When Judy Willits first start
ed working at Fry & Elder, she probably did not expect to be working there 35 years later. But Judy continues to remain a fixture at the Tulsa family law firm where she serves as Robert “Hap” Fry’s personal paralegal.
Though she began her legal career 44 years ago working in oil and gas, medical malpractice and real estate law, Judy quickly became enamored with the dynamics of family law.
“When I came here 35 years ago, it was a real eye opener,” Judy said. “This type of law brings out a lot of emotion and is heavy in litigation. I like it because I’m kind of the shoulder to cry on for a lot of our clients.”
Much of Judy’s responsibilities deals with making sure Fry is organized and prepared for anything and everything that they might see in trial.
“There’s definitely a rush that comes with being in court,” she says.
Outside of Fry & Elder, Judy is heavily invested in her family. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for 55 years, and together they have three children.
Their oldest son is the head engineer for Hillcrest Hospital. Their daughter is married in Alabama where she is a teacher and helps her husband run several radio stations. Their youngest son is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon in Florida. Judy also is extremely proud of her 10 grandchildren and two beautiful daughter-in-laws.
When she is not in the office or the courtroom, Judy is an avid cyclist, likes to garden and enjoys big family barbecues where they keep tabs on the backyard goldfish pond and all the birds that flock to flowers and plants out back.
Judy loves what she does and has been an invaluable part of the Fry & Elder team.