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Rivas’ Front-Line Accounts of Immigration Law Spotlighted in TulsaPeople

Front-Line Accounts of Immigration Law

Lorena Rivas

When it comes to immigration law issues in Oklahoma or elsewhere, few people are more qualified to speak on the topic than Lorena Rivas.

The decorated Tulsa immigration attorney weighed in on the controversial issue of immigration law in a recent feature story by TulsaPeople Magazine titled “One at a Time.”

Written by Connie Cronley, the March 2020 piece chronicled those working on the front lines of immigration law in Tulsa and the challenges they encounter on a day-to-day basis.

Rivas is nationally known for her prowess in immigration law and was prominently spotlighted in the article. She had this to say in regards to the current climate of immigration law and her front-line accounts of immigration law:

“It’s really hard to be an immigration attorney now, especially with deportation cases,” Rivas says. “There are very few happy endings.” Sometimes success means winning the client more time in this country to prepare to leave.”

Front-line accounts of immigration law

The investigative piece also highlighted how approximately 80 percent of Rivas’ clients are Spanish speaking and hail from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Cuba, Venezuela and other South American countries.

One of Rivas’ clients the article focused on is a 35-year old mother of three – named “Marianna” in piece – who entered the United States 15 years ago as an asylum seeker.

Though all three of her children are U.S. citizens, Marianna was transported to an Oklahoma ICE detention center and “scheduled for deportation” after being involved in a South Tulsa traffic accident when authorities learned she did not have a driver’s license.

Although Rivas is attempting to reopen the case and Marianna has been released to take care of her children while her case is pending, the situation casts light on the frustration Rivas regularly faces as an in-demand immigration attorney.

“ICE is always present but more active now,” Rivas says. “This is a low point in American history.” The immigration system is broken, she says, “but taking hardline stances create more problems.”

The constant barrage of stress Rivas encounters led Cronley to ask Rivas why she continues to work in immigration law?

“I ask myself that, especially recently,” Rivas said. “But if I were to quit, there would be one less person on the front line. The unrepresented people in immigration court have a higher deportation rate. I would feel bad not helping them. I consider (myself) a public defender.”

An Accomplished Tulsa Immigration Law Attorney Second to None

Lorena Rivas’ accolades and accomplishments as an immigration lawyer are well documented. The decorated Oklahoma immigration attorney has been named a Super Lawyers® Rising Star each of the past two years and was recognized as the 2018 Fern Holland Award Winner – an honor annually given to a lawyer who advocates for human rights or the empowerment of women.

Considered by many to be an immigration law authority figure, 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.

Contact Lorena Rivas today to set up a personal consultation with an elite Tulsa immigration attorney.

Rivas All Set to Make Theatrical Debut in Don Juan Tenorio

Lorena Rivas is used to the spotlight as a high-profile and decorated Tulsa immigration attorney.

Popular Tulsa immigration attorney

This year alone Rivas won the AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) Dreams Contest and delivered a riveting speech at the National Convention in Orlando. She also presented in Southern California and in Kansas City at notable legal conferences earlier in 2019.

Tonight, though, Rivas will perform on an entirely different stage.

The Fry & Elder partner will make her theatrical debut at The Living Arts of Tulsa when she plays the plays the role of Doña Ana in an adaptation of the famous play Don Juan Tenorio.

“I am very excited and a little nervous about tonight,” Rivas said. “I’ve never performed in a play of this stature before, but I am used to performing and being in front of crowds. When I was offered the role to play Doña Ana, I really thought this would be a great opportunity for me to meet another group of professionals and transfer many of the skills I use in the courtroom onto a different stage.”

Presented by telatúlsa and written and directed by Tara Moses, performances of the classic play will run through Nov. 16, with six shows slated for Nov. 7-9 and Nov. 14-16 at The Living Arts of Tulsa, located at 307 E Matthew B. Brady Street.

Moses, who also serves as the Artistic Director for telatúlsa, “has put a new spin on the classic tale,” which is celebrated in many countries around the world during Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

“We cannot in good faith produce a show that celebrates a man who has assaulted women and hurt people then was redeemed for it,” Moses said in a release produced by telatúlsa. “When we view the classic story with our modern eyes, we just see how harmful machismo culture is. Don Juan has presented the perfect opportunity to change the narrative, introduce accountability, and give agency to Doña Inés and Doña Ana.”

Rivas says the adaptation of classic stories like Don Juan Tenorio is good for humanity.

“It’s important that we continue to evolve as a society,” Rivas said. “That’s not to say that we should forget the past; we should embrace it, but we should continue to grow as humans. I think what Tara (Moses) is doing with Don Juan Tenorio is an excellent example of us continuing to grow and become better.”

Don Juan Tenorio

Rivas a Sought-After Tulsa Immigration Attorney

If Rivas is able to replicate her legal prowess to the theater, she very well may be on her way to Broadway.

Rivas has already established herself as prominent Tulsa immigration attorney in a relatively short career. She is a two-time Super Lawyers® Rising Stars Selection, is the 2018 Fern Holland Award Winner and was part of the Leadership Tulsa Class 60.

Rivas provides comprehensive legal services in the following immigration law practice areas:

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

Oklahoma Immigration Attorney Rivas Gives Readers Inside Look

Lorena Rivas’ reputation as a prominent immigration attorney continues to grow. The Fry & Elder partner and standout Oklahoma immigration attorney recently penned an article which was featured in the Oklahoma 2019 Super Lawyers® Magazine.

Oklahoma immigration attorney

Rivas’ article titled “The Front Line” documented her experiences this past May volunteering at the Karnes County Residential Center – a detention facility which houses women who are asylum applicants and were recently detained at the boarder.

Through the University of Tulsa College of Law immigration student section, Rivas supervised a group of 10 law students who teamed up with RAICES (a non-profit organization which seeks to help immigrants) to help asylum applicants with their credible fear interviews and declaration drafts.

The decorated Oklahoma immigration attorney compared the experience of volunteering at the Texas detention facility and working with applicants still being detained to being on “the front line,” stating that the work days spanned 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

Rivas had this to say about the eye-opening experience,

“I thought that, as an attorney, I’d be working 8 to 5, but this is non-stop work,” she said. “It’s very intense. It takes a heavy emotional toll. But what keeps me going are the wins – whether it’s gaining status for somebody, keeping somebody here, or getting them out of jail. What also keeps me going is the need.”

Accomplished Oklahoma Immigration Attorney Rivas in High Demand

Rivas’ featured article is the most recent installation to what has been an impressive work portfolio for Rivas this year and since joining Fry & Elder in 2015.

One month after volunteering at the Karnes County Residential Center, Rivas won the AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) Dreams Contest and delivered a riveting speech at the organization’s National Convention in June.

The decorated Oklahoma immigration attorney has been named a Super Lawyers® Rising Star each of the past two years and was recognized as the 2018 Fern Holland Award Winner – an honor annually given to a lawyer who advocates for human rights or the empowerment of women.

Considered by many to be an immigration law authority figure, 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.

Earlier this year, Rivas attended the 2019 American Immigration Lawyers Association Midwinter Conference in Indian Wells, California where she co-presented with well-known immigration law practitioner Kate Jastrom on the controversial immigration law decision “Matter of A-B-.”

Following the duo’s presentation, Jastrom said she was very impressed with Rivas.

“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.”

Rivas began her article in the Oklahoma 2019 Super Lawyers® Magazine by providing background into an event growing up involving her family which helped pave the way for her to pursue a career in immigration law.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have been given a variety of platforms to share my personal experiences and what it means to me to advocate for my clients as an immigration attorney,” Rivas said. “I am very appreciative of the opportunity Super Lawyers® provided me and hope to bring about more awareness and change to our current immigration law policies.”

Oklahoma immigration attorneyOklahoma Immigration Law Attorney Provides Comprehensive Immigration Law Services

Rivas, along with her talented staff at Fry & Elder, offer a diverse portfolio of immigration law services tailored to meet the individual needs of each clients.

Rivas services include:

To set up a personal consultation with Lorena Rivas, contact Fry & Elder today.

Popular Tulsa Immigration Attorney Rivas’ Speech Inspires Audience

ORLANDO, Fla. – Lorena Rivas needed all of 5 minutes, 50 seconds to emphasize why the popular Tulsa immigration attorney is rapidly becoming a household name in the field of immigration law.

Popular Tulsa immigration attorneyThe Fry & Elder partner and standout immigration attorney captivated and inspired an engaged audience this past Friday night at the 2019 American Heritage Awards in Orlando with her riveting speech titled “This is America,” to close out the gala.

Presented by the American Immigration Council, the American Heritage Awards featured stand-up comic Hari Kondabolu, 10-piece salsa band Dave Santiago & Latin Affair and 2019 honoree Martine Kalaw.

Amongst a star-studded lineup, Rivas more than held her own as the event’s final presenter.

She began her speech by outlining the origins of how America’s name derived from Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. She went on to highlight how more and more explorers and immigrants made their way into America where they not only flourished but took the country to new heights along the way.

Rivas’ speech can be heard in its entirety here, but the last portion went as follows:

“And with expansion come opportunities – opportunities for more immigrants from faraway lands to come to this land and help build cities, factories and dreams. They see this magnificent lady with welcoming torch and inviting message. They see masterful machinery that can cut through distance like an eagle soaring through the sky. They see their children staking a flag in a piece of land to build the home and memories.

“This, this is America.

“Now, even though they still see the children, the memories are not the same. They see and hear their children crying and begging for their parent. They see their children in cages. They feel the frigidness of a cooler. They smell the fear of their fellow refugees of being returned to a war-torn country where dreams go to die. They see lists, fences and walls.

“This is America.

“But this doesn’t have to be America. This doesn’t have to be a never-ending cycle between the conqueror and conquered. This land was seen as a revolutionary idea. This land was seen as a land of opportunities – as a home of diverse people and ideas, as a place of endless frontiers and dreams. This land was seen as a home by both natives and foreigners, and there’s no reason why this revolution should stop.

“I see a land where the diversity and differences brought by our immigrants is embraced. I see the immigrants creating advances and technology in medicine that haven’t even been fathomed. I see families reuniting with their loved ones because they haven’t had to wait decades to lawfully migrate to America. I see refugees being given a warm meal and bed after their long harrowing journey. I see the children of our immigrants remaining with their parents and enjoying their first day of school. I see what the explorers saw when they first set their eyes on this land but better. I see dreams for our children. I see hope for our future.

“I see America.”

Powerful Speeches Nothing New for Popular Tulsa Immigration Attorney Lorena Rivas

As Rivas ended her gripping speech with the final words of “I see America,” the in-demand immigration attorney was showered with applause which culminated into a standing ovation to conclude the American Heritage Awards.

Popular Tulsa immigration attorneyRivas’ most recent speech employed symbolism and vivid imagery, but the popular Tulsa immigration attorney has proven time and time again that she is a versatile and highly-skilled orator.

Earlier this year, Rivas traveled to Southern California where she presented on the controversial Matter of A–B– with Kate Jastram, who serves as the Senior Staff Attorney and Gender Asylum Campaign Director with the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies.

Following the duo’s presentation at the 2019 American Immigration Lawyers Association Midwinter Conference, Jastrom had this to say about Fry & Elder’s acclaimed 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.”

Though Rivas has flourished on the national stage, she still has a deep-rooted allegiance to her Oklahoma roots.

Perhaps her most powerful speech came during a 2017 University Central Oklahoma Pre-Law Society meeting in which the dynamic immigration attorney gave her personal story about what led her to seek a career in immigration law.

“I’ve been very blessed to have been given many opportunities and multiple platforms to tell my story and to try and help those in need,” Rivas said. “This job can be very demanding and emotionally draining, but when you hear the positive feedback and get those positive outcomes, it only reinforces that you are doing something noble.”

Popular Tulsa Immigration Attorney Lorena Rivas has Far-Reaching Impact

Rivas stature as a leading immigration law attorney is not up for debate.

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.

Her immigration law services include:

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

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.

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.

Dynamic Oklahoma Immigration Law Attorney Presents at Lawton CLE

Fry & Elder’s Lorena Rivas capped off a memorable October this past week in Lawton. The dynamic Oklahoma immigration law attorney was one of the keynote speakers during  Lawton Law Office’s Annual CLE for Pro Bono Attorneys.

Dynamic Oklahoma Immigration Law Attorney

Presented by the Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma Inc., the day-long Law Practice Montage was held earlier this month – Friday, October 26 – at the Great Plains Technology Center Building in Lawton.

“It was a great event which featured a lot of well-known and accomplished attorneys and legal practitioners throughout Oklahoma,” Rivas said. “It was quite an honor to be selected to present and represent Fry & Elder at the event.”

Rivas’ presentation, “The Current Climate of Immigration Law,” could not have come at a more opportune time with midterm elections set to take place Nov. 6.

Immigration law is a hot button issue this election year and could be the deciding factor in whether or not many candidates are elected or not.

President Donald Trump made headlines earlier in the week when, during an interview for the four-part HBO documentary series “Axios,” he revealed his plan to prepare and sign an executive order that would end the long-accepted constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship, which would “remove the right to citizenship for babies of non-citizens and unauthorized immigrants born on U.S.-soil.”

“It’s a pivotal time in our country right now without question,” Rivas said. “It is important that those who disagree with some of policies in place or which are on the table regarding immigration law vote and have their voices heard.”

In addition to Rivas’ one-hour presentation on immigration law, the Lawton Law Office’s Annual CLE for Pro Bono Attorneys also included the following presentations:

  • Working with Child Support Services
  • Recent Changes to Expungement Law
  • Understanding Poverty and How Lawyers Can Help

Dynamic Oklahoma Immigration Law Attorney

Dynamic Oklahoma Immigration Law Attorney Closes Out Memorable October

Rivas’ performance in Lawton capped off another memorable month for the dynamic Oklahoma immigration law attorney.

Rivas, along with three other Fry & Elder trial lawyers, was named to Super Lawyers® Rising Stars earlier this month.

The 2018 Fern Holland Award Winner also presented at the Seminole County Bar Association’s 12th Annual Las Vegas CLE along with fellow Fry & Elder accomplished attorney Aaron D. Bundy in September.

Rivas’ practice at Fry & Elder focuses on the following immigration law practice areas:

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a dynamic Oklahoma immigration law attorney.