Fry & Elder Tulsa Law Firm

Divorce, Child Custody, Protective Orders, Criminal Defense

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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.

Top Oklahoma Law Firm Again Named to Best Law Firms List

With roots dating back to 1932, Fry & Elder has long been considered a top Oklahoma law firm. Nevertheless, it is always good to receive positive reinforcement.

The U.S. News & World Report further validated Fry & Elder as a top Oklahoma law firm when the prestigious publication unveiled its annual “Best Law Firms” List on Nov. 1.

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That Fry & Elder was selected for inclusion in 2020 is not a surprise; The Tulsa-based law firm has now been selected each of the past seven years to the elite Best Law Firms List.

“It’s a tremendous honor to receive this accolade,” Fry & Elder partner James R. Elder said. “To receive this type of recognition from such credible publications as the U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® is a testament to the level of work we do for our clients and the expectations we have for ourselves as trial lawyers here at Fry & Elder.”

Fry & Elder received Tier 1 status for Family Law in Tulsa for the upcoming 2020 Best Law Firms edition.

Firms selected for inclusion go through a rigorous review process as noted by Best Lawyers CEO Phillip Greer in an official release.

“For the 2020 ‘Best Law Firms’ publication, the evaluation process has remained just as rigorous and discerning as it did when we first started ten years ago,” Greer said. “This year we reviewed 14,931 law firms throughout the United States – across 75 national practice areas – and a total of 2,106 firms received a national law firm ranking.

“We are proud that the ‘Best Law Firms’ rankings continue to act as an indicator of excellence throughout the legal industry.”

To be eligible for inclusion a firm must have at least one attorney who has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America©.

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. more than fits the bill, as he was selected for a 10th consecutive year to Best Lawyers® earlier this year. The honor Fry received only goes to the “top 5% of private practicing lawyers in the United States.”

“He’s been a practicing attorney for a number of years, but what really sets him apart from others is the level at which he operates,” Elder said of Fry. “It really is remarkable.”

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Talented Team of Attorneys help Fry & Elder Standout as a Top Oklahoma Law Firm

In addition to Fry and Elder, the firm also bolsters one of Oklahoma’s top immigration attorneys in Lorena Rivas.

Rivas joined Fry & Elder in 2015 and has had a decorated career. She was named the 2018 Fern Holland Award Winner and is a two-time Super Lawyers® selection and has garnered numerous other honors during her career.

Fry & Elder attorneys James C. Morton, Sara Schmook and Mary McMillen each joined the firm in 2019 and bring an accomplished and committed legal skillset to the top Oklahoma law firm.

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

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.

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