News

A new rule defining habitat could narrow the scope of land eligible for designation as critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act. A key provision of the ESA is the designation of critical habitat. Listing a species as threatened or… more Continue reading Gavel to Gavel: Habitat Definition Critical to Threatened, Endangered Species

A new federal rule aimed at clarifying who is an employee versus who is an independent contractor is scheduled to go into effect May 7, 2021. Labor & Employment Practice Group member Michael R. Pacewicz discusses the Biden administration’s preference… more Continue reading Changes Expected to Federal Labor Rule

The Trademark Modernization Act of 2020, or TMA, was signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, and is the latest in a series of initiatives to update and strengthen U.S. trademark law. The TMA makes it easier for trademark owners… more Continue reading Trademark Modernization Act Sets New Procedures, Rules

The highly anticipated U.S. Supreme Court ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma could potentially have much broader state and tribal jurisdiction implications. Indian Law & Gaming Practice Group Chair Mike McBride III discusses the history of the Five Tribes as well… more Continue reading How We Got to McGirt, ‘the Most Important Sovereignty Decision in the History of Oklahoma’

The Oklahoma House of Representatives recently passed the Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act (OCDPA) requiring businesses to inform consumers of how their personal information is being used. Anthony Hendricks and Jordan E.M. Sessler discuss the OCDPA’s opt-in requirement and the… more Continue reading Is Oklahoma About to Change Data Privacy as We Know it?

This is not a leadership “how to” article. It is an article borne out of Women’s History Month and a rumination about leadership and the presumptions on which leaders are or are not chosen. Dictionary definitions of “leadership” and “leader”… more Continue reading Leadership Presumptions

The pandemic has transformed how business owners consider force majeure, a lease clause limiting the liability of tenants and landlords in the event of a catastrophe. Real Estate Practice Group member Zach Allen discusses the likelihood of these clauses to… more Continue reading Here’s How the Pandemic Is Changing ‘Act of God’ Clauses in Real Estate Contracts

The U.S. Supreme Court’s McGirt decision continues to have ramifications across the state of Oklahoma. Indian Law & Gaming Practice Group Chair Mike McBride III  joined OETA’s The Oklahoma News Report to discuss a recent ruling that expands McGirt to… more Continue reading McGirt Decision Expands

Congress recently passed H.R. 1319, the “American Rescue Plan Act of 2021,” which is projected to increase the deficit by $1.9 trillion over the next decade. In a $1.9 trillion spending bill where $160 billion goes to COVID-19 vaccination and… more Continue reading $1.9 Trillion! What’s in it for Me?

The debate over whether or not mask mandates are infringing upon an individuals liberties continues to be an issue. Labor & Employment Practice Group member Madalene A. B. Witterholt discusses a state’s right to mandate rules to govern public health… more Continue reading Business Viewpoint: To Mask or Not to Mask; 2 Camps in Tulsa, U.S., But What’s the Law Say?