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TULSA LAWYER
In this Issue
A Message from
Ann E. Keele
2018-2019 TCBA President
Golden Rule Award
6
1st Quarter
December 2018
3
Holiday Open House- You're Invited
4
It's not to late! Santa Brings a Law Suit
5
Inns of Court
8
Spotlight on Community - Greater Tulsa YMCA
11 OBA Annual Meeting - Photo Review 12 It's not too late! TCBA CLE UPDATED SCHEDULE 14 The Most Wonderful Time By Lauren Rich, LCSW
of the Year?
16 “VOLUNTEERS EXTRAORDINAIRE”! By Karen Langdon 19 Diversity Committee
J. Travis Barnett
@tulsabar
20 VP's Corner Amber Peckio Garrett 21
The Sky’s the Limit The Joe Dial Story A Review By Michael P. Taubman
23 Connect with the YLD - Happy Hours & Bowling 24 The CAP Program Update 25 Food Truck Friday 26 Heroes in our Legal Community LASO Volunteers 28 TCBA Happenings Santa Paws, OBA Meeting & Judicial Forum 30 Grapevine / In Memory of... 32 Classifieds Tulsa Lawyer 1
A Message from the President
Ann E. Keele
Season’s greetings!
and renewing our attitude of gratitude, not seeing how much “stuff” we can buy. Material things are nice to This December, our focus is on helping others. I have have, but be mindful that material things do not have found that helping someone else not only benefits that you. person, but myself as well. Endeavoring to improve a situation for another person creates both gratitude and The old adage, “you can’t buy happiness” has truth in fulfillment. We can do this in different ways, both large it. As we contemplate our shopping list and budget and small, and several won’t cost us anything except this holiday season, let us choose to use our resources our effort. I would encourage you to keep a positive more meaningfully. Finish your 2018 on a high note attitude in the midst of challenging situations. Be kind, - please consider making charitable contributions that even if someone is not being kind to you. Smile when will improve our community. you see someone, even if it is a stranger. Our attitude is our choice, so let’s purposefully choose to be positive. The TCBA/TCBF has opportunities for you to make a difference with your tax-deductible donations for It seems that we are being bombarded with the idea our various charitable projects. The Children in the that we need to buy the newest, greatest gadget in Law Committee’s 2018 Holiday Challenge to benefit order to make us happy, only to see it become obsolete families in need through Family and Children’s just months later. Black Friday has now become an Services is in full swing now through December 7. We inseparable part of the holiday season, resulting in the need your help to finish strong. Please send your commercialization of Thanksgiving too, with sales tax deductible donations payable to TCBF and note starting earlier and earlier. Don’t get me wrong, I “Holiday Challenge” on your payment. Monetary enjoy sales and am glad to save money, but we need donations will be accepted through December 7, 2018 to remember the most important aspect of the holiday at the TCBA Center located at 1446 S. Boston, Tulsa, season should be spending quality time with loved ones OK 74119. Please help us make this holiday season
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merrier for children in the Tulsa area. Your donation will help provide much needed items, like clothing, diapers, and toys, to families who would otherwise go without this holiday season. Now is your chance to make a heartfelt impact, so please send in your taxdeductible donation today! We are also gathering donations to help purchase artwork and other needed items for the new Tulsa County Juvenile Justice Center that is currently under construction, as well as collecting toys, books, and stuffed animals. The building will be the new juvenile courthouse for deprived and delinquent actions for children, and is scheduled to open in Fall 2019. Hundreds of children will be in that courthouse every week, and making court less traumatic for them is an important function that we can help support directly. Please drop off your donations of new or like-new toys, books, and stuffed animals to the Bar Center. Monetary donations should be made payable to TCBF. Donations will be accepted as an ongoing project at the Bar Center. TCBF’s Community Outreach Committee is doing its annual “Santa Brings a Lawsuit” drive, so please donate your unwanted suits and professional attire to assist young adults who need help building a professional wardrobe. Thank you for your willingness to help others, and for deciding to make a positive change in our community. Many of you have already started sending in your charitable gifts, and your kindness is very much appreciated! I’m encouraged by the generosity of our members. I wish you all a very joyous, peaceful, and blessed holiday season. Happy Holidays to you and your family! See you next year! Sincerely, Ann E. Keele TCBA President, 2018-2019
Be Purposefully Positive & Make an Impact on Others
TCBA Members please join us for a
Holiday Open House
Thursday, Dec. 20th 2 PM - 6 PM The Tulsa County Bar Center
1446 S. Boston
Come & Go
Visit with friends. Meet & greet your TCBA Staff. Celebrate the holidays and take a moment to relax. Drinks and snacks provided.
Santa Brings a Law Suit Gearing Up for Success
Drop-off your clean ready to wear clothing donations during regular business hours:
The Tulsa County Bar Foundation, in conjunction with the TCBA, is gearing up for its ever-popular “Santa Brings a Law Suit” clothing drive. The drive annually provides business attire to men and women in need so they may make the best possible impression during a critical job interview or their first day of work. The legal community is particularly well “suited” for this task as so many of us wear professional attire every day. If you have professional or business casual clothes for men or women – suits, dresses, skirts, blouses, dress pants and shirts, ties, belts, shoes, etc. – please begin to put them aside for the benefit of needy and deserving Tulsans. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2018 THROUGH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2018 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. Past organizations include the Past organizations include Women In Recovery, First Step Men’s Program, Phoenix Rising, 12 & 12, John 3:16 Mission, and Resonance Women’s Center, who truly appreciate and utilize your donation of professional attire to better our community. Your generosity is greatly appreciated (and tax deductible.) Tax receipts will be made available if you leave your name, mailing address, and a general description of the items donated at the time you drop off your donations. Let’s have a wonderful holiday season, and build on the past success of this drive by cleaning out our closets and helping Tulsans get back to work!
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Ashley R. Webb, Community Outreach Committee Chair, Tulsa County Bar Foundation Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison & Lewis, Inc.
TULSA COUNTY BAR 1446 South Boston, Tulsa, OK 74119
Council Oak Johnson-Sontag Chapter
American Inns of Court
The Council Oak Johnson-Sontag Chapter of the American Inns of Court held its October meeting, “The Work Life Balance Revolution,” on October 24 at the Summit Club.
Jodi Jayne, John Dale, Chairman of the Board/ CEO of GableGotwals, and T. Lane Wilson, Senior Vice President & General Counsel at Williams, shared personal experiences, insights, and advice for balancing the practice of law and other obligations. Jo Lynn Jeter, a shareholder and director with Jackie Cleary with Cleary Counseling also shared the law firm of Norman, Wohlgemuth, Chandler, Jeter, practical tips for stress management. Barnett, and Ray, led a panel discussion regarding work-life balance and the practice of law. The Inn's next program, “What Were They Thinking?: Almost Unbelievable Lapses in Judgment by Attorneys,” was held on November 27 at the Summit Club. The January meeting will be January 17, 2019 at the Summit Club for a discussion on “Better Call Saul: Ethical Issues Presented by Breaking Bad.”
The panelists, Honorable Magistrate Judge
Those interested in learning more about the Inn may contact Jessica Dickerson at Jessica.dickerson@ mcafeetaft.com to learn more. Tulsa Lawyer 5
Golden Rule Award 1st Quarter
J. Travis Barnett By Michael P. Taubman Travis Barnett is a husband, father, colleague, a mentor, and most certainly a friend to many in our profession over years. He and his wife, Jennifer, married now for over twenty years, often are in the stands at Broken Arrow sporting events, cheering on their daughter, Vanessa, a member of the Tigettes’ dance team. From the time he entered the University of Tulsa College of Law, Travis’ conduct as a fellow student demonstrated the resolute integrity that we are all called to enact in practice. Simply put, he exhibits steadfast moral character in the performance of his obligations upon which opponents and colleagues alike may rely.
Hailing from Indiana and a proud graduate of David Letterman’s alma mater, Ball State University, Travis came to Oklahoma just twenty-four years ago in September 1994. “I was eighteen years old and my first airplane trip anywhere landed me in Lawton, Oklahoma” said Travis. “I was at Ft. Sill in basic training trying to figure out how to shine boots, shoot weapons, and avoid the drill sergeants as much as possible.” His Army training in handling detailed tasks likewise has driven him to pursue excellence in his professional craft. 6 Tulsa Lawyer
Whether handling a juvenile case before the courts, a contentious divorce proceeding, or an appeal, he addresses people in a civil, courteous and respectful manner. Travis handles matters with sincere professionalism, avoiding the temptation to personalize attacks against opposing parties and counsel. He does not seek to deceive in matters, nor does he fail to keep his word. His candor, integrity and fairness in negotiations is ever present, and he doggedly pursues zealous advocacy for his clients. “When I emerged from my initial career as an inhouse lawyer, Travis was one of a few attorneys who encouraged and fostered my transition into a solo practitioner. He mentored me often as I took the step of hanging out a shingle. To this day, I count him one of the best resources to rely upon to improve my argument and sharpen my focus when considering how best to approach a challenging or unfamiliar case.” -Michael P. Taubman Travis’ approach with opposing counsel is not to lay behind the log, waiting to catch an opponent offguard; rather, he’ll lay out his position clearly in front of you, challenging his opponent to out-work him in his preparations for trial. He sets high standards for himself and those around him that encourage the pursuit of success, which he employs both in his professional life and the Army. His leadership by example extends not only to his colleagues, but his family and the men and women he commands for the Oklahoma Army Nat’l Guard.
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 “Travis has honorably served us all in the military and continues to excel there at while juggling both family and career. He is more than just a fine lawyer. He is a great person who the Bar should formally recognize.” -J. Patrick Mensching
Travis was recognized in September at a Change of Command ceremony, where he received a new promotion and assignment to Command Sergeant Major for the 1-160th Field Artillery Battalion. Travis said in his speech that he “would not ask more of someone else that [he] is not willing to or has done [himself].” His service medals and decorations clearly indicate the veracity of this statement. Barnett's awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal (5), Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (5), National Defense Medal (2), Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/M Device, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Citation, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (2), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one Campaign Star, NATO Medal (ISAF), Iraq Campaign Medal with one Campaign Star, Oklahoma Commendation Medal, Louisiana Emergency Service Medal, Oklahoma Long Service Medal (3), Oklahoma Good Conduct Medal (15), Oklahoma State Active Duty Medal (2).
Award Criteria The Golden Rule award is given to lawyers who make outstanding contributions to their profession and have the highest of ideals and are willng to mentor to those with less experience. Criteria for Award: 1. Recognizes the ethical and professional obligations as an officer of the court as well as the spirit and intent of the Rules of Professional Conduct. 2. Practices ethically and honestly and is true to his/her word. 3. Strives for the traditional goals of moral excellence.
Travis Barnett’s oath and duty in service to his country is mirrored in his fulfillment of his oath and duty as a member of the Oklahoma and Tulsa County Bar Associations.
4. Exhibits the highest standards of fairness and integrity.
5. Sets a model example for conduct with members of the Bar and the Judiciary not only by words but more importantly by deeds. 6. Is civil, courteous and respectful towards the court and his/her opponents.
7 Is loyal to his/her client without trickery and deception and without using abusive practices or misleading the court or opposing counsel. 8 Avoids the temptation to make his/her client’s case into a personal vendetta. 9 Conducts himself/herself in a manner that improves the image of the legal profession in the eyes of the public.
• The Y nurtures potential. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. • The Y has local presence and global reach. We mobilize local communities to effect lasting, meaningful change. • The YMCA of Greater Tulsa is a non-profit community service organization dedicated to enhancing the spirit, mind and body of all persons through quality programs, services and facilities.
The Greater Tulsa YMCA Our Cause Defines Us
• The YMCA welcomes women and men, girls and boys of all ages, races, ethnicities, religions, abilities and financial circumstances. Programs and branches embrace diversity, reflecting the needs and composition of the communities they serve.
We know that lasting personal and social change comes about when we all work together. That’s why at the Y, • Membership for All is our scholarship program, created to ensure YMCA services are accessible strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we to all members of the community, and that no work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that one is excluded because of inability to pay full everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has membership rates. the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
Our Strength is in Community
Financial Assistance
• The Y is a nonprofit like no other. That’s because in • Thanks to the generosity of members and donors to our annual fundraising campaign, the YMCA is able 10,000 neighborhoods across the nation, we have to provide quality programs and services to people the presence and partnerships to not just promise, of all incomes and backgrounds. Those unable to but deliver positive change. pay the full fee may receive a reduction based on • The Y is community centered. For nearly 160 their substantiated need and available YMCA funds. years, we’ve been listening and responding to our communities. • The Y brings people together. We connect people of all ages and backgrounds to bridge the gaps in community needs.
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www.ymcatulsa.org
Swim lessons are categorized by age, though a child’s individual ability is always taken into consideration. Graduate Oklahoma Information about adult lessons, teen lessons, and Graduate Oklahoma (GO) Club was developed in 2005 private swim lessons are also available upon request. as a research-based afterschool program recognizing the Times, dates, and online registration for swim lessons impact that movement and nutrition have on academic can be found here on our program directory webpage. gains. GO Club provides solutions for reversing childhood obesity trends, curbing risky behaviors and Day Camps anti-social behaviors, improving academic performance Summer day camp sessions run weekly, Monday and keeping kids in school through Friday, beginning the day after Memorial Day and ending mid-August. Camp activities run from 8:30 Students in both GO Club Before- and after school and a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Extended care is offered at no extra Summer GO Club have the opportunity to participate cost from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. and from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in non-competitive specialized movement, nutrition Payment in full is due one week prior to the start of education, literacy, STEM and arts education. During each session. Up-to-date shot records are required for the school year, we work with nearly 400 students all day camps. from TPS, Owasso Public Schools and Bixby Public Schools. We have seen dramatic results in GO Club, We offer an outdoor, urban-eco experience through including improved math and reading test scores, all three of our day camp sites: Westside YMCA, improved attendance rates, and improved flexibility, Owasso Family YMCA, and Daily Family YMCA. cardiovascular fitness, and core strength. Day camp programming is a mixture of outside and inside activities, and includes swimming, fishing, target Youth Sports sports, team sports, STEM programming, arts & crafts, At the Y, we focus on Skills & Abilities, Character and the MoMo--a 220-foot, double-pipeline slide! Development, and FUN. We believe that Youth Sports is the backbone of establishing a well-rounded child. More information is available if you visit Programs:
Our sports programs place priority on teamwork, www.ymcatulsa.org family involvement and self-discipline through healthy competition focused on the value of participation or visit one of the YMCA Locations: over winning. Parents are encouraged to be more than spectators by contributing their time as volunteer th coaches & team parents, as well as being their athlete's Daily Branch – 7910 E. 134 St. S., Bixby, OK Dickenson Branch – 8501 S. Garnett Ave., Tulsa, OK number one fan! Downtown Branch – 418 S. Main St., Tulsa, OK Basketball (Year-round, ages 3-14) Hutcherson Branch – 1120 E. Pine St, Tulsa, OK Soccer (Spring and Fall, ages 3-12) Owasso Branch – 8300 Owasso Expwy, Owasso, OK T-Ball (Spring and Fall, ages 3-6) Tandy Branch - 5005 S. Darlington, Tulsa, OK Volleyball (Spring, Summer and Fall, ages 8-14) The Y at Union Branch – 6836 S. Mingo Rd., Tulsa, OK Tae Kwon Do/Karate (all ages, youth to adult) Westside Branch / Camp Takatoka – 5400 S. Olympia, Tulsa, OK
Swim Lessons
Everyone should know how to swim! YMCA swim lessons are designed to help each participant learn how to swim better and be safe in the water. Our emphasis is on learning, and not on passing or failing.
Submitted by the Greater Tulsa YMCA, Kyle Wilkes
Meeting
Hospitality Suite
OBA 2018 Annual
and TCBA
Tulsa Lawyer 11
• REFUNDS ISSUED ONLY IF REQUESTED 24 HRS PRIOR TO START OF SEMINAR • All courses are available to Audit (no CLE credit). NON-MEMBER RATES Non-Member Audit Rates: 1.0-3.0 HRS = $5; 4.0+ HRS = $10 1.0 HR $50 Pre-Registration is required for auditing. 2.0 HR $75 • Complete Seminar Titles, Speakers, and Agendas to Be Announced & Emailed. 3.0 HR $100 • Materials will be emailed to pre-registered participants before the seminar. 4.0 HR $125 Paper copies will not be provided. 5.0 HR $150 • If a meal is provided extra costs may be incurred. 6.0 HR $175 • Students are welcome to attend. Pre-Registration is required. 7.0 HR $200 12 Tulsa Lawyer
Limited Space Available, Register Today
CLE TOPICS Presented by Lexis Nexis
Dec 4, 9-10a Finding Out is Better: Effectively Using Technology for Factual Discovery Presented by Cheryl Schwarzer, Esq., Solutions Consultant, LexisNexis Nearly all government agencies now maintain their records electronically. The key is to find a tool to help you compile this public information in a quick and easy format. This CLE will highlight the efficiencies gained when attorneys use technology. Dec 4, 10-11a Following, Friending, & Planning: The Intersection of Social Media and Evidentiary Principals Presented by Cheryl Schwarzer, Esq., Solutions Consultant, LexisNexis According to the Pew Research Center, 73% of online adults use at lease one social media platform. That number grows daily. Learn how to apply evidentiary principles to this medium, discover and build sound strategies to uncover sources and results on an electronic legal research platform and stay up to date on the trends in social media as well as the social media activities of key players in cases as well as gain an understanding of how social media has taken such an important role in society as a whole. Dec 4, 11a-12p From a Different Perspective: The Ethical Challenge Presented by Social Media Presented by Cheryl Schwarzer, Esq., Solutions Consultant, LexisNexis Each person’s social media activity is dependent on their perspective, making collection of relevant data all that much more difficult. This CLE will focus on how the courts define social media and metadata, identify the emerging issues that social media presents when it intertwines with litigation, recognizing and avoiding ethical pitfalls, acquire sound strategies and best practices to obtain and preserve relevant social media posts and metadata.
December 3rd
Annual Employment Law CLE
(9a-noon) 3 credit hours “Medical Marijuana in the Workplace” with Chris Thatchley of GableGotwals “Current Developments in Title VII Litigation” with Logan Jones of BrownJones PLLC “FMLA and Intermittent Leave” with Charlie Plumb of McAfee & Taft
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year? By Lauren Rich, LCSW
It’s not news to anyone in the field of law that being a practicing attorney comes with a cost. The end of the year means closing out files, invoicing, beginning taxes, and celebrating holidays with loved ones. Ironically, the holidays are one of the busiest times in mental health, which is surprising considering the amount of travel, shopping, and family gatherings. With the snow storm of demands many well-educated professionals look to alcohol or prescription medications for answers. The ABA Midyear Review revealed its survey numbers at their bi-annual conference in February, an astounding twenty-one percent of attorneys endorsed habits consistent with problem drinkers, more than double the rate of other working professionals. At times alcohol can be part of the job when closing a deal with a client, happy hour after a brutal day of litigation, or even the office Christmas Party. The survey went on to identify twenty-eight percent of attorneys suffering from depression and nineteen percent from anxiety. In comparison, the percentage of Americans with an alcohol problem averages six to seven percent. The holidays can be especially stressful regardless of relationship status.
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The obligatory visits to five different houses on Christmas Eve would exhaust a normal human being. Humorously, the Clark Griswold in each of us thinks it’s a good idea to host the Christmas dinner, resulting in three days of seclusion in the garage sipping peppermint Schnapps. During a recent holiday business lunch, the hiring attorney passively disclosed he drank before going to bed. For a few moments I listened and waited for the rest of what I knew would be coming. The young, overworked, highly stressed, heavy set attorney stated, “I only drink to fall asleep.” I sat astounded at what I just heard. How could such an educated man not know that alcohol disrupts the sleep cycle? I took the time to gently provide psychoeducation regarding alcohol and the negative effects it has on a person’s REM sleep. To wit he responded, “So you’re telling me I should drink in the mornings?” I smiled and raised my sweet tea to what he considered his weekly dose of therapy and sarcastically responded, “I’ll drink to that.” Attorneys face varying amounts of stress in their professional lives that seem to manifest in different forms. If it’s not anxiety from trials or mergers, it may be the nervousness you face coming home to a family that expects you to provide and be emotionally present in spite of your eighty-hour work week.
Attorneys work tirelessly to advocate for clients whom they represent, and the gratitude and appreciation motivate most to continue their work despite the doggedness of long days and exhausted lives. But at what cost? An alcohol or drug addiction presents differently for each person. Many will suffer natural consequences such as car accidents, DUIs, loss of relationships, or poor work performance. Others may come to rely on alcohol or medications to calm their nerves, cope with upsetting cases, or suppress emotions that illicit discomfort. Some may climb their way out of the bottle only to be lost in the dark web of violent pornography and sexual addiction. Many clients report somatic symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems, bowel issues, and stress induced vomiting. Most clients notice a lack of desire to do things they once enjoyed, a need to isolate themselves from others, and anxiety attacks that appear at the worst possible moments. Professionals report their time is the company’s most precious asset, so how could we give up such an asset to seek help or address these problems? The real question is: what will the company lose and what will the individual sacrifice by not seeking help? Simply put, the cost of treatment should outweigh the financial loss of losing a license. The ninety minutes per week spent in therapy will preserve the limited emotional resources each attorney possess and can be utlized for more pressing issues such as caring for sick or elderly parents. Seeking guidance isn’t complicated. The best way to find a quality mental health provider is by asking those trusted friends and family about who they know. Calling a provider’s office for a five-minute interview of what they specialize in, what type of licensure they possess, and the fees associated with services is also a good start. If individual therapy is not an option support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Sex Addicts Anonymous can be offered in face to face, online, or teleconference settings. Do not seek help from individuals who are unlicensed or do not specialize in the area of treatment you are seeking. Ask for references or consult search engines for client testimonials and any licensure complaints, keeping in mind that some reviewers may be clients who were not ready to seek treatment or hear the truth about their situation.
Lauren Rich is the Owner of Rich Consulting LLC, a forensic mental health practice located in Muskogee, OK. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Arkansas and Oklahoma, and has both a B.A. and Master’s in Social Work. Her practice includes general mental health psychotherapy, trauma f o c u s e d t re a t m e n t , sexual addictions and sex offender evaluation and treatment. She is a Clinically Certified Sex Offender Treatment Specialist and facilitates a federal treatment group for the U.S. Probation Office.
Resources to help... Lawyers Helping Lawyers Free 24 Hr. Assistance
• 1-800-364-7886 • Monthly Discussion Groups/Topics • Drugs, alcohol, depression, stress, relationship management, gambling • https://www.okbar.org/lhl/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) National, Toll-Free, 24 Hours
Crisis Text Line -Need help? Text START to 741-741
Tulsa Lawyer 15
LEGAL AID VOLUNTEERS ARE
“VOLUNTEERS EXTRAORDINAIRE”! By Karen Langdon
As the Pro Bono Coordinator for Legal Aid Services in Tulsa, I can speak with authority about the amazing commitment and legal expertise shown by the many, many lawyers in the area who represent our clients and help them resolve whatever problems they face, while making them feel valued and respected. These are clients who perhaps have never received such specialized treatment before – and they are as amazed as they are grateful!!! So what kinds of clients does a Legal Aid volunteer help? Let’s see…
Tenants who have suffered an illness or been required to take care of a relative who is sick miss work – so they don’t receive a paycheck – and they cannot pay the rent and receive notice that they must be out of their home in such a short time they can’t even make moving arrangements or find another place to live – and Legal Aid lawyers mediate the situation and are able to get the tenants more time, usually weeks more, to make the move – or even convince the landlord to actually agree to accept the overdue rent in small payments over the next months with no late fees involved.
wants to be sure his house will go to his children when he dies – and finds out a simple Transfer on Death Deed does the trick! And saves the costs of probate! And by the way, he wants his daughter, not his son, to take care of his affairs when he no longer can – so a Power of Attorney assures his wish will be followed. A Legal Aid volunteer prepares both, along with an Advanced Medical Directive to allow him to determine how his final medical care will be handled. A frightened woman wants to change her last name so the man who severely abused her can never A father who has seldom seen his children, but find her – and a name change case is filed, and she feels suddenly receives a call from DHS to take custody safe. because their mother is in jail – and a simple paternity case makes everything official and even assures him of A frustrated gentleman cannot get a driver’s child support if the mother is ever employed again. license because he has no birth certificate – and he can’t get a birth certificate because when he was born A woman signs a contract for deed which she his name was not recorded correctly – so he needs a believes will assure that she owns the house she is court order that a corrected birth certificate be issued living in after paying the mortgage for ten years – and by Vital Records – and the attorney gets the court order at the end of ten years, she is told by the owner that she after filing the petition requesting it. still owes thousands – and a quiet title action is brought by the volunteer attorney, but the case doesn’t even go Grandparents are caring for their grandchildren, to trial after the mediator looks at the contract and the because the parents are in jail (one) and on drugs proof of payments. The owner signs over the deed to (the other), but the school insists they cannot enroll the property – and justice is served. the children unless they are legal guardians – so the uncontested guardianship is quickly filed and completed. 16 Tulsa Lawyer
Many, many people who have experienced serious medical problems and are overcome with bills that can’t be paid and garnishments that take away half of their weekly paychecks are assisted by bankruptcy attorneys who are able to help them make a clean start and support their families once again – and the required credit counseling courses have helped them learn the skills needed to stay out of debt! A woman has finally gotten a protective order against her abusive husband – and has escaped to a shelter, but must go through the divorce process that will make him even more angry and she believes her children need him in their lives – but represented by a wise and patient volunteer attorney she files for divorce, supervised visitation is set up, the husband is ordered to anger management classes to be allowed to see the children, and a dangerous, negative situation is at least neutralized and all parties put in a much better situation than before. Surely you see a case here that you have the expertise to handle – join us in making a huge difference in the lives of our clients!
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE HANDLED THESE CASES – AND CONTINUE TO SAY “YES” WHEN I CALL!
Tulsa Lawyer 17
Diversity Committee Networking Reception Held Thursday, October 18th GableGotwals recently sponsored TU’s Fall Diversity Networking Reception on Thursday, October 18th.
The members of GableGotwals are committed to seeking and promoting diversity and inclusion, not just as a means of contributing to social justice and the overall welfare of our communities, but also because it facilitates delivery of the highest quality of services to our clients and affords the best professional development opportunities for all of our members. A wealth of research confirms that diverse teams produce the best results, because the broader the diversity of perspective that is focused on a problem or an issue, and the greater the inclusion of those diverse perspectives, the less likely teams are to overlook important considerations, and the more likely it is that a broader scope of creative solutions will be considered. Other sponsors included the Tulsa County Bar Association, Univeristy of Tulsa College of Law and the TCBA Diversity Committee.
Send your TCBA Committee news to tulsabarnews@yahoo.com
For more information about the TCBA Diversity Committee contact our Chair, Honorable April Seibert at April.seibert@oscn.net
Would you like to share your expertise & knowledge with the legal community and your peers? mptaubman@taubmanlawoffice.com tulsabarnews@yahoo.com Tulsa Lawyer 19
VP's Corner Amber Peckio Garrett
Top Ten - Legally Speaking Happy Holidays and Season’s Greetings!
than this great list from Above the Law and Crush the LSAT Exam websites. Looks like someone might get There is so much going on with your Bar this month. that Instant Pot© yet. Here is some of the things I will be doing this month besides making my list for Santa. Below Are The Top 10 Best Gifts You Can Give A Lawyer. Now is the time to take advantage of all free CLE perk just for being a member of the Tulsa County Bar 1. Blue Apron© Subscription Association. From Cannabis Law on Dec. 7th, Valuing 2. Instant Pot© Commercial Property on Dec. 11 to the New Court 3. Civil Liberties Rules for Juvenile Law on Dec. 14 , there is something for everyone’s practice. If you don’t see something 4. Favorite Coffee Mug interesting to you, why not volunteer to teach one? I bet 5. Lawyer's Lawsuit Board Game© if you’re interested in it so, is another TCBA member. 6. The Tools of Argument book by Joel P. Trachtman 7. Noise Cancelling Headphone 8. Nest© Learning Thermostat 9. Foldable Bluetooth Keypad 10. Cross Cut Paper Shredder th
th
Last thing, I will be doing is making sure I treat everyone with kindness and grace during this Holiday Season. Best to everyone and be safe. I will see in the New Year!
Teleported back through time in the Tardis,
Amber Peckio Garrett Still looking for that perfect gift for the Lawyer TCBA Vice-President 2018-2019 on your list (hint, hint, I like gifts), then look no further
Tulsa County Bar Center Holiday Hours Closed Dec. 24th & 25th for the Christmas Holiday. Close at noon on Dec. 31st for New Years Eve. Closed Jan. 1st for New Years Day.
20 Tulsa Lawyer
The Sky’s the Limit – The Joe Dial Story Written by Doug Eaton with Joe Dial A Review By Michael P. Taubman
We find inspiration in all sorts of places, and it leads us to new adventures and achievements. For Joe Dial, author Doug Eaton describes how a broken pole, discarded by Joe Dial’s older brother, Rex, and the backyard of the family home in Marlow, Oklahoma changed a life’s trajectory. Joe Dial began using the remainder of that pole to get started in the “family business”, with the Dial family being some of the best pole vaulters ever in Oklahoma and the world as you discover in the pages of this book. In addition to his brother, Rex, Joe Dial’s father, Earl Dean Dial, also had a background in pole vault, and his coaching up young Joe would start him on a trajectory of winning meets and making records thereafter. From his humble, backyard beginnings, Joe would win national championship for his age-group in ages 13, 14 and 15. Then in 1981, he set an Oklahoma high school record of 17 feet, 9.5 inches while a student at Marlow High School. Living the title of this book by Doug Eaton with Joe Dial, The Sky’s the Limit, goes through in detail how Dial climbed
the pole-vaulting champions ladder to become the first American high schooler to clear 18 feet, before going on to win six Big-8 pole-vault titles with Oklahoma State University. While at OSU, Dial was teammates with a javelin thrower for the Cowboys by the name of Brooks – Garth Brooks. Joe recalls that Brooks was a good thrower in his college days, but he really made his mark five years after he left college, heading to Nashville to try to make a go at being a singer. I think everyone can generally agree that Brooks made a sound decision, with his music career outdistancing his 218’ javelin throw (even with the Chris Gaines album haunting the back catalog). Dial was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 2016 for multiple athletic achievements, having held the American polevaulting record for nine years (1985-94), winning a bronze medal at the 1989 World Championships, four NCAA championships and many more accomplishments, such as participating in five Olympic qualifying meets in 1980, ’84, ’88, ’92 and ’96. While he never made the Olympic team due to injuries, death of family members and such, Eaton discusses how Dial worked to improve the sport, through his coaching of athletes for Oral Roberts University and even another generation of Dial’s just now entering Tulsa Lawyer 21
the family business in recent years at Jenks High School. Dial’s passion for helping people improve doesn’t just happen on the field. In Part IV of the book discussing “European Travels”, Eaton talks with Joe about his willingness to share his gifts. The story describes how Joe Dial took a Bible in his pole-vaulting bag on a trip behind the Iron Curtain. “I had given a Bible to a Soviet pole vaulter, Igor Trandenkov, whom I’d gotten to know.” After the track meets on these trips, Dial with several others would meet in secret with underground churches, as an apostolic example of living his Christian faith to inspire others. Dial offered a Bible to his opponent, Trandenkov, which transformed his life. Tradenkov would go on to win silver medals in the pole vault at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and again in 1996 at Atlanta’s Olympic games. Dial recalls how seeing and talking with him years after the gift exchange, Tradenkov would tell him in a stilted English, “Joe, you remember you give (sic) me Bible long time ago? I still have Bible, and I read it all the time. I am Christian now.” Pole-vaulting didn’t just involve lifting Dial up higher than some have every gone, it took him around the world to compete against the best. During the years that Dial held the American pole-vault record, he broke records on eight different occasions, sometimes just days apart. On June 18, 1987 he set the American (outdoor) record with his highest vault of 19’6-1/2” in Norman at the University of Oklahoma Invitational. He won the bronze medal at the 1989 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, and, in 2011, he was inducted into the Pole Vault Hall of Fame.
The respect you earn from others for doing a good job can be reflected in awards and accolades. In Eaton’s book on Joe Dial, you begin with three introductions written by high school and college teammates, and even Joe’s greatest competitor, Sergey Bubka. Bubka is a world-record setting Russian pole-vaulter who set over 35 world records competing for the USSR, including a Gold medal at 1988’s Seoul Olympic Games. Now, Bubka is the Senior VP of the International Association of Athletics Foundation, as well as the President of the National Olympic Committee of the Ukraine. Also, the Foreward by high school and college teammate, Steve Patterson, describes how “no one could outwork Joe. It just wasn’t possible.” Then there’s the javelin thrower, Garth Brooks, who talks about greatness not in terms of what you do (or have done), but in what you pass on to others. “This is where Joe Dial became a hero to me. Joe has to be one of the greatest teachers of the sport. I watch him… take what God has given an individual and he goes to work making those gifts the best they can be… That’s a true gift, one very few people possess.” As we approach this holiday season and time of gift giving, let us reflect on what gifts as lawyers we have to offer others, such as teaching others how to be better lawyers through the TCBA’s Mentoring Committee (contact Kathleen Pence at kathleen@pencelawfirm. org). Make time to serve others as a lawyer, whether that’s helping out a non-profit board, participating in the TCBA’s Holiday Challenge for Family & Children’s Services (contact Natalie Sears at nsears@cordelllaw. com), donating old clothing for Santa Brings a Lawsuit (contact Ashley Webb at awebb@riggsabney.com) or finding time to volunteer in your community. Let’s all try to achieve new heights and set our own personal records. Joe on the runway in his early days preparing to vault receiving last minute advice from older brother Rex and father Dean.
All photos used with permission of Doug Eaton
22 Tulsa Lawyer
YOUNG LAWYERS: HAPPY HOUR, BOWLING & CONNECTING Happy Hour:
Please join the YLD, Mentoring Committee, and the Diversity Committee for a great happy hour on December 13th from 5-7 p.m.! Drink specials and appetizers Bowling: provided! Location: It’s that time of the year again! YLD TBD BOWLING LEAGUE. League to begin January 2019 at Sheridan Lanes! Start date: TBA. If interested in signing up, please contact me, Natalie Sears, at nsears@cordelllaw.com
COURT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP) Beginning December 1, 2018, the CAP Program will be run under the TCBA Pro Bono Committee. The CAP Program began in 2010 as a collaboration with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, The Tulsa County Courthouse and the TCBA. The purpose of the CAP Program is to represent those individuals and families facing eviction and who would otherwise not be able to afford an attorney. The CAP Program is staffed with volunteer attorneys who go down on either a Tuesday or a Thursday and represent pro se tenants and landlords. Now if Tuesdays and Thursdays do not work well with your schedule we are looking to expand into Mondays and Fridays, as well.
We cannot sustain this Program without our volunteer attorneys, so if you are interested in volunteering a few hours whether it be once a month, once a week or more, we would love to hear from you. Housing is a basic essential need for anyone, so the idea of being homeless is scary for many individuals. Through CAP you have the opportunity to assist someone to help prevent homelessness or maybe to better their situation if they happen to be living in an inhabitable environment. For further information, please contact either the Pro Bono Chair, Kimberly K. Moore at Kimberly.moore@ laokorg or (918) 906-6655. You may also contact our CAP Coordinator, Beth Nellis at bethnellis@cox.net or (918) 760-3945.
It’s not too late to participate in the
Please join us and let’s Holiday Challenge!! make the 2018 Send your tax deductible Lawyer Magazine as being Holiday Challenge donations payable to TCBF totally awesome people with a huge success! and note “Holiday Challenge” on your payment. Cash donations will be accepted through December 7, 2018. Get your last minute tax deductions in before the end of the year! All 2018 sponsors will be recognized in the Tulsa 24 Tulsa Lawyer 24 Tulsa Lawyer
generous hearts (so let me know if you would prefer your donation to remain anonymous). Let’s show our Tulsa area children in need that they are not forgotten.
OCT
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Do you have photos of a TCBA event? Have you spotted a TCBA Member in a random act of kindness? Know of an attorney or firm that goes above and beyond to help our community? Please share with the Tulsa Lawyer!
Email to mptaubman@taubmanlawoffice.com or tulsabarnews@yahoo.com
HERO LAWYERS AND FIRMS
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. (LASO) has the mission of providing equal access to justice for all. That mission cannot be accomplished without the time and talent provided by the private bar and financial backing of so many. Legal help can be so expensive that the poor and marginalized people of our community are often forced to suffer because they cannot afford the help they need. But hope is rising for many of the clients who come from the Tulsa area to Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. That hope comes in the form of Volunteer Lawyers that are everyday people who do extraordinary things. The 65 attorney’s named here have each taken a case for LASO this year. Many of them have taken multiple cases. Here are the 65 heroic lawyers who in 2018 have helped bring hope and have changed lives. You are our heroes.
Aaron Tifft Dean Solberg Kirsten Palfreyman Allie Smith Derek Lawrence Lane Wilson Andrew Polly Gerald Lovoi Laura Hill Andrew Shank Heidi Shadid Laurel Carbone Anna Hanson James Milton Luci Kroblin Barbara Moschovidis Jarod Buchan Lynn Moore Ben Schiller Jessie Oakley-Felmlee Margo Shipley Brandon Bickle Jessie Pierre- Jack Mac Finlayson Brenda McHugh Jim Proszec Michael McCann Brian Lambert Joel S. Dash Michael Nelson Carol Swenson Joel Korens Michael Pacewicz Cassia Carr John Gammie Misty Fields Clint Parsons John Kristjansson Natalie Schaefer Coy Coffman Jonathan Nation Riley Kern Daniel Ede Kelley Feldhake Robert Farris Darrell Moore Karen Walsh Roger Gassett William Hickman
Ron Lender Ross Alexander Sam Clancy Sidney Swinson Stephanie Duran Stephanie Gentry Stephen Layman Steve Hale Steve Soule Steven Swant Steven Wyers Tami Anderson Timothy Studebaker Tina Soin Tracey Garrison Trevor Smith
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. thanks you each for your dedication to our clients and our community. Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. (LASO) also enlists the aid of a cadre of top attorneys in Tulsa to help raise funding to support the work that LASO does for those who live in poverty. The Tulsa Fundraising Team has been in existence since 2006, increasing their commitment each year. This year, the Team’s goal is to raise $155,000 to support the Tulsa Law Office of LASO. This team is composed of: • • • • • • • • • • •
John Clayman, Chair of the Team, from Frederic Dorwart, Lawyers Anita Anthony from Pray Walker Jon Brightmire from Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, L.L.P. Meagen Burrows from GableGotwals Patrick Colvin from Jones, Gotcher & Bogan P.C. Tony Haynie from Conner & Winters C.S. Lewis III from Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison & Lewis James Love from Titus Hillis Reynolds Love P.C. J. Daniel Morgan Charlie Plumb from McAfee & Taft Benjamin Schiller from Crowe & Dunlevy
These attorneys g iv e countless hours to contacting firms, individual lawyers, corporations and independent foundations for their support. Through their time, LASO is able to sustain. They are our heroes. 26 Tulsa Lawyer
Annual Estate Planning/Probate CLE Dec. 13th (9a-5p)
7 credit hours and includes 1 hour of ethics 8:55 -9:00 Opening Comments: Henry G. Will 9:00 -9:50 Emily Pearson (Franden Farris) Topic: “ Current Developments in Estate Planning – Just What We All Wanted to Know” 9:50 -10:40 Samantha Davis (Hall Estill) Topic: “Asset Protection Planning –Hiding from the Mean Dogs” 10:40 – 11:00 Break 11:00 – 11:50 Rachel Lenehan (Conner & Winters) Topic: “Grantor Trusts: Currently the Most Basic Tool in the EP Toolbox”. 11:50 -1:10 Lunch Break (Brown Bag) 1:10 – 2:00 Steve Balman (Franden Farris) and Hon. Kurt Glassco, Topic: “Outrageous Recent Cases from the Local Bench, A Dialogue” 2:00 – 2:50 Jim Milton (Hall Estill) Topic: to be selected from ACTEC materials (Funny or Clever Title required) 2:50 – 3:10 Break 3:10 – 4:00 Clint Swanson - Topic: “Exciting Recent Developments in our most Scintillating Subject: Exempt Organizations and Charitable Planning” 4:00 – 4:50 Henry G. Will (Conner & Winters) Topic: “Ethics – Let’s All Stay Out of Jail and Act Like Professionals” 4:50 – 5:00 Concluding Remarks
Our volunteers, left to right: Gavin Burl, Kaitlyn Sweatt, Tami Williams, Katy Inhofe, Paul McTigh (Santa), Carol Sokolosky and Allen Pease Front row: Kayla Finnegan, Chance and Kevin Finnegan. Not shown: Zach Mortazavi.
Santa Paws
was held November 10th. Sponsored by the TCBA Animal Law Committee and benefitting Spay Oklahoma.
Gavin, Kaitlyn, Kayla & Zach are TU Law Students. Kevin will be a law student next year.
Allen Pease (Santa) with his dog Chance
Astro,
grand puppy of TCBA Membership Director, Tami Williams
Judicial Forum
Sponsored by the Tulsa County Bar Association
October 23rd
Thank you to Santa Paws photographer Gavin Burl, TU Law Student. Diamond is dressed in her Christmas best. She belongs to TCBA member Belinda Wildcat.
Guardian Bootcamp: A Crash Course on Adult and Child Guardianships with Catherine Welsh, Welsh & McCough, PLLC
Dec. 14th (8a-12p)
4 credit hours You will learn: How to file and complete an adult guardianship action • Discussion of the difference between a private and APS guardianship • Discussion of special (emergency) versus general guardianships How to file and complete a child guardianship action • Discussion of temporary versus general guardianship • Discussion of Title 10 versus Title 30 guardianships • Discussion of adoption considerations How to prepare an annual report for both adult and child guardianships How to sell real and personal property Guardianship pitfalls and ethical considerations, with a discussion of important guardianship cases every practitioner should have an awareness of
OBA TCBA Member Awards
Tulsa Lawyer 29
Grapevine News Crowe & Dunlevy recently announced the appointment of attorneys Eric S. Fisher and J. Blake Johnson as chair and vice-chair, respectively, of the firm’s Cannabis Industry Practice Group. They lead a team of attorneys representing the interests of more than 100 marijuana and hemp businesses in Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas and Arkansas, while bringing the resources and experience of a full-service corporate law firm to North America’s — and Oklahoma’s — fastest growing industry. Fisher serves as a director in the firm’s Oklahoma City office. In addition to working with clients in the cannabis industry, he frequently serves as outside general counsel to closely held companies, family businesses and entrepreneurs and their early stage and emerging market businesses, offering guidance and advice on all aspects of the organization, operation and financing of such businesses. Fisher graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree from Northwestern University before graduating with honors from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. As an associate working with cannabisindustry clients in the firm’s Oklahoma City office, Johnson was the founding member of the Cannabis Industry Practice Group. Experienced in all stages of litigation, he also works with entertainment industry, product liability and Indian law and gaming clients. He is an American Bar Association Appellate Advocacy National Championship quarterfinalist and received the National Order of Scribes Legal Writing Award. Johnson graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma before attending the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He received his law degree with several honors, including Order of the Coif, Order of the Barristers and Law Review. Though Oklahoma’s medical-marijuana market is still in its infancy, Crowe & Dunlevy has advised and counseled clients in the legal-cannabis industry since 2017. The firm’s Cannabis Industry Practice Group currently works to provide businesses in the industry with crucial counsel concerning every facet of their development, operation and growth.
Law was a member of the Tulsa Law Review and the recipient of CALI Awards for both Civil Procedure and Trial Skills. At Smakal Munn P.C. she will focus her practice on all areas of family law, guardianship and adoption matters, as well as criminal and traffic matters. Smakal Munn P.C. also congratulates Kelly A. Smakal for her recognition by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys as one of the 2018 Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in the State of Oklahoma; with Smakal Munn P.C. also being recognized as an Oklahoma Family Law “10 Best Law Firm.” Ms. Smakal was also recognized as a 2018 Oklahoma Super Lawyer in the area of Family Law. Ms. Smakal has been recognized by Super Lawyer since 2010. Smakal Munn P.C. is a Tulsa based firm representing clients throughout the State of Oklahoma in administrative, district and appellate courts in all domestic and/or family law matters, including but not limited to divorce, paternity, fathers’ rights, child custody, child and spousal support and protective orders; as well as guardianships, adoptions, criminal and traffic matters.
McAfee & Taft has announced that attorney Kimberly Golden Gore has joined its Litigation Group. Gore’s trial and appellate practice encompasses the areas of products liability defense, mass torts litigation, class actions, and other complex business litigation. Her clients include leading manufacturers of consumer and commercial products, with an emphasis on the automotive industry. Prior to joining McAfee & Taft, Gore worked for six years as a federal judicial clerk for U.S. magistrate judges serving the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Her diverse career experience also includes working as a litigation associate in private practice in Mississippi and Florida, as a civil court staff attorney for the State of Florida’s Sixth Judicial Court, as a federal judicial law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and as a judicial Smakal Munn P.C. is pleased to announce that law clerk for the chief judge of the Mississippi Court of Appeals. Mackenzie Jacobson has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Gore also spent three years working as an assistant attorney Ms. Jacobson was formerly an Assistant District Attorney for general for the State of Florida’s Children’s Legal Services the Muskogee County District Attorney’s Office, as well as a division, where she managed the appellate department in the licensed legal intern at the Rogers County District Attorney’s Tampa office. Office. During law school, she interned for the Honorable Mike Gore graduated magna cum laude from the Norman, District Judge of Muskogee County, and the United Mississippi College School of Law in 2001 and is admitted to States Attorney’s Office(s) for both the Northern District of practice in Oklahoma, Mississippi and Florida. Oklahoma, as well as for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office. Ms. Jacobson, a December 2017 graduate of the University of Tulsa College of
Wilburn & Masterson is pleased to announce the addition of Amy E. Hampton as a named partner of the firm, which has changed its name to Wilburn, Masterson & Hampton. Ms. Hampton is a graduate of the University of Tulsa College of Law, has over 14 years of legal experience, and holds Martindale-Hubbell's AV Preeminent Rating for professional excellence. Ms. Hampton is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, as well as all federal and state courts in Oklahoma. Prior to beginning her career in private practice, Ms. Hampton served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable James J. Morley, Burlington County Superior Court, New Jersey. While Ms. Hampton has experience in a variety of practice areas, including insurance bad faith, insurance defense, personal injury, business litigation, construction litigation, insurance subrogation, family law and appellate practice, the focus of her practice is on insurance defense and coverage issues. Since joining the firm, Ms. Hampton has worked diligently to provide exceptional legal services to clients with a commitment to the highest standards of quality and competence.
George Luis Carrasquillo
On October 13th, 2018, we lost an incredible man. George Luis Carrasquillo was born on October 17th, 1930, in Caguas, Puerto Rico. George was an amazing man who truly had a heart to help people struggling with legal battles. He grew up in Puerto Rico and found his way to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to later become a graduate of the University of Tulsa College of Law. He practiced law for the rest of his life, helping people overcome their legal issues, even after his retirement. He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Karen Carrasquillo, of Ft. Myers, FL, his loving daughter, Kimberly Tomlin, of Alvin, TX, his loving son, Michael Carrasquillo, of Tulsa, OK, and three wonderful grandchildren, Ricki and Kurt Tomlin, of Alvin, TX, and Krislyn Carrasquillo, of Tulsa, OK. George is also survived by his loving brother, Freddie Carrasquillo, and sister, Lina Baerga, both of Puerto Rico, along with numerous nieces and nephews. George was a kind, loving, and caring person with a captivating sense of humor. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend
He will be missed immensely.
Titus Hillis Reynolds Love is pleased to announce that R. Kyle Alderson has joined the firm as an associate. R. Kyle Alderson most recently served as First Assistant District Attorney in Osage and Pawnee counties. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa College of Law and graduated with honors from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in Political Science. Titus Hillis is an A-V rated law firm providing comprehensive litigation and consulting services. Our lawyers are dedicated to providing quality legal services in a cost efficient and timely manner. Areas of emphasis include: business mergers and acquisitions; commercial law and litigation; products liability; labor and employment litigation and preventative counseling; director and officer defense; ERISA litigation; communications law and first amendment; insurance and bad faith defense; creditor/debtor law; and bankruptcy law and litigation. N. Scott Johnson & Associates, an AV-Preeminent rated firm, is pleased to announce that Patrick H. McCord has been named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. The Academy, founded in 1962 to provide leadership promoting the highest degree of professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law, is comprised of approximately 1,650 leading practitioners of family law in the United States. Prior to admission, each prospective Fellow undergoes a rigorous application, testing, and interview process. With Patrick’s admission to the AAML, N. Scott Johnson & Associates becomes the only law firm in the state of Oklahoma having multiple Fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. N. Scott Johnson & Associates is also pleased to announce the addition of Kensey Wright to the firm. An experienced attorney in domestic and civil litigation, Kensey will be instrumental in maintaining the aggressive growth of N. Scott Johnson & Associates’ full range of family law services. Kensey earned her BA at New Mexico State University in 2010, and received her Juris Doctor from University of Tulsa College of Law in 2013. Kensey was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2017 and 2018. She is a member of the Military Law Committee, and volunteers for Tulsa Lawyers for Children.
The National Trial Lawyers is pleased to announce that Edward Lindsey of the Lindsey Law Firm in Tulsa has been selected for inclusion into its Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers in Oklahoma, an honor given to only a select group of lawyers for their superior skills and qualifications in the field.Membership in this exclusive organization is by invitation only, and is limited to the top 100 attorneys in each state or region who have demonstrated excellence and have achieved outstanding results in their careers in either civil plaintiff or criminal defense law
Tulsa Lawyer 31
The National Trial Lawyers is a professional organization comprised of the premier trial lawyers from across the country who have demonstrated exceptional qualifications in their area of the law, specifically criminal defense or civil plaintiff law. The National Trial Lawyers provides accreditation to these distinguished attorneys, and also provides essential legal news, information, and continuing education to trial lawyers across the United States. With the selection of Edward Lindsey by The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, Mr. Lindsey has shown that he exemplifies superior qualifications, leadership skills, and trial results as a trial lawyer. The selection process for this elite honor is based on a multiphase process which includes peer nominations combined with third party research. As The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 is an essential source of networking and information for trial attorneys throughout the nation, the final result of the selection process is a credible and comprehensive list of the most outstanding trial lawyers chosen to represent their state or region. Hall Estill is pleased to announce that attorney Betsy Jackson received the Oklahoma Bar Association Diversity Committee 2018 Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Diversity Award. She was awarded for her work in a variety of corporate and community events that promote mutual respect, acceptance, cooperation or tolerance, and contribution to diversity awareness in the community and workplace. The award was presented by Hall Estill’s Ken Williams, member of the OBA Diversity Committee, for Jackson’s participation in a variety of corporate and community events that promote mutual respect, acceptance, cooperation or tolerance, and contribution to diversity awareness in the community and workplace. Jackson is a shareholder at Hall Estill where she practices securities, business transactions, commercial finance, mergers and acquisitions and real estate. She received her undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University and her J.D. from the TU College of Law. She is past chair of Hall Estill’s Recruitment & Diversity Committee, as well as the Associate Review Committee. She is involved as a volunteer in the Tulsa community. Jackson is the current executive vice chair and incoming president of the Board of Directors for Tulsa CARES, an organization committed to creating a community where all people with HIV/ AIDS have equal opportunities for healthy living. In addition, she and her husband, Gerry, served as co-chairs of the 2018 Red Ribbon Gala. Jackson serves as vice-chair for the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women where she was instrumental in the development of the Female Incarceration Action Plan (May 2016). The plan was a road map designed to identify gaps in services and programs available to women in Oklahoma incarcerated for nonviolent crimes. In addition, she serves as vice chair of the Board of Directors for the Tulsa Area United Way.
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