Fry & Elder

Elite Tulsa law firm focused on family, immigration and criminal law

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Case Log Jam Forges Need for Experienced Tulsa Family Lawyer

By all accounts, James Morton is a seasoned and accomplished Tulsa family lawyer.

The Fry & Elder attorney has been practicing family law and domestic cases inside Oklahoma courtrooms for over 30 years, yet Morton knows he’s about to enter uncharted waters.

Tulsa family lawyer

“It’s going to be different than anything I’ve ever seen,” Morton said. “It’s going to be a mess; it’s going to be like mining through a landfill.”

The mess Morton is referring to is the amount of backed-up cases – many of which involve child custody issues and protective orders – still awaiting a turn in front of a judge inside the Tulsa County Courthouse after the Coronavirus pandemic shut down the courthouse for nearly six weeks.

Though the Tulsa County Courthouse reopened its doors May 18, many safety precautions are now in place which has limited the number of people allowed inside a courtroom to no more than 10 and subsequently has caused a tremendous case log jam.

The climate is vastly different than the days when over 4,000 visitors would regularly enter the Tulsa County Courthouse before the Coronavirus pandemic struck as reported by the Tulsa World.

Tulsa family lawyer

James Morton

“Safety definitely needs to come first,” Morton said. “But there also are a number of clients in some volatile and stressful situations they need resolved as soon as possible, making it all the more important that they have an experienced attorney advocating for them.”

Better days appear to be on the horizon.

The Tulsa District County Courthouse reported on its website that the Family Safety Center will open June 1 and will be able to then assist petitioners in complete Emergency Protective Orders. Read the full administrative order here from the Tulsa District County Courthouse.

Why You Need an Accomplished Tulsa Family Lawyer now more than ever

Because so many cases have been backed up, Morton believes there will be a very high number of status conferences in the upcoming weeks and months.

The purpose of these status conferences will be to reacquaint the judge and attorneys with the dynamics of various, specific cases. The hopeful result would be a request for a pre-trial or trial date.

“If you don’t have attorney, things could very easily fall through the cracks,” longtime Fry & Elder paralegal Judy Willits said. “If you have a pending domestic legal situation, it’s important that you not only have an attorney but one who is experienced in navigating through the court system.”

Tulsa family lawyer

Few firms have more history or are more synonymous with Tulsa family law excellence than Fry & Elder.

The firm’s roots go all the way back to 1932 when C. Lawrence Elder began trying and wining cases in Oklahoma courtrooms.

The firm continues to be recognized as an industry leader in family law, having been selected to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List every year since 2014.

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. has been recognized by Best Lawyers® the past 10 years and has been named to Super Lawyers® every year since 2007.

Additionally, Fry is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and is a Martindale-Hubble AV Preeminent Rated attorney.

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a seasoned and accomplished Tulsa family lawyer.

Co-Parenting During Coronavirus Poses Unique Challenges

Even without a world-wide pandemic, co-parenting is no easy task for many divorced and separated parents. Add the Coronavirus pandemic to the mix, and its easy to why co-parenting issues have become compounded and strained during these unforeseen and stressful times. The Tulsa family law firm of Fry & Elder recognizes and understands the difficulties co-parenting during Coronavirus has not only brought on many parents but also children living in Tulsa county.

Co-Parenting During Coronavirus

The nationally recognized firm encourages that those co-parenting during Coronavirus to first and foremost keep the child’s best interests in mind and be open and honest with their communication efforts to their ex.

“I think one of the biggest issues we have been hearing about from current and prospective clients is the issue of social distancing,” said Robert G ‘Hap’ Fry Jr. “One parent will see things one way and the other a different way in regards to social distancing parameters and protocol. No question, these are stressful times for all parties involved which makes it even more important that parents give their children love and attention during these times.

“We really have been encouraging parents to try their best to put aside their differences and come up with an arrangement that not only best protects their child physically but also emotionally.”

Co-Parenting During Coronavirus: Communication is Key

Consistent and considerate communication plays a key role in any co-parenting situation. Parents are not going to see eye-to-eye on everything involving Coronavirus, but they need to be open with their ex about what type of safety and social-distancing protocols they are promoting with their child.

While keeping open-communication lines is paramount for those co-parenting during Coronavirus, it is just as important to be flexible and reasonable with one another.

The ability to compromise or give and take a little during these stressful times is often the difference between positive and negative co-parenting experience.

Co-Parenting During Coronavirus: Take Necessary Action When Prompted

If you feel your child’s health and safety are at risk, it goes without saying that you need to speak up.

Though the best approach would be to work out a solution with your ex, sometimes this is not an option, particularly when your ex is being unreasonable and unresponsive.

In the event of this situation, it would be wise to seek consultation with an experienced Tulsa family law attorney.

There are options available, but because the Tulsa Courthouse only recently re-opened, cases and pleadings are backed up so it is important to quickly consult with an attorney, particularly if your are seeking a child custody modification or an emergency protective order.

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a proven and accomplished Tulsa family law attorney.

Clients Encouraged to Utilize Digital Consultation Options

Since Fry & Elder first opened its doors in 1932 and began trying cases throughout Oklahoma courtrooms, the established Tulsa law firm has sought to implement innovative strategies to advocate for and support its clients during the most trying times.

Digital ConsultationAs our country continues to navigate and respond to coronavirus (COVID-19), Fry & Elder wants its valued clients to know that the firm is fully to committed to its clientele and their health and safety.

The firm is taking appropriate safety precautions during these challenging days which includes enhanced hygiene, sanitation, social distancing and utilizing digital consultation platforms to hold private consultations.

Though the firm will continue to meet and consult with clients in a face-to-face office setting, Fry & Elder is available for confidential consultations and meetings using video-conferencing technology including FaceTime, Skype and Zoom. This would be the preferred method of conferencing as our country continues to promote social distancing in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.

“Our job as attorneys is to seek solutions for our clients which aid and assist them,” Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. said. “Right now, there is a lot of unknown out there for all of us, and there are many who will feel more comfortable communicating digitally or by phone which we are more than happy to accommodate.

“Many of our clients are facing challenging situations, and we want our clients to be as comfortable as possible while always knowing that we are diligently working on their case.”

Fry & Elder has been selected to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms list every year since 2014. Those interested in scheduling a private digital consultation should contact Fry & Elder at 918-585-1107 or by clicking here and submitting a request through email.

 

Best Lawyers® Tabs Leading Tulsa Family Law Attorney for 10th Consecutive Year

The email notification came through around 3 a.m., and Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., despite having been less than one week removed from an intensive out-patient surgery, quickly assessed the situation and responded to the new potential client inquiry.

Though it took the prospective client a few hours to get back to Fry Jr. – very few can sustain Fry’s around the clock schedule – a connection was eventually made between the two parties and the decorated Tulsa family law trial attorney was promptly retained.

Leading Tulsa family law attorney

It’s a scene that’s played out numerous times throughout Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr.’s illustrious career which has spanned over 50 years and reinforced his commitment to legal excellence.

Best Lawyers® further validated Fry’s reputation as going above and beyond the call of duty when the leading legal publication and unveiled its 2020 listing of Best Lawyers on Aug. 15 and selected Fry for inclusion.

The selection marks the 10th consecutive year Fry has been singled out by the national publication for his prominent work family law and domestic relations which include but are not limited to high-conflict, high-asset divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, modifications and protective orders.

“To be this highly thought of for 10 consecutive years is extremely significant; It is a very big honor,” said Fry, who was named Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Oklahoma 2016. “To be recognized by my peers and colleagues, particularly at this stage in my career, is very humbling and satisfying. Honors such as this are never taken lightly or for granted, and Best Lawyers® is as good of a legal publication as we have in our industry.”

Leading Tulsa family law attorney

Best Lawyers® Selection Process Among the Most Rigorous

That Fry has been listed by The Best Lawyers in America© every year since 2011 is no small feat. The publication is widely viewed as the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession.

Much of this has to do with the rigorous selection process Best Lawyers® employs. Lawyers are not permitted to pay any fee to participate in or be recognized by Best Lawyers. As the website states:

“Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.

“Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer-review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.”

Leading Tulsa Family Law Attorney has Longstanding Commitment to Excellence

Anyone who has worked an ample amount of time with Fry knows that he makes it a priority to respond to messages. It’s something he learned while clerking with Judge Robert D. Simms in 1966 and 1967 in continues to abide by to this day.

In addition to learning the importance of promptly returning phone calls to clients and colleagues, Fry also learned two other constants from Simms which has molded his illustrious career and which he shared in a 2016 Tulsa World article after being named the 2016 Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Oklahoma by Best Lawyers®.

As Oklahoma Hall of Fame journalist Ralph Schaefer wrote:

“Judge Simms told his young clerk to ‘always be prepared’ when you come into court, and ‘your word is your bond.’

“I deal with other lawyers every day and tell them what I am going to do,” Fry said. “I deal in trust and letters follow on the more complicated cases. Clients are told upfront that if an agreement is reached, they must follow through. If they don’t intend to do that, then they need to get another lawyer.”

The approach has worked without question for Fry. In addition to being a 10-time Best Lawyers® selection, the leading Tulsa family law attorney has been named to Super Lawyers® every year since 2007, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and is a Martindale-Hubble AV Preeminent Rated attorney.

Fry’s practice focuses on all of the following Tulsa family law services:

To set up a personal consultation with a proven and responsive leading Tulsa family law attorney, contact Fry & Elder today.

Oklahoma Military Academy Honors Fry & Elder Partner

CLAREMORE – James R. Elder still has plenty of rhythm and beat.

Oklahoma Military Academy honors James R. Elder

The Fry & Elder partner took to the stage and wowed a Saturday night crowd when he showed off his percussion-playing skills and sat in on the drums for a rousing performance of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” during an event recognizing Oklahoma Military Academy alumni at Rogers State University.

Making things all the better for Elder – a practicing Tulsa attorney with over 40 years legal experience – was the fact that he was the event’s guest of honor.

Elder received the William E. Potts Award given to the highest-ranking graduate during the weekend long event.

“It’s a tremendous honor,” said James R. Elder, a 1967 graduate of the Oklahoma Military Academy. “I have such fond memories of attending school here. My time here really helped instill the values and work ethic I would need to be successful personally and professionally. This weekend was a really a lot of fun for me and the others close to me.”

Elder attended OMA, which doubled as a high school and junior college, for five years and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant through ROTC training.

Oklahoma Military Academy Steeped in History

Though the Oklahoma Military Academy graduated its final class in 1971 and would later become Rogers State University, the former school has a rich history.

The school was founded shortly after World War I in 1919 and graduated a number of distinguished cadets and alumni, including William E. Potts, a Lieutenant General who served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.

After the Oklahoma Military Academy closed its doors in 1971, Elder and two other alumni were responsible for forming and setting up the OMA Alumni Chapter in 1973 to preserve school memories and connections. The group held its first reunion in 1974 and celebrated OMA’s 100th founding anniversary this year.

In addition to winning the William E. Potts Awards, Elder was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1984 and shortly after was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Academy Hall of Fame.

“This place really means a lot to me,” James R. Elder said.

James R. Elder a Standout Tulsa Attorney for over 40 Years

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. knew just how important this past weekend was for Elder so the other Fry & Elder named partner made it a point to attend all the festivities to support his friend, colleague and business partner.

“Jim is very deserving of this honor,” Fry said. “He kind of tries to hide in the background sometimes, but he is very committed, organized and knowledgeable. We’re extremely fortunate to have him, and he has been instrumental to the firm’s longevity and continued success.”

Elder joined Fry & Elder in 1991 and is the son of the late C. Lawrence Elder, who helped pioneer the firm by mentoring Fry.

James R. Elder has been recognized as a Martindale Hubbell AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated Attorney a remarkable 37 years in a row.

The Martindale-Hubbell® name has been in place since 1868 and is considered to be the “gold standard” in attorney ratings.

Elder’s practice primarily focuses on family law, including divorce, child custody, child support and modifications.

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with James R. Elder.

Top Tulsa Law Firm Lands Trio of Talented, Experienced Attorneys

There is a buzz permeating within the walls at 1630 S. Main Street which has been both constant and reassuring for a top Tulsa law firm.

Fry & Elder’s stature as one of the best Tulsa law firms has been further reinforced by the arrival of three proven trial lawyers in 2019.

Top Tulsa Law Firm

James Morton, Mary McMillen and Sara Schmook joined Fry & Elder in February, March and April, respectively, this year and have brought an enthusiastic nose-to-the-grindstone approach to the decorated Tulsa law firm which is seeking to be named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List for a seventh consecutive year in 2020.

“They have been a breath of fresh air,” Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. said of the trio. “I have known (James) for a long time and have had discussions about him joining the firm for the past 15 years. The timing just wasn’t right until this year, so I am very happy to have him on board. He’s the real deal.

“Mary and Sara each came here very highly recommended and have been extremely impressive thus far. I think what stands out the most about them is their maturity and desire to not just improve as attorneys but to approach practicing law in the right manner.”

Fry & Elder’s New Trio Brings Variety of Legal Experience, Skills to Top Tulsa Law Firm

Family law has been the legal focus of many attorneys at Fry & Elder, and it will also be a point of emphasis for Morton, McMillen and Schmook.

Though all the three trial lawyers have numerous experiences handling complicated and high-stakes divorce, child custody, child support cases, each of the three attorneys adds a unique legal skill-set complementary to the top Tulsa law firm.

Morton joined Fry & Elder in early 2019 and has over 30 years of domestic relations experience, making him the most seasoned attorney with the firm next to named partners James R. Elder and Fry.

Standout immigration attorney Lorena Rivas, who attended law school with McMillen and Schmook, is the Fry & Elder’s other decorated partner.

“I’ve done thousands of trials over the years, but the only way to really get comfortable in the courtroom is by being behind your desk and doing your homework,” James Morton said. “Each of my clients’ cases feature its own unique set of circumstances and challenges. I make it a point to really listen to my clients and work with them to develop a strategy to present the best possible outcome.”

In addition to her legal prowess in family law, McMillen is considered a rising star among Tulsa appellate attorneys.

McMillen has successfully argued and advocated for her clients in the Oklahoma Courts of Criminal and Civil Appeals.

Her success as a criminal defense attorney comes from understanding the intricacies of criminal procedure and not being afraid to push the State to meet its burden of providing all the elements of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

“Appellate work has always excited and challenged me,” Mary McMillen said. “It is unique in that you are taking on a case or issue with a fresh perspective and then you develop a new game plan to provide the best legal outcome possible.”

As a licensed CPA, Schmook adds a unique dynamic to the firm.

Not only is her legal practice tailored to focus on specific Oklahoma legal financial services such as guardianships, probates, estate planning, business formations and applications to the IRS for 501 (c)(3) not for profit organizations. She also is an excellent choice for clients going through a high-asset divorce.

“Quite often, there are a lot of financial implications which come in to play with complex divorces, particularly if there are a number of assets being disputed which need to be divided,” Sara Schmook said. “Fry & Elder has been a name that has carried a lot prestige to the sphere of Tulsa family law over the years so I am very excited to be with the firm.”

Before his move to 1630 S. Main Street in January, Morton said he had previously moved just two other times during his 30-year career. Shortly after his third career move, it didn’t take long for Morton to feel at home at Fry & Elder and declare his moving days to be behind him.

“I’ve only moved three times in my career,” James C. Morton said. “I have no intention of picking up my desk and moving my computer again. Fry & Elder has developed a tremendous reputation in all facets of family law over the years. This is a firm where my skills and experience can be best put to use.”

To set up a personal consultation with Morton, McMillen or Schmook, contact Fry & Elder today.

Top National Immigration Law Attorney Rivas Excels on Big Stage

Lorena Rivas’ reputation as a top national immigration law attorney continues to grow.

Top national immigration law attorney Lorena Rivas

The decorated Fry & Elder immigration attorney recently attended the 2019 American Immigration Lawyers Association Midwinter Conference in Indian Wells, California where she not only was on the Conference Program Committee but was one of the featured presenters during the highly-anticipated, day-long Jan. 25 event at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa.

Rivas co-presented with Kate Jastram on strategies and practices to help overcome the controversial immigration law decision “Matter of A-B-.”

Jastram serves as the Senior Staff Attorney and Gender Asylum Campaign Director with the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies.

Their presentation titled “Persisting After Matter of A-B-” focused on discussing different strategies for an effective and successful asylum practice, particularly in light of the catastrophic impact of Matter of A–B–.

The two highly-sought after national immigration law practitioners framed their presentation to incorporate a forward-looking perspective of brainstorming and other creative methods to further enable immigration law practitioners the opportunity to build an array of legal arguments to best assist asylum seekers.

Presentation topics included the following:

  • Best Practices for Framing Asylum Claims after Matter of A–B–
  • Asylum Unit and Immigration Court Patterns
  • Best Practices for Pushing Back on Negative Trends
  • Preparing for and Challenging the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) on Pretermitted Applications and Pre-Hearing Requirements
  • Circuit Court Developments on “Particular Social Groups”
  • What About Capitol Hill?

The Cloud of Controversy Surrounding Matter of A-B-

While immigration law has been a hot-button issue for some time, few immigration issues have become more heated and contested than the Matter of A-B- decision and how it affects asylum claims.

The cloud of controversy over Matter of A-B- ensued on June 11, 2018 when former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions overturned a grant of asylum to a Salvadoran domestic abuse victim, thus potentially excluding immigrants seeking refuge from sexual, gang and other forms of violence in their home countries.

The victim, whose initials are A.B., sought Asylum to the U.S. from her native country El Salvador after being raped and beaten for 15 years by her former husband.

As reported by Jastram’s Center for Gender and Refugee Studies, Session’s decision “threatens the viability of asylum claims by domestic violence survivors and others who have faced persecution by private actor.”

Rivas had this to say in regards to Session’s Matter of A-B- decision:

“It’s very tragic and heartbreaking. The sad thing is there are many other victims out there with similar stories. We have always been a country, which has sought to stand up and advocate for victims such as Ms. A.B. Those people need us now more than ever. The current policies in place need to change and further dialogue needs to be established between parties.”

Top National Immigration Law Attorney Lorena Rivas has Always Made an Impact

From the time she began attending law school at the University of Tulsa, Lorena Rivas has been making a difference in the realm of immigration law.

During her time at TU, Rivas successfully prevented a Haitian national from being returned to Haiti in terrible conditions due to the recent earthquake and hurricane. She also helped a mother and her two children remain in the U.S. after being victims of domestic and sexual abuse in Mexico.

After graduating with honors from the TU College of Law, Rivas’ impact in immigration law became even more far-reaching.

She has traveled to Washington D.C. multiple times to meet with state and national legislators to discuss and advocate for immigration law reform as a top national immigration law attorney.

Additionally, Rivas has garnered many honors and awards for her legal contributions and efforts in immigration law throughout the years.

She further established herself as a top national immigration law attorney when she was chosen as the 2018 Fern Holland Award Winner, an honor annually given to a lawyer who advocates for human rights or the empowerment of women.

Rivas also was honored as a 2018 Super Lawyers® Rising Star and was named to Leadership Tulsa Class 60 and to the Tulsa Business & Legal News’ 2016 Women of Distinction Awards.

Top national immigration law attorney Lorena Rivas

Gender Asylum Campaign Director Kate Jastram Impressed by Top National Immigration Attorney Lorena Rivas

Following her experience presenting with Rivas at the annual American Immigration Lawyers Midwinter Conference, Jastram had this to say about the distinguished immigration attorney.

“It was a tremendous pleasure presenting at the AILA conference with Lorena,” Jastrom said. “She’s clearly extremely knowledgeable about asylum law, and she made an excellent contribution to our AILA practice advisory, showing attorneys the concrete steps they need to take to effectively represent their clients.

“Her presentation was polished and we got a lot of good feedback from the approximately 100 attorneys in attendance. I’m very glad to know there are attorneys like her helping asylum-seekers navigate this complex legal environment.”

Rivas said the experience she had presenting with Jastram and serving on the AILA Removal Track Conference Committee was a legal highlight she won’t soon forget.

“I could not be more complimentary of Kate and the knowledge she has in really so many areas of immigration law,” Rivas said. “She was very professional and very resourceful. The opportunity to present with her and take part in the conference was very satisfying and rewarding.”

Rivas is one of many standout attorneys with Fry & Elder. The prestigious Oklahoma law firm has made the exclusive U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List every year since 2014.

Rivas provides comprehensive legal representation in the following areas of immigration law:

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with top national immigration law attorney Lorena Rivas.

Fry & Elder Again Included in Best Oklahoma Law Firms Neighborhood

The U.S. News & World Report knows where to look for greatness. Whether its “Best Colleges,” “Best Hospitals,” or, in the case of Fry & Elder, “Best Oklahoma Law Firms,” the esteemed publication knows exactly where to go to evaluate excellence for 30 years and counting.

Best Oklahoma Law Firms

With that in mind, it wasn’t at all surprising that Fry & Elder found itself squarely on the U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 “Best Law Firms” List when the highly-anticipated directory was publicly unveiled on Nov. 1.

For Fry & Elder, it marks the sixth consecutive year the elite Tulsa law firm has been regarded as one of the Best Oklahoma Law Firms.

“It is a very significant award and achievement,” James R. Elder said. “We have established a culture over the years at this firm in which excellence is the expected level with which we operate for our clients and ourselves.

“To have that ideology identified and reinforced by a global media outlet like the U.S. News & World Report for a sixth consecutive year feels great.”

Spot in Best Oklahoma Law Firms Neighborhood Difficult to Obtain

Membership in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List is not easy. This year’s marks the ninth consecutive year the publication has used a tiered ranking system to rank law firms.

Of the 14,643 law firms reviewed from across the nation by the U.S. News & World Report, only 2,118 firms were selected for inclusion by the publication.

Fry & Elder was ranked as a Metropolitan Tier 1 for Family Law in Tulsa – the highest ranking a firm can achieve in a particular practice area.

As stated in a release by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®:

“The U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in the field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. To be eligible for a 2019 ranking, a law firm must have at least one lawyer recognized in the 24th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America list for that particular location and specialty.”

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. was named to Best Lawyers® for a ninth consecutive year this past August and was selected as the Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Oklahoma 2016.

Fry & Elder’s selection to the 2019 Best Law Firm List comes less than a month after firm attorneys Lorena Rivas, Aaron D. Bundy, Luke Barteaux and Fry were recognized as 2018 Super Lawyers® honorees.

Best Oklahoma Law Firms

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

Whether you or someone you know needs legal assistance in family law, immigration law, criminal defense or with a personal injury claim, Fry & Elder has the team in place to help you best navigate through your legal situation.

As one of the Best Oklahoma Law Firms, Fry & Elder’s team of attorneys are some of the most decorated in the state and include the following:

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a proven and accomplished Oklahoma trial lawyer.

Fry & Elder’s “Tulsa Super Lawyers” Continue to Shine

Tulsa Super Lawyers are in abundance at 1630 S. Main Street.

Tulsa Super Lawyers

The highly-reputable legal publication Super Lawyers® unveiled its list of 2018 honorees, and Fry & Elder was again well represented.

Fry & Elder’s Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., Aaron D. Bundy, Lorena Rivas and T. Luke Barteaux were each selected for inclusion.

This year marks the 12th consecutive year Fry has designated as Super Lawyer for family law, while Bundy (2013-18), Barteaux (2014-18) and Rivas (2018) were each selected as Super Lawyers Rising Stars.

“Very, very pleased with how well our firm is represented,” Fry said. “Each are extremely accomplished and very deserving. I’m particularly thrilled for Lorena. She’s been a vital part to our firm’s success these past few years and has been worthy of recognition since she joined Fry & Elder (in 2015).

Super Lawyers Selection Further Validates Big Year, Stellar Career for Rivas

For Rivas, 2018 marks her first year to garner Super Lawyers accolades, but as Fry alluded to, Rivas has distinguished herself as one of Tulsa’s top immigration attorneys for quite some time.

She was the recipient of the 2018 Fern Holland Award which is annually given to a lawyer who advocates for human rights or the empowerment of women, and Rivas has traveled to Washington D.C. multiple times to meet with legislators to discuss immigration law reform and improved policies.

Rivas was additionally recognized in 2016 by the Tulsa Business & Legal News as being one of the city’s most accomplished professional women with their annual Women of Distinction Awards.

On multiple occasions, the prominent Tulsa immigration attorney has shared her powerful testimony on what led her into immigration law on multiple occasions and continues to looked at as an authority figure in immigration law.

“Super Lawyers is one of the most esteemed publications in our profession so I am very thrilled to be selected,” Rivas said. “It’s always an honor to receive recognition – be it from a client, colleague or publication such as Super Lawyers.”

Tulsa Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Selection Process Second to None

What helps set Super Lawyers apart from other legal publications is its highly-regarded selection process. Only the best 5 percent of attorneys in a specific practice area are selected as Super Lawyers, while 2.5 percent of lawyers in a given practice area are chosen as Rising Stars.

The Super Lawyers website says the selection process is as follows:

“Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis.

“The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. Since Super Lawyers is intended to be used as an aid in selecting a lawyer, we limit the lawyer.” ratings to those who can be hired and retained by the public, i.e., lawyers in private practice and Legal Aid attorneys.”

Tulsa Super Lawyers

Fry & Elder Tulsa Super Lawyers to Continue Momentum

The honors and accolades for Fry & Elder do not figure to stop any time soon in 2018. The prestigious Oklahoma law firm is vying to make the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List for a sixth consecutive year.

The U.S. News & World Report will unveil its list on Nov. 1.

Fry, meanwhile, continues to be recognized for his 50th year of practicing law. He was recently recognized by the Tulsa County Bar Association during its Annual Awards Banquet in August for 50 years of membership with the TCBA.

“It always feels great to be recognized by your peers and colleagues,” Fry said. “Honors and awards such as these are never taken for granted. The firm and myself are very appreciative.”

Contact Fry & Elder to set up a personal consultation with a team of Tulsa Super Lawyers.

Highly-Regarded Tulsa Immigration Attorney Weighs in on Child Separation

Highly-regarded Tulsa immigration attorney

California immigration attorney Angeline Chen was torn between what action to initially take when she recently volunteered at the border in Tijuana, Mexico to help a 150-person caravan of immigrants from Central America with the U.S. asylum process.

As reported in a July story by Today.com, the potential scene of children being separated from their parents was one which haunted Chen.

“It is so overwhelming, Chen said. “Do you give the children teddy bears and blankets or do we give them attorneys?”

While immigration law has been a constant hot-topic legal issue for decades, Fry & Elder immigration attorney Lorena Rivas says immigration law policies reached a boiling point this past May when Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that those caught illegally crossing the border would face criminal prosecution.

The decision prompted the separation of 2,342 migrant children from their parents between early May and June 19 as reported in this NPR article.

Though President Donald Trump has since modified his stance on family separation to keep families intact even though a zero-tolerance policy will remain in place, Rivas believes the repercussions of the initial separations continue to be impactful and far reaching.

“It’s a very tragic and unfortunate mess,” Rivas said. “For the children and parents who have been separated from one another, it’s not a simple quick fix to locate one another. Many immigrants may be undocumented and those with documentation may have had their documents lost in the shuffle. It becomes further complicated for those with a solid claim for asylum, as they are simply trying to escape violent, life-threatening situations from their home countries.”

Fiancé Visa

What can be Done to Help?

First and foremost, Rivas believes there needs to greater awareness brought to the legal issues and uncertainty surrounding the southern border; but the highly-regarded Tulsa immigration attorney also said additional attention needs to be given to the organizations and programs available which people can donate to and support.

These include the following:

ACLU

This well-known organization is currently raising money to “defend asylum-seeking parents forcibly separated from their children.”

NPR recently reported how a federal judge in Washington D.C. ordered the return of an asylum-seeker from El Salvador.

Judge Emmet Sullivan “threatened to hold Attorney General Jeff Sessions in contempt because the government had spirited the woman away while her case was still pending.”

The ACLU has publicly stated that “separating families is inhumane.”

Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project

The ASAP provides an abundant amount of support for refugee families who come to the U.S. because of “unspeakable violence” in their home countries.

The organization has recently sued U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to further fight family separation and human rights violations.

The Texas Civil Rights Project

Closer to home, the TCRP continues to be proactive in its quest to assist asylum-seeking families.

The organization recently denounced the Trump administration’s plan to vacate the Flores Settlement Agreement, which has shaped detention standards for underage migrants since 1997, and expand family detention capabilities.

The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration will increase the size of a tent camp for migrant children outside El Paso from 1,200 beds to as many as 3,800.

The TCRP issues the following statement in response:

“The Trump administration has found a new low in the family separation crisis: seeking indefinite imprisonment of children. Any attempt to withdraw from the Flores Settlement Agreement in order to circumvent previous court orders and expand family detention is wholly unacceptable.

“For months, we watched in horror as children were ripped from their parents, but the remedy for family separation is not, and never will be, indefinitely locking up whole families in immigration prisons.”

Leading Tulsa immigration attorney

A Highly-Regarded Tulsa Immigration Attorney Who Cares

A native of Mutual, Oklahoma, Rivas is a first-generation American who takes great pride in being able to represent the Oklahoma Latino community as a highly-regarded Tulsa immigration attorney.

“I’m a Mexican-American,” Lorena Rivas said. “Immigration law is something that is constantly hitting my life, whether it be family members, friends or my clients. In law school, I initially thought I wouldn’t go into immigration law, but I started thinking about it more, and felt like I could make a bigger impact in that area.”

Rivas has done just that, and continues to make an impact as a highly-regarded Tulsa immigration attorney. She has traveled multiple times to Capital Hill to meet with legislators to advocate for immigration law reform and improved policies.

Rivas also is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Fern Holland Award. As a respected professional in the Tulsa community, she was selected to take part in the Leadership Tulsa Class 60 for 2018-2019.

Her immigration law practice areas at Fry & Elder include the following:

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with highly-regarded Tulsa immigration attorney Lorena Rivas.

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