Fry & Elder

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

Tulsa, OK Law Firm
918.585.1107

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.

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.

Oklahoma Cyberbullying Attorney Discusses Cyberbullying Effects

Technological advancements have increased the opportunities for students of all ages to be successful. Unfortunately, the same advancements have given some pre-teen and teenagers an arena to further facilitate their bullying and abusive tactics around the clock.

Tulsa school bullying attorney Katie Egan

Kathleen M. Egan

Cyberbullying has become more commonplace in Oklahoma and throughout the United States, as it affects many students and young adults. Some reports claim that “more than 1 in 3 young people have experienced cyberthreats online.”

Fry & Elder Oklahoma cyberbullying attorney Katie Egan believes cyberbullying presents a real problem for many of today’s youths, particularly those enrolled in middle school, high school and college.

The accomplished trial attorney, who is licensed to practice in Connecticut and New York, in addition to Oklahoma, wishes to provide the following insight into Oklahoma cyberbullying tactics, their effects and what you can do to protect yourself or your child from cyberbullying.

Understanding Oklahoma Cyberbullying

Unlike physical, face-to-face bullying, cyberbullying does not end once the initial encounter is over.

Because cyberbullying occurs through digital technology mediums like email, text messaging and social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, cyberbullying incidents frequently operate on 24-hour per day cycle, making it all the more difficult for the victim to escape from the acts of intimidation, harassment and embarrassment.

Cyberbullying becomes even more difficult to monitor and trace because the attacker can easily hide behind a keyboard anonymously and post the offensive messages to a wide audience. Once those messages and posts are sent they are often difficult to delete.

The Potential Effects of Cyberbullying

The effects of cyberbullying can have very serious consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator. These could include any of the following.

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Drug and alcohol use
  • Health problems
  • Low self-esteem
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions

Those who instigate the cyberbullying attacks may not initially realize the repercussion of their actions, but they can lead to a host of problems down the road which could include losing employment and education opportunities and potentially facing criminal charges.

If a cyberbullying incident was sexual in nature – such as sexting or sending and posting sexual pictures – the offender could be registered as a sex offender.

Oklahoma Cyberbullying Laws in Place

Oklahoma HB 1661 was signed into law in 2013. Known as the School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act, the bill addresses bullying in general, but it gives schools greater authority to specifically address cyberbullying acts.

As stated in a 2017 TeenSafe.com article,

“With the new law, schools can use law enforcement to intervene. It allows schools to maintain internal records of cyberbullying for police investigation. It ultimately relieves Oklahoma schools from having to address it themselves when their hands are often tied from any meaningful ramification. It moves the punishment from a school consequence to legal matter.”

Oklahoma cyberbullying attorney

Why the Need for an Experienced Oklahoma Cyberbullying Attorney?

Though the passing of Oklahoma HB 1661 was a move in the right direction for Oklahoma schools, students and educators, cyberbullying incidents often feature many gray and murky areas, making it all the more important to contact an experienced Oklahoma cyberbullying attorney.

Whether you have been a victim of cyberbullying or are being accused of committing cyberbullying attack, an experienced Oklahoma cyberbullying attorney will keep your best interests in mind and help you efficiently navigate through the process to provide you with the best outcome.

Fry & Elder Oklahoma cyberbullying attorney Katie Egan is knowledgeable and well-versed in the many different forms of bullying – physical and cyberbullying – which take place in out of school.

Egan is a member of a firm which has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List every year since 2014, and a team of trial lawyers who are some of the most distinguished in the state and include:

If you feel your child or someone close to you is a victim of a cyberbullying attach or is being falsely accused of cyberbullying, we encourage you to contact Fry & Elder Tulsa today to set up a personal consultation with an experienced Oklahoma cyberbullying attorney.

Divorcing a Control Freak in Oklahoma Requires Strategy

It has been well documented that divorcing a narcissist can be a very difficult obstacle to overcome. With that said, divorcing a control freak in Oklahoma presents a whole new bag of issues and challenges for many individuals, as a “my way or the highway” attitude is the calling card of many control freaks.

Divorcing a control freak in Oklahoma

Simply put: this is not the type of mindset any party should be subjected to in what is supposed to be a shared and committed relationship.

If you or someone close to you is trying to end a relationship with a control freak, our experienced and accomplished team of Tulsa divorce attorneys at Fry & Elder empathize with the challenges you are facing and wish to offer some strategies to incorporate when divorcing a control freak in Oklahoma.

Self-Preservation is a Must

If you have been involved in a serious relationship with a control freak, chances are your self-esteem has taken a hit. This, however, should not be the case.

By seeking to end the toxic relationship, you have taken arguably the biggest step in reclaiming your life.

Keep moving forward.

Seek out friends and family to interact with and lean on, particularly during rough times. Think about trying out different activities such as taking up CrossFit, a cooking class or attending a Meetup group which will allow you to further showcase your individualism and newfound independence.

Tulsa immigration law

Document Everything

Whether you are divorcing a narcissist or a control freak, it is important that you keep records of all correspondence, including text messages, emails, voicemails and social media messaging/posts. This will help you further validate and reinforce your ex’s controlling patterns.

Documentation could also be particularly useful to your attorney when he or she advocates for you in court or in mediation.

Establish Boundaries

This likely won’t be easy, but establishing boundaries will be vital in your quest to terminate a relationship with a control freak.

One boundary you could establish would be to limit correspondence to only one communication channel (email) to correspond with your ex. You may even want to take it a step further and limit communication with your ex to just one day per week.

If you have children, another boundary you likely would want to implement would be to have a neutral pickup and drop-off location that’s open to the public so that you have witnesses should your ex act hostile toward you.

Annual Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Conference

Understand the Core Issue Behind a Controlling Personality

In establishing boundaries and limitations, it is important to understand that at the root of most control freaks are deeply-rooted issues with anxiety.

As Psychology Today pointed out in a 2015 article:

“While there are some out there who are controlling because they are into power or feel entitled and expect the world to go their way, for most controlling people it’s all about anxiety. Control is a bad solution—but it’s not the problem.

“Often such people grew up in chaotic environments, or with anxious or even abusive parents. As children they walked on eggshells, looking over their shoulders. To cope, they became hypervigilant—always on alert, always anticipating problems.”

Why the Need for an Experienced Attorney When Divorcing a Control Freak in Oklahoma

Divorcing a control freak in Oklahoma or anywhere else presents a difficult set of challenges, making it all the more imperative to consult with an experienced Tulsa divorce attorney as soon as possible.

Fry & Elder’s team of family law attorneys are some of the most decorated in the state and include the following:

Fry & Elder has also been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List each of the past five years.

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with an established and experienced Tulsa divorce attorney.

Fighting A False, Frivolous Oklahoma Protective Order

Long before Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. became a distinguished Tulsa family law attorney, he served as the Chief Public Defender for Tulsa County. The skills Fry acquired as a criminal defense attorney certainly have not diminished.

Fry not only successfully defended a client from a protective order, the sought-after divorce attorney was able to turn the tables on the petitioner and have the Oklahoma protective order ruled as frivolous.

Oklahoma protective order

The court stated:

“The court finds Petitioner filed this Protective Order action against Defendant to ‘retaliate’ against Petitioner’s wife and her family and to cover and distract from his own violations of the emergency protective order then in effect against him. The Court finds Petitioner filed the instant protective order action frivolously and no victim exists.”

This ruling opens the door for the Respondent (defendant) to secure attorney fees against the Petitioner, which Fry said his client fully intends to do.

“It’s an unusual case, which has a lot of moving parts,” Fry said, “A request for a frivolous ruling from the court is unusual, primarily because most people don’t know that it is available and must be alleged in a response to an emergency protective order.”

Oklahoma Protective Orders Trending Up

Oklahoma protective orders are on the rise. The Tulsa World reported in 2017 that protective orders in Tulsa County “doubled from 2015 and 2016.”

As an acclaimed Oklahoma law firm, which has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s elite Best Law Firms List every year since 2014, Fry & Elder understands the significant importance protective orders have as a legal boundary for victims to protect themselves against psychological and physical abuse.

However, there also are times when protective orders might be abused.

Protective orders intersect family law with criminal law. Though not always the case, protective orders can be misused as a means for a spouse or family member to get you out of the house or to get emergency custody of children.

Fry & Elder’s experienced team of Oklahoma family law and criminal defense attorneys want you to know that the ramifications of having a protective order filed against you can be detrimental.

Below is some information you need to know about Oklahoma protective orders.

What is a Protective Order?

Protective orders in Oklahoma are defined and governed by the “Protection from Domestic Abuse Act.” Protective orders are typically entered against a family or household member when a victim has experienced or feels a threat of:

  • Domestic violence
  • Harassment
  • Stalking
  • Sexual assault

There are two types of protective orders which can be filed in Oklahoma: an emergency ex parte order of protection and a final or permanent order of protection.

What Having an Oklahoma Protective Order Filed Against You Means?

Having a protective order filed against you can have very serious consequences which can potentially affect your parenting rights and employment opportunities.

Once a protective order has been served, the defendant may not have contact with the person protected by the order until the protective order is lifted. Violation of a protective order can result in criminal charges.

Oklahoma protective orders are initially heard on an “ex parte” basis, which means the defendant (the person who is accused of abuse, stalking, or harassment) has no opportunity to be heard or to challenge the protective order when it is first filed. When the protective order is granted, a court hearing date is set by the judge and the protective order petition, order, and notice of the hearing is set for service upon the defendant. A trial will be held at that set date and time to determine if a protective order is necessary.

If a permanent protective order is granted there is a chance you could lose your job and your professional license in certain circumstances. You also will no longer be legally allowed to possess or transport a firearm.

Protective orders are serious and the violation of a protective order can bring about even greater consequences.

What are the Consequences of Violating an Oklahoma Protective Order?

If you have had a protective order filed against you, it is important that you understand the serious nature of it and contact a proven Oklahoma protective order defense attorney to help you challenge it. Violation of a protective order can result in the following:

  • 1st offense: misdemeanor, up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
  • 1st offense resulting in injury: misdemeanor, 20 days to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000
  • 2nd offense: felony, 1 to 3 years in prison and a fine of $2,000 to $10,000
  • 2nd offense resulting in injury: felony, 1 to 5 years in prison and a fine of $3,000 to $10,000  

Oklahoma alimony support

Why Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

With roots dating back to 1932, Fry & Elder has long epitomized Oklahoma legal excellence in family law, criminal law, immigration law and personal injury law. The firm and its attorneys have been the subject of 36 articles by various Oklahoma media outlets since 2014.

The firm’s lineup of attorneys is comprised of:

Among the many titles and accomplishments Fry & Elder trial lawyers have recently collected include the following:

If you think you have been the victim of a false or frivolous Oklahoma protective order, we encourage you to contact Fry & Elder as soon as possible to set up an immediate consultation with a proven Oklahoma protective order defense attorney.

Tulsa Immigration Attorney Rivas’ Feats Net Spotlight

Lorena Rivas just might have become the most publicized attorney in Tulsa County. The acclaimed Tulsa immigration attorney was the subject of not just one but two profile pieces on consecutive days — March 26 and March 27 – by the Tulsa Business & Legal News.

“It was a little surprising and a little flattering,” Rivas said. “I spoke with one of the reporters a couple of weeks ago, so I knew he was working on something and then I heard from the other reporter and knew she also was working on a story.  I thought they both did a good job.”

Tulsa immigration attorney

Tulsa Immigration Attorney to Receive Prestigious Fern Holland Award

Rivas was spotlighted by Sharon Bishop-Baldwin in Tuesday’s TB&LN for being named the 2018 Fern Holland Award Winner.

Presented by the TU College of Law’s Women’s Law Caucus, the honor is given to a lawyer who advocates for human rights or the empowerment of women which Rivas has valiantly done since graduating TU College of Law in 2012. Rivas will be presented with the award during a banquet Thursday at The Pearl District Building.

Holland attended TU Law and was a practicing Tulsa attorney before joining the Peace Corps and then working for the Coalition Provisional Authority during the Iraq Conflict to fight for women’s rights and to help Iraqis establish a democratic government.

Described as a “doer not a doubter,” Holland’s efforts and legacy are well documented. She became the first American civilian to be killed in the Iraq Conflict when the Bluejacket native and 2004 Oklahoman of the Year was tragically shot by Iraqi insurgents dressed as Iraqi police on March 9,2004.

Rivas has this to say about Holland in the article:

“She was an amazing individual. She was willing to lose her life while fighting for a very worthy cause and the voiceless. I hope that when I’m gone, people will look at my life and think something similar: ‘She was willing to tell the stories of the voiceless and fight for them.’ In my case, it’s immigrants.”

The article examined Rivas’ immigration law background, which the highly-regarded Tulsa immigration attorney so eloquently explained to a captivated crowd this past fall at the University of Central Oklahoma.

The article also discussed some of the challenges Rivas faces in today’s immigration law climate, yet that she continues to have hope that immigrants will remain resilient.

“… I do see good things on the horizon for immigrants in the U.S., and this is all because I believe in the power of immigrants. The current political climate has not only stirred and awakened hateful voices, but it also has stirred and awakened the hopeful and persistent voices of everyday immigrant-rights activists.

“This country was founded by revolutionists and immigrants. They have shown time and time again they will persist and win.”

Tulsa immigration attorney

Leading Tulsa Media Outlet Also Reports on Rivas’ Visit to Nation’s Capital

The Tulsa Business & Legal News also sent longtime legal reporter Ralph Schaefer out to report on Rivas’ recent trip to Washington D.C. where she attended the Hispanic National Bar Association 2018 Advocacy Day and met with legislators to advocate for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).

The article highlighted Rivas’ meeting with Oklahoma Rep. Steve Russell, who is supportive of the Dreamers, and of a growing frustration that a long-term solution and path toward citizenship may not be available in the foreseeable future.

Said Rivas:

“Even though some congressional members want a more permanent solution, I think they will have to give into a temporary fix until after the mid-term election this year and after the next presidential election.

“… “I tell clients to hold on to the hope for a solution and talk to their congressman/ I also tell them to tell people who are active and willing to express their voices that they need help. I also tell them that as long as they don’t get into serious problems, don’t get into bad situations and don’t get a criminal arrest, they should be OK.”

Tulsa immigration attorney

Respected Tulsa Immigration Attorney One of Several Fry & Elder Attorneys to Garner Media Attention

That Rivas was the primary subject of back-to-back articles by an Oklahoma media outlet is not all that surprising.

Fry & Elder and its decorated team of attorneys are actually quite used to the spotlight.

All total, Fry & Elder and the firm’s attorneys have been profiled a staggering 35 times since 2014, including five times this year so far.

Schaefer, a 2017 Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame inductee, has made his way to the Fry & Elder offices on numerous occasions, as have several other highly-regarded Oklahoma journalists and media outlets.

“We really appreciate all that they do for the Tulsa legal community,” Rivas said. “They don’t really have the easiest job, but they work hard and do a good job keeping the public informed.”

Below are the links to the 35 articles written about Fry & Elder.

Prestigious Tulsa Law Firm No Stranger to Awards, Accolades

The 2018 Fern Holland Award is just the most recent honor for the decorated Tulsa immigration attorney. In 2016, Rivas was also recognized by Tulsa Business & Legal News as being one of the city’s most accomplished professional women with their annual Women of Distinction Awards.

The leading Tulsa immigration attorney is one of several Fry & Elder attorneys to singled out for their significant legal contributions, which has helped the firm be named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firm’s List every year since 2014. The elite Oklahoma law firm’s attorneys include the following:

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with Rivas or another one of the firm’s experienced trial lawyers.

Elite Tulsa Law Firm Has Always Fought For Wrongfully Accused

As an elite Tulsa law firm with roots dating back to 1932 when C. Lawrence Elder began trying cases in Oklahoma courtrooms, Fry & Elder has achieved no shortage of legal feats.

Elite Tulsa Law Firm

The nationally-acclaimed firm’s trial lawyers have donned multiple legal hats, taken on many leadership positions and received numerous honors over the past 86 years. Fry & Elder’s attorneys actively practice Oklahoma family law, immigration law, criminal law and personal injury law cases.

One legal role no Fry & Elder trial lawyer, however, has played in the elite Tulsa law firm’s illustrious history has been that of a prosecutor.

“That is a point of pride for us, especially in criminal defense work” Fry & Elder trial lawyer Aaron Bundy said. “The entire careers of every lawyer working here at Fry & Elder have been dedicated to helping individuals, including fighting for the wrongfully accused.”

Bundy and fellow Fry & Elder trial lawyer and partner M. Shane Henry focus much of their respective practice areas on criminal defense work, including protective orders, federal criminal defense, bullying and DUI.

“I think with all of the technology and media coverage in place today, it is now easier than ever before for the court of public opinion to presume the accused is guilty and not innocent,” Bundy said. “But the judicial system has and will continue to operate under the presumption that one is innocent until proven guilty.”

Elite Tulsa Law Firm

Fighting for the Wrongfully Accused Often Comes with Prosecutor Bias

In 2017, Bundy and Henry traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers® 2017 Midwinter Meeting & Seminar where the two AV-Rated attorneys listened in as legendary criminal defense mastermind Barry Scheck presented.

Perhaps no other attorney is more well-versed in advocating for the wrongfully accused than Scheck. He co-founded the Innocence Project which has exonerated innocent, yet wrongfully convicted individuals like Michael Morton.  

Morton was released from prison in 2011 after serving nearly 25 years in prison after he was wrongfully convicted of his wife’s murder.

Morton publicly unveiled his remarkable and tragic story in his book “Getting Life: An Innocent Man’s 25-Year Journey from Prison to Peace” which also documented the unethical work of prosecuting attorney Ken Anderson.

Anderson was arrested and jailed after a court of inquiry found that the Morton’s former prosecutor had failed to “provide defense lawyers with exculpatory evidence indicating that another man might have killed Morton’s wife, including information that his 3-year-old son witnessed the murder and said his dad was not home at the time.”

Unfortunately, Anderson’s tale is not the only example of prosecutor immorality. As The Hill reported in a 2017 article:

“Traditionally, prosecutors are seen as measuring success in terms of convictions, plea bargains or the amount of punishment exacted.”

Titled “Criminal justice reform starts with the prosecutor,” the piece discussed how some 24 prosecutors from across the country met to discuss changes to their roles in the criminal justice system.

Adam Foss is an assistant district attorney in Suffolk County, Massachusetts had this to say: “Prosecutors are the most powerful actors in the criminal justice system. Our power is virtually boundless.”

When discussing the mindset of many prosecuting attorneys, Foss added this insight:

“For the most part, prosecutors step on the job with little appreciation of the impact of our decisions, regardless of our intent. Prosecutors aren’t really incentivized to be creative. … We stick to an outdated method that is counterproductive to achieving the goal that we all want, which is safer communities.”

Elite Tulsa Law Firm Attorneys Who Will Fight for You

If you are investigated or charged with a crime, you will need to contact an experienced criminal law defense attorney. Should you decide to contact Fry & Elder, you can have the peace of mind that no lawyer at the firm has ever worked on behalf of the government to accuse people of crimes

Furthermore, the elite Tulsa law firm has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firm’s List every year since 2014. The renowned law firm’s lineup of attorneys includes the following:

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with a proven trial lawyer who will aggressively fight for you in and out of the courtroom.

Barteaux Reappointed As Cherokee Nation District Judge

The Honorable T. Luke Barteaux has been reappointed.

Barteaux, who made Fry & Elder history on May 15, 2017 when he became the firm’s first attorney to be sworn in as judge, was reappointed as a Cherokee Nation District Judge on February 12, 2018 by the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. His new term will continue until February of 2022.

Cherokee Nation District Judge

“I feel deeply honored to be reappointed,” Barteaux said. “This is a position that is very important to me and one which comes with a lot of responsibility. To be able to continue to serve the Cherokee Nation in this capacity really is quite an honor and one that I hold very dearly.”

Cherokee Nation Tribal Council Speaker Joe Byrd stated in a release that the court has full confidence in Barteaux and that he will only continue to flourish in the position.

“I believe Judge Luke Barteaux has represented the Cherokee Nation well since he took an oath last year to serve the tribe’s court system. Over the next four years as he becomes accustomed to his position, I expect he’ll continue to bring a level of sophistication to our courts.”

Barteaux’s wife Sarah held the Bible when he was initially sworn in as judge in 2017. This time around, it was Barteaux’s mother Lisa who held the Bible as Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Chief Justice John Garrett administered the oath to the Cherokee Nation District Judge.

“They’re the two most important women in my life,” Barteaux said. “I feel very fortunate to be able to include them in the oath of office ceremony.”

Oklahoma law firm

With Fry & Elder since 2011, Barteaux has distinguished himself as an elite Oklahoma family law attorney whose practice areas include divorce/dissolution of marriage, family law litigation, child custody and visitation, modifications, child support, alimony, guardianships, adoptions, collaborative divorce, legal separation, juvenile law, and mediation.

He has been named to Super Lawyers® Rising Stars every year since 2015 and served as the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section Chair in 2016.

“Luke has done a phenomenal job throughout his career as a trial lawyer,” Fry & Elder partner M. Shane Henry said. “He is highly regarded and has taken on a number of leadership positions with the Oklahoma Bar Association. It is an honor to work alongside of him.

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with Barteaux.

Oklahoma Alimony Support No Longer a Tax Deduction in 2019

Changes to Oklahoma alimony support are on the horizon.

Oklahoma alimony support

Under the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law by President Donald Trump, alimony (also known at spousal support) will no longer be deductible by the payor and count as income by the recipient. The provisions will not affect divorce decrees and separation agreements entered before Dec. 31, 2018, but those signed after would be impacted.

The Oklahoma alimony support lawyers of Fry & Elder are well aware that ending the 76-year old deduction could drastically impact many divorce settlement negotiations and agreements and are taking a proactive approach in preparing for the imminent changes set to come to Oklahoma alimony support.

“The change in tax treatment will have obvious effects on settlement agreements, as the tax deduction is often an important consideration when crafting a settlement agreement that includes support alimony,” local attorney Amy Page said in an email directed to Fry & Elder attorneys. “We are aware of these effects and are and will continue to be prepared to educate our clients about them as well.”

Oklahoma Alimony Support Defined

Alimony in Oklahoma and most other states is financial support paid by one spouse to another after divorce. Oklahoma alimony terms can be agreed upon by the parties involved or a judge can decide. Spousal support payments typically come in monthly installments but also can be paid in one large lump sum.

Unlike child support, there is no set formula to determine spousal support in Oklahoma. There also is no set time frame on how long a spouse can expect to pay or receive alimony. When determining the amount of spousal support to be paid, the following components often apply:

  • The length of the marriage
  • The health and age of each spouse
  • The mode of living to which each spouse has become accustomed during the marriage
  • Evidence of a spouse’s own income-producing capacity and the time necessary to make the transition for self-support
  • Demonstrated need during the post-matrimonial economic readjustment period
  • The parties’ station in life
  • The earning ability and education of each spouse
  • The parties’ physical condition and financial means

The Potential Impact of the Tax Provisions to Oklahoma Alimony Support

As Amy Page alluded to, changes to the tax treatment of spousal support could be far reaching, particularly at the negotiation table where the ability to use alimony deduction was often a powerful bargaining chip.

With only one year remaining for alimony to be claimed as a deduction, it has been reported that some family law attorneys are advising couples considering divorce to file this year – before the deduction is eliminated.

Politico quoted former American Bar Association Family Law Section Chair Mary Vidas as saying: “Now’s not the time to wait. If you’re going to get a divorce, get it now.”

The reasoning behind Vidas’ recommendation may stem from the fact that with alimony being wiped out as a deduction, more disputes could emerge between the two parties and what they deem as a fair number for spousal support.

“The deduction substantially reduces the cost of alimony payments – for people in the highest income-tax bracket, it means every dollar they spend to support a former spouse really costs them a little more than 60 cents.”

Added Pittsburgh family law attorney Brian Vertz:

“The repeal reduces the bargaining power of vulnerable spouses, mostly women, in achieving financial stability after a divorce.”

Though alimony was historically awarded to the wife, this is not the case anymore. Gender is now irrelevant when determining Oklahoma alimony support, meaning either the husband or wife can receive alimony.

Why Experience the Fry & Elder Difference?

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr.’s divorce philosophy to “always seek mediation and resolution first, but when a compromise can’t be made to shoot all the bullets you have and throw the empty gun at them” has long been a hallmark of the firm. That said, Fry & Elder has remained proactive in staying up to date with Oklahoma family law practices, including spousal support.

The firm has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List every year since 2014 and Is comprised of an experienced team of family law attorneys which include:

Should you have any additional questions in regards to Oklahoma alimony support or any other family law matter, we encourage you to contact Fry & Elder Tulsa today to set up a personal consultation with a proven family law attorney.