Fry & Elder

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

Tulsa, OK Law Firm
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Fry, Henry Selected to Elite Best Lawyers List by Esteemed Publication

Best Lawyers® unveiled its highly-anticipated 24th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© on Aug. 15, 2017, and for the first time in firm history the acclaimed Oklahoma law firm of Fry & Elder had two of its trial lawyers listed. Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. was selected for his prowess in family law for an eighth consecutive year, while fellow firm partner M. Shane Henry was selected for the first time for his excellence in family law and family mediation.

2018 Best Lawyers M. Shane Henry and Robert G "Hap" Fry Jr.

The listings are significant for numerous reasons: First and foremost because Best Lawyers® is considered to be the “oldest and most respected peer review publication in the legal profession.” Those attorneys selected by Best Lawyers® go through an intense peer review process in which fellow attorneys confidentially evaluate their colleagues.

As Best Lawyers® states on its website, “if the votes for an attorney are positive enough for recognition in Best Lawyers, that attorney must maintain those votes in subsequent polls to remain in each edition. Lawyers are not permitted to pay any fee to participate in or be recognized by Best Lawyers®.”

“I am very honored to be selected by Best Lawyers,” Henry said. “This award is recognition of the achievements, accomplishments and talent of our entire team here at Fry & Elder.  Each day, I get to work with true professionals that constantly strive to improve as trial lawyers and advocates for our clients. We are a team here at Fry & Elder.”

Best Lawyers M. Shane Henry

That philosophy has served Henry and Fry & Elder well over the years. The iconic Oklahoma law firm has experienced unprecedented growth and expansion since he joined Fry & Elder in 2010, growing from three attorneys in 2010 to its current lineup of 14 full-time practicing trial lawyers.

Henry also is largely responsible for Fry & Elder opening Oklahoma City offices earlier this year and expanding its legal practice areas into immigration law, criminal law and personal injury law.

That said Fry & Elder’s calling card remains family law, including divorce and child custody, and Henry has reinforced this notion over the years. He was named the 2016 Family Law Attorney of the Year by the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section and is one of three Fry & Elder trial lawyers to serve as the Chair of the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section in the past four years.

Additionally, Henry is an AV-rated trial lawyer and has been named to Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list the past two years.

“Best Lawyers is a very big deal,” fellow Fry & Elder partner Aaron D. Bundy said. “This is big for Shane and the firm. It’s certainly well deserved. He works as hard as any attorney out there.”

Best Lawyers Robert G "Hap" Fry Jr.

While Henry embodies Fry & Elder’s continued excellence in family law, Fry Jr. defines it. He is considered by many to be the Best Tulsa Divorce lawyer, and he has the credentials to back that claim up.

Fry was named the Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa 2016 and is one of only 19 attorneys in the state to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. His eighth consecutive Best Lawyers’ listing also concludes what can only be described as a memorable and remarkable summer for the long-time trial lawyer.

Fry joined the likes of John Wayne Brad Pitt, David Letterman and a host of other well-known celebrities, professionals and athletes when he was given the Significant Sig Award by the Sigma Chi Fraternity this past June.

“It’s been a very enjoyable and memorable year,” said Fry, who is nearing his 50th year of practicing law, but still going strong. “Honors like these are greatly appreciated and are never taken for granted. A Best Lawyers listing is significant because it is how your professional peers view you as an attorney. It is a tremendous compliment, and it is very satisfying to have Shane make Best Lawyers. I anticipate that there will be other Fry & Elder attorneys on the list in the very near future. Our firm is in great, great shape.”

With Fry and Henry leading the way, Fry & Elder has made the U.S. News & World Report’s elite Best Law Firms list from 2014-2017 and is in prime position to make the list for a fifth consecutive year. The list will be unveiled on Nov. 1.

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City to set up a personal consultation with Fry, Henry or another experienced Oklahoma trial lawyer.

Calvillo Accepted into Oklahoma Bar Association Leadership Academy

When Ruth Calvillo joined Fry & Elder in the spring of 2017, the Tulsa immigration law lawyer knew she would be expected to embrace the acclaimed Oklahoma law firm’s practice of its attorneys seeking out continuing legal education (CLE), professional development and leadership opportunities.

Calvillo has exceeded expectations thus far. The up-and-coming Tulsa immigration law lawyer recently completed the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section Trial Advocacy Institute (OBA FLS TIA) and was one of approximately 25 attorneys in the state to be selected to the 6th Oklahoma Bar Association Leadership Academy which begins in September and runs through April of 2018.

“I feel honored to have been selected to the Oklahoma Bar Association Leadership Academy,” Calvillo said. “I am looking forward to learning from other leaders in the profession as well as attorneys in my class. I hope to learn skills that will allow me to be a role model to law students and other young lawyers.”

Calvillo follows in the footsteps of other Fry & Elder trial lawyers Lorena Rivas (Immigration Law) and T. Luke Barteaux (Family Law and Criminal Law) who completed the Oklahoma Bar Association Leadership Academy in 2014 and 2016.

Oklahoma Bar Association Leadership Academy

“I’m very proud of Ruth and her efforts,” said Rivas, who works directly with Calvillo in the firm’s immigration law department. “It’s a pretty competitive selection process, but it’s a great opportunity and I know she will take a lot away from it.”

In addressing the benefit and value of taking part in the OBA Leadership Academy, the Oklahoma Bar Association said the following on its website:

“The personal and profession benefit you will derive through this unique experience will be immeasurable. You will meet and interact with bar leaders and some of the most accomplished legal and community leaders. You will also be exposed to the legislative and judicial systems; you will interact with high-level state and local officials and judges and meet many attorneys from the private and public sectors.”

Calvillo, who is licensed to practice law in both Oklahoma and California, focuses much of her immigration law practice on advocating for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Why Experience the Fry & Elder Difference?

Whether you are in need of an accomplished Tulsa immigration law lawyer, a family law attorney, criminal defense attorney or personal injury law attorney, Fry & Elder has the team in place to help navigate you through the legal process. The firm has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s exclusive Best Law Firms list from 2014-2017. Fry & Elder’s team of 13 attorneys also include:

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with Calvillo or another experienced Oklahoma trial lawyer.

Fry & Elder Oklahoma City Growing, Gaining Momentum

The Fry & Elder name is growing and gaining momentum in Oklahoma City. The acclaimed firm opened its Fry & Elder Oklahoma City offices in December of 2016 and took a big step forward this past week with the hiring of Latessha Hunter.

Fry & Elder Oklahoma Cith

Hunter’s hiring gives Fry & Elder Oklahoma City five experienced and accomplished attorneys with Allyson Dow and Hunter practicing full-time out of the Oklahoma City office.

“I’m excited to be a part of Fry & Elder,” Hunter said. “It’s a very well know firm throughout the state and nationally for what they’ve done in the Tulsa area (since 1932). I liked the idea of working with a team of attorneys who are always looking to get better and help one another out. They’re always attending conferences and looking to grow. Fry & Elder is only going to get bigger in Oklahoma City and elsewhere.”

Fry & Elder Oklahoma City

Fry & Elder’s roots date back to 1932 when C. Lawrence Elder began trying and winning cases in Oklahoma courtrooms. Since then, Fry & Elder has only gotten bigger and better. The firm has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s exclusive Best Law Firms list from 2014-2017. Fry & Elder’s team of 13 attorneys also comprise of arguably the most decorated lineups in the state. They include:

Like so many other Fry & Elder attorneys, Hunter’s practice is primarily focused on family law, including divorce and child custody. Along with Dow and Hunter, T. Luke Barteaux, Aaron D. Bundy and M. Shane Henry make up the current roster of Fry & Elder Oklahoma City attorneys.

Barteaux, Bundy, Dow and Henry have each been named Super Lawyers® Rising Stars.

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with an elite Oklahoma trial lawyer.

Melissa Fell Takes Fry & Elder Name Across International Waters

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.

Melissa Fell

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.”

Melissa Fell

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:

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.

 

Fry Jr. Joins Exclusive, Elite Company With Significant Sig Award

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr’s lifelong commitment to the Sigma Chi Fraternity in 1963 was fully recognized June 24, 2017 in Providence, Rhode Island.

Significant Sig Award

Site of the fraternity’s 81st Annual Grand Chapter, Fry joined elite and exclusive company when he was honored with the Significant Sig Award for his professional achievements and devotion to Sigma Chi since his initiation into the fraternity in 1963.

The Fry & Elder partner and Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa 2016 is now a member of the same exclusive club that includes John Wayne, Brad Pitt, David Letterman, J. Willard Marriott Jr., Woody Harrelson and a host of other distinguished Sigma Chi’s who have garnered the Significant Sig Award over the years.

“I have been fortunate to be recognized with some very nice and heartfelt honors and awards over the years,” Fry (Gamma Psi 1964; Delta Omega 1967) said. “This one ranks way, way up there with any award I’ve ever received. You look at the people who have been recognized as Significant Sigs and just see how successful and well known they are – it’s pretty impressive.”

Sigma Chi began in 1855 and in 1935 the fraternity incorporated the Significant Sig Award as the well-known fraternity’s first major honor. Less than one-half of one percent of Sigma Chi initiates receive the Significant Sig Award.

Fry was accompanied at the Grand Chapter event by his youngest daughter Ashley Derdzinski, her husband Seth Derdzinski and friend Sharon Miller.

“It was a great event – they really did it up right,” Ashley Derdzinski said. “Growing up I always knew how much Sigma Chi and its values have meant to my dad. To see him receive such special recognition from his fraternity was a very special thing to be a part of and witness. His whole family and I are extremely proud of him.”

During a 2016 reunion trip back to his undergraduate (Gamma Psi) chapter at Michigan State University, Fry said the chapter’s undergraduates and some alums said they were going to nominate him for the honor.

“I told them that was fine, but I wasn’t going to be nominating myself,” Fry said. “I really didn’t think there was a chance I’d get it.”

Significant Sig Award

Fry was notified in early 2017 that he would in fact be receiving the honor in June. That Fry garnered the coveted Significant Sig Award really is not shocking. He has excelled in a number of different arenas throughout his life.

He was an Oklahoma high school state champion wrestler at Tulsa Edison Preparatory School before moving on to Michigan State and wrestling for the Spartans. After a successful college wrestling career, Fry then turned his focus to academics and graduated with his J.D. from the University of Tulsa College of Law.

Fry quickly established himself as a prestigious and elite Tulsa divorce and child custody attorney. He is one of only 19 attorneys in Oklahoma to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He also is AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® and has garnered Best Lawyers® and Super Lawyers® accolades since 2011 and 2007, respectively.

Fry, along with the Oklahoma law firm’s 11 other highly-decorated attorneys, have helped Fry & Elder establish itself as a nationally-recognized firm. The U.S. News & World Report named the iconic Oklahoma law firm to its Best Law Firm’s list from 2014-2017. Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with Fry or another experienced and accomplished Oklahoma trial lawyer.

Oklahoma Media Continues to Recognize Fry & Elder’s Accomplishments

When Robert G “Hap” Jr. appeared on the CBS nationally televised The Early Show (now called CBS This Morning) for a series on divorce in 2006 titled “What about the Kids?”, the accomplished attorney likely had little idea the media exposure his prestigious Oklahoma law firm of Fry & Elder and its accomplished trial lawyers commanded would only continue to grow.

Oklahoma law firm

Over 10 years later, the vaunted Oklahoma law firm has reached a pinnacle, so to speak, in terms of media exposure. All total, Fry & Elder and its attorneys have been profiled and featured on 25 separate occasions by many of the state’s largest and most prestigious outlets since 2014.

The stories have been compelling and impactful, as Fry & Elder and its lawyers continue to embrace cutting edge philosophies, professional development opportunities and calculated marketing efforts that are incorporated into the day-to-day operations at both the Fry & Elder Tulsa and Fry & Elder Oklahoma City offices.

While family law issues, including high-conflict divorce and child custody cases, will always be a hallmark of the Oklahoma law firm, Fry & Elder has expanded its depth of services to include immigration law and criminal law which has been noticed by the media. The Oklahoma media also has been quick to notice the accomplishments and uncanny achievements made by the firm’s attorneys since 2014. Additionally, Fry & Elder attorneys have given back to the Tulsa community and have been active advocates for Oklahoma and its people.

The firm’s commitment to legal excellence is perhaps the biggest reason why the firm has grown from five attorneys to its current roster of 12 since 2015 and now has offices in Oklahoma City.

Below is a comprehensive list of Fry & Elder stories published by the media since 2014.

Why Experience the Fry & Elder Difference?

Fry & Elder has been nationally-recognized as an elite family law firm for a number of years. The U.S. News & World Report has named the firm to its prestigious Best Law Firm’s list from 2014-2017:

The firm’s talented and accomplished lineup of trial lawyers include:

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with an experienced trial law attorney from an elite Oklahoma law firm.

High-Net Worth Individuals Need Experienced Tulsa Family Law Attorney

Experienced Tulsa family law attorney

Not all Oklahoma divorce and child custody issues are created equally. The dynamics of divorce and child custody legal matters often are more complex and conflicting for high-income, high-net worth individuals.

If you are an individual with a high-income and a large number assets, it is extremely important that you contact an experienced Tulsa family law attorney as soon as possible to better help ensure that you have a strategic and effective game-plan moving forward tailor made for your specific Oklahoma family law issue.

For nearly 50 years, the iconic Tulsa family law firm of Fry & Elder has symbolized Oklahoma family law excellence. Fry & Elder’s team of attorneys from its Tulsa and Oklahoma City offices are among the most decorated in the state and its lineup includes:

Fry & Elder’s team of experienced Tulsa family law attorneys offer the following tips and advice for high-net worth individuals who find themselves going through a divorce and child custody battle.

What do high-net worth individuals need to consider from a child custody perspective?

Oklahoma child custody cases and most everywhere else usually go in one of three directions.

  1. They involve litigation that leaves the decision to a judge.
  2. They are difficult and challenging in the beginning, but eventually reach a resolution.
  3. They go smooth in that both parents come up and agree to a parenting plan.

Experienced Tulsa family law attorney

Whether you are a high-income individual or not, almost everyone would prefer option 3. While the third option is definitely possible – usually through planning with an experienced Tulsa family law attorney – quite often other contributing factors limit option 3 from being realistic or practical. These include parental alienation, false allegations of abuse, parental gatekeeping and just conflicting ideologies. An experienced Tulsa family law attorney often will be your biggest ally if you are faced with a high-conflict, high-resolution divorce and child custody battle.

What do high-net worth individuals need to consider from a child support and alimony perspective?

While there is a child support program in place in Oklahoma to help you calculate the amount of child support you might owe, those individuals who have a high-net worth typically often have other circumstances and factors that need to be addressed and analyzed with an experienced Tulsa child support attorney. Child support issues and enforcement typically require the skills of a creative child support attorney.

Alimony also has undergone significant changes over the years and gender is now irrelevant, meaning that either a husband or wife can receive alimony. That said, there are still several components a judge will factor into consideration when assessing and awarding alimony. These include:

  • Demonstrated need during the post-matrimonial economic readjustment period
  • The parties’ station in life
  • The length of the marriage
  • The health and age of each spouse
  • The earning ability and education of each spouse
  • The parties’ physical condition and financial means
  • The mode of living to which each spouse has become accustomed during the marriage
  • Evidence of a spouse’s own income-producing capacity and the time necessary to make the transition for self-support

Why the need to consult with an experienced Tulsa family law attorney?

Simply put: There is just too much on the line and at stake if you are a high-net worth individual going through a divorce and child custody battle. Fry & Elder has been nationally-recognized as an elite family law firm. The U.S. News & World Report has named the firm to its prestigious Best Law Firm’s list from 2014-2017. Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with an experienced Oklahoma family law attorney.

Fry Jr., other Firm Attorneys Display Characteristics of a “Lawyer’s Lawyer”

The ultimate compliment in any industry is to have your services sought after by your peers. For nearly 50 years, Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr.’s services as a prolific and experienced Tulsa divorce lawyer have been sought out from other Tulsa divorce attorneys and lawyers in general. Simply put: he is regarded by many to be a “lawyer’s lawyer,” along with many other trial lawyers at Fry & Elder.

Lawyer's lawyer

“Going through a divorce and child custody battle is not easy for any party involved,” Fry said. “But it is incredibly rewarding and satisfying to know that fellow attorneys have confidence in you to handle complex legal issues like divorce and child custody affairs. About as big a compliment as an attorney can have is to be considered a lawyer’s lawyer. I feel very honored that fellow attorneys have turned to me for insight and consultation on such personal and life-changing matters.”

The criteria for being a lawyer’s lawyer is not entirely extensive, but the benchmarks are important.

A Lawyer’s Lawyer has a No-Nonsense Approach

A lawyer’s lawyer has a straightforward approach when dealing with clients. They get to the point and assess what the options are – from best to worst – for each divorce and child custody scenario. From there, a good attorney will research and develop the best strategy moving forward for each client.

A Lawyer’s Lawyer has Good Judgement

The hallmark of any good attorney is to incorporate exceptional judgement in-trial and during pre-trial preparation. An established and acclaimed divorce attorney will be the first to say that good judgement is formed through experience and exposure to different legal situations and scenarios. A lawyer’s lawyer is always soaking up information and learning, which will allow the attorney to incorporate the best judgement possible in a timely matter for each client.

Lawyer's lawyer

A Lawyer’s Lawyer has a Stellar Reputation

A good reputation is a by-product of doing exceptional work.

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr.’s track record as an acclaimed and experienced Tulsa divorce lawyer is rivaled by very few. The Leading legal publication Best Lawyers® named Fry its Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016. He also is one of only 19 attorneys in the state to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Fry additionally is AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, a seven-time Best Lawyers® selection and recognized by Super Lawyers® since 2007. Fry also has been the subject of numerous feature articles by Oklahoma media outlets.

Fry not the only Lawyer’s Lawyer at Fry & Elder

While Fry is the most experienced attorney at Fry & Elder, he is far from the only acclaimed attorney at the prestigious Oklahoma law firm, which has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firm’s list from 2014-2017. Partners James R. Elder, M. Shane Henry and Aaron D. Bundy are also AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®. Henry was named the 2016 Oklahoma Family Law Attorney of the Year by the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section.

Fellow Fry & Elder trial lawyer T. Luke Barteaux became the firm’s first attorney to be sworn in and appointed as a judge. Fry & Elder Oklahoma City lead attorney Allyson Dow is the current Chair of the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section, joining Henry (2014) and Barteaux (2016) as the third Fry & Elder attorney to hold that esteemed title in the past four years. Fry, Henry, Bundy, Barteaux and Dow have all garnered Super Lawyers® accolades.

Additionally, Fry & Elder immigration law attorney Lorena Rivas has emerged as a leading Oklahoma immigration law practitioner. Recent Fry & Elder addition Amy Page focuses much of her practice on child support and worked 17 years for the Department of Human Services before formally joining Fry & Elder in March. Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to speak to an accomplished lawyer’s lawyer.

Oklahoma Media Outlets Cast Spotlight on Barteaux

It has not taken long for people to take notice of Fry & Elder trial lawyer T. Luke Barteaux’s ascension up the legal ranks. Barteaux, with Fry & Elder since 2011, became the firm’s first attorney to be sworn in as a judge after being appointed and confirmed as a Cherokee Nation District Court Judge in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on May 15, 2017.

Oklahoma media outlets

With the appointment and new title, several Oklahoma media outlets has cast its spotlight on Barteaux and his accomplishments. He was the subject of a Muskogee Phoenix feature story, was profiled on the University of Tulsa College of Law website and also was spotlighted in the Cherokee Phoenix. Barteaux is a University of Tulsa College of Law graduate.

“It’s obviously quite an honor to be appointed and confirmed as a judge,” Barteaux said. “I have gotten a lot of support and positive encouragement from my colleagues. To have the press and my alma mater take notice is great.”

Barteaux told the Cherokee Phoenix that the appointment thus far was the “pinnacle” of his legal career. He was quoted in the article saying:

Oklahoma media outlets

“It’s something that I never thought would happen within this amount of time, but I’m extremely honored to have been appointed by (Principal) Chief (Bill John) Baker and confirmed by the Tribal Council. I look forward to helping protect our Nation through the legal process.”

Tribal Council Speaker Joe Byrd said this about Barteaux’s appointment:

“We have an entire generation of tribal citizens who are better educated, and they will take us far in the future. Like Luke Barteaux, they are pursuing careers in law, medicine, engineering and business. You know, Bart Fite brought a level of sophistication to our courts. I believe, given time, Barteaux will do the same.”

Barteaux learned about his pending appointment as a Cherokee Nation District Judge in April and has been taking classes through the National Judicial College. He also has served as a faculty member for the Oklahoma Trial Advocacy Institute, which serves as a professional development tool for attorneys.

A four-time Super Lawyers® Rising Stars™ selection, Barteaux will continue to practice law full-time out of both the Fry & Elder Tulsa and Fry & Elder Oklahoma City offices. Barteaux served as the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section Chair in 2016 and has been the subject of previous articles from other prestigious Oklahoma media outlets. Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City to set up a personal consultation with Barteaux or another experienced and acclaimed Oklahoma trial lawyer.

Fry & Elder Trial Attorneys Take to Miami for CLE Opportunity

Miami transformed itself into the epicenter for driven and knowledge-seeking trial lawyers this past weekend during the Trial Guide’s annual Take Back the Courtroom IV on May 19 and 20. Not surprisingly, Fry & Elder was well represented. Fry & Elder’s impressive contingency at the CLE (Continuing Legal Education) event included the Fry & Elder’s M. Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and T. Luke Barteaux, Lorena Rivas, along with Fry & Elder Oklahoma City lead attorney Allyson Dow.

“It was a great weekend and event for us to attend as trial lawyers representing Fry & Elder,” Dow said. “The presenters are some of the most knowledgeable and respected trial lawyers in our industry. To be able to learn and gain insight from them is invaluable to us as attorneys and as a firm.”

The all-star cast of featured speakers at Take Back the Courtroom IV included Rick Friedman, Randi McGinn, and none other than longtime Fry & Elder friend and acclaimed trial attorney Roger Dodd.

Dodd has a good history of working with Fry & Elder and its team of accomplished attorneys. Henry, Bundy, Barteaux and Dow have each attended completed Dodd’s highly-regarded Trial Skills Clinic. In fact, Dodd and Fry & Elder have developed such a good relationship over the years that the renowned trial lawyer and best-selling author visited Fry & Elder Tulsa and helped open up the Robert G Fry Jr. Center for Trial Studies in 2015 with a two-day presentation on cross-examination techniques.

A Continued Commitment to Training and Professional Development

Dow, Henry, Bundy, Barteaux and Rivas’ trip to Miami is just the latest in a long line of professional development and training opportunities Fry & Elder attorneys have taken part of over the years. This year alone, Henry and Bundy each attended the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers® 2017 Midwinter Meeting & Seminar in New Orleans, while Rivas visited Atlanta and completed the Trial Lawyers College 2017 Georgia Regional Seminar: Direct Examination.

“As trial lawyers, we are always looking to improve, get better and sharpen our skills,” Bundy said. “These seminars are great because they provide fresh insight and further reinforce much of what we are doing in the courtroom when we advocate for our clients.”

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

Whether you are in the Tulsa or Oklahoma City area, or anywhere else in Oklahoma for that matter, Fry & Elder’s team of attorneys are some of most accomplished and decorated in the state. The powerful lineup includes:

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with an elite Oklahoma trial lawyer.