Fry & Elder Tulsa Law Firm

Divorce, Child Custody, Protective Orders, Criminal Defense

Make a Payment

Tulsa, OK Law Firm
918.585.1107

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.

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.

Oklahoma alimony support

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.”

Popular Tulsa immigration attorney

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leading Tulsa Immigration Attorney Selected for Leadership Tulsa

As a leading Tulsa immigration attorney for the past six years, Lorena Rivas displays no shortage of leadership qualities.

Oklahoma immigration law practice

The Fry & Elder trial lawyer has traveled to Washington D.C. multiple times to meet with state and national legislators to discuss and advocate for immigration law reform.

The Tulsa Business & Legal News celebrated Rivas as one of Tulsa’s most accomplished professional women in 2016 with its annual Women of Distinction of Awards.

More recently, Rivas was honored as the 2018 Fern Holland Award Winner, which is annually given to a lawyer who advocates for human rights or the empowerment of women.

Rivas’ leadership qualities were further validated earlier this month when the leading Tulsa immigration attorney was selected to Leadership Tulsa Class 60 – a 10-month intensive leadership program which runs from August 2018 through May 2019.

Leadership Tulsa Explained

Just as the name suggests, Leadership Tulsa is a program designed to “identify, develop and connect diverse leaders who impact the community through service.”

Leading Tulsa Immigration Attorney

Leadership Tulsa began in 1973, “as a joint project with the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce and the Junior League of Tulsa to help build the leadership capacities of Tulsa area professionals.”

With roots extending beyond 40 years, Leadership Tulsa’s impact has been far reaching. A recent survey indicated that Leadership Tulsa members “serve on 200 boards and volunteer hundreds of hours a year” in the Tulsa community.

“I am very excited about participating in Leadership Tulsa,” Rivas said. “The opportunity to meet and learn from community leaders in a wide variety of professions is something which really sets this program apart from others.”

Leadership Tulsa could also be described as a more intensive, focused and selective leadership program.

Rivas is one of only 49 participants selected for the 10-month program which includes:

  • Orientation and an overnight retreat
  • Monthly class days covering geographic regions of our city as well as topics including education, healthcare, business, the arts, social services and community history
  • A hands-on board internship with a choice of nearly 100 area agencies

Leading Tulsa immigration attorney

A Leading Tulsa Immigration Attorney Who Makes a Difference

As the proud daughter of two Mexican nationals, Rivas has been directly impacted by immigration law which enables her the ability to make a deeper connection with her clients.

In 2017, Rivas gave her powerful story about what led her into the field of immigration law to a Pre-Law Society meeting at the University of Central Oklahoma.

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

Rivas has indeed done that and more during her accomplished tenure at Fry & Elder. Her practice areas include the following:

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

Barteaux Named to Metro Christian Academy Foundation Board

Fry & Elder trial lawyer T. Luke Barteaux’s ascension up the professional ranks continues to trend up.

Nearly one year after Barteaux become the first Fry & Elder lawyer to be sworn in as a judge, the experienced Tulsa attorney was appointed to serve on the Metro Christian Academy Foundation Board.

Metro Christian Academy Foundation Board

Barteaux’s appointment as a Metro Christian Academy Foundation Board member is meaningful for multiple reasons, the primary one being that he is a high school graduate of Metro Christian Academy, which first opened its doors as a school in 1983 and presently educates over 1,000 Preschool through 12th Grade students.

“It’s quite an honor to be asked to be on the board,” Barteaux said. “Metro is a place that holds a lot of special memories to me. It’s a great school and embodies many of the core values I believe need to be passed down to future students and generations – my children included.”

The Metro Christian Academy Foundation Board is made up of the following members: Michael Junk, Andrea Harmon, Donna Briggs, Matt Pinnell, Tamara Cornell, Melody Dixon, Jake Schooley, Jay Condry and Ryan Griesemer, along with Barteaux.

Bonnie Polak, Metro’s Director of Advancement and Community Relations, wrote that the board’s mission statement is to “… provide resources to further the vision of Metro Christian Academy, through fundraising, community relations and sound advisement.”

Polak added that the school encourages board members to play an active role, but that the group prides itself on supporting each other as a team with a belief that there are plentiful opportunities for board members to learn and grow with the organization.

Barteaux said he is excited to work alongside a committed and dedicated group.

“I know a few members on the board a little better than some of the others, but I am looking forward to getting to know the others and develop a strong working relationship with each member to further advance Metro Christian Academy, and its ideals,” Barteaux said. “The school has excellent resources and support which also includes the Foundation Board.”

Metro Christian Academy Foundation Board Members meet every other month.

Busy Year Continues for Experienced Tulsa Attorney Barteaux

To say 2018 has been an active year for Barteaux would be an understatement.

He was named to Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list for a fifth consecutive year and was reappointed as Cherokee Nation District Court Judge in February of 2018 through February of 2022.

“Luke has been doing very well for us,” Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. said. “I’ve had my eye on him for a while now and I really believe his career is taking off.”

Barteaux’s has helped Fry & Elder make the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List every year since 2014.

Much of Barteaux’s practice at Fry & Elder focuses on family law, including divorce and child custody issues, adoptions and criminal defense.

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

Fry & Elder Back In Business At Robert G Fry Jr. Center for Trial Studies

The Robert G Fry Jr. Center for Trial Studies is re-open for business.

Robert G Fry Jr. Center for Trial Studies

The elite Tulsa law firm of Fry & Elder will be moving back to its former 1630 S. Main Street Tulsa location, the Robert G Fry Jr. Center for Trial Studies, where it resided for two brief but memorable years from 2015-2017 by the end of the month.

“Very happy to be moving back to the 1630 location,” Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. said. “From a financial perspective, moving back to this location makes the most sense. I feel the greatest advantage, however, for me is that I will be able to see everyone daily just walking down the hall. I believe our culture will be much stronger at this location which is vital to the success and morale of any workplace. It will feel much more like home.”

Fry & Elder, which has been named to the illustrious U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List for five consecutive years, will continue to feature an acclaimed lineup of attorneys who have won many awards and accolades during their legal careers.

Joining Fry at the 1630 S. Main Street location will be James R. Elder, Aaron D. Bundy, Lorena Rivas, T. Luke Barteaux, Katie Egan, Amy Page and Ruth Calvillo.

Fry & Elder’s talented legal support team of Joyce Caldwell, Judy Willits, Allison Smith, Kathy Keener, Rosie Renteria, Esther Salas and Amy Figueroa will also relocate with Fry & Elder’s experienced team of attorneys at 1630 S. Main Street.

The group is so respected and accomplished in the legal community that Caldwell and Willits were the subject of a recent feature story by the Tulsa Business & Legal News.

“We all work well together and respect one another’s talents and abilities,” Barteaux said. “I think we are all excited to begin a new chapter at Fry & Elder.”

The vaunted Tulsa law firm will return to 1630 S. Main Street riding a tidal wave of legal momentum.

Rivas has solidified herself as one of the premier Oklahoma immigration law attorneys and was the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Fern Holland Award.

Now in his 50th year of practice, Fry remains one of the best and most established Tulsa divorce attorneys. He is one of only 19 attorneys in the state to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and was the 2016 Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Oklahoma. Fry was also a Significant Sig Award Winner in 2017.

Barteaux became the firm’s first and only attorney to be sworn in as a judge when he was appointed Cherokee Nation District Judge in 2017. He was reappointed by the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council in February of 2018.

Bundy was the co-winner of the 2017 Earl Sneed Award, while Page is the 2018 Tulsa County Bar Association Family Law Section Chair, and the 2018 and 2019 OBA FLS CLE Chair.

All total, Fry & Elder features four lawyers who have garnered Super Lawyers® accolades and three AV-Rated attorneys. Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a proven and experienced Tulsa attorney at the Robert G Fry Jr. Center for Trial Studies.

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. He is a highly skilled Tulsa protective order defense attorney.

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 Tulsa protective order ruled as frivolous.

Tulsa protective order defense attorney

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.

Tulsa Protective Order Defense Attorney Explains Protective Orders

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 a Tulsa 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, and personal injury law. The firm and its attorneys have been the subject of 36 articles by various Oklahoma media outlets since 2014.

Although Fry is considered an elite Tulsa protective order defense attorney, the firm’s lineup of attorneys is are all well experienced. They include:

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 Tulsa protective order defense attorney.

Request a Consult

Call 918.585.1107 to contact an attorney and schedule a consultation today.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.