Litigation: General Commercial: Oklahoma

THE FIRM The litigation team at this well-known firm receives stellar reviews for its helpful and supportive advice, and for its good rapport with business clients. It has a particular specialty in defending class action suits, and also has expertise in dealing with banking and bankruptcy-related matters. Clients include The Williams Companies, Prepaid Legal Services and Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group.

Sources say: "They listened and understood where we were coming from, and guided us well through the complexities of the case. They were always trying to do everything in our best interest."

KEY INDIVIDUALS With over 50 years of legal experience, Gary Davis is a highly respected trial lawyer, especially valued for his work in the oil and gas sector. His other areas of expertise include product liability and commercial transactions.

Anton Rupert specializes in construction and business litigation. He represents Chickasaw Holding Companies, Chickasaw Wireless and Indian Nation Fiber Optics. Clients appreciate that he guides them in the direction which is best for their businesses. 

Jimmy Goodman is considered to be "a good thought leader" and "a smart negotiator." His highlights include representing Northrop Grumman in a breach of contract case related to construction of a military installation in Baghdad.

Another impressive lawyer, Mack Morgan concentrates on complex business and commercial transactions, including antitrust, securities, copyright, trademark and UCC matters. In the past year he represented Disney and Pixar in a trademark and right of publicity lawsuit in relation to the movie 'Cars'.

Brooke Murphy is described as "a phenomenal litigator," who focuses on representing publicly traded clients in class action suits. Her highlights include defending Schering in a lawsuit filed by the State of Oklahoma alleging fraud in selling of pharmaceutical products.

James Kincaid acts for clients on complex litigation matters. He has vast experience of handling disputes in a number of areas, including securities, real estate, banking, oil and gas, and product liability.

Judy Hamilton Morse is a well-respected lawyer specializing in litigation and bankruptcy matters, and is also a chair of the litigation department. She recently defended TriPower Resources in a royalty payment class action matter.

Kent Meyers is "an excellent antitrust lawyer" who handles copyright, trademark and patent matters. He recently represented Cox Communications in an antitrust case.

Clyde Muchmore is considered "an outstanding appellate attorney" with "unmatched knowledge and expertise." He also represents clients in relation to media and constitutional law issues, including First Amendment matters.

THE FIRM This premier firm has recently joined forces with Eldridge Cooper Steichen & Leach, and has been strengthened by several litigators. It advises on all aspects of civil litigation, from agriculture and aviation to construction and healthcare-related matters. Notable highlights include acting for Eureka Water Company in a case against Nestlé Waters North America, and acting for Chesapeake Appalachia on its dispute with Citrus Energy regarding a sale of oil and gas properties. The team also continues to serve as coordinating counsel in Double Eagle Refinery Superfund litigation. Clients praise the litigators at McAfee & Taft for their professionalism, timeliness and critical thinking abilities.

Sources say: "We have an excellent working relationship with the team. It's top of the class in client care and business acumen."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Hermes is described as "incisive, helpful and good at evaluating strengths and weaknesses of the case." He recently represented Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group in a class action related to a proposed acquisition of the company by Hertz Global Holdings.

John Kenney is highly recommended for IP litigation matters. In the past year he acted for Skycam in a lawsuit alleging misappropriation of trade secrets and a breach of requirements concerning nondisclosure of confidential information.

Joseph Bocock is lauded for his presentation skills, intellect and arbitration capabilities. His recent highlights include eminent domain-related litigation matters and representing a client from the manufacturing sector in a qui tam action.

Reid Robison is "an excellent lawyer" whose long-standing experience encompasses antitrust, securities, white-collar criminal cases, contract and insurance disputes.

James Webb is described by a peer as "very very good young lawyer on his way to becoming an outstanding lawyer." He concentrates on corporate governance, shareholder derivative claims, class actions and securities fraud cases.

Richard Hix represents clients in a wide variety of commercial litigation and arbitration matters. His expertise includes breach of contract cases, UCC issues, business torts, class actions, banking, antitrust, insurance, employment and securities.

Michael Lauderdale has an excellent reputation for his employment litigation practice. He handles matters involving employment discrimination litigation, and claims arising under the ADA, FMLA and FLSA.

Richard Mullins advises on a wide range of business-related litigation matters, from healthcare to business torts to antitrust and insurance litigation. He represents hospitals, physician groups, government contractors, retailers, manufacturers and insurance companies.

Jeff Todd represents clients from the agricultural sector in federal crop insurance disputes nationwide. In the past year he also acted for Chicago Title Insurance in a lawsuit for bad faith filed by Blazingwood Enterprises.

William Leach has recently joined from Eldridge Cooper Steichen & Leach and concentrates on insurance defense matters. "He stands out by virtue of his tenacity, and is able to thoroughly pursue and vigorously defend the case," clients comment.

Brandon Buchanan is "a think-tank person, who knows the law" and specializes in employment law, product liability defense, and contract and insurance disputes. In the past year he co-defended online travel companies Orbitz, Travelocity, Priceline, Expedia and their related entities in a tax-related case brought by the State of Oklahoma.

Another recent joiner from Eldridge Cooper Steichen & Leach, Mary Quinn Cooper defends product liability claims and class actions across the country. "Her tenacity, aggressiveness and thoroughness make her different from other lawyers, and are supported by the quality of her intelligence," clients say.

THE FIRM This boutique litigation firm attracts positive comments from clients and peers alike, and concentrates on complex business litigation at both trial and appellate level. Its client portfolio includes Sonic Industries, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Oklahoma State Board of Equalization and Musket Corporation. The team also represents professionals in a broad range of professional responsibility matters.

Sources say: "The lawyers at the firm are excellent and capable of handling some heavy litigation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS George Corbyn has a wealth of litigation experience, which gained him a fellowship at the American College of Trial Lawyers. Peers consider him to be "a first-class lawyer who will always do a great job representing his clients." 

Joe Hampton is described as "a calm and intelligent attorney with a likable and trustworthy demeanor who fosters long-term relationships." He specializes in securities and franchise litigation and arbitration. He recently acted as lead counsel for the Oklahoma State Board of Equalization in a complex tax dispute.

THE FIRM This litigation-focused firm has been a significant player on the legal scene in Oklahoma. Its fortes include class action defense work, aviation, energy and environmental matters. The team represents Fortune 500 corporations, entrepreneurs, privately owned companies, foundations and individuals.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Barghols has over 35 years of legal experience and is considered "one of the best mediators in the state." He remains very popular among his peers, who recommend him for complex commercial litigation cases.

David Bryant is considered to be "a very capable and trustworthy litigator," and is particularly recommended for his experience in banking matters. He also handles oil and gas contract litigation, trade secrets and insurance-related matters.

Another highly regarded lawyer, Sidney Dunagan is recognized by peers for his great results. For his extensive legal experience spanning more than four decades, he has been awarded the fellowship of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Oliver Howard is "a top trial lawyer" who continues to try major cases in the energy and environmental fields.

"One of the best litigators around," James Sturdivant has over 50 years of experience, which was recognized by the fellowship of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He handles business disputes, antitrust and contracts matters, as well as securities-related issues.

THE FIRM This team handles a wide variety of matters, including antitrust law, class action suits, securities litigation and professional liability matters. It represents clients before federal and state courts, as well as local agencies and licensing boards. It serves a mix of clients, from high net worth individuals to nonprofit organizations to commercial enterprises.

Sources say: "It's a very solid firm with some really good-quality attorneys."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Described as "an outstanding lawyer," Drew Neville is an expert in white-collar crime defense. He is noted for his business experience and courtroom skills.

Laura McConnell-Corbyn is considered "one of the top divorce lawyers in Oklahoma City." She represents high net worth individuals in high-profile matrimonial matters.

"Highly reputed" Charles Geister has experience in business and commercial disputes, e-discovery, securities and antitrust cases.

THE FIRM This litigation team represents both plaintiffs and defendants in complex disputes of all types, including product liability, banking and securities, IP and professional liability. It also handles arbitration and administrative matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Heatly enjoys a great reputation among peers. During his 30 years of practice he has gained wide-ranging experience of representing clients in banking, insurance and bankruptcy-related matters. 

Warren Bickford is "a fine lawyer" concentrating on prosecution and defense of claims under securities, insurance and antitrust law, as well as the False Claims Act. He also handles the defense of white-collar criminal cases.

Terry Tippens is acknowledged to be "an exceptional trial lawyer." During his many years of legal practice he has developed expertise in a number of legal areas, including banking, contracts, insurance, agricultural and water law, as well as IP rights. He also assists clients with mediation and arbitration in large business disputes.

THE FIRM This boutique firm advises on a wide range of litigation matters, including securities, insurance, employment and product liability and is especially well known for its divorce law practice. Clients include nursing homes, banks, insurance companies and high net worth individuals.

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Kirk splits his time between commercial litigation and high-profile matrimonial matters. He is widely considered to be "an excellent courtroom lawyer" and "the go-to divorce attorney."

James Chaney enters the table this year following recommendations from peers. He focuses on commercial litigation as well as oil and gas matters.

THE FIRM This Tulsa-based litigation boutique focuses on product liability, personal injury, professional liability and construction matters. In the past year it represented Paragon Films and Oklahoma Spine Hospital in employment discrimination matters. Other clients include Trinidad Drilling, Cargill and Waste Connections.

Sources say: "The attorneys have a very deep business understanding and their responsiveness is second to none."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Tucker is "a first-class lawyer, highly respected by the courts." In the past year he successfully defended PPG against claims alleging defamation, and was a local counsel to Cargill in a damages claim.

Dan Folluo focuses on civil defense, and has expertise in product liability, trucking law, extra-contractual defense and professional liability. In the past year he defended Trinidad Drilling in a complex litigation matter.

THE FIRM This litigation-focused firm represents clients in a variety of matters, including banking, white-collar defense, product liability, energy and environmental litigation. Its client portfolio includes government organizations, midsized and smaller companies, as well as individuals. Although it focuses on defense work, the team also occasionally represents plaintiffs in major lawsuits.

Sources say: "A litigation boutique that punches above its weight."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Patrick Ryan is considered to be "one of the premier litigators in Oklahoma," who "does a superb job on high-profile cases." He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Former US Attorney in Oklahoma City, Daniel Webber is described as "very capable," particularly in white-collar criminal defense matters, with a particular emphasis on political corruption, securities fraud and healthcare overbilling issues.