The acclaimed Oklahoma law firm of Fry & Elder successfully navigated its way through international waters this summer after firm attorney Melissa Fell crossed the Atlantic to visit the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple in London.
Fell, who has been with Fry & Elder since 2015, is a Hudson-Hall-Wheaton American Inn of Court member which enabled her access to the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. Accompanied by her son Tobin, Fell met with the esteemed Barrister Dr. Giuseppe Calá during her tour. The meeting opens the door for Fry & Elder to better operate and advocate for clients on the international level.
“It was a great experience and opportunity,” Fell said. The contact with Dr. Calá forges a new international relationship for our firm so we have resources beyond our borders to assist clients should the need arise. We are a resource for international child custody, adoption, guardianship and other family law matters that clients may need.
“While our world becomes increasingly smaller through advanced communication ability through internet and email, nothing can replace the connections that are made by personally visiting with others in distant locations and building relationships with those beyond our borders. We can always benefit from exposure to other systems, cultures and ways of approaching our profession. I look forward to building on my new relationships and not only learning more about the legal systems abroad but also making myself available to other members of our profession, as well as clients, from other countries, as well.”
Fell’s meeting with Dr. Cala and visit of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple was spotlighted in an article written by Tulsa County District Judge Caroline Wall, who also serves as the President for Tulsa’s Hudson-Hall-Wheaton Chapter of the American Inn of Court.
The Hudson-Hall-Wheaton official website defines the American Inns of Court as:
“An association of lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals from all levels and backgrounds who share a passion for professional excellence. Through regular meetings, members are able to build and strengthen professional relationships; discuss fundamental concerns about professionalism and pressing legal issues of the day; share experiences and advice; exhort the utmost passion and dedication for the law; provide mentoring opportunities; and advance the highest levels of integrity, ethics, and civility.”
The experienced Tulsa family law attorney credited her childhood friend Wall for introducing her to the American Inns of Court and insisting that she join the Hudson-Hall-Wheaton Chapter.
“She made a special effort at the recent leadership summit she attended in Boston to reach out to the appropriate person in the organization to help me make the arrangements for my visit,” Fell said. “Her efforts made my visit not only possible but ensured that I was treated as an honored guest at lunch at the Middle Temple. My son Tobin and I were escorted into the magnificent main dining hall of the Temple, and for a moment I felt as if I had entered the setting of the Harry Potter movies. But I soon realized that this was in fact the real deal and where movies and fiction gather their inspiration from.”
That a Fry & Elder attorney took part in an international professional development and continuing legal education opportunity should come as no surprise. Perhaps no other Oklahoma firm embraces CLE and professional development opportunities like Fry & Elder.
In the past nine months alone, Fry & Elder trial lawyers have traveled to Las Vegas, New Orleans, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Miami and now London for CLE conferences and seminars
“Our firm and its attorneys realize the importance continuing legal education and gaining different insight and perspectives,” Fell said. “It’s one of the most dynamic aspects about working at Fry & Elder and alongside so many great and committed attorneys.”
Fell concluded her experience at the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple in London saying this:
“The history of the Inn is ever present in the armorial shields hanging on the walls to the exquisite stained-glass windows. Just for context on how historic the Middle Temple is, the hallowed hall was the site of the first performance of The Twelfth Night on February 2, 1601 by Shakespeare’s own company. It has seen centuries of famous members of the legal profession pass through its halls. Five members signed the Declaration of Independence and seven signed the United States Constitution. We have much to be grateful for to the members of The Middle Temple.”
Why Experience the Fry & Elder Difference?
For over 50 years, Fry & Elder has been synonymous with Oklahoma family law excellence. The firm has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s prestigious Best Law Firm’s list from 2014-2017. In addition to family law, Fry & Elder also offers immigration law, criminal law and personal injury legal services. Fry & Elder’s lineup of decorated attorneys include:
- One of only 19 attorneys in the state to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa 2016
- The 2016 Oklahoma Family Law Attorney of the Yearby the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section
- Five attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers®
- Four attorneys AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
- Three of the past four Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section Chairs
- A Cherokee Nation District Court Judge
Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with Melissa Fell or another acclaimed Oklahoma trial lawyer.