News Blog - Fry & Elder

Aug 15

Best Lawyers® Tabs Leading Tulsa Family Law Attorney for 10th Consecutive Year

The email notification came through around 3 a.m., and Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., despite having been less than one week removed from an intensive out-patient surgery, quickly assessed the situation and responded to the new potential client inquiry.

Though it took the prospective client a few hours to get back to Fry Jr. – very few can sustain Fry’s around the clock schedule – a connection was eventually made between the two parties and the decorated Tulsa family law trial attorney was promptly retained.

It’s a scene that’s played out numerous times throughout Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr.’s illustrious career which has spanned over 50 years and reinforced his commitment to legal excellence.

Best Lawyers® further validated Fry’s reputation as going above and beyond the call of duty when the leading legal publication and unveiled its 2020 listing of Best Lawyers on Aug. 15 and selected Fry for inclusion.

The selection marks the 10^th consecutive year Fry has been singled out by the national publication for his prominent work family law and domestic relations which include but are not limited to high-conflict, high-asset divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, modifications and protective orders.

“To be this highly thought of for 10 consecutive years is extremely significant; It is a very big honor,” said Fry, who was named Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Oklahoma 2016. “To be recognized by my peers and colleagues, particularly at this stage in my career, is very humbling and satisfying. Honors such as this are never taken lightly or for granted, and Best Lawyers® is as good of a legal publication as we have in our industry.”

Best Lawyers® Selection Process Among the Most Rigorous

That Fry has been listed by The Best Lawyers in America© every year since 2011 is no small feat. The publication is widely viewed as the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession.

Much of this has to do with the rigorous selection process Best Lawyers® employs. Lawyers are not permitted to pay any fee to participate in or be recognized by Best Lawyers. As the website states:

“Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.

“Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer-review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.”

Leading Tulsa Family Law Attorney has Longstanding Commitment to Excellence

Anyone who has worked an ample amount of time with Fry knows that he makes it a priority to respond to messages. It’s something he learned while clerking with Judge Robert D. Simms in 1966 and 1967 in continues to abide by to this day.

In addition to learning the importance of promptly returning phone calls to clients and colleagues, Fry also learned two other constants from Simms which has molded his illustrious career and which he shared in a 2016 Tulsa World article after being named the 2016 Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Oklahoma by Best Lawyers®.

As Oklahoma Hall of Fame journalist Ralph Schaefer wrote:

“Judge Simms told his young clerk to ‘always be prepared’ when you come into court, and ‘your word is your bond.’

“I deal with other lawyers every day and tell them what I am going to do,” Fry said. “I deal in trust and letters follow on the more complicated cases. Clients are told upfront that if an agreement is reached, they must follow through. If they don’t intend to do that, then they need to get another lawyer.”

The approach has worked without question for Fry. In addition to being a 10-time Best Lawyers® selection, the leading Tulsa family law attorney has been named to Super Lawyers® every year since 2007, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and is a Martindale-Hubble AV Preeminent Rated attorney.

Fry’s practice focuses on all of the following Tulsa family law services:

To set up a personal consultation with a proven and responsive leading Tulsa family law attorney, contact Fry & Elder today.

Aug 8

Volunteering at Karnes County Residential Center Impacts Lorena Rivas

KARNES COUNTY, Texas – The Karnes County Residential Center is a difficult place to engage in the art of rhetoric.

Lorena Rivas

Yes, implementing persuasion is a daunting task to say the least at the Karnes County Residential Center which houses mother and child ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detainees and serves as an asylum detention facility for female asylum seekers.

Nevertheless, Fry & Elder’s Lorena Rivas rolled up her sleeves and set out for Karnes County earlier this summer to lend a helping hand and some much-needed legal and, to some degree, emotional support to those seeking asylum.

Rivas supervised a group of 15 law students from the University of Tulsa – two of which included Fry & Elder interns Elissa Stiles and Elijah Johnson – and volunteered at the detention facility.

Stiles and Johns spent five days between Karnes County and San Antonio where they assisted asylum seekers who have been released.

Needless to say, the conditions, attitudes and behavior Rivas experienced and observed from both the asylum seekers and correction center officers were chilling, disturbing and rewarding on many levels.

“It was an experience I won’t ever forget,” Rivas said. “I mean, if you spend any time there, you can’t help but become overwhelmed with a multitude of emotions.”

Rivas documented her experiences at Karnes County with a series of daily themed and content-rich Facebook posts. In those, it was evident the huge need there is for immigration reform and accountability.

Her first post highlighted the scene and situation at Karnes in which she and other legal volunteers had to endure a 6-hour wait before they were able to meet with detainees. She equated the scene to that of a “Sh*t Show” and added this in her initial post:

“It’s a huge compound … It was clear the DHS administration is either incompetent on how to handle logistics or is purposely trying to hinder the detainees’ access to legal representation. It’s probably both … The detention facility’s visitation rules are just asinine. These people as asylum seekers not criminals.”

While on the second day Rivas and the students were able to meet with the detainees without having to wait 6 hours, the conditions didn’t necessarily improve as she heard a detention officer say five times that 14 volunteers trying to assist 700 women was too many.

As she met with the detainees, she asked how they have been treated by officials. Most responded “that they have been treated as reasonable as person detained can be.”

That said, Rivas documented how a lady she spoke to the day before had a much different take. While she was in the Perrera (translates to dog cage or dog pound in Spanish) for 1-3 days after being removed from the Hielera (translates to freezer or cooler in Spanish) after 1-3 days, “she was literally treated like a dog. The Customs & Borders Officers would throw her and the other ladies in the cage their food to the ground, laugh and say: ‘Since you are in cages, you are dogs and should eat off the floors.’”

Still, the day provided satisfaction for Rivas due to the fact that she came into contact with RAICES – a non-profit organization which helps immigrants.

As Rivas said,

“They do so much stuff to help out immigrants. I admire their dedication to the cause. They are willing to be here every week. I realized on Day 2 that there would be no way I could do this consistently. It’s exhausting to hear stories of struggle, while fighting the administration, and do it for 11 hours, all while munching on snacks and being away from your cell phone. Kudos to the RAICES Warriors!”

As Rivas earlier mentioned, one cannot volunteer at a detention facility like Karnes and not eventually become overwhelmed with a tidal wave of emotions.

However, Rivas’ biggest takeaway from one day was seeing two women get released from custody.

“Yay! We are successful at times,” Rivas wrote. “I also got the feels seeing a lady see her family in the visitation area. She embraced affectionately with her daughter and happy tears were shed. Reunifications, even small ones like this one, are positive feelings.”

On her final day at the Karnes County Residential Center, Rivas was asked to take on more of a hands-on role and work on a “special case that needed quick prepping and work since the detainee had an immigration judge (IJ) review the next day.”

Rivas worked with an El Salvadoran client named Marie whose story, though sad and heartbreaking, is not atypical of clients seeking asylum into the United States.

Married at 13, Maria was physically, mentally and sexually abused by her husband.

“She feared that by telling me all this information, he and her adult children would find out and punish her,” Rivas wrote. “… I would love to say that Maria’s story was unique, but I know it’s not. These people go through a lot of horrible conditions in their life and the only hope they have to escape them is to come to America.”

Karnes County Residential Center Experience Offers Life-Changing Perspective on Prominent Tulsa Immigration Lawyer Lorena Rivas

Although Lorena Rivas is less then 10 years into her career as a practicing attorney, there isn’t much the highly-regarded Tulsa immigration lawyer has not observed, experienced or encountered.

The Fry & Elder partner has traveled to Washington D.C. on multiple occasions to meet with state and national legislators to advocate for immigration law reform.

Earlier this year, Rivas won the AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) Dreams Contest and delivered a riveting speech at the National Convention in June.

Rivas has also won countless awards and honors, including the 2018 Fern Holland Award and was a 2018 Super Lawyers® selection, but those four days in Karnes County will always deeply resonate inside her.

“It’s hard to put it all into words,” Rivas said. “Volunteering at Karnes was truly an eye-opening experience, but it was one I will always be thankful I was able to experience.”

To speak with a proven and dedicated immigration attorney willing to fight for you, contact Fry & Elder today.

Jun 27

Popular Tulsa Immigration Attorney Rivas’ Speech Inspires Audience

ORLANDO, Fla. – Lorena Rivas needed all of 5 minutes, 50 seconds to emphasize why the popular Tulsa immigration attorney is rapidly becoming a household name in the field of immigration law.

The Fry & Elder partner and standout immigration attorney captivated and inspired an engaged audience this past Friday night at the 2019 American Heritage Awards in Orlando with her riveting speech titled “This is America,” to close out the gala.

Presented by the American Immigration Council, the American Heritage Awards featured stand-up comic Hari Kondabolu, 10-piece salsa band Dave Santiago & Latin Affair and 2019 honoree Martine Kalaw.

Amongst a star-studded lineup, Rivas more than held her own as the event’s final presenter.

She began her speech by outlining the origins of how America’s name derived from Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. She went on to highlight how more and more explorers and immigrants made their way into America where they not only flourished but took the country to new heights along the way.

Rivas’ speech can be heard in its entirety here, but the last portion went as follows:

“And with expansion come opportunities – opportunities for more immigrants from faraway lands to come to this land and help build cities, factories and dreams. They see this magnificent lady with welcoming torch and inviting message. They see masterful machinery that can cut through distance like an eagle soaring through the sky. They see their children staking a flag in a piece of land to build the home and memories.

“This, this is America.

“Now, even though they still see the children, the memories are not the same. They see and hear their children crying and begging for their parent. They see their children in cages. They feel the frigidness of a cooler. They smell the fear of their fellow refugees of being returned to a war-torn country where dreams go to die. They see lists, fences and walls.

“This is America.

“But this doesn’t have to be America. This doesn’t have to be a never-ending cycle between the conqueror and conquered. This land was seen as a revolutionary idea. This land was seen as a land of opportunities – as a home of diverse people and ideas, as a place of endless frontiers and dreams. This land was seen as a home by both natives and foreigners, and there’s no reason why this revolution should stop.

“I see a land where the diversity and differences brought by our immigrants is embraced. I see the immigrants creating advances and technology in medicine that haven’t even been fathomed. I see families reuniting with their loved ones because they haven’t had to wait decades to lawfully migrate to America. I see refugees being given a warm meal and bed after their long harrowing journey. I see the children of our immigrants remaining with their parents and enjoying their first day of school. I see what the explorers saw when they first set their eyes on this land but better. I see dreams for our children. I see hope for our future.

“I see America.”

Powerful Speeches Nothing New for Popular Tulsa Immigration Attorney Lorena Rivas

As Rivas ended her gripping speech with the final words of “I see America,” the in-demand immigration attorney was showered with applause which culminated into a standing ovation to conclude the American Heritage Awards.

Rivas’ most recent speech employed symbolism and vivid imagery, but the popular Tulsa immigration attorney has proven time and time again that she is a versatile and highly-skilled orator.

Earlier this year, Rivas traveled to Southern California where she presented on the controversial Matter of A–B– with Kate Jastram, who serves as the Senior Staff Attorney and Gender Asylum Campaign Director with the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies.

Following the duo’s presentation at the 2019 American Immigration Lawyers Association Midwinter Conference, Jastrom had this to say about Fry & Elder’s acclaimed 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.”

Though Rivas has flourished on the national stage, she still has a deep-rooted allegiance to her Oklahoma roots.

Perhaps her most powerful speech came during a 2017 University Central Oklahoma Pre-Law Society meeting in which the dynamic immigration attorney gave her personal story about what led her to seek a career in immigration law.

“I’ve been very blessed to have been given many opportunities and multiple platforms to tell my story and to try and help those in need,” Rivas said. “This job can be very demanding and emotionally draining, but when you hear the positive feedback and get those positive outcomes, it only reinforces that you are doing something noble.”

Popular Tulsa Immigration Attorney Lorena Rivas has Far-Reaching Impact

Rivas stature as a leading immigration law attorney is not up for debate.

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.

Her immigration law services include:

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

Jun 12

Oklahoma Military Academy Honors Fry & Elder Partner

CLAREMORE – James R. Elder still has plenty of rhythm and beat.

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 100^th 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.

Jun 6

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.

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.

: Sara Schmook

: James Morton

: Mary McMillen

“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.

May 2

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.

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.

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.

Jan 31

Top National Immigration Law Attorney Rivas Excels on Big Stage

Lorena Rivas’ reputation as a top national immigration law attorney continues to grow.

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.

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.

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.

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:

Asylum
Business Immigration
Citizenship/Naturalization
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Deportation/Removal Defense
Family Immigration
Fiancé Visa
Humanitarian Relief
Immigration Consequences of Criminal Activity
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
Waivers

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with top national immigration law attorney Lorena Rivas.

Nov 2

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.

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.

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:

A 2019 Best Lawyers® Selection
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 Oklahoma 2016
Four attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers®
Three attorneys AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
The 2018 Fern Holland Award Winner
A 2017 OBA Earl Sneed Award Recipient
The 2018 Tulsa County Bar Association Family Law Section Chair
A Cherokee Nation District Court Judge
A 2017 Significant Sig Award Winner

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

Oct 31

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.

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 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 12^th 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:

Asylum
Business Immigration
Citizenship/Naturalization
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Deportation/Removal Defense
Family Immigration
Fiancé Visa
Humanitarian Relief
Immigration Consequences of Criminal Activity
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
Waivers

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

Oct 11

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

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

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 12^th 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.”

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.”

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 50^th 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.