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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.

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.

Sara Schmook Selected to OBA Leadership Academy

The 2019-2020 Oklahoma Bar Association Leadership Academy was recently announced, and Fry & Elder is again well represented.

OBA Leadership Academy Sara Schmook

Sara Schmook

Firm attorney Sara Schmook was one of just five Tulsa attorneys selected and becomes the fourth attorney from Fry & Elder to participate in the OBA Leadership Academy since its inception.

She joins Fry & Elder’s Lorena Rivas (2014) and former firm attorneys Luke Barteaux (2016) and Ruth Calvillo (2018) as Academy participants.

“I’m very honored to be chosen to the 2019-2020 Oklahoma Bar Association Leadership Academy,” Sara Schmook said. “The chance to collaborate with some of the sharpest and most driven legal minds in the state is a great opportunity for me. I look forward to representing Fry & Elder.”

The OBA Leadership Academy began in 2008 and includes select attorneys throughout the state. This year’s class features 18 attorneys with 10 from Oklahoma City, the previously mentioned five from Tulsa and one attorney each from Broken Arrow, Guthrie and Stillwater.

“Building quality leaders is important,” said OBA President Chuck Chesnut of Miami. “Participation in this academy helps individuals enhance their knowledge and skills, giving them tools to be better lawyers and leaders, which benefits their communities and the legal profession.”

Fry & Elder’s Sara Schmook a Leader in and out of the Courtroom

When Sara Schmook joined Fry & Elder in March of 2019, she further bolstered the firm’s rich tradition of being an elite Tulsa family law firm.

As a licensed CPA in the Tulsa-metro area, Schmook brings a dynamic skill set to the firm, making her and excellent choice for those clients going through a high-asset divorce.

Her legal practice at Fry & Elder is also unique in that much of it is 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 organization

Schmook’s practice areas include:

“I’m relatively new to Fry & Elder, but I have enjoyed my time here,” Sara Schmook said. “The professionalism at this firm is great, and everyone operates at a very high level. The expectations are very high here.”

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rivas Among Best U.S. Immigration Lawyers Selected for Conference

Lorena Rivas already has proven herself to be one of the top Tulsa immigration attorneys; she’s now rapidly building a reputation as being one of the best U.S. immigration lawyers.

The Fry & Elder partner and decorated immigration law attorney recently traveled to Kansas City to serve as a faculty member for the Immigration Court Trial Advocacy Defensive Asylum conference.

Best U.S. Immigration Lawyers

Held April 25-27 at the Johnson County, Kansas District Courthouse, the 3-day intensive Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminar’s faculty featured some of the very best U.S. immigration lawyers.

Along with Rivas, the lineup included experienced immigration law practitioners from New York (Lindsay A Curcio), Washington D.C. (Lory D. Rosenberg) Texas (Lindsay Gray), Southern California (Munmeeth Kaur Soni), Wisconsin (Erich C. Straub) and Kansas (Genevra Alberti).

“It was an incredible seminar which really did feature a who’s who of some of the absolute best U.S. immigration lawyers,” Rivas said. “To be able to have the opportunity to collaborate, observe and work alongside some of the sharpest legal minds in immigration law was a tremendous honor for me.”

The Immigration Court Trial Advocacy College Defensive Asylum conference differed from most immigration court practice programs due to the fact that it employed a one-on-one, hands-on training experience designed to make participants “fearless in the courtroom.”

Best U.S. Immigration Lawyers Display Common Traits

It could easily be said that possessing a burning desire to learn and a fierce passion to advocate and fight for those in need are common characteristics of elite immigration attorneys.

Rivas exemplifies those traits and has proven herself to be a dynamic immigration law attorney throughout her standout career.

Best U.S. Immigration Lawyers

Lorena Rivas

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.

Fry & Elder’s decorated immigration trial lawyer has even visited 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.

More recently, Rivas traveled to Southern California to attend the  2019 American Immigration Lawyers Association Midwinter Conference in Indian Wells, California where she served as one of the featured speakers and teamed up with Kate Jastram to present on strategies and practices to help overcome the controversial immigration law decision “Matter of A-B-.”

“It was a tremendous pleasure presenting at the AILA conference with Lorena,” said Jastrom, who serves as the Senior Staff Attorney and Gender Asylum Campaign Director with the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies. “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.”

With Fry & Elder since 2015, Rivas’ practice features comprehensive legal services in the following immigration law areas:

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with one the best U.S. Immigration lawyers.

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