DWWRUQH\V WUDQVLWLRQ WKHLU SUDFWLFHV ZLWK FRQ¿GHQFH 6FKZDEH MRLQV WKH ¿UP ZLWK D SURYHQ WUDFN UHFRUG LQ WKH and peace of mind. commercial litigation arena that includes successfully UHSUHVHQWLQJ FOLHQWV LQ EDQNLQJ DQG ¿QDQFLDO VHUYLFHV litigation, real estate transactions, construction disputes, oil and gas matters, and labor and employment law. In addition to his trial experience, Schwabe has represented clients in over sixty appeals, ranging from cases before the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals and Oklahoma Supreme Court, to the 8QLWHG 6WDWHV 7HQWK &LUFXLW 6FKZDEH KDV EHHQ UHFRJQL]HG as a “Rising Star” in Business Litigation by Super Lawyer Magazine on multiple occasions.

Helton Law Firm is proud to announce that Patrick H. “Pat” Kernan KDV MRLQHG WKH ¿UP DV 2I &RXQVHO 0U Kernan has over 50 years of distinguished legal experience, with a focus on complex business litigation and trust and estate disputes. He has served as counsel to the Oklahoma Board of Bar Examiners for more than four decades and KDV DFWHG DV DQ DGMXQFW VHWWOHPHQW PDJLVWUDWH IRU WKH 8QLWHG States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma since 2008.

Recognized with an AV® Preeminent™ rating from 0DUWLQGDOH +XEEHOO 0U .HUQDQ H[HPSOL¿HV WKH KLJKHVW standards of professional excellence.

“We are thrilled to welcome Pat Kernan to Helton Law Firm,” said Scott Helton, Founder and Managing Partner of Helton Law Firm. “Pat’s extraordinary career and dedication to the legal profession set a benchmark of excellence. His extensive experience in business litigation DQG WUXVW GLVSXWHV FRPSOHPHQW RXU ¿UP¶V PLVVLRQ WR GHOLYHU exceptional representation to our clients. We are honored to have him on our team.”

Tulsa Lawyer 27

CLASSIFIED ADS 7XOVD 2I¿FH 6SDFH $YDLODEOH LQ HVWDEOLVKHG ¿UP Midtown Location with easy B.A. access to courts.

Plush space with reception, copier, phone, internet DYDLODEOH RU RI¿FH DORQH &DOO IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ

Jon Starr Mediator and Arbitrator Contact DRC for scheduling 918-382-0300

The Bar Center will be CLOSED Thursday, June 19 th for Juneteenth and Friday July 4 th for Independence Day!

FUND THE FOUNDATION By being a member of the TCBA, you are also a member of the Tulsa County Bar Foundation. As a general rule, the funds that come into the Foundation are the result of a fundraising event for our community, and the monies raised are immediately distributed back out into the FRPPXQLW\ WKURXJK QRQ SUR¿W RUJDQL]DWLRQV In an effort to assist the Foundation, we have implemented a monthly “Fund the Foundation” program. To participate we are asking each member who has a birthday this month to consider making a donation to the Foundation. You can do so with the QR Code shown here.

If you are not currently a Fellow, please consider joining that program. As a thank you (and let’s be honest, an encouragement WR RWKHU PHPEHUV LI \RX GRQDWH EHIRUH the 10th of the month we will include a shout out to you in the next issue of Tulsa Lawyer Magazine.

Robert Garner Michael Nesser Rebecca Nightingale Lauren Marciano Michael Taubman

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.

28 Tulsa Lawyer

2024-2025 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

frontdesk@tulsabar.com Ext. 1000

Membership Director CLE, Sections & Committees Accounting accounting@tulsabar.com Heather Heck heatherh@tulsabar.com Ext. 1001 Lawyer Referral & Community Resource Navigator Jeril Haug jerilh@tulsabar.com Ext. 1003

Tulsa Lawyer Editors - Rhiannon Thoreson Madison Cataudella Associate Editor - Milly Dunlap Tulsa Lawyer Submissions - tulsabarnews@yahoo.com

TCBA OFFICERS

President..............................................................Stephanie Jackson Past President.............................................................Mike Esmond President-Elect.....................................................Michael Taubman Vice President..............................................................Billy Duncan Secretary....................................................................Shena Burgess Treasurer..........................................................Mbilike Mwafulirwa Budget/Internal Operations........................................John Gotwals Foundation President ..................................................Justin Munn 'LUHFWRU DW /DUJH /DUJH )LUP 1DWDOLH 6HDUV 'LUHFWRU DW /DUJH /DUJH )LUP $OH[ 7HODULN 'LUHFWRU DW /DUJH 0HGLXP )LUP .DUD 3UDWW 'LUHFWRU DW /DUJH 0HGLXP )LUP -HQQLIHU 6WUXEOH 'LUHFWRU DW /DUJH 6PDOO )LUP 0DU\ &OHPHQW 'LUHFWRU DW /DUJH 6PDOO )LUP /LQGD 0RUULVVH\ 'LUHFWRU DW /DUJH 3XEOLF 6HFWRU -XGJH $SULO 6HLEHUW ABA Delegate............................................................. Molly Aspan OBA Delegate..............................................................Philip Hixon /LEUDU\ 7UXVWHH -XOLH (YDQV /LEUDU\ 7UXVWHH .LP 9RMYRGD Presiding Judge ..........................................

Hon. Dawn Moody &KLHI -XGJH 8 6 'LVWULFW &RXUW +RQ -RKQ ) +HLO ,,, Chief Judge, Tulsa Municipal Court..........Hon. Gerald Hofmeister 78 /DZ 6FKRRO 6WXGHQW 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH (XJHQH )O\QQ 78 /DZ 6FKRRO 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH 1DWDOLH )URVW

YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION BOARD YLD Chair............................................................Lacy Williamson YLD Past-Chair.................................................Colton Richardson YLD Chair Elect.............................................................Kyle Trice YLD Vice President...................................................Isaiah Brydie YLD Treasurer..........................................................Morgan Smith YLD Secretary..........................................................Kaia Kennedy

FOUNDATION APPOINTMENTS Law Day Chair ....................................................Tana Van Cleave Community Outreach................................................ Ashley Webb Community Outreach Co-Chair...................... Madison Cataudella Golf Chair................................................................Michael Thelen Scholarship Chair........................................................Randy Lewin

FOUNDATION President.....................................................................Justin Munn Treasurer...........................................................Catherine Hoopert Trustee........................................................................Jim Gotwals Trustee...........................................................................Ann Keele Trustee..........................................................................Rick White Trustee.........................................................................Lizzie Riter Trustee ......................................................................Chad McLain Trustee .......................................................................Kara Vincent Trustee .....................................................................Mike Esmond TCBA President................................................Stephanie Jackson TCBA Pres. Elect..............................................Michael Taubman COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Access to Justice... .......................................... .............Katie Dilks Animal Law .................................................... ............Katy Inhofe Animal Law Co-Chair..................................... .........Erica Grayson Bench & Bar........................................................Kevinn Matthews Children & the Law.......................................................Lexie Allen Children & the Law Co-Chair....................... .......Michael Nesser CLE...............................................................................Open Diversity Development...........................................Marvin Lizama Diversity Development Vice-Chair................. ...........Matt Ingham Fee Arbitration.............................................................Scott Savage Law Related Education / Street Law.........................Pierre Robertson Law Related Education/Street Law Co-Chair............ Kara Vincent Lawyer Referral .............................................. ............Alan Barker Mentoring........................................................ ........Shena Burgess Mentoring Co-Chair................................................... Natalie Frost Military/Veterans ............................................ ......Mitchell Garrett Nominations & Awards ................................... ..........Mike Esmond Pro Bono................................................................. Shandi Stoner Pro Bono Co-Chair ......................................... ...............Eric Yoder Professionalism ............................................... .............Rick White Membership & Special Events........................ ..........Natalie Sears Membership & Special Events Co-Chair ........ ...............Kara Pratt Publications......................................................Rhiannon Thoreson Publications Co-Chair ..................................... Madison Cataudella SECTION CHAIRPERSONS ADR/Mediation................................................... .......Zack Brown Bankruptcy ...................................................... ..Hon. Paul Thomas Business/Corporate................................................Spencer Pittman Criminal Law .................................................. .......................Open Energy & Mineral Law.............................................Buford Pollett Employment Law ............................................ ..........Chris Vaught Family Law ..........................................Anastasia Krich-Mahoney Health Law................................................................Shelby Fields Immigration ................................................................Elissa Stiles Immigration Vice-Chair ..............................................Karri Payne Juvenile Law. .................................................. .......Michael Nesser Juvenile Law Co-Chair..................................................Lexie Allen Litigation................................Mbilike Mwafulirwa & Mark Smith Municipal Law..................................................Rhiannon Thoreson Paralegals/Legal Assistant.......................................Danna Malone Paralegal /Legal Assistants Vice Chair.....................Sabrina Nitz Paralegals / Legal Assistant - Secretary.......................Sheri Ward Probate/Estate/Elder Co-chair............................... Phillip Jennings Solo/Small Firm .......................................................Mary Clement Tax Co-Chairs..............................John Gotwals / Lauren Peterson Technology ...............................................................Trevor Riddle Workers Comp...........................................................Valerie Evans Workers Comp Co-Chair ................................ ..........Micah Felton 6HFWLRQ &KDLUV ZLOO EH XSGDWHG DV SRVLWLRQV DUH ¿OOHG

Tulsa County Bar Association 1446 S. Boston Ave. Tulsa, OK 74119