Fry & Elder Tulsa Law Firm

Divorce, Child Custody, Protective Orders, Criminal Defense

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Tulsa, OK Law Firm
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Possible Legal Implications for Oklahoma Licensed Professioals

Oklahoma trial lawyers

Simply being involved in any legal action is serious and stressful, but the stakes can be heightened when your job is on the line.

Professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, counselors and police officers, are all regulated and must have a license from the State in order to work in their respective areas. As those professions all have significant educational and training requirements, each professional license is the product of thousands of hours of effort, investment and education.

Professional licenses all have a “requisite moral character” component, and licenses can be placed in jeopardy by allegations of professional or personal misconduct made in protective orders and divorce cases and criminal charges with complaints to the licensing body. If you find yourself going through such a legal issue, it is imperative that you speak with an Oklahoma trial lawyer in a timely matter to discuss the possible implications of what is at stake for you professionally.

The Oklahoma trial lawyers at Fry & Elder represent professionals including lawyers, doctors and police officers in licensure hearings, criminal cases and family law matters. If you have a professional license and are the subject of a complaint, consider the following tips:

  • Contact a lawyer before speaking to an investigator. An attorney can assist you concerning any potential questioning
  • Preserve your records
  • Do not ignore an investigation, regardless whether it is justified or not
  • Do not contact the complainant
  • Do not discuss the complaint publicly, including social media

The trial lawyers at Fry & Elder handle sensitive matters where parental rights, licenses and liberty are at stake.

Why Consider Fry & Elder Oklahoma Trial Lawyers

The Oklahoma trial lawyers of Fry & Elder are not only some of the most decorated in the state, but in the country. This much has been evident in the national recognition the firm has commanded. The U.S. News & World Report recently named the firm to its Best Law Firms list for a fourth consecutive year. Individually, Oklahoma trial lawyers Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., M. Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and T. Luke Barteaux all garnered Super Lawyers® accolades. Even more impressive is the fact that Fry was named the Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016 by Best Lawyers®, while Henry was just named the 2016 Family Law Attorney of the Year by the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section.

Additionally, Fry & Elder’s Lorena Rivas is one of the most acclaimed Oklahoma immigration law attorneys, while Kirsten Bernhardt has previously won a judgement in excess of $10 million from Coca-Cola and is an accomplished litigator in guardianships, family law and criminal law cases.

In addition to Oklahoma, Fry & Elder attorney Katie Egan is licensed to practice in New York and Connecticut. Melissa Fell focuses much of her practice on the increasingly popular concierge attorney, while partner James R. Elder is one of four Oklahoma trial lawyers at the firm to hold the distinguished AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®. Contact Fry & Elder today to speak with an experienced and accomplished Oklahoma trial lawyer.

Henry Named Oklahoma Family Law Attorney of the Year

real-shane-pic

The accolades and awards keep pouring in for Fry & Elder attorneys. The esteemed Oklahoma family law firm captured yet another big honor when trial lawyer and partner M. Shane Henry was recognized as the 2016 Family Law Attorney of the Year by the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section during its annual meetings this past week in Oklahoma City.

The most recent honor adds to the impressive tab that Fry & Elder has compiled over the past month, which includes being named to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms list a fourth consecutive year and firm attorneys Henry, Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., Aaron D. Bundy and T. Luke Barteaux garnering Super Lawyers® recognition.

“It’s been a really big month for us,” Henry said. “I definitely feel honored to be recognized as the Family Law Attorney of the Year by the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section because there are a lot of really outstanding family law attorneys throughout Oklahoma, including a few at our Fry & Elder offices. I am very fortunate to be able to work with such a talented and accomplished staff. They are a huge reason for this award.”

real-courtney-and-luke

Making the moment all the more enjoyable for Henry was the fact that Barteaux, who is the Family Law Section Chairperson, presented the award and Fry & Elder law clerk Courtney Najera was tabbed the 2016 Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section Law School Student of the Year.

As an aspiring family law attorney, Najera said she draws inspiration from her mother and fellow family law attorney Melissa Cornell, along with her colleagues at Fry & Elder.

“Working at Fry & Elder provides the most exceptional opportunity to learn from individuals who constantly strive for excellence,” Najera said. “The firm’s dedication to bettering the legal community is truly inspiring. Fry & Elder attorneys never fear pushing the boundaries of legal tradition to modernize and better every aspect of trial advocacy. It is an honor to work with the firm.”

A Trusted Name in Oklahoma Family Law

Henry’s honor adds to the long list of achievements Fry & Elder has had in the realm of Oklahoma family law. Fry Jr. is one of just one of just 19 attorneys in the state to be named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and he also was selected by Best Lawyers® as its Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016.

If you are facing a complex or contested divorce, child custody or other Oklahoma family law issue, contact Fry & Elder today to set up a consultation with an experienced and accomplished Tulsa family law trial attorney.

Tips To Keep Divorce Financial Implications To A Minimum

Divorce financial implications

Though often difficult, making the decision to go ahead and get a divorce can be a great solution for many on how to get out of an unhealthy relationship. That said, there is no way around some of the heartache and emotional baggage that divorce can bring to many. Divorce financial implications also should not be lost in the conversation. Divorce is expensive. From child support to alimony to attorney’s fees, one’s tab can add up quickly. There also are more unexpected financial factors that could come into play which the Tulsa family law firm of Fry & Elder wishes to convey with you so that you can better protect yourself financially, before, during and after the divorce.

Know what debt you are responsible for and what debt your ex is responsible after the divorce?

Just because your marriage has ended in divorce does not mean that your debt has been terminated. A good Tulsa divorce lawyer will thoroughly go over the parameters of your divorce agreement and what debt you are individually responsible for, what debt your ex is responsible for and what debt you are jointly accountable for settling.  As far as divorce financial implications go, debt is among the most problematic people face. For any joint debt that you agree to pay off together after the divorce, make sure that you are aware of the fact that if your ex does not pay his or her share, the creditor could potentially come after you. Above all, consult with an elite Tulsa divorce attorney so that you can have a good game plan in place that best fits your post-divorce needs.

Get your debts refinanced or paid off before the divorce if at all possible

In all probability, you will have some debt hanging over your head after your divorce. But the more debt you can get paid off before the divorce is finalized the better off you will be in the long run. This might mean closing out joint credit cards and having some managed by just one individual party. If one party ends up keeping a home or residence after the divorce, then that mortgage should be refinanced under his or her name.

Update your will and other important paperwork

Not only is updating your will important for obvious reasons after a divorce, you also will want to talk to your Tulsa divorce attorney about filing new beneficiary designation paperwork for insurance policies and retirements plans. Updating the necessary paperwork will better ensure your wishes will be honored and also better safeguard you against divorce financial implications that could become long and drawn out.

Know that future divorce financial implications could be on the horizon

If you are going through a divorce, know that there are numerous reasons why you should contact an experienced and proven Tulsa divorce attorney. This is yet another reason why it is imperative that you do so. If you suspect that your ex might file bankruptcy or that you might have incurred more debt than you initially thought, your attorney will help you devise a game plan that will help you best get through the process. For instance, your attorney will explain that even if your ex files for bankruptcy, child support payments will not be eliminated.

Experience the Fry & Elder difference

If you are looking for an acclaimed and prominent Tulsa divorce attorney, look no further than the law firm of Fry & Elder. Robert G “Hap” Fry is one of only 19 attorneys in the state to be named a  Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He also was named the Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016 by the renown legal publication Best Lawyers®.

Fellow Fry & Elder attorneys M. Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and James R. Elder, along with Fry, have each garnered the prestigious AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®.

Additionally, Fry & Elder’s Kirsten Bernhardt has proven her prowess in both bench and jury trials, once winning a judgement in excess of $10 million from Coca-Cola. Lorena Rivas is a highly-regarded Oklahoma immigration law attorney, while fellow colleague Luke Barteaux has been named a Super Lawyers® Rising Star™.

Fry & Elder attorney Katie Egan is licensed to practice in three states and the firm’s Melissa Fell focuses much of her family law practice on the “concierge attorney.” Collectively, the talented staff of attorneys at Fry & Elder have led the firm to national recognition. The U.S. News & World Report has named the firm to its list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016. Help avoid any further divorce financial implications by contacting an elite Tulsa divorce attorney today.

Oklahoma Immigration Law Attorney Rivas Pens Column

Oklahoma immigration law attorney

Since joining the prominent Tulsa law firm of Fry & Elder in 2015, Lorena Rivas has established herself as an authority figure on Oklahoma immigration law.

Rivas recently put this on full display for the Tulsa-based Hispanic media publication La Semana del Sur. The up-and-coming Oklahoma immigration law attorney, wrote an editorial piece that was featured in one of the June issues of La Semana del Sur. CLICK HERE to read Rivas’ editorial.

Not surprisingly, the topic Rivas weighed in on has become one of the most talked about and controversial topics surrounding Donald Trump’s presidential candidacy – that topic being of course illegal immigration.

In the article, Rivas wrote that a common question her clients regularly ask her is what would to them if Trump got elected as President and more specifically if he would “be able to deport them immediately.”

While those are tough opening questions to hear from clients, Rivas conveyed that she does her best to be honest, saying that a Trump presidency would “affect” immigration, but that it would not “immediately change the current state of the immigration system.”

Rivas pointed out that while the President of the United States is bestowed with a great amount of power, the legislative and judicial branches are in place to keep that power in check.

Media continues to spotlight Oklahoma immigration law attorney Rivas, Fry & Elder

Typically, the trial lawyers of Fry & Elder are the ones being interviewed. Attorneys at the iconic Tulsa law firm have been the subjects of no fewer than 15 article or reports by state media publications. Below are links to the previous 14 articles.

Rivas has been interviewed by many of those publications, but it is her first time as a guest columnist. The opportunity further validates the fact that she is rapidly becoming an elite Oklahoma immigration law attorney. Much of her practice at Fry & Elder focuses on Oklahoma immigration law issues such as:

Why experience the Fry & Elder difference?

Whether you are in need of a proven and experienced Oklahoma immigration law attorney or a family law or criminal law attorney, the trial lawyers at Fry & Elder are some of the most decorated in the state and the nation.

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 attorneys in the state of Oklahoma to be named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Fry, along with fellow firm partners  M. Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and James R. Elder have each achieved the AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®.

Fry & Elder’s T. Luke Barteaux has been selected as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star™ multiple times. In addition to Oklahoma, Katie Egan is licensed to practice law in Connecticut and New York. Kirsten Bernhardt has proven her prowess in both bench and jury trials, once winning a judgement in excess of $10 million from Coca-Cola. Melissa Fell rounds out a talented staff of attorneys that have helped Fry & Elder be named to the U.S. News & World Report’s elite list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016. Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a proven and acclaimed Tulsa trial lawyer.    

Tulsa Child Custody and Divorce Attorneys Offer Father’s Day Tips

Tulsa child custody and divorce attorneys

Whether you are divorced or are in the process of getting a divorce, the holidays can often be rough for dads, and Father’s Day is no exception. With the holiday arriving this weekend, the Tulsa child custody and divorce attorneys at Fry & Elder empathize with the dads out there and would like to offer a few tips to help you get through the day no matter what your situation will be this Father’s Day – kids the whole day, part of the day or not at all.

Have a Positive Attitude

This may sound easy and cheesy all at once, but so much of making it through any trying situation is achieved by having a positive attitude. Try and reflect on what you do have, not what you don’t have. Chances are, there are a lot of other people out there who would like to switch positions with you. If you do have the opportunity to spend part of the day or the entire day with your children, they generally will emulate the attitude you present.

Shift Some of the Attention Off of You and onto Some of the Other Fathers Out There

What better way to spend Father’s Day than with your own dad? While this might not be possible for some dads out there, if your dad has passed on, you could begin the day by writing a letter to him or doing something that you both enjoyed doing together. If you have brothers, uncles or any good friends out there who are dads, take a minute to wish them a happy Father’s Day.

Do Something Nice for Yourself

Remember, this is your day so there’s no reason not to treat yourself right. This might mean splurging on that grill or set of golf clubs you’ve been eyeing for a while or it might mean taking part of the day to do something you enjoy – like playing golf or going fishing.

Have a Plan for the Day

This is particularly important if you will be spending any amount of time with your children this Father’s Day. Think of some things to do together that would be fun. This might mean taking a bike ride and having a picnic, playing catch or going swimming and then having a barbecue. No matter what you end up deciding on, your kids and you will enjoy the time together and make some memories together along the way. If you are unable to see your kids then try and schedule a time to Skype of FaceTime with them and make plans to keep yourself busy. This might mean hanging out with some friends or going on weekend / daylong getaway.

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

We wish all the dads out there divorced, separated or not a happy Father’s Day. Should something, however, arise over the weekend that causes you to question your custodial position, we encourage you to contact Fry & Elder immediately and set up a personal consultation. Our team of Tulsa child custody and divorce attorneys is among the most decorated 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® and is also one of only 19 Oklahoma attorneys to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and James R. Elder, along with Fry, have each garnered the coveted AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, while T. Luke Barteaux has been selected as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star™.

Fry & Elder’s Lorena Rivas is an accomplished Oklahoma immigration law attorney, while Kristen Bernhardt once won a judgement in excess of $10 million from Coca-Cola. Fellow firm attorney Katie Egan is licensed to practice in three different states and Melissa Fell rounds out a talented team of Tulsa child custody and divorce attorneys that have helped Fry & Elder make the U.S. News & World Report’s elite list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016.   

Tulsa Criminal and Divorce Lawyer Spotlighted

Tulsa criminal and divorce lawyer

Aaron Bundy

As it turns out, 2016 is proving to be quite the year for Aaron D. Bundy. The Tulsa criminal and divorce lawyer became the newest partner at Fry & Elder in March. Later that month, Bundy was profiled in the Tulsa Business & Legal News after making the publications The Tulsa 40 list.

Now, this month, the highly-regard Tulsa criminal and divorce lawyer has been featured in the June issue of TulsaPeople Magazine. The article, which you can READ HERE, focused on Bundy being just the fourth attorney to make partner at the prestigious Oklahoma family law firm of Fry & Elder. The article highlights some of Bundy’s other legal achievements, including holding the coveted AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®.

While Fry & Elder has long been associated with its prowess in Oklahoma family law, Bundy has helped add another dimension to the firm, as much of his practice is focused on criminal defense law. Bundy and fellow Fry & Elder partner M. Shane Henry also have been active in presenting a variety of informative, engaging and entertaining Trial CLE Presentations for professional development and training purposes throughout the state. In addition to being an AV-rate attorney, Bundy has made the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars™ list.

The TulsaPeople article is just one of many appearances Bundy and Fry & Elder have made in Oklahoma media publications this year. All total, the Tulsa law firm has been spotlighted 14 times in the past 14 months by various media outlets throughout the state.

Tulsa criminal and divorce lawyer

Why Experience the Fry & Elder Difference?

The Tulsa law firm of Fry & Elder isn’t just one of the most decorated in the state but in the country, as evidence by the U.S. News & World Report naming Fry & Elder to its exclusive list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016.

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. 

In addition to Bundy and Henry, Luke Barteaux also has made the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars™ list, while Kirsten Bernhardt has won a judgement in excess of $10 million against Coca-Cola. Fry & Elder’s Lorena Rivas has become an authority figure in Oklahoma immigration law, and Katie Egan is licensed to practice law in three different states – Oklahoma, New York and Connecticut. Whether you need legal counsel in family law, criminal law, immigration law or personal injury law, contact Fry & Elder today to set up consultation with an elite Tulsa attorney.

Tips To Get Through Summer Child Custody, Vacation Schedule

Summer child custody

Memorial Day is less than a week away to further signify that summer is about to be in full swing. For children, there is no better time of the year. For divorced parents, the summer months can often be a hectic time with planning your child’s and your schedule. With that said, the summer months are often the most rewarding time of the year for a parent because of the fact that it is quite often the time where you are able to create some of the best memories with your child. The Tulsa family law of Fry & Elder recognizes the importance of summer vacation and wishes to provide you with a few tips on how to best navigate through summer child custody, vacation time and scheduling with your ex to maximize the pleasure you get out of the summer.

Come Up With A Summer Child Custody, Vacation Schedule That You Can Agree On and Stick To

If your ex and you have shared custody, you will want to set up a time to meet and go over the summer vacation plans you both have in mind for your child. There is plenty of time for you to take your child on that cross-country road trip or Disney World vacation, but if you don’t clarify and discuss these plans with your ex, you might find yourself back in court. It is important to keep communication lines open that way neither parent is left in the dark.

One good solution to make sure all parties are on the same page is to consult with an experienced Tulsa child custody attorney and create a detailed and documented summer child custody and vacation schedule that your ex will sign off on and then will be formally submitted it to a judge. This might initially seem like a little extra legwork, but it really is not. Best of all, everyone will be well aware of what the summer will entail for the child.

Double Check That You Aren’t In Jeopardy Of Violating Your Custody Agreement

Depending on what your current child custody agreement is and what you have planned for the summer, there is a potential that you could be in danger of violating your custody agreement. For instance, if you have an out-of-state trip to California planned, but your visitation and custody agreements have geographical provisions, you might want to look into getting that agreement modified. Your ex should be open to stipulating to a modification for travel, particularly if you have already planned a vacation.

Allow The Child To Communicate With The Other Parent During Your Vacation Time

Chances are your child would like to tell his or her other parent just how much fun they’re having on vacation with you. And chances are your ex will want to hear from their child and the experiences they are having. A little common courtesy between parents involving their child is never a bad thing. Allowing your child to call, email or Skype with the other parent aligns with that notion.

Provide Your Ex With Adequate Notice

Things and opportunities do come up, but you should make every opportunity to provide your ex with sufficient notice about when and where you will be vacationing. This also falls under the common courtesy umbrella and will help avoid confusion between parties.

Why Experience The Fry & Elder Difference

Whether you have questions or concerns about a summer child custody arrangement or any other family law matter, the Tulsa family law firm of Fry & Elder is here to assist you. The U.S. News & World Report has named Fry & Elder to its exclusive list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016. The firm’s nine attorneys are some of the most accomplished in the state. In addition to family law, Fry & Elder offers legal services in criminal law, immigration law, adoptions and personal injury law.

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., is one of only 19 Oklahoma attorneys to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He also was selected as the Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016 by Best Lawyers®. Firm 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®, Luke Barteaux has been selected as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star™.

The firm’s newest attorney, Kirsten Bernhardt, hold the distinction of having won a judgement in excess of $10 million against Coca-Cola. Lorena Rivas has established herself as rising star in immigration law and Katie Egan is licensed to practice in Connecticut and New York in addition to Oklahoma. Melissa Fell rounds out the talented staff of 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 Divorce Lawyer Answers Shared Parenting Questions

Tulsa divorce lawyer

If you are involved or potentially about to be involved in a child custody battle, one number that you will want to keep at the forefront is 121. The number is significant for one reason specifically: a shared parenting credit cannot be acquired by the non-custodial parent without your child staying overnight in excess of more 120 nights per year, making it all the more important to make sure that you seek consultation from an elite Tulsa divorce lawyer.

What is Shared Parenting Credit and how can a Tulsa divorce lawyer help?

While it ultimately is up to the judge to decide whether the non-custodial parent receives shared parenting credit, the parent stands a much greater chance of getting the credit if he or she retains a proven Tulsa divorce lawyer with extensive experience in trying child custody and shared parenting cases.

The importance of acquiring shared parenting credit is that it provides the non-custodial parent with a reduction in the amount of child support they will have to pay that is based on a percentage from a variety of factors, including annual income and the amount of overnights with the child. If the parent does receive shared credit, but fails to meet the 121 overnight threshold, they might have to reimburse the custodial parent for the difference between regular the child support and the shared parent credit amount. CLICK HERE to learn more about shared parent credit.

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

For over 40 years, Robert G “Hap” Fry has been an elite Tulsa divorce lawyer, who’s practice focuses on high-conflict, high-resolution child custody case. He is one of only 19 attorneys in the state of Oklahoma to be honored as a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Fry was also named as the Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016 by Best Lawyers®  and he has been selected as an Oklahoma Super Lawyer every year since 2007.

Powered by his accolades and accomplishments, Fry & Elder has distinguished itself both locally and nationally as a premier family law firm. The U.S. News & World Report has selected Fry & Elder to its exclusive list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016.

In addition to Fry, firm attorneys James R. Elder, M. Shane 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, has been selected as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star™.

Fry & Elder’s team of accomplished attorneys also features Lorena Rivas, who 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.

If you have questions or concerns about shared parenting credit or any other family law matter, contact Fry & Elder today to speak with an elite and experienced Tulsa divorce lawyer.

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.

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