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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.

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.

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 National Immigration Law Attorney Rivas Excels on Big Stage

Lorena Rivas’ reputation as a top national immigration law attorney continues to grow.

Top national immigration law attorney Lorena Rivas

The decorated Fry & Elder immigration attorney recently attended the 2019 American Immigration Lawyers Association Midwinter Conference in Indian Wells, California where she not only was on the Conference Program Committee but was one of the featured presenters during the highly-anticipated, day-long Jan. 25 event at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa.

Rivas co-presented with Kate Jastram on strategies and practices to help overcome the controversial immigration law decision “Matter of A-B-.”

Jastram serves as the Senior Staff Attorney and Gender Asylum Campaign Director with the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies.

Their presentation titled “Persisting After Matter of A-B-” focused on discussing different strategies for an effective and successful asylum practice, particularly in light of the catastrophic impact of Matter of A–B–.

The two highly-sought after national immigration law practitioners framed their presentation to incorporate a forward-looking perspective of brainstorming and other creative methods to further enable immigration law practitioners the opportunity to build an array of legal arguments to best assist asylum seekers.

Presentation topics included the following:

  • Best Practices for Framing Asylum Claims after Matter of A–B–
  • Asylum Unit and Immigration Court Patterns
  • Best Practices for Pushing Back on Negative Trends
  • Preparing for and Challenging the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) on Pretermitted Applications and Pre-Hearing Requirements
  • Circuit Court Developments on “Particular Social Groups”
  • What About Capitol Hill?

The Cloud of Controversy Surrounding Matter of A-B-

While immigration law has been a hot-button issue for some time, few immigration issues have become more heated and contested than the Matter of A-B- decision and how it affects asylum claims.

The cloud of controversy over Matter of A-B- ensued on June 11, 2018 when former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions overturned a grant of asylum to a Salvadoran domestic abuse victim, thus potentially excluding immigrants seeking refuge from sexual, gang and other forms of violence in their home countries.

The victim, whose initials are A.B., sought Asylum to the U.S. from her native country El Salvador after being raped and beaten for 15 years by her former husband.

As reported by Jastram’s Center for Gender and Refugee Studies, Session’s decision “threatens the viability of asylum claims by domestic violence survivors and others who have faced persecution by private actor.”

Rivas had this to say in regards to Session’s Matter of A-B- decision:

“It’s very tragic and heartbreaking. The sad thing is there are many other victims out there with similar stories. We have always been a country, which has sought to stand up and advocate for victims such as Ms. A.B. Those people need us now more than ever. The current policies in place need to change and further dialogue needs to be established between parties.”

Top National Immigration Law Attorney Lorena Rivas has Always Made an Impact

From the time she began attending law school at the University of Tulsa, Lorena Rivas has been making a difference in the realm of immigration law.

During her time at TU, Rivas successfully prevented a Haitian national from being returned to Haiti in terrible conditions due to the recent earthquake and hurricane. She also helped a mother and her two children remain in the U.S. after being victims of domestic and sexual abuse in Mexico.

After graduating with honors from the TU College of Law, Rivas’ impact in immigration law became even more far-reaching.

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.

Top national immigration law attorney Lorena Rivas

Gender Asylum Campaign Director Kate Jastram Impressed by Top National Immigration Attorney Lorena Rivas

Following her experience presenting with Rivas at the annual American Immigration Lawyers Midwinter Conference, Jastram had this to say about the distinguished 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.”

Rivas said the experience she had presenting with Jastram and serving on the AILA Removal Track Conference Committee was a legal highlight she won’t soon forget.

“I could not be more complimentary of Kate and the knowledge she has in really so many areas of immigration law,” Rivas said. “She was very professional and very resourceful. The opportunity to present with her and take part in the conference was very satisfying and rewarding.”

Rivas is one of many standout attorneys with Fry & Elder. The prestigious Oklahoma law firm has made the exclusive U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List every year since 2014.

Rivas provides comprehensive legal representation in the following areas of immigration law:

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with top national immigration law attorney Lorena Rivas.

Fry & Elder Again Included in Best Oklahoma Law Firms Neighborhood

The U.S. News & World Report knows where to look for greatness. Whether its “Best Colleges,” “Best Hospitals,” or, in the case of Fry & Elder, “Best Oklahoma Law Firms,” the esteemed publication knows exactly where to go to evaluate excellence for 30 years and counting.

Best Oklahoma Law Firms

With that in mind, it wasn’t at all surprising that Fry & Elder found itself squarely on the U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 “Best Law Firms” List when the highly-anticipated directory was publicly unveiled on Nov. 1.

For Fry & Elder, it marks the sixth consecutive year the elite Tulsa law firm has been regarded as one of the Best Oklahoma Law Firms.

“It is a very significant award and achievement,” James R. Elder said. “We have established a culture over the years at this firm in which excellence is the expected level with which we operate for our clients and ourselves.

“To have that ideology identified and reinforced by a global media outlet like the U.S. News & World Report for a sixth consecutive year feels great.”

Spot in Best Oklahoma Law Firms Neighborhood Difficult to Obtain

Membership in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List is not easy. This year’s marks the ninth consecutive year the publication has used a tiered ranking system to rank law firms.

Of the 14,643 law firms reviewed from across the nation by the U.S. News & World Report, only 2,118 firms were selected for inclusion by the publication.

Fry & Elder was ranked as a Metropolitan Tier 1 for Family Law in Tulsa – the highest ranking a firm can achieve in a particular practice area.

As stated in a release by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®:

“The U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in the field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. To be eligible for a 2019 ranking, a law firm must have at least one lawyer recognized in the 24th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America list for that particular location and specialty.”

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. was named to Best Lawyers® for a ninth consecutive year this past August and was selected as the Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Oklahoma 2016.

Fry & Elder’s selection to the 2019 Best Law Firm List comes less than a month after firm attorneys Lorena Rivas, Aaron D. Bundy, Luke Barteaux and Fry were recognized as 2018 Super Lawyers® honorees.

Best Oklahoma Law Firms

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

Whether you or someone you know needs legal assistance in family law, immigration law, criminal defense or with a personal injury claim, Fry & Elder has the team in place to help you best navigate through your legal situation.

As one of the Best Oklahoma Law Firms, Fry & Elder’s team of attorneys are some of the most decorated in the state and include the following:

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a proven and accomplished Oklahoma trial lawyer.

Fry & Elder’s “Tulsa Super Lawyers” Continue to Shine

Tulsa Super Lawyers are in abundance at 1630 S. Main Street.

Tulsa Super Lawyers

The highly-reputable legal publication Super Lawyers® unveiled its list of 2018 honorees, and Fry & Elder was again well represented.

Fry & Elder’s Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., Aaron D. Bundy, Lorena Rivas and T. Luke Barteaux were each selected for inclusion.

This year marks the 12th consecutive year Fry has designated as Super Lawyer for family law, while Bundy (2013-18), Barteaux (2014-18) and Rivas (2018) were each selected as Super Lawyers Rising Stars.

“Very, very pleased with how well our firm is represented,” Fry said. “Each are extremely accomplished and very deserving. I’m particularly thrilled for Lorena. She’s been a vital part to our firm’s success these past few years and has been worthy of recognition since she joined Fry & Elder (in 2015).

Super Lawyers Selection Further Validates Big Year, Stellar Career for Rivas

For Rivas, 2018 marks her first year to garner Super Lawyers accolades, but as Fry alluded to, Rivas has distinguished herself as one of Tulsa’s top immigration attorneys for quite some time.

She was the recipient of the 2018 Fern Holland Award which is annually given to a lawyer who advocates for human rights or the empowerment of women, and Rivas has traveled to Washington D.C. multiple times to meet with legislators to discuss immigration law reform and improved policies.

Rivas was additionally recognized in 2016 by the Tulsa Business & Legal News as being one of the city’s most accomplished professional women with their annual Women of Distinction Awards.

On multiple occasions, the prominent Tulsa immigration attorney has shared her powerful testimony on what led her into immigration law on multiple occasions and continues to looked at as an authority figure in immigration law.

“Super Lawyers is one of the most esteemed publications in our profession so I am very thrilled to be selected,” Rivas said. “It’s always an honor to receive recognition – be it from a client, colleague or publication such as Super Lawyers.”

Tulsa Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Selection Process Second to None

What helps set Super Lawyers apart from other legal publications is its highly-regarded selection process. Only the best 5 percent of attorneys in a specific practice area are selected as Super Lawyers, while 2.5 percent of lawyers in a given practice area are chosen as Rising Stars.

The Super Lawyers website says the selection process is as follows:

“Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis.

“The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. Since Super Lawyers is intended to be used as an aid in selecting a lawyer, we limit the lawyer.” ratings to those who can be hired and retained by the public, i.e., lawyers in private practice and Legal Aid attorneys.”

Tulsa Super Lawyers

Fry & Elder Tulsa Super Lawyers to Continue Momentum

The honors and accolades for Fry & Elder do not figure to stop any time soon in 2018. The prestigious Oklahoma law firm is vying to make the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List for a sixth consecutive year.

The U.S. News & World Report will unveil its list on Nov. 1.

Fry, meanwhile, continues to be recognized for his 50th year of practicing law. He was recently recognized by the Tulsa County Bar Association during its Annual Awards Banquet in August for 50 years of membership with the TCBA.

“It always feels great to be recognized by your peers and colleagues,” Fry said. “Honors and awards such as these are never taken for granted. The firm and myself are very appreciative.”

Contact Fry & Elder to set up a personal consultation with a team of Tulsa Super Lawyers.

Bundy, Rivas Among Seminole County Las Vegas CLE Headliners

Seminole County has found a home away from home in Clark County.

For the 12th consecutive year, the Seminole County Bar Association held its annual and highly-regarded Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminar in Las Vegas earlier this month.

Aaron Bundy Las Vegas CLE presentation

And just as he has the previous two years, Fry & Elder trial lawyer Aaron D. Bundy made the journey out to the desert. This time around, the prominent Tulsa attorney was joined by Fry & Elder immigration law attorney Lorena Rivas at the Seminole County Bar Association’s 12th Annual Las Vegas CLE.

The two decorated Fry & Elder trial lawyers combined to present for 3 of the 7 hours of the CLE credit offered during the yearly seminar held at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas Resort and Casino.

“Judge Tim Olsen and the Seminole County Bar Association absolutely run a first-class event,” Bundy said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to be asked to present the past three years, and the conference just gets better and better every year. It’s an absolute honor to be invited to present. I always look forward to the opportunity to attend their CLE event.”

The Intersection of Immigration Law with Family Law & Criminal Law Highlights Las Vegas CLE

It is not surprising that Bundy continues to be recruited to present at the event. Over the years, Bundy has established himself as one of the most sought-after speakers in Oklahoma on a variety of CLE topics.

Bundy whose practice at Fry & Elder is focused on family law, criminal defense and personal injury, was the co-recipient of the 2017 Earl Sneed Award for his significant and outstanding continuing legal education contributions.

The AV-rated and Super Lawyers® decorated attorney presentation was titled: “The Intersection of Immigration Law and Family Law.”

“Family law matters often intersect with a number of different legal practice areas, including criminal law and immigration law,” Bundy said. “Immigration law is a hot-topic issue right now which affects a lot of families.”

Lorena Las Vegas CLE presentation

Also a highly-regarded speaker, Rivas picked an excellent year to attend her first Seminole County Bar Association Las Vegas CLE.

As Bundy alluded to, immigration law practices are a major issue of discussion and Rivas is widely considered to be an authority figure in Oklahoma immigration law.

Four of the five seminar sessions offered at the Las Vegas CLE conference focused on immigration law, including Rivas’ seminar titled: “An Overview of the Immigration Affirmative Process – What Every Practitioner Should Know.”

Rivas, the 2018 Fern Holland Award Winner, also presented on “The Intersection of Immigration Law and Criminal Law.” All total, the accomplished Tulsa immigration attorney presented for two hours at the event.

“Aaron has always spoken so highly of this event and how good a job Judge Olsen and the Seminole County Bar Association do with it,” Rivas said. “It was a fantastic seminar and a great opportunity for me discuss immigration law with some very respected and distinguished legal minds. I am very thankful for the opportunity to present.”

Judge Olsen was pleased to have both Bundy and Rivas on board this year in Las Vegas.

“Our CLE had an immigration law theme this year, and Lorena’s presentation was very informative for the general practitioner,” Judge Olsen said. “She is obviously well versed in the subject area and is excellent at presenting it in a way that is easy to understand.

“Aaron focused on immigration and family law issues. As always, he was very prepared and presented the materials in a professional and entertaining manner.”

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

Bundy and Rivas are just two of many decorated attorneys with Fry & Elder. The firm has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s elite Best Law Firms list each of the past five years and its team of attorneys include:

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a skilled and experienced Oklahoma trial lawyer.

Leading Tulsa Divorce Attorney Fry Makes Best Lawyers List

Speeding around the Go-Kart track at Andy B’s Tulsa with his youngest grandson Clarke riding shotgun, Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. looked far removed from his day-to-day job as a leading Tulsa divorce attorney.

Leading Tulsa divorce attorney

Yes, Fry looked at ease zipping around the track and lapping the field which also included his son and youngest daughter. But when a pile up stopped the action, Fry couldn’t resist the urge to revert back to his true professional calling.

With his Go-Kart stopped in the middle of the track, Fry calmly reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone … to call a client back.

To those who know Fry, both personally and professionally, the move was hardly surprising.

For 50 years and counting, Fry has gone the extra mile, and the leading Tulsa divorce attorney continues to be handsomely rewarded for his hard work and dedication.

Best Lawyers® publicly unveiled its 2019 listings on Aug. 15 and for the ninth consecutive year, Fry was selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers© in America in the field of family law.

“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.”

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 Divorce Attorney Fry Continues to Thrive

Because of Fry’s stature and longevity as a prominent Tulsa family law attorney, he has attained no shortage of accolades during a sparkling career.

In addition to being listed by Best Lawyers®, Fry is an 11-time Super Lawyers honoree, an AV-rated attorney by Martindal-Hubbell®, a 2018 Significant Sig Award Winner and he is one of only 19 attorneys in the state to be a Fellow of the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

“He has had a remarkable career and continues to operate at an amazing level,” Fry & Elder immigration attorney Lorena Rivas said. “He’s seen it all and done it all. Myself and all the other trial lawyers here at Fry & Elder have learned and continue to learn so much from him on a day-to-day basis.”

While Fry was the only Fry & Elder attorney selected for inclusion in the 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers©, he believes it is only a matter of time before other attorneys join him on the list from Fry & Elder.

The firm has been named U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List each of the past five years and features an energetic and decorated team of attorneys which also include:

“We have a really talented team in place, and we work well together,” Fry said. “Each attorney brings a unique skillset to the firm which has only enhanced our profile and breadth of services. Many of them have already done some great things, and I only see them getting better down the road. The awards will come, no doubt about it.”

And with those words, Fry reached into his pocket to retrieve his cell phone and whisked away.

He had a client’s call to return.

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

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