Fry & Elder Tulsa Law Firm

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ABC Affiliate Interviews Tulsa Immigration Lawyer

Tulsa immigration lawyer

One does not have to be a completely inundated with politics to understand that immigration is one of the biggest hot button issues in this year’s election. The Oklahoma media has realized this for some time and has been looking for authority figures on immigration law to offer their insight to what is happening and what potentially could happen down the road.

Tulsa immigration law lawyer Lorena Rivas has proven her prowess as being knowledgeable on all immigration law issues so much so the Fry & Elder trial attorney was recently interviewed by Tulsa ABC affiliate KTUL Channel 8 TV.

Rivas, who last month was featured in the Tulsa Business & Legal News, was interviewed by KTUL Channel 8 for a segment on our country’s possible future immigration policy should Republican candidate Donald Trump get elected president. CLICK HERE to watch the clip and read the accompanying story.

Rivas told the KTUL Channel 8 that she has received many more inquiries from local citizens on immigration law issues because much of Trump’s rhetoric has centered on immigration reform. Rivas stated the following in the report:

“I have had more questions about this from the general public or from potential clients who ask me what can I do to make sure I am protected if Donald Trump is elected president and he wants to get rid of any foreigner … I think the reason they come and ask me is because of fear. ”

Why the Need to Consult with a Tulsa Immigration Lawyer?

If you are battling or think you potentially will be battling an immigration law issue, there is a peace of mind that comes with speaking with proven and accomplished Tulsa immigration lawyer. Rivas has experience in numerous immigration law issues including:

Rivas said it is important for any immigrant to know their rights and become familiar with immigration laws, regardless of who is elected president.

Why Turn to Fry & Elder?

Simply put: Fry & Elder not only is one of the most prominent law firms in Tulsa but in the United States. The U.S. News & World Report  has tabbed Fry & Elder to its prestigious list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016. The trial lawyers that make up Fry & Elder are some of the most decorated, accomplished and experienced in the state. Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. was selected as the Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016 by Best Lawyers®. He also is one of only 19 Oklahoma attorneys to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. 

Shane Henry, Luke Barteaux and Aaron D. Bundy all have been selected as Super Lawyers® Rising Stars™. Fry, Henry, Bundy and James R. Elder also have garnered the prestigious AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®.

Rivas is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA). Kirsten Bernhardt won a judgement in excess of $10 million against Coca-Cola and has had a distinguished career that’s spanned over 20 years. Katie Egan is licensed to practice in Oklahoma, Connecticut and New York. Melissa Fell rounds out Fry & Elder’s team of impressive trial lawyers. Contact Fry & Elder today to speak to an experienced Tulsa immigration lawyer or another one of the firm’s accomplished trial attorneys.

TulsaPeople Profiles Firm, Tulsa Lawyer of the Year

Tulsa Lawyer of the Year

The media exposure continues for Fry & Elder. The iconic Tulsa family law firm has been featured in this month’s TulsaPeople Magazine, marking the third time the Tulsa media has profiled the law firm since April 14. The previous two stories were by the Tulsa Business & Legal News – an arm of the Tulsa World. The TulsaPeople piece, which you can read by CLICKING HERE, was part of the publication’s annual Best Lawyers® package.

The story talks about the firm’s expansion into criminal law and immigration law, but how family law will remain the nationally-recognized firm’s calling card. That likely is because Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., continues to make a strong case that he is in fact the best Tulsa divorce attorney.

Fry was selected by Best Lawyers® as its 2016 Tulsa Lawyer of the Year for Family Law and is only one of 19 lawyers in the state to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Fry, along with the other seven Tulsa Lawyer of the Year selections were showcased on the page before the article on Fry & Elder.     

“It’s always nice to be recognized for your accomplishments,” Fry said. “TulsaPeople has always been a valued publication in our community and Best Lawyers® is a leading publication in the legal industry. We appreciate their efforts in covering the Tulsa community and the legal profession.”

Fry & Elder has now been featured by the Tulsa media an impressive 10 times in the past 13 months.

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

There are not many Tulsa law firms as distinguished as Fry & Elder. The U.S. New & World Report has been named the firm to its exclusive list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016. Individually, Fry & Elder attorneys James R. Elder, M. Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and Fry have all achieved the highly respected AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®.

Fellow Fry & Elder trial lawyer T. Luke Barteaux has been selected as a selected as Super Lawyers® Rising Star™, while recent firm hire Kirsten Bernhardt has had a decorated career spanning 20 years highlighted by her winning a judgement in excess of $10 million against Coca-Cola.

Lorena Rivas has also distinguished herself as one of the best Tulsa immigration law attorney, while Katie Egan is licensed to practice in Oklahoma, Connecticut and New York. Melissa Fell rounds out Fry & Elder’s team of impressive trial lawyers. Contact Fry & Elder today to speak to the Tulsa Lawyer of the Year or another one of the firm’s acclaimed attorneys.

Tulsa Immigration and Criminal Law Attorneys Profiled

Tulsa immigration and criminal law attorneys

Turns out there is a lot to write about when it comes to the intersection of Tulsa immigration and criminal law with family law. The landscape is so vast that lead legal correspondent Ralph Schaefer was able to pen two stories within six days of one another on the highly-regarded Tulsa law firm of Fry & Elder for the Tulsa Business & Legal News.

Less than one week after THIS ARTICLE was printed, which focused on Fry & Elder senior partners Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. and James R. Elder, Schaefer shifted his attention to two of the firm’s younger attorneys – Lorena Rivas and Aaron D. Bundy, who are each considered to be rising stars in the Tulsa legal community.

Tulsa immigration and criminal law attorneys

Rivas, who has been with Fry & Elder since 2015, focuses much of her practice on Oklahoma immigration law issues. Bundy meanwhile made partner with the firm earlier this year and much of his legal concentration is centered on Oklahoma criminal law issues. In the article, which you can READ HERE, Rivas and Bundy go into great detail about the dynamics of family law and how it can segue into Tulsa immigration and criminal law issues.

Fry & Elder no Stranger to Media Spotlight

With its most recent article in the Tulsa Business & Legal News – an arm of the Tulsa World – Fry & Elder has been the subject of a staggering 9 featured articles by the Oklahoma media in the past 12 months. Below is a list of all the articles.

Tulsa Law Firm Continues to Distinguish Itself

By expanding its legal services to include Oklahoma immigration and criminal law in addition to family law, Fry & Elder has established itself as one of the most dynamic and cutting edge Tulsa law firms, and others have taken notice. The firm has made the U.S. News & World Report’s exclusive list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016.

Tulsa immigration and criminal law attorneys

Individually, Fry was honored as the Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016 by Best Lawyers®. He also is one of only 19 Oklahoma attorneys to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. 

M. Shane Henry, Luke Barteaux and Bundy all have been selected as Super Lawyers® Rising Stars™. Fry, Elder, Henry and Bundy also have garnered the prestigious AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®.

Rivas is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA). Fry & Elder’s Katie Egan is licensed to practice in New York and Connecticut in addition to Oklahoma, while recently hired Melissa Fell focuses her practice on a “concierge attorney” approach.

Contact Fry & Elder today to speak with an experienced and accomplished Tulsa attorney.  

Elite Tulsa Family Law Firm Back in the Media Spotlight

Tulsa family law firm

The Tulsa family law firm of Fry & Elder is back in the spotlight – again. The vaunted and iconic law firm and its team of elite trial lawyers have been the subject of eight articles by some of Oklahoma’s most highly-regarded media outlets within the past year alone.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on having a working relationship with our local media,” Fry & Elder partner M. Shane Henry said. “We realize the importance of their job and the hard work they put in to bring about more community awareness and involvement.”

The latest article installation came earlier this week when the Tulsa Business & Legal News – an arm of the Tulsa World – profiled the firm and its expansion into immigration and criminal law, adding additional personal and moving into a new state of the art office. Click HERE to read the article in its entirety.

Lead legal correspondent Ralph Schaefer penned the piece and talked in depth with the firm’s senior partners Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., and James R. Elder. Much of the article focused on how the dynamics of family law have changed over the years to include aspects of immigration law and criminal law – most notably protective orders.

Said Fry in the article: “We are family lawyers, and with the advent of protective orders and violation of protective orders, you get into criminal law. Once a protective order is filed, the person has to leave right then. Any attempts to contact the spouse — man or woman — is a violation.”

Schaefer is no stranger to the law offices of Fry & Elder. In fact, he has written six of the eight pieces featuring the firm within the past year. Below are the additional articles in which Fry & Elder has been featured.

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

Much of the reason why the Tulsa family law firm Fry & Elder has been so prominently featured by leading Oklahoma media outlets is due to their legal prowess and reputation as an elite law firm. From 2014-2016, the highly-regarded news publication of U.S. News & World Report has selected Fry & Elder to its prestigious list of Best Law Firms.

Fry & Elder’s team of trial lawyers also have garnered numerous attention and accolades. Fry is one of the most decorated Tulsa divorce lawyers. He is one of just 19 attorneys in the state of Oklahoma who is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Fry also was selected by Best Lawyers® as its Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016.

In addition to Fry, firm attorneys Elder, Henry and Aaron D. Bundy all have each garnered the prestigious AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®. Fellow trial lawyer T. Luke Barteaux, along with Henry and Bundy, have been selected as Super Lawyers® Rising Stars™.

The firm’s team of attorneys also includes prominent immigration lawyer Loren Rivas, who is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA). Additionally, Katie Egan is licensed to practice in Oklahoma, New York and Connecticut, and Melissa Fell rounds out the staff of attorneys. Her practice focuses on taking a “concierge attorney” approach.

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with an experienced and acclaimed Tulsa trial lawyer.

Tulsa Trial Attorneys Back On Speaking Circuit

Tulsa trial attorneysWhile criminal law and family law are two separate entities in the legal world, the fact of the matter is the two quite often intersect. Fry & Elder partners and attorneys M. Shane Henry and Aaron D. Bundy are well aware of this common occurrence, which is a big reason why the Family Law Section of the Oklahoma Bar Association has enlisted the services of the two talented Tulsa trial attorneys to open up Thursday and Friday’s CLE credited presentations of What You Don’t Know Might Be Malpractice: What Other Lawyers and Judges Want You To Know.

Thursday’s day-long presentation will be held in Oklahoma City at the Oklahoma Bar Center (1901 N. Lincoln Blvd), while Friday’s event will take in Tulsa at the OSU/Tulsa campus (700 Greenwood Ave., North Hall Room 108)

Tulsa Trial Attorneys with Numerous Credentials

Henry and Bundy, who have both garnered the AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell® and have each been selected as Super Lawyers® Rising Stars™, will present on “Marriage, Murder and Molestation: When Criminal Law Intersects with Family Law.” Bundy and Henry will kick off each day’s event at 9 a.m. with their 50-minute presentation. The day-long seminars will conclude with a judge’s panel between 3:25-4:25 p.m.

Tulsa trial attorneys

“This is a big continuing education event that the Family Law Section of the Oklahoma Bar Association puts on,” Henry said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to represent Fry & Elder and also learn from and connect with other attorneys and judges.”

Henry and Bundy have begun to make quite a name for themselves throughout the state with their engaging and informative Trial Skills Presentations. The two Tulsa trial attorneys present on a number of trial topics and issues including:

  • Starting Your Trial Off Right: Opening Statements
  • Evidence at Trial
  • Using Social Media Evidence at Trial
  • Advanced Cross Examination
  • Dealing with Speaking Objections
    at Trial
  • Advanced Trial Techniques
  • Hostile Witness & Cross
    Examination

In addition to Henry and Bundy, Fry & Elder lawyers T. Luke Barteaux, Lorena Rivas and Katie Egan also will be on hand for Friday’s Tulsa seminar.

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

The team of attorneys in place at Fry & Elder has helped transform the Tulsa Law Firm into one of the nation’s most elite firms.  From 2014-2016, the highly-regarded news publication of U.S. News & World Report has selected Fry & Elder to its prestigious list of Best Law Firms.

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., is one of just 19 attorneys in the state of Oklahoma who is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Fry also was selected by Best Lawyers® as its Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016.

Barteaux, along with Henry and Bundy, has been named as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star™. Rivas is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), and Egan is licensed to practice in Oklahoma, New York and Connecticut.

Fry & Elder offers extensive legal service and expertise in all facets of family law, criminal law, immigration law and personal injury law. Contact Fry & Elder today to set a personal consultation with one of our proved Tulsa trial attorneys.

Bundy Becomes Newest Partner at Fry & Elder

Tulsa criminal defense and divorce lawyer

Aaron Bundy

Aaron D. Bundy has been with the Tulsa law firm of Fry & Elder for less than two years, but he has already made a tremendous impression and impact.

Bundy, who holds the coveted AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell® and is also recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star™, arguably received his biggest professional honor Tuesday night when the elite and highly-decorated law firm of Fry & Elder honored the Tulsa criminal defense and divorce lawyer as its newest partner.

“Great day for Aaron and for Fry & Elder,” Robert G ‘Hap’ Fry Jr., said. “Aaron has only been with us since April of 2014 so for him to make partner in that short a period just speaks volumes to his talent, work ethic and the commitment he has for our firm. Very few attorneys would be able to achieve what Aaron has done this early in his career.”

Bundy, 35, is the first attorney at Fry & Elder to be recognized as a partner since M. Shane Henry became a partner in 2013. Before Henry, only Fry and James R. Elder were partners at the firm. Bundy’s selection further signifies the growth that Fry & Elder has achieved over the past three years.

The Tulsa law firm, which has made the U.S. News & World Report’s exclusive list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016, now has eight full-time practicing trial lawyers and attorneys and recently moved to its current state-of-the-art 1630 S. Main Street office location that amasses 5,200 square feet and features 13 offices and two conference rooms.

Tulsa criminal defense and divorce lawyer believes Fry & Elder will continue to grow

While Fry & Elder’s calling card for nearly 40 years has been in its iconic work in high-conflict, high-resolution Tulsa divorce and child custody cases, the firm now actively practices criminal law, immigration law, personal injuries and probates. Much of this shift has had to do with Bundy’s vision, which is further evidenced by his work as both a Tulsa criminal defense and divorce lawyer.

“Family law has been very good to us and to this firm,” Bundy said. “I think we’re always going to be known and regarded as a premier Oklahoma family law firm. That’s probably never going to change. But, at the same time, we have the experience and personal in place here who are eager, able and willing to effectively practice areas outside of family law.

“Shane is trying a case right now in which the death penalty is in play, and Lorena (Rivas) is handling a ton of cases that involve immigration law. We’re actively practicing criminal law and immigration law, along with personal injury and probate cases.”

Bundy also making an impact outside the courtroom

In addition to his courtroom prowess, Bundy has been able to raise the profile of Fry & Elder throughout the state and, to some extent, on a national level through other platforms. Henry and he have become quite well known for their Trial Skills Presentations, which they put on at a number of County Bar Association Meetings, as well as for other paralegals, lawyers, and judges, throughout Oklahoma and beyond. The two AV-rated attorneys currently present on the following topics:

  • Starting Your Trial Off Right: Opening Statements
  • Evidence at Trial
  • Using Social Media Evidence at Trial
  • Advanced Cross Examination
  • Dealing with Speaking Objections
    at Trial
  • Advanced Trial Techniques
  • Hostile Witness & Cross
    Examination

If that weren’t enough, Bundy and Henry have also recently collaborated to co-author multiple articles for both the Oklahoma Bar Association and the Tulsa Lawyer Magazine.

“I think the big thing is Shane and I just want to become better trial lawyers,” Bundy said. “Writing these articles and conducting these trial skills presentations have allowed us to meet a number of people that we might not have met otherwise. It’s neat to be able to hear about their experiences because they’re definitely passing on knowledge to us.”

Experience the Fry & Elder difference

With his new role as partner, Bundy foresees Fry & Elder only building on it storied past. The firm boasts a number of talented, experienced and decorated attorneys, including Fry, who is one of just 19 attorneys in the state of Oklahoma to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Fry also was selected by Best Lawyers® as its Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016 and like Bundy, Henry and Elder is an AV-rated attorney.

Fellow Fry & Elder trial lawyer T. Luke Barteaux, along with Henry & Bundy, also has been recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star™.

Rivas is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), while Katie Egan is licensed to practice in Oklahoma, New York and Connecticut. Mellissa Fell rounds out the staff of attorneys. Her practice focuses on taking a “concierge attorney” approach.

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

Valentine’s Day and Divorce Might Go Together

Valentine's Day and Divorce

Valentine’s Day typically is associated with flowers, candy and romance. But according to some recent studies, Valentine’s Day and Divorce might go hand-in-hand. According to the reputable legal site Avvo.com, there is a 40 percent increase in people making inquiries about divorce in the brief period leading up to and after Valentine’s Day.

In the article, Philadelphia attorney Jennifer A Brandt said: “Valentine’s Day seems to be a natural catalyst for people to evaluate, and in some cases, make a change in their relationship. I see a distinct pattern where people take honest stock of their relationship in the New Year and make the difficult decision to seek divorce by Valentine’s Day.”

Additionally, AttorneyFee.com reported that divorce fillings in February reach a peak — increasing by nearly 20 percent — in California, Illinois and New York.

Why the spike in Valentine’s Day-related divorces?

There are number of things that could be attributed to the increase in divorce fillings around Valentine’s Day. Stress from the holidays can often prompt thoughts about divorce. Many people will wait until after the New Year to follow through because of the benefits that come with the calendar changes – such as a new tax year – or people are just ready to make big changes with their lives.

The disadvantages that come with the turning of a new year also could play a factor. January has historically been the busiest month for bankruptcy filings, which leads to numerous stressful situations for couples. Cold weather also could lead to increased tension due to the fact that the couple is forced to spend more time together in close proximity.

What should you do if your spouse or you file for divorce?

Whether it’s around Valentine’s Day or at any other time of the year, you are going to want to immediately contact an experienced and proven family law attorney. Divorce and child custody issues are each unique and complex, making it all the more imperative to consult with an experienced divorce and child custody lawyer.

The Tulsa divorce lawyers of Fry & Elder are well versed in handling both high-conflict, high-resolution as well as family law matter in which both sides are amicable and willing to work together to get an acceptable resolution for each party.

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

Fry & Elder has long been iconic not only in Tulsa family law but national family law. The U.S. News & World Report has  listed Fry & Elder to its exclusive list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016.

Iconic Tulsa divorce lawyer Robert G. “Hap” Fry Jr. was honored as the Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016. Fry also has been listed by Best Lawyers® as an Oklahoma Super Lawyer every year since 2007.

Fry & Elder attorneys M. Shane Henry, James R. Elder and Aaron D. Bundy, along with Fry, have all garnered the coveted AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, which is a testament to the fact that a lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence. Henry, Bundy and T. Luke Barteaux also have been selected as Super Lawyers® Rising Stars™.

The addition of attorneys Katie Egan, Lorena Rivas and Melissa Fell have helped round out and diversify the firm and its practice areas, as Fry & Elder now actively practices criminal law, immigration law, personal injury law and probates. Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with an elite Tulsa trial lawyer.

Tulsa Immigration Law Attorney Gives Back

Tulsa immigration law attorney

As an up-and-coming Tulsa immigration law attorney, Fry & Elder’s Lorena Rivas got into law so that she could make a positive impact on her heritage and her community. While at the University of Tulsa College of Law not only did Rivas graduate with honors, she successfully prevented a Haitian national from being returned to Haiti, in terrible conditions due to a recent earthquake and hurricane. If that weren’t enough, she also helped a mother and her two children remain in the United States after being victims of domestic and sexual abuse in Mexico.

Four years later, Rivas’ impact continues to be felt. Rivas appeared on the popular Tulsa Hispanic radio station Que Buena (1530AM & 100.3FM) Friday morning to discuss how the Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments about the recent executive action on immigration by President Obama. A video of Rivas’ appearance on the station’s Pico de Gallo Morning Show can be viewed by CLICKING HERE. The video is in Spanish, and those wishing to view the Fry & Elder website in Spanish now have the option to do so on any page.

Tulsa immigration law attorney

Rivas followed up Friday’s performance on Saturday by bringing in the Union Alternative High School mock trial team to the recently opened Robert G Fry Jr. Center for Trial Studies. Rivas coaches the high school’s mock trial team to provide further evidence that she is a community-driven Tulsa immigration law attorney.

“I’ve always been proud of my Mexican-American heritage and the Tulsa community that I live in,” Rivas said. “I know all the attorneys at Fry & Elder and I feel strongly about giving back to the community and being involved in it. For me, it’s important to educate the Hispanic community on their rights.

“Immigration law is something that is constantly hitting my life, whether it is 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.”

An accomplished Tulsa immigration law attorney

While Rivas is only in her fourth year practicing law, there is little doubt that she is a rapidly growing star in the world of immigration law. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA).

“She’s definitely a rising star,” Fry & Elder partner M. Shane Henry said. “She brings a unique skill set and a lot of diversity to our firm. She has only helped us grow and has further enhanced our reputation.”

Rivas’ practice focuses on individuals who are in need of legal counsel with complicated U.S. immigration laws in affirmative and defensive immigration policies before the Department of Homeland Security. Rivas’ practice areas at Fry & Elder include:

Experience the Fry & Elder difference

Whether you are in need of a Tulsa immigration law attorney or experienced and highly-regarded legal  counsel in Tulsa family law, criminal law personal injury law, Fry & Elder will ensure that your specific needs are meant. In addition to being recognized as one of the premier Tulsa law firms, Fry & Elder has garnered national recognition. The U.S. News & World Report has named Fry & Elder to its list of U.S. Best Law Firms from 2014-2016. Additionally, firm attorneys Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., James R. Elder, M. Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and T. Luke Barteaux have all earned multiple accolades. Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a consultation with a proven and experienced Tulsa trial lawyer.

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