December 2015
Ned Dismukes Golden Rule Award Tulsa Recipients of OBA Awards Pro Bono-John Woodard Professionalism for judges and lawyers means possessing, demonstrating and promoting the highest standards of Character, Competence, Compliance, Courage, Civility and Citizenship.
Tulsa Lawyer
In this Issue
Tis’ the Season... Reflection, Good Works & Continuing Legal Education
Page... 5 Holiday Challenge
6
10
Tulsa Lawyers at Work Truman Rucker
16
Golden Rule 1st Quarter Ned Dismukes
18
Professionalism Pyramid
CLE Judicial Panel 2015
12
14
PROBONO SERIES Part I
20
Things To Do
24-25
CLE Solo & Small Firm Conference
CLE Hodgepodge of Criminal Law __________
Family Law Seminar
2 Message from the President:
You Get What You Give 8 Winter CLE Schedule-Updated! 26 OBA Meeting - Tulsa Award Recipients 28 Grapevine 31 Classifieds
December 2015
A Message From the President
E. Zach Smith I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. Like we all experience at certain times in our lives, my family has been in a bit of a transition period, and this year we had Thanksgiving at my youngest sister’s home. She did a wonderful job, and I loved just being able to show up and do my part: eat, nap, and watch football. Now, don’t take offense!! That truly was the only part she asked of me this year (and I would do anything for my youngest sister!!), just to relax and enjoy time with the family. I was happy to oblige her!! This year, I gave thanks for much, but I truly want to give thanks to my youngest sister, Starr, a wonderful woman with a heart of gold, and I am so proud of her. Well, maybe you are or maybe you aren’t in the Christmas spirit yet, but it is now less than four weeks away, so I hope you are getting there!! Christmas is my favorite time of year, and I can go on and on about why. I enjoy the lights, the
decorations, the trees, the music, the overall spirit of Christmas you can see in others. This time of year you can truly see how people change, they are just in a better mood, they are more forgiving, more understanding. It is that spirit that lifts us all to a better place, a place we would all prefer to remain for 365 days a year. Even if it is just for a few weeks each year, everyone must agree the spirit of Christmas gets into all of us at some point (I hope), and that spirit is infectious. Why is it that Christmas makes everyone feel this way? I truly believe that deep down, everyone loves to give. It isn’t always easy for everyone, and some people don’t have much to give.
You Get What You Give
However, that is the power of giving, and hence, that is why they say, “It is the thought that counts”. Giving makes you feel good. I am sure some of you are rolling your eyes, especially if the gift you just opened contains embroidered towels, ties, or dress socks, thereby marking this occasion as the 20th Christmas in a row to have received one of the aforementioned. However, that isn’t exactly what I mean. What I mean is that everyone loves the underdog and the happy endings, someone who recovers with the help of others. What I am talking about is the family that is struggling, down on their luck. I am talking about those worthy people out there so close to the edge, so close to losing everything. Good people are out there who don’t have a fraction of what many of us have. It could be that family that doesn’t have a home, or the family that is truly so close to being evicted or losing their home to foreclosure they don’t know what to do. I am talking about those families whose children don’t even know what it is like to see a Christmas tree in their own house, or who can’t imagine receiving a gift at all, much less one of the “expensive” ones with which they see kids on TV playing. Even worse, I am talking about a family whose child could go to sleep hungry on Christmas Eve, and the only gift that child wants is to wake up to a hot meal. The spirit of Christmas exists for these people. THAT, is why the spirit of Christmas is infectious and gets into all of us. It is so easy to forget how wonderful we each have it at times. Out of sight, out of mind. Each year we have dozens of organizations across the country and in Tulsa who are ringing the bells as you pass by
at the grocery store, or asking if you want to donate to a good cause. There are organizations fighting to make sure our homeless and downtrodden have a warm bed or a hot meal. Our very own beloved organization, the Tulsa County Bar Association, has wonderful perennial programs like Santa Brings a Lawsuit etc. to help donate to those people who are less fortunate, and I am so proud to be even remotely a part of it. Christmas gives us all a very good reason to give to others, whether we know them or not. It is a time of year when our businesses, churches, and other organizations all come together to give to those less fortunate. It is a time to give, period, and who can disagree with that purpose? One of the many things I enjoy about being an active member of the Tulsa County Bar isn’t the CLEs, the luncheons or the gatherings. It is watching what our organization does for others in need and seeing the outcomes. So many times people who aren’t members have asked me, “Why should I become a member, what will it do for me?” and I think, “You are missing the point entirely”. As the old saying goes, “You get what you give”. More importantly, what they are missing is that our organization gives to so many! Our member attorneys and so many law firms give and do for so many each year!! That is what being a member of the Tulsa County Bar Association is annually. It isn’t always about what you can get out of our organization. It is, in fact, more often than not, about what you can do to help our organization give to those who need us, whether it is a family in need of clothes, children in need of food, or providing pro bono legal services to those who wouldn’t otherwise receive justice or representation. Please remember that message, and pass it along to anyone who asks you why he or she should become a member. I am proud to be a part of an organization, and profession, that is notorious for giving of its services and resources. And I know there are MANY of you out there who do give each year, many of you who silently give. However, if it has been awhile since you have given something, or if maybe you want to start a new Christmas tradition of your own, or for whatever Tulsa Lawyer 3
reason this message makes you feel something, perhaps this year the spirit of Christmas will infect you. I don’t profess to know a lot, but I know this, if you do give to someone who is in need, you WILL feel good about it. Thanks to all of the staff and you members out there who are making a difference in our community and donating of your time and efforts. I know you all work hard and are very deserving of recognition. Thank you for helping us here at the TCBA to provide the wonderful services for which our beloved organization has become known. Please have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
TCBA HOLIDAY CLOSINGS Thursday & Friday DECEMBER 24TH - 25TH Friday JANUARY 1, 2016 4 Tulsa Lawyer
Children & the Law Committee ~ Ann Keele, Chair
Inaugural Holiday Challenge The Children & the Law Committee have initiated the inaugural Holiday Challenge to support needy families this holiday season through Family & Children Services’ Adopt-a-Family program. TCBA participants to date include the Children & the Law committee, Litigation section, Family Law section, TCBF Community Outreach committee, Paralegal section, and Gable Gotwals. Thank you to all of the participants. It’s not too late to make a monetary donation! Please contact Ann Keele if you would like to participate. Ann’s email is ann@monroekeele.com.
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TULSA LAWYERS AT WORK TRUMAN RUCKER By Dobie Langenkamp
One advantage to getting old is that the people who The Katy engineer was testifying as usual: the engines were there are dead or senile in the nursing home-- and speed was reasonable, the light was blinking, the bell was ringing, the whistle blowing, the crossing had a can’t refute you—. conspicuous marker. So it is with Truman Rucker and the Great Katy Case Rucker stood to cross examine. “May I approach the (1960)—resulting in the largest jury verdict in Oklaho- witness?” ma history at the time (about $750,000 or $7 Million in “You may.” 2015 dollars). An entire family had been killed or permanently injured at a crossing. “Mr. Engineer I assume you carry a fine railroad watch.” The verdict was rendered against what Plaintiff ’s lawyers liked to call the “Killin’ Katy”, the M-K-T Railroad “Yes, of course.” which has run through Tulsa since Indian Territory days.The case was heard in Creek County, a venue “Would you take it out and hand it to me?” which plaintiff ’s lawyers all across America dreamed The engineer pulled out the watch by its fob, as he had about. The plaintiff ’s fee was said to finance Rucker’s hundreds of times before. Like most railroaders’ watches it was large, almost the size of an onion. new law office building at 502 W 6th. (Now Riggs, Abney et al) “Now how much is this watch worth?” One of Oklahoma’s greatest Plaintiff ’s lawyers, Rucker dominated the courtroom. Truman was an imposing “I paid $9.00 for it five years ago.” man, tall, rumpled, shaggy haired, Lincolnesque . His voice could range from a whisper to a thunder and his “It’s a fine Elgin watch isn’t it? One of the best.” Rucker held it up for all to see. sentences were crisp. “Yes sir” “Will you sell it to me for $20?” “I suppose so.” Rucker takes his time to pull out his wallet and hands the witness the $20 bill. The jury is mouse quiet. “Now this watch keeps perfect time, doesn’t it, it runs smoothly, in fact it purrs along?” “Yes sir.”
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“Its face is attractive and its case is shiny.” “Yes sir” In fact it’s just like the Edwards family used to be---productive, attractive, useful, and valuable. The engineer is silent. “That is until you crushed that family and all its children to pieces…” Whereupon Rucker with his large hands smashed the watch with all his strength on the rail of the jury box. Pieces of the glass, parts of the metal case and springs flew across the courtroom breaking the silence. ….”just like this watch.” He held the mangled timepiece up by the fob.
Well, defense lawyer Harry D Moreland did what he could in closing argument to explain the law regarding railroad crossings—a crossing and a train are notice in themselves of danger. There was a light, a bell, a whistle, and a crossing sign. The family was obligated to drive so as to be able to stop in the “clear distance ahead” –yada,yada,yada. Harry was about 5 feet 6 inches tall and bald as an egg. He was rational, well prepared. A fine lawyer but no match that day for the Jehovah at the plaintiff ’s table. The jury did what Creek County juries so often did, but in spades. (PostScript: Harry succeeded in getting a $250,000 remittiture at the Supreme Court, but the verdict remained the highest in the state for years. Fifty one years ago in 1964 when I became Harry’s partner and took over the defense of the Killin’ Katy, the case and Truman Rucker were still being talked about in the courthousehallways).
…. “only these were real people, with hearts and lungs and minds--a living breathing family…”
Happy Holidays from your TCBA Staff... Kevin, Julie, Bethany, Jody & Milly
Santa Brings A Law Suit
Professional Clothing Drive DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:
November 10th - December 11th
Clothing can be dropped off at the locations listed below during regular business hours. All items should be clean, on hangers and ready to wear. At the conclusion of this year’s drive, the TCBF’s Community Outreach Committee will deliver the clothing to Tulsa area charitable organizations, including the Salvation Army, John 3:16 Mission, Goodwill and Women in Recovery, who truly appreciate and utilize your donation of professional attire to better our community. Your generosity is greatly appreciated (and tax deductible.) Tax receipts will be made available if you leave your name, mailing address, and a general description of the items donated at the time you drop off your donations.
TCBA offers top-quality seminars on a wide variety of topics to help attorneys stay current in their practice as well as meeting the mandatory continuing legal education
TCBA CLE
requirements.
D. E. “Ned” Dismukes
2015-2016 Golden Rule ~ 1st Quarter A convert from an advocate for the public’s right to know to an advocate for all rights of the people, our 1st Quarter Recipient of the GOLDEN RULE AWARD is Ned Dismukes! D. E. “Ned” Dismukes was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, but has lived in several areas of the mid-continent and Western United States. Although his original plan was to be a Methodist minister, his first love was journalism. Ned should have gotten a clue about his future career through his success in high school debate but it was the high school and college newspapers that captured his attention and passion. While working on his Bachelor of Arts (History) at Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas, Ned was on the Dean’s Honor Roll and the Editor of the school newspaper. So in 1974, with the ink still drying on his diploma, Ned moved to Longview, Texas, and began his award winning career as a reporter and city editor. His first exposure to Tulsa was in 1976 when he came to work for the TULSA WORLD as a copy editor but soon Ned moved again to Phoenix, Arizona, where he worked for the ARIZONA REPUBLIC, supervising newsroom
and production phases of that statewide newspaper. But in 1982, Ned decided to become a lawyer and was accepted into the University of Tulsa, College of Law, from which he graduated in 1986. Ned continued to
work at the TULSA WORLD and clerked full-time for the Stainer & Stainer law firm while attending evening classes of the law school. That hard work and experience led to an Associate position with the Brune, Pezold, Richey & Lewis law firm after graduation, where Ned worked until moving to another Associate position with the Pray, Walker, Jackman, Williamson &
Marlar law firm. In 1995, Ned established his independent practice, where he remains today. Ned has had collaborative relationships with the former Shipley, Jennings & Champlin law firm and now with Dennis Caruso. His practice reflects his eclectic experience, including civil litigation in employment, oil and gas, products liability, family law, probate, bankruptcy and general commercial litigation and business advice on general and personnel matters. He has served as an administrative law judge for the Oklahoma Department of Labor on matters involving wage claims and has served as an EEO investigator investigating complaints of discrimination at federal agencies around the country. Ned has been certified by the Oklahoma Supreme Court as a mediator since 1995 and has conducted over 1,000 mediations in his practice areas and has specific training in family and divorce and adult guardianship mediations. His outstanding work in alternative dispute resolution was recognized in the form of the Doves Award in 2003, specifically for his work in the Early Settlement program sponsored by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
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
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Ned and his wife of 26 years have a set of twins - a tax accountant son and a soon-to-be hotel/restaurant manager daughter. He is a former Scoutmaster and Cubmaster, for the Boy Scouts of America, and has served as a vice chair and member of the Eagle District Committee of the Indian Nations Council, Boy Scouts of America, who named him Boy Scout Volunteer of the Year in 2006. Ned also served as president of Edison Preparatory School baseball booster club and is currently a member of the High School Reform Task Force for Tulsa Public Schools. As you can see, mentoring and training young people has been an active part of Ned’s life for many years. Our Members know this from Ned’s professional activities as a Master of the Council Oak/Johnson-Sontag American Inns of Court and as
a frequent lecturer at CLE programs on oil and gas, litigation practice, and bankruptcy. TCBA has also been the beneficiary of Ned’s skills and time. He has served as a member of TCBA’s Fee Arbitration Committee and has chaired the Court Operations Committee, receiving the TCBA President’s Award in 2006 for his work on the Court Operations Committee.
and model the concepts of civility and respect toward the court and their opponents. And in some ways, most importantly, they practice ethically and honestly and are true to their word. Ned meets and exceeds these standards. Those of us who know Ned, know that he says what he means and means what he says. In a recent interview, Ned said “At the end of the day, your word is your bond. We live and work in a small community. Everyone knows your reputation. Knowing that you can depend on what someone tells you makes everything better.”
TCBA’s Golden Rule Award is intended to recognize Members that “live” their ethical and professional obligations as an officer of the court and who exhibit both the spirit and intent of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Recipients are those who are known by their peers to strive Congratulations, Ned! Thank you for the traditional goals of mor- for making everything better for our al excellence and who exhibit the Association and our community. highest standards of fairness and integrity. They are also advocates for
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No profession does more volunteer work than ours. This is the first in a series of articles focusing on TCBA attorneys who serve this community, often with little fanfare.
From Nashville to Nessun Dorma Five Questions for John Woodard By Laurence J. Yadon John R. Woodard, III is a partner in Coffey, Senger & McDaniel. His practice specialties are insurance coverage, personal injury, products liability and business litigation. John received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tulsa in l965, graduated from the University of Tulsa College Of Law two years later and served three years as a Judge Advocate in the United States Marine Corps. Recently John became president of Tulsa Opera. The company has hosted Beverly Sills, Luciano Pavorotti and many other notables since it was founded sixty-seven years ago, but opera came here much earlier. Nine months before his untimely August 1921 death in Naples, fabled Italian Tenor Enrico Caruso performed an evening concert in Tulsa. That afternoon, he was invited to visit an oil well in Sapulpa, but when his car broke down on the return trip. Caruso was forced to walk the last half-mile to his sold-out performance at the present day Brady Theater through a heavy rain. Later, his manager blamed the throat infection Caruso contracted here for his death.
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Our colleague John Woodard neither confirmed nor denied these allegations, mainly because I didn’t ask him. He did respond via email to several questions about his service to Tulsa Opera: 1. How did you become involved in this organization? I was introduced in 1967 by Tulsa attorney John Turner, whose mother was general manager of Tulsa Opera. Before seeing Puccini’s Turandot, my musical exposure was limited to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. 2. What was your previous Tulsa Opera participation before becoming president? Prior to becoming president, I served as legal counsel for three years with two years service on the board. Carolyn and I have been season ticket holders since 1971 and have held the same seats at the Performing Arts Center since it opened in 1977. We have been members of the President’s Council for several years.
PRO BONO: being, involving, or doing professional and especially legal work , donated especially for the public good
3. What common issues do organizations like Tulsa Opera confront in the near and intermediate term?
5. What are your goals as the new Tulsa Opera board president?
Opera has a very limited audience so one of the biggest challenges is how to become relevant to young people, the next generation. The answer is music education at an early age. Tulsa Opera reaches more than 22,000 students each year through Opera on Tour! Tulsa Opera has been selected by the Arts and Humanities Council to partner with the Any Given Child Program, an initiative of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
I would like to introduce opera to a wider audience through education and performances and am working towards establishment of an advisory board of regional leaders. Hopefully, we will expand our Education and Outreach programs to reach more schools throughout Oklahoma and the region. Our short term goal in the next three years is to reach 35,000 students.
4. How does Tulsa Opera serve Tulsa area children in this initiative? We reach every second grader in the Tulsa Public School District by performing a children’s opera with a message. Last year’s performance was Jack and the Beanstalk with an anti-bullying message.
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DECEMBER THINGS TO DO Tulsa Symphony presents: Home for the Holidays Dec 05, 2015 to Dec 06, 2015
Celebrate the season of giving and snow with a pre- sentation of “Home for the Holidays” by the Tulsa Sym- phony. Get in the Christmas spirit and have fun hearing tunes that you’ll be humming as the air gets colder and the holidays get closer.
Tulsa Ballet presents: “The Nutcracker” Dec 11, 2015 to Dec 20, 2015
This December, Tulsa Ballet presents “The Nutcrack- er” at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. The story re- volves around a young girl whose fantasy unfolds in this remarkable production that mixes the visuals of a Broadway show with the heartwarming story of a fairy- tale Christmas. Over 120 local children and students join the professional company to help the larger-than- life Mouse King battle the Nutcracker Prince and his toy soldier brigade.
Rhema Christmas Lights Nov 25, 2015 to Dec 31, 2015
Join over 200,000 annual visitors at the Rhema Christmas Lights display and witness over two million lights and over 100,000 shimmering bulbs synchronized to Christmas music. This much-loved lights display in Broken Arrow began in 1982 and has been attracting thousands of visitors ever since. Visitors to the Rhema Christmas Lights event can drive through the lights in their own vehicle, get out of the car and walk around the park, or view the spectacular displays from a car- riage. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available on select evenings.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella December 4, 2015 - December 13, 2015 Friday 7:30 PM - Sunday 12:00 AM
Tulsa! A Radio Christmas Spectacular December 4, 2015 - December 13, 2015
Tulsa Spotlight Theater - 1381 Riverside Drive
Philbrook Festival of Trees November 20, 2015 - December 31, 2015
An annual holiday tradition in Tulsa, the Philbrook Festival of Trees is three weeks of celebration of the sea- son at the Philbrook Museum of Art. During this time, you’ll see the museum decked out in festive Christmas decorations and find beautiful pieces of artwork for sale that have been inspired by the charm of the winter season.
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Professionalism Pyramid By Frederick K. Slicker
John Wooden, UCLA’s famous basketball coach, developed a Pyramid for Success, which consists of 15 core values of guiding principles for winning basketball games and for succeeding in the “game of life,” as follows: At the base of the Pyramid of Success are: Industriousness, Friendship, Loyalty, Cooperation and Enthusiasm. On level 2 are: Self-control, Alertness, Initiative and Intentness. On level 3 are: Conditioning, Skill and Team Spirit. On level 4 are: Poise and Confidence. At the top is: Competitive Greatness, combined with Faith and Practice.
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Coach Wooden’s Pyramid for Success seeks to maximize team results through maximized individual effort and achievement. See Coach Wooden: Coach Wooden’s Leadership Game Plan for Success by John Wooden and Steve Jamison, published by McGraw-Hill. Success in the practice of law is not determined by achieving maximum individual competitive greatness; but rather success in the practice of law occurs when lawyers help their clients achieve their lawful goals in an honest, respectful and professional manner. In both cases, winning unfairly diminishes the victory. In the practice of law, winning unfairly also diminishes public confidence in the Rule of Law. A Professionalism Pyramid can guide practic ing lawyers in representing their clients and advance the equality and fairness of the Rule of Law.
A. At the base of the Professionalism Pyramid, upon which every other quality rests,are: Honesty, Integrity, Responsibility and Respect. HONESTY means the lawyer will:
1. 2. 3. 4.
Tell the truth Seek the truth Correctly cite case law Not misinterpret or misconstrue to record 5. Not confuse or deny the facts 6. Not manipulate and mislead others 7. Not spin or embellish the facts unfairly
INTEGRITY means the lawyer will:
1. Adopt a set of core values and moral standards 2. Follow the core values 3. Be an example of morality for others 4. Be fair 5. Be virtuous 6. Be loyal 7. Not cheat 8. Not take unfair advantage
RESPONSIBILITY means the lawyer will:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Be dependable Be on time Say what is meant Do what is promised Be trusted
RESPECT means the lawyer will: 1. Treat others common courtesy 2. Treat others with dignity 3. Be gracious to others 4. Be considerate of others 5. Be fair to all others
B. On level 2 of the Professionalism Pyramid are: Character, Compliance and Courage: CHARACTER means the lawyer will be:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Trustworthy Reasonable Honorable Dependable Virtuous Faithful Noble An example of high moral values
COMPLIANCE means the lawyer will comply with:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Applicable laws, rules and regulations The Rules of Professional Conduct The Lawyer’s Creed The Standards of Professionalism Court orders and instructions
COURAGE means the lawyer will: 1. Do the right thing for the right reasons 2. Seek to correct unfair or unjust laws 3. Challenge unconstitutional laws 4. Sacrifice personal interests to protect the rights of others 5. Pursue equality and fairness, even when it is unpopular to do so 6. Defend the wrongly accused 7. Attack evil with righteousness 8. Defeat unlawful discrimination C. On level 3 of the Professionalism Pyramid are: Civility and Competence:
CIVILITY means that the lawyer will:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Respect of others with dignity Follow the Golden Rule Be courteous Be cooperative Not be rude or offensive Not be abrasive or abusive Not be mean, vulgar or disruptive
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COMPETENCE means the lawyer will:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
D.
At the top of the Professionalism Pyramid is Citizenship:
Learn the important facts Know the applicable law Understand each party’s positions Be prepared Be loyal to the client’s lawful goals Communicate with the client Advise the client honestly Be cautiously inquisitive Trust but verify the facts
CITIZENSHIP means that the lawyer will:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Render pro bono services to the poor Serve civic and charitable organizations Represent faith-based organizations Respect the legal system Support the independence of the judiciary Seek equal justice for all Improve the legal system Strengthen the Rule of Law
Lawyers are called “professionals,” not because lawyers are paid to perform services, but rather because lawyers have earned the respect of their clients and the community because they are an instrument of equality, justice and peace. Being a professional lawyer is not just becoming an advocate for a client’s cause: professionalism also means demonstrating enthusiasm, experience and effort for the resolution of the client’s conflicts or disputes. Being a professional lawyer means embracing, possessing, demonstrating and promoting the highest standards of the ten core values included in the Professionalism Pyramid: Honesty, Integrity, Responsibility, Respect, Character, Compliance, Courage, Competence, Civility and Citizenship.
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OBA ANNUAL MEETING AWARDS - TULSA RECIPIENTS Neil E. Bogan Professionalism Award
(to an OBA member practicing 10 years or more who for conduct, honesty, integrity and courtesy best represents the highest standards of the legal profession)
Renée DeMoss, Tulsa Renée DeMoss of Tulsa is the recipient of the 2015 Neil E. Bogan Professionalism Award for her continued commitment to meeting high standards in the legal profession. Over her more than 30 years practicing law, she has demonstrated the highest levels of excellence and given her time and heart to her profession and community. Ms. DeMoss, who was OBA president in 2014, currently serves on the Board of Governors as immediate past president. She served as Oklahoma Bar Foundation president in 2008. She has also served as a leader in the Tulsa County Bar Association, serving as its president in 2006-2007 and as president of the Tulsa County Bar Foundation from 2007-2009. She was a member of the TCBA Board of Directors from 1999 to 2008. She has also notably served her community, active in Leadership Tulsa, Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Green Country, the Nature Conservancy, United Way and has served on the Board of Directors for Operation Aware and Tulsa Lawyers for Children. 26 Tulsa Lawyer
Ms. DeMoss has stated that one of her most significant and rewarding accomplishments has been her work and mentorship of at-risk students at Hamilton Middle School in the Tulsa community. She has continually demonstrated a strong work ethic and a desire to give more than she receives from her community to make it a better place to live and work. Ms. DeMoss graduated from the OU College of Law in 1984. Outstanding County Bar Association Award
(for meritorious efforts and activities)
Tulsa County Bar Association D. Kenyon Williams, 2014-2015 President
completes phase one of this major renovation, giving the building a more modern exterior. Phase two to renovate the interior will be the association’s next project. The TCBA has provided numerous community outreach programs, including food drives, legal advice, charity fundraisers, breast cancer awareness events and more. The association has continued to serve its members by providing discounted or free continuing legal education programs, practice sections, team sports and networking opportunities. The TCBA is also committed to serving its members in the future, having recently surveyed its members to decide areas where the Long-Range Planning Committee should focus.
Earl Sneed Award
(for outstanding continuing legal education contributions) William S. Leach,
Tulsa
The Tulsa County Bar Association is the 2015 recipient of the Outstanding County Bar Association Award for its continued commitment to the community and its members. “Building Our Future” was the association’s tagline for 2014-2015, acknowledging the successful completion of a capital campaign aimed at revamping its downtown Tulsa headquarters. This year, the TCBA
Williams S. “Bill” Leach of Tulsa is a recipient of the Earl Sneed Award for his continued commitment to legal education, coordinating CLE programs for the past several years. His programs are known for being reliable, organized and consistent. He has served as the coordinator of a program sponsored by the Tulsa County Bar As-
sociation that includes presentations from a panel of judges and justices; his skill in moderating the panel has attracted the participation of the highest levels of the state judiciary. This year he also presented the “Civil Update” for judges attending the Oklahoma Annual Judicial Conference, assisting the judiciary in obtaining their required judicial education credits. His presentation was called “superb and even entertaining while being organized and detailed” by attending members of the judiciary. Mr. Leach moderated multiple legal education programs throughout the state, also including presentations for the Tulsa County Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association and Oklahoma Business Ethics Consortium. He earned his J.D. from the OU College of Law in 1982. Outstanding Service to the Public Award
(for significant community service by an OBA member)
Hugh Robert, Tulsa David Bernstein, Norman Noble McIntyre, Oklahoma City David Bernstein of Norman, Noble McIntyre of Oklahoma City
and Hugh Robert of Tulsa are jointly the recipients of the Outstanding Service to the Public Award as the three attorney co-founders of “Lawyers Fighting Hunger,” a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting hunger in Oklahoma. The organization was unofficially founded in 2009 when a number of community service agencies suffered funding cuts that prevented the agencies from providing holiday meals to hundreds of needy Oklahomans, as had been the practice. This group of lawyers banded together to raise funds to purchase holiday turkeys that went directly to vulnerable families. In 2010 the event was made even bigger. More than 50 firms and attorneys contributed to the effort and more than 750 boxes of pre-packaged Thanksgiving meals were purchased and distributed in Norman, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Each box contained everything needed for a family of four to enjoy a very good Thanksgiving meal. More than $30,000 was raised from lawyers/members of the Oklahoma Association for Justice, which was used to purchase the meals. Those generous financial commitments came from lawyers all over the state and allowed the group to provide food for 3,000 hungry Oklahomans. Since 2010, the annual holiday food giveaways in Oklahoma City and Tulsa have grown larger every year. Lawyers in smaller communities such as McAlester and El Reno are also partnering with Lawyers Fighting Hunger to host events.
The pre-holiday food giveaways are festive events where families may come to eat hot dogs and hamburgers and play games while picking up their ready-to-prepare meals and/or turkeys. Over $80,000 was raised last year from more than 100 different Oklahoma law firms which provided for funds necessary to provide more than 5,000 turkeys in addition to food boxes. In addition over 10,000 hamburgers and hot dogs were served at the five distribution sites in Oklahoma City, Norman, Tulsa, El Reno and Mustang. Over the past 6 years more than $400,000 has been raised. The giveaways have also expanded to incorporate the Easter holiday, when hams are distributed. Partnerships with local food banks and pantries have also been formed, as well as with the OBA Women in Law Committee, who donated and stuffed thousands of Easter eggs with treats for children attending the Easter ham giveaway event. Because of the hard work, generosity and inspirational leadership of these three lawyers, thousands of Oklahomans every year, including hundreds of children, get to experience the simple joy of a holiday meal.
Congratulations!
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Grapevine News Doerner Saunders is pleased to announce that former District Judge William C. Kellough has recently been admitted as a certified commercial arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association. He is well qualified to arbitrate all types of commercial transactions, from the smallest consumer disputes to large, complex business litigation. Kellough’s 40 years of law practice, including eight years as a District Judge, make him an ideal selection to assist in alternative dispute resolution. The law firm of Graves McLain PLLC is pleased to announce that Rachel E. Gusman has been named a junior partner of the firm. Mrs. Gusman is a committed and passionate advocate for her clients’ rights, concentrating her practice in the areas of medical negligence, motor vehicle accidents, personal injuries, vaccine injuries and civil rights litigation. In 2012, Mrs. Gusman secured an $11 million settlement, through the National Vaccine Compensation Program, on behalf of a child that suffered injuries as a result of a routine vaccination. In just seven years of practice, she has also secured millions of dollars by verdict and settlement on behalf of clients that have suffered injuries as a result of excessive force, wrongful death, dog attacks, and unsafe premises.
Crowe & Dunlevy celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Tulsa office with a donation of $12,500 distributed among 25 different Tulsa nonprofit organizations.
Crowe & Dunlevy’s Tulsa office is celebrating 25 years of service to clients and the community with a donation of $12,500 distributed among 25 different Tulsa nonprofits. “For the past 25 years, the Tulsa office has provided comprehensive legal services to its clients, and we have also served our community by contributing our time and financial resources,” said James L. Kincaid, Crowe & Dunlevy director and founding member of the firm’s Tulsa office. “In recognition of this milestone, we are honored to present donations to these 25 outstanding Tulsa nonprofit organizations. Thank you to the entire Tulsa community for its support; we look forward to many more years of service to our clients and to the Tulsa community.”
The Tulsa nonprofits receiving donations include 108 Contemporary, Gilcrease Museum, Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa, Crosstown Learning Center, Fiber Artists of Oklahoma, First Tee Golf Program, Hispanic American Foundation, Living Arts of Tulsa, National Indian Monument and Institute, NatureWorks, Tulsa Ballet, Oklahoma Arts Institute, Oklahoma VisuShe has been recognized as a Rising Star in Super Law- al Arts Coalition, Philbrook Museum, The Bart Center yers® for six consecutive years beginning in 2010 for for Music, Special Kids Care, The Parent Child Cenher professional achievements and industry recogni- ter of Tulsa, Tulsa Artists’ Coalition, Tulsa Art Deco tions.. Museum, Tulsa Garden Center, Tulsa Girls Art School Project, Tulsa Glassblowing School, Tulsa Historical Society, Tulsa Hope Academy and School of Creative Arts and WaterWorks Art Center Council. crowedunlevy.com
Grapevine News? Send to tulsabarnews@yahoo.com 28 Tulsa Lawyer
Drummond Law, PLLC is pleased to announce that Logan L. James has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Mr. James received his Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma State University in 2012 and his J.D. with Highest Honor from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2015. His practice will focus on banking, employment, oil and gas, construction, and complex civil litigation.
GableGotwals has been ranked in the 2016 U.S. News - Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” list regionally in 63 practice areas. The Firm has been named to the list every year since the program’s inception in 2009. U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers announce the “Best Law Firms” rankings on November 2, 2015. Ranked firms, presented in tiers, are listed on a national and/or metropolitan scale. Receiving a tier designation reflects the high level of respect a firm has earned among other leading lawyers and clients in the same communities and the same practice areas for their abilities, their professionalism and their integrity.
Hall Estill announces a lengthy list of its attorneys GableGotwals received the following rankings in the were selected by their peers for inclusion in Oklahoma 2016 U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”: Super Lawyer’s annual list of the state’s top attorneys. Of the many attorneys selected, six attorneys were METROPOLITAN TIER 1 named as Rising Stars. Tulsa RankingsAntitrust Law; Appellate Practice; Arbitration; BankSuper Lawyers ing and Finance Law; Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Molly A. Aspan, Larry G. Ball, Mark K. Blongewicz, Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; ComSteven A. Broussard, W. Deke Canada, Margaret M. mercial Litigation; Corporate Compliance Law; CorClarke, Michael D. Cooke, B. Kenneth Cox, Jr., Thomas A. Creekmore III, J. Patrick Cremin, Angelyn L. Dale, Seth A. Day, Julianna P. Deligans, John A. Epstein, Phillip L. Free, Jr., Sarah Jane Gillett, Michael D. Graves, Trent A. Gudgel, Del L. Gustafson, John M. Hickey, David L. Kearney, Michael J. Lissau, Robert D. Looney, Jr., Randall K. McCarthy, James C. Milton, Robert D. Nelon, Michael L. Nemec, P. David Newsome, Bryan J. Nowlin, Stephen W. Ray, James M. Reed, James D. Satrom, Michael E. Smith, Steven W. Soulé, Elaine R. Turner, Richard A. Wagner II, D. Kenyon Williams, Jr., Rising Stars List Kelly C. Comarda, Heather Flynn Earnhart, Kristen Pence Evans, Nathaniel T. Haskins, Tyler J. Mantooth, Elisabeth E. Muckala, In addition, Scott Hall, from Fayetteville, Ark., was named a Rising Star in Mid-South Super Lawyers Magazine for the second straight year. To qualify for this award, candidates must be 40 years old or younger, or have been practicing for 10 years or less.
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porate Law; Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law; Energy Law; Environmental Law; Health Care Law; Insurance Law; Litigation - Antitrust; Litigation - Banking & Finance; Litigation - Bankruptcy; Litigation - Construction; Litigation - Environmental; Litigation - ERISA; Litigation - Labor & Employment; Litigation - Real Estate; Litigation - Securities; Litigation - Tax; Litigation - Trusts & Estates; Native American Law; Natural Resources Law; Oil & Gas Law; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants; Tax Law
700,000 law firm assessments, and more than 8,000 clients provided more than 47,000 evaluations. The 2016 Best Law Firm rankings can be seen in their entirety by visiting http://bestlawfirms.usnews.com.
Former U.S. Magistrate Judge John Leo Wagner was named the Orange County Lawyer of the Year in Mediation by Best Lawyers in America 2016, and the Orange County Lawyer of the Year in Arbitration 2013. The Los Angeles Daily Journal selected him as a Top Master of California in 2014, and he has been a Southern California Super Lawyer for several years. John practices with Judicate West, a mediation and arbitration provider throughout California
METROPOLITAN TIER 2 Tulsa; Administrative / Regulatory Law; Corporate Governance Law; Employment Law - Management; Gaming Law; Land Use & Zoning Law; Litigation First Amendment; Litigation - Intellectual Property; Litigation - Mergers & Acquisitions; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs; Mediation; Real Estate Law; Securities / Capital Markets Law Hall Estill, has been named in the 2016 edition of U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers’ “Best Law Firms in America.” Hall Estill is proud to have been For the sixth consecutive year, U.S. News & World named in both the first and second tiers in multiple Report and Best Lawyers® has highly ranked Okla- practice areas. homa-based law firm Crowe & Dunlevy. Hall Estill (Tulsa) is named in the following Tier 1 and In the 2016 “Best Law Firms” rankings, Crowe & Dun- Tier 2 categories: levy received the most Tier 1 practice area rankings of any firm in Oklahoma and is the only firm in Oklahoma Metropolitan First-Tier rankings with a Tier 1 ranking in Litigation – Mergers & Acqui- Banking and Finance Law; Bankruptcy and Credisitions, Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law and Mu- tor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization nicipal Law practice areas. The firm received 74 Tier Law; Commercial Litigation; Corporate Compliance 1 rankings in Oklahoma City and Tulsa and 13 Tier 2 Law; Corporate Governance Law; Corporate Law; rankings. This is the sixth consecutive year Crowe & Employment Law - Management; Energy Law; Labor Dunlevy has received more Tier 1 rankings than any Law – Management; Litigation – Bankruptcy; Litigaother firm in the state. tion – Construction; Litigation – Environmental; Litigation – Labor & Employment; Litigation - Securities; Firms included in the 2016 “Best Law Firms” list are Litigation – Tax; Litigation – Trusts & Estates; Mergers recognized for professional excellence with persistent- & Acquisitions Law; Native American Law; Natural ly impressive ratings from clients and peers. Achieving Resources Law; a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality Oil & Gas Law; Real Estate Law; Securities / Capital law practice and breadth of legal expertise. Markets Law; Securities Regulation; Tax Law; Trusts & Estates Law The 2016 rankings are based on the highest number of participating firms and highest number of client ballots Metropolitan Second-Tier Rankings on record. To be eligible for a ranking, a firm must have Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law; Environmental Law a lawyer listed in The Best Lawyers in America, which recognizes the top 4 percent of practicing attorneys in Metropolitan Third-Tier Rankings the U.S. More than 21,000 attorneys provided almost Family Law; Insurance Law 30 Tulsa Lawyer
C l a s s i f i ed A d s CLUGSTON POLYGRAPH & INVESTIGATING SERVICES FBI National Academy graduate, 25 years law enforcement experience. See our Website at www. clugston-polygraph.com or call (918) 622-7008 for information about our services. Corporate internal investigations, criminal defense, divorce, child custody, loss prevention‌.We can help answer your questions. Mid-size Tulsa AV, primarily defense litigation, firm seeks 1-5 year lawyer with emphasis on Research & Writing. If interested, please send confidential resume, references, and writing sample to kanderson@tulsalawyer.com.
Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson seeks an attorney for its Oklahoma City office with 3-5 years of experience in commercial litigation and transactions. Oil/gas and administrative law experience a plus. Compensation DOE. Great benefits and friendly atmosphere. Submit confidential resume, references, writing sample and salary requirements to hr@dsda.com.
MoreLaw Suites Legal Suites and Virtual Office 406 South Boulder & 624 South Denver Starting at $165 www.morelawsuites.com 918-582-3993 Info@MoreLaw.com
Mediators & Arbitrators of Oklahoma, LLC Jon Starr * Michael Gassett Scott McDaniel * Jack Crews Mark Smiling * David Wilson Scott Ryan * Robert Coffey, Jr. Mark A. Warman * Truman Rucker Peter Erdoes * Jeff Curran Call (918) 693-7850 to schedule you next mediation Receptionist 4 You Legal Professional Answering Service Starting at $100 Per Month 918-582-3993
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Tulsa Lawyer Magazine Official Publication of the Tulsa County Bar Association
The Tulsa Lawyer is a full-color monthly publication of the Tulsa County Bar Association and is distributed to its membership of over 2,100 attorneys, Tulsa County Courthouse, the Law Library, the Oklahoma Bar Association and all advertisers.The Tulsa Lawyer accepts advertisements for products or services that have an existing or potential market in the Tulsa Legal Community. Space reservations may be requested, but no guarantee of ad placement can be made. The Tulsa Lawyer reserves the right to reject any advertisement. SUBSCRIPTIONS • Subscriptions are available for $40.00 a year for those who are not Tulsa County Bar Association members or advertisers. CLASSIFIED ADS • Classified ads are accepted at a charge of $35.00 for 40 words and .25 cents for each additional word. • You can add a small picture or color logo for $10.00. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS • The deadline for submitting advertisements is 5:00 PM on the 10th of the month preceding publication. • Example: Oct 10 for the Nov issue) Ads accepted after this date will be published if space and time allow. PAYMENTS • Due upon receipt of invoice. Please make check payable to TCBA. • Credit card payments can be made at our website www. tulsabar.com a small convenience fee will be charged. Advertising Rates - Please visit www.tulsabar.com or contact TCBA at 918-584-5243 for ad sizes & rates. Submit: Send files to accounting@tulsabar.com PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS Preferred Material: Digital files are preferred. Four-color CMYK film is acceptable but file must be built to the correct ad dimensions. We cannot accept ads in the following formats: Microsoft Word, Publisher, Powerpoint or Corel Draw. Black only ads can be submitted as camera-ready copy.
File Formats Accepted: Color ads: All digital files must contain only CMYK data. No RGB or any other color space accepted. Files must have a resolution of at least 300 dpi. Files will be output with a line screen of 133. The following are acceptable formats. Keep in mind, printer will not be able to make corrections in these formats: 1. CMYK or grayscale EPS All fonts must be outlined. 2. CMYK or grayscale TIFF 3. PDF 1.4 or lower version (Write a postscript file and use Acrobat Distiller to make PDF file; do not use an export PDF plug-in within program to make PDF. Distiller must be set up for 300 dpi, CMYK output.) 4. Fonts must be embedded. The following formats are also acceptable. All fonts and artwork must be provided along with page layout file. Printer will be able to make minor corrections if necessary: 1. QuarkXpress 6.5 or lower (PC or Mac version) 2. Illustrator CS2 or lower (PC or Mac version) 3. InDesign CS2 or lower (PC or Mac) Pagemaker 7.0 or lower (PC or Mac version)
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