How do I help clients with their complex litigation and appeals?

I focus on helping my clients identify key legal issues early, form effective legal arguments, and assist trial teams in winning cases and creating a record for appeal.

Guiding clients through complex litigation and appellate cases

Randall Yates navigates clients through complex litigation and appellate matters by identifying the issues most likely to determine the outcome and developing strategies tailored to each stage of the case. He helps clients assess risk, navigate procedural and substantive challenges, and make informed decisions in high-stakes disputes. Much of his work centers on appeals before the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

Developing persuasive legal arguments

Randall collaborates closely with clients across a broad range of industries, including energy, technology, healthcare, public utilities, insurance, manufacturing, banking, healthcare and tribal enterprises. Those he represents value his ability to quickly spot the crucial point of contention in a multifaceted matter.

Shaping legal strategy on constitutional and public policy issues

Before joining Crowe Dunlevy, Randall served as Assistant Solicitor General for the State of Oklahoma, where he advocated in state and federal courts on significant civil and appellate matters. That experience continues to shape his practice today, particularly in matters involving public policy, governmental authority and emerging legal questions. Randall’s experience includes cases involving initiative petition rights, taxation and revenue measures, administrative and regulatory disputes, constitutional rights and constitutional challenges affecting Oklahoma law and governance.

Maintaining a practical and forthright litigation style

Whether appearing before the Oklahoma Supreme Court or advising clients behind the scenes, Randall brings a pragmatic, measured and focused approach to advocacy. He emphasizes careful preparation and straightforward communication. Randall’s familiarity with Oklahoma’s appellate courts, combined with his extensive government and litigation experience, allows him to marshal clients through consequential disputes with great knowledge and confidence.

What Clients Say About Randall

Experience

  • Warehouse Market, Inc. v. Oklahoma Tax Commission, 2021 OK 6, 481 P.3d 250 (successfully appealed interpleader case involving complex issues of tax, administrative, and federal Indian law)
  • Treat v. Stitt, 2020 OK 64, 473 P.3d 43 (upon invitation of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, expressed the Attorney General’s views on the Governor’s authority to unilaterally enter into certain tribal gaming compacts, which were ultimately adopted)
  • In re Initiative Petition No. 425, State Question No. 809, 2020 OK 58, 470 P.3d 284 (upon invitation of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, expressed the Attorney General’s views on the sufficiency of the initiative petition to amend Oklahoma’s firearm laws, which were ultimately adopted)
  • Castanon v. Cathey, 976 F. 3d 1136 (10th Cir. 2020) (successfully defended against challenge to horseracing commission’s decision to scratch a horse from Oklahoma’s biggest race
  • Original Investments, LLC v. State of Oklahoma et al., Case No. 20-CV-820-F (W.D. Okla.) (successfully defended against commerce clause challenge to Oklahoma’s medical marijuana laws)

Credentials

  • University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, J.D., 2010
  • Oregon State University, B.S., 2004

  • Oklahoma
  • U.S. Court of Appeals Tenth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court Northern District Oklahoma
  • U.S. District Court Western District Oklahoma
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District Oklahoma

  • Oklahoma Bar Association, Appellate Practice Section, Chair (2021)

Honors & Awards

  • Ranked as Up and Coming by Chambers USA in Native American Law (2025 - Present)
  • Listed in Best Lawyers in Appellate Practice (2025 - Present)

*Crowe Dunlevy has no input in the rating methodologies used by Chambers USA or Best Lawyers.

Publications & Media