Fry & Elder

Tulsa Family Law Firm Focusing on Divorce, Child Custody & Litigation

Tulsa, OK Law Firm
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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 Tulsa Law Firm Lands Trio of Talented, Experienced Attorneys

There is a buzz permeating within the walls at 1630 S. Main Street which has been both constant and reassuring for a top Tulsa law firm.

Fry & Elder’s stature as one of the best Tulsa law firms has been further reinforced by the arrival of three proven trial lawyers in 2019.

Top Tulsa Law Firm

James Morton, Mary McMillen and Sara Schmook joined Fry & Elder in February, March and April, respectively, this year and have brought an enthusiastic nose-to-the-grindstone approach to the decorated Tulsa law firm which is seeking to be named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List for a seventh consecutive year in 2020.

“They have been a breath of fresh air,” Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. said of the trio. “I have known (James) for a long time and have had discussions about him joining the firm for the past 15 years. The timing just wasn’t right until this year, so I am very happy to have him on board. He’s the real deal.

“Mary and Sara each came here very highly recommended and have been extremely impressive thus far. I think what stands out the most about them is their maturity and desire to not just improve as attorneys but to approach practicing law in the right manner.”

Fry & Elder’s New Trio Brings Variety of Legal Experience, Skills to Top Tulsa Law Firm

Family law has been the legal focus of many attorneys at Fry & Elder, and it will also be a point of emphasis for Morton, McMillen and Schmook.

Though all the three trial lawyers have numerous experiences handling complicated and high-stakes divorce, child custody, child support cases, each of the three attorneys adds a unique legal skill-set complementary to the top Tulsa law firm.

Morton joined Fry & Elder in early 2019 and has over 30 years of domestic relations experience, making him the most seasoned attorney with the firm next to named partners James R. Elder and Fry.

Standout immigration attorney Lorena Rivas, who attended law school with McMillen and Schmook, is the Fry & Elder’s other decorated partner.

“I’ve done thousands of trials over the years, but the only way to really get comfortable in the courtroom is by being behind your desk and doing your homework,” James Morton said. “Each of my clients’ cases feature its own unique set of circumstances and challenges. I make it a point to really listen to my clients and work with them to develop a strategy to present the best possible outcome.”

In addition to her legal prowess in family law, McMillen is considered a rising star among Tulsa appellate attorneys.

McMillen has successfully argued and advocated for her clients in the Oklahoma Courts of Criminal and Civil Appeals.

Her success as a criminal defense attorney comes from understanding the intricacies of criminal procedure and not being afraid to push the State to meet its burden of providing all the elements of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

“Appellate work has always excited and challenged me,” Mary McMillen said. “It is unique in that you are taking on a case or issue with a fresh perspective and then you develop a new game plan to provide the best legal outcome possible.”

As a licensed CPA, Schmook adds a unique dynamic to the firm.

Not only is her legal practice tailored to focus on specific Oklahoma legal financial services such as guardianships, probates, estate planning, business formations and applications to the IRS for 501 (c)(3) not for profit organizations. She also is an excellent choice for clients going through a high-asset divorce.

“Quite often, there are a lot of financial implications which come in to play with complex divorces, particularly if there are a number of assets being disputed which need to be divided,” Sara Schmook said. “Fry & Elder has been a name that has carried a lot prestige to the sphere of Tulsa family law over the years so I am very excited to be with the firm.”

Before his move to 1630 S. Main Street in January, Morton said he had previously moved just two other times during his 30-year career. Shortly after his third career move, it didn’t take long for Morton to feel at home at Fry & Elder and declare his moving days to be behind him.

“I’ve only moved three times in my career,” James C. Morton said. “I have no intention of picking up my desk and moving my computer again. Fry & Elder has developed a tremendous reputation in all facets of family law over the years. This is a firm where my skills and experience can be best put to use.”

To set up a personal consultation with Morton, McMillen or Schmook, contact Fry & Elder today.

Rivas Among Best U.S. Immigration Lawyers Selected for Conference

Lorena Rivas already has proven herself to be one of the top Tulsa immigration attorneys; she’s now rapidly building a reputation as being one of the best U.S. immigration lawyers.

The Fry & Elder partner and decorated immigration law attorney recently traveled to Kansas City to serve as a faculty member for the Immigration Court Trial Advocacy Defensive Asylum conference.

Best U.S. Immigration Lawyers

Held April 25-27 at the Johnson County, Kansas District Courthouse, the 3-day intensive Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminar’s faculty featured some of the very best U.S. immigration lawyers.

Along with Rivas, the lineup included experienced immigration law practitioners from New York (Lindsay A Curcio), Washington D.C. (Lory D. Rosenberg) Texas (Lindsay Gray), Southern California (Munmeeth Kaur Soni), Wisconsin (Erich C. Straub) and Kansas (Genevra Alberti).

“It was an incredible seminar which really did feature a who’s who of some of the absolute best U.S. immigration lawyers,” Rivas said. “To be able to have the opportunity to collaborate, observe and work alongside some of the sharpest legal minds in immigration law was a tremendous honor for me.”

The Immigration Court Trial Advocacy College Defensive Asylum conference differed from most immigration court practice programs due to the fact that it employed a one-on-one, hands-on training experience designed to make participants “fearless in the courtroom.”

Best U.S. Immigration Lawyers Display Common Traits

It could easily be said that possessing a burning desire to learn and a fierce passion to advocate and fight for those in need are common characteristics of elite immigration attorneys.

Rivas exemplifies those traits and has proven herself to be a dynamic immigration law attorney throughout her standout career.

Best U.S. Immigration Lawyers

Lorena Rivas

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.

Fry & Elder’s decorated immigration trial lawyer has even visited 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.

More recently, Rivas traveled to Southern California to attend the  2019 American Immigration Lawyers Association Midwinter Conference in Indian Wells, California where she served as one of the featured speakers and teamed up with Kate Jastram to present on strategies and practices to help overcome the controversial immigration law decision “Matter of A-B-.”

“It was a tremendous pleasure presenting at the AILA conference with Lorena,” said Jastrom, who serves as the Senior Staff Attorney and Gender Asylum Campaign Director with the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies. “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.”

With Fry & Elder since 2015, Rivas’ practice features comprehensive legal services in the following immigration law areas:

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with one the best U.S. Immigration lawyers.

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.

Dynamic Oklahoma Immigration Law Attorney Presents at Lawton CLE

Fry & Elder’s Lorena Rivas capped off a memorable October this past week in Lawton. The dynamic Oklahoma immigration law attorney was one of the keynote speakers during  Lawton Law Office’s Annual CLE for Pro Bono Attorneys.

Dynamic Oklahoma Immigration Law Attorney

Presented by the Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma Inc., the day-long Law Practice Montage was held earlier this month – Friday, October 26 – at the Great Plains Technology Center Building in Lawton.

“It was a great event which featured a lot of well-known and accomplished attorneys and legal practitioners throughout Oklahoma,” Rivas said. “It was quite an honor to be selected to present and represent Fry & Elder at the event.”

Rivas’ presentation, “The Current Climate of Immigration Law,” could not have come at a more opportune time with midterm elections set to take place Nov. 6.

Immigration law is a hot button issue this election year and could be the deciding factor in whether or not many candidates are elected or not.

President Donald Trump made headlines earlier in the week when, during an interview for the four-part HBO documentary series “Axios,” he revealed his plan to prepare and sign an executive order that would end the long-accepted constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship, which would “remove the right to citizenship for babies of non-citizens and unauthorized immigrants born on U.S.-soil.”

“It’s a pivotal time in our country right now without question,” Rivas said. “It is important that those who disagree with some of policies in place or which are on the table regarding immigration law vote and have their voices heard.”

In addition to Rivas’ one-hour presentation on immigration law, the Lawton Law Office’s Annual CLE for Pro Bono Attorneys also included the following presentations:

  • Working with Child Support Services
  • Recent Changes to Expungement Law
  • Understanding Poverty and How Lawyers Can Help

Dynamic Oklahoma Immigration Law Attorney

Dynamic Oklahoma Immigration Law Attorney Closes Out Memorable October

Rivas’ performance in Lawton capped off another memorable month for the dynamic Oklahoma immigration law attorney.

Rivas, along with three other Fry & Elder trial lawyers, was named to Super Lawyers® Rising Stars earlier this month.

The 2018 Fern Holland Award Winner also presented at the Seminole County Bar Association’s 12th Annual Las Vegas CLE along with fellow Fry & Elder accomplished attorney Aaron D. Bundy in September.

Rivas’ practice at Fry & Elder focuses on the following immigration law practice areas:

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a dynamic Oklahoma immigration law attorney.

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

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

Tulsa Super Lawyers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tulsa Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Selection Process Second to None

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

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

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

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

Tulsa Super Lawyers

Fry & Elder Tulsa Super Lawyers to Continue Momentum

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Highly-Regarded Tulsa Immigration Attorney Weighs in on Child Separation

Highly-regarded Tulsa immigration attorney

California immigration attorney Angeline Chen was torn between what action to initially take when she recently volunteered at the border in Tijuana, Mexico to help a 150-person caravan of immigrants from Central America with the U.S. asylum process.

As reported in a July story by Today.com, the potential scene of children being separated from their parents was one which haunted Chen.

“It is so overwhelming, Chen said. “Do you give the children teddy bears and blankets or do we give them attorneys?”

While immigration law has been a constant hot-topic legal issue for decades, Fry & Elder immigration attorney Lorena Rivas says immigration law policies reached a boiling point this past May when Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that those caught illegally crossing the border would face criminal prosecution.

The decision prompted the separation of 2,342 migrant children from their parents between early May and June 19 as reported in this NPR article.

Though President Donald Trump has since modified his stance on family separation to keep families intact even though a zero-tolerance policy will remain in place, Rivas believes the repercussions of the initial separations continue to be impactful and far reaching.

“It’s a very tragic and unfortunate mess,” Rivas said. “For the children and parents who have been separated from one another, it’s not a simple quick fix to locate one another. Many immigrants may be undocumented and those with documentation may have had their documents lost in the shuffle. It becomes further complicated for those with a solid claim for asylum, as they are simply trying to escape violent, life-threatening situations from their home countries.”

Fiancé Visa

What can be Done to Help?

First and foremost, Rivas believes there needs to greater awareness brought to the legal issues and uncertainty surrounding the southern border; but the highly-regarded Tulsa immigration attorney also said additional attention needs to be given to the organizations and programs available which people can donate to and support.

These include the following:

ACLU

This well-known organization is currently raising money to “defend asylum-seeking parents forcibly separated from their children.”

NPR recently reported how a federal judge in Washington D.C. ordered the return of an asylum-seeker from El Salvador.

Judge Emmet Sullivan “threatened to hold Attorney General Jeff Sessions in contempt because the government had spirited the woman away while her case was still pending.”

The ACLU has publicly stated that “separating families is inhumane.”

Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project

The ASAP provides an abundant amount of support for refugee families who come to the U.S. because of “unspeakable violence” in their home countries.

The organization has recently sued U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to further fight family separation and human rights violations.

The Texas Civil Rights Project

Closer to home, the TCRP continues to be proactive in its quest to assist asylum-seeking families.

The organization recently denounced the Trump administration’s plan to vacate the Flores Settlement Agreement, which has shaped detention standards for underage migrants since 1997, and expand family detention capabilities.

The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration will increase the size of a tent camp for migrant children outside El Paso from 1,200 beds to as many as 3,800.

The TCRP issues the following statement in response:

“The Trump administration has found a new low in the family separation crisis: seeking indefinite imprisonment of children. Any attempt to withdraw from the Flores Settlement Agreement in order to circumvent previous court orders and expand family detention is wholly unacceptable.

“For months, we watched in horror as children were ripped from their parents, but the remedy for family separation is not, and never will be, indefinitely locking up whole families in immigration prisons.”

Leading Tulsa immigration attorney

A Highly-Regarded Tulsa Immigration Attorney Who Cares

A native of Mutual, Oklahoma, Rivas is a first-generation American who takes great pride in being able to represent the Oklahoma Latino community as a highly-regarded Tulsa immigration attorney.

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

Rivas has done just that, and continues to make an impact as a highly-regarded Tulsa immigration attorney. She has traveled multiple times to Capital Hill to meet with legislators to advocate for immigration law reform and improved policies.

Rivas also is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Fern Holland Award. As a respected professional in the Tulsa community, she was selected to take part in the Leadership Tulsa Class 60 for 2018-2019.

Her immigration law practice areas at Fry & Elder include the following:

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

Oklahoma Cyberbullying Attorney Discusses Cyberbullying Effects

Technological advancements have increased the opportunities for students of all ages to be successful. Unfortunately, the same advancements have given some pre-teen and teenagers an arena to further facilitate their bullying and abusive tactics around the clock.

Tulsa school bullying attorney Katie Egan

Kathleen M. Egan

Cyberbullying has become more commonplace in Oklahoma and throughout the United States, as it affects many students and young adults. Some reports claim that “more than 1 in 3 young people have experienced cyberthreats online.”

Fry & Elder Oklahoma cyberbullying attorney Katie Egan believes cyberbullying presents a real problem for many of today’s youths, particularly those enrolled in middle school, high school and college.

The accomplished trial attorney, who is licensed to practice in Connecticut and New York, in addition to Oklahoma, wishes to provide the following insight into Oklahoma cyberbullying tactics, their effects and what you can do to protect yourself or your child from cyberbullying.

Understanding Oklahoma Cyberbullying

Unlike physical, face-to-face bullying, cyberbullying does not end once the initial encounter is over.

Because cyberbullying occurs through digital technology mediums like email, text messaging and social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, cyberbullying incidents frequently operate on 24-hour per day cycle, making it all the more difficult for the victim to escape from the acts of intimidation, harassment and embarrassment.

Cyberbullying becomes even more difficult to monitor and trace because the attacker can easily hide behind a keyboard anonymously and post the offensive messages to a wide audience. Once those messages and posts are sent they are often difficult to delete.

The Potential Effects of Cyberbullying

The effects of cyberbullying can have very serious consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator. These could include any of the following.

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Drug and alcohol use
  • Health problems
  • Low self-esteem
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions

Those who instigate the cyberbullying attacks may not initially realize the repercussion of their actions, but they can lead to a host of problems down the road which could include losing employment and education opportunities and potentially facing criminal charges.

If a cyberbullying incident was sexual in nature – such as sexting or sending and posting sexual pictures – the offender could be registered as a sex offender.

Oklahoma Cyberbullying Laws in Place

Oklahoma HB 1661 was signed into law in 2013. Known as the School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act, the bill addresses bullying in general, but it gives schools greater authority to specifically address cyberbullying acts.

As stated in a 2017 TeenSafe.com article,

“With the new law, schools can use law enforcement to intervene. It allows schools to maintain internal records of cyberbullying for police investigation. It ultimately relieves Oklahoma schools from having to address it themselves when their hands are often tied from any meaningful ramification. It moves the punishment from a school consequence to legal matter.”

Oklahoma cyberbullying attorney

Why the Need for an Experienced Oklahoma Cyberbullying Attorney?

Though the passing of Oklahoma HB 1661 was a move in the right direction for Oklahoma schools, students and educators, cyberbullying incidents often feature many gray and murky areas, making it all the more important to contact an experienced Oklahoma cyberbullying attorney.

Whether you have been a victim of cyberbullying or are being accused of committing cyberbullying attack, an experienced Oklahoma cyberbullying attorney will keep your best interests in mind and help you efficiently navigate through the process to provide you with the best outcome.

Fry & Elder Oklahoma cyberbullying attorney Katie Egan is knowledgeable and well-versed in the many different forms of bullying – physical and cyberbullying – which take place in out of school.

Egan is a member of a firm which has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List every year since 2014, and a team of trial lawyers who are some of the most distinguished in the state and include:

If you feel your child or someone close to you is a victim of a cyberbullying attach or is being falsely accused of cyberbullying, we encourage you to contact Fry & Elder Tulsa today to set up a personal consultation with an experienced Oklahoma cyberbullying attorney.