My Second Age - Time of Achievement

Attorney and Counselor at Law

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My original plan was to pursue a PhD in Public Law and Social Policy. A few twists and turns in my academic plans changed my pursuit to a juris doctor. The road to obtaining a juris doctor is a long one. I didn’t find law school particularly difficult. I enjoyed the intellectual challenge, but it was definitely an endurance test.

Once I graduated I felt as though I had truly accomplished something. I had never intended to practice law – the juris doctor was intended to augment my Political Science studies and government service leading me to a policy or research position. However, unlike so many, I had a lot of choices. I was encouraged by lawyers and judges that I knew through my law enforcement career and that I highly respected, to spend some time with the practice of law. They felt I would benefit by practicing law, if only for a short time, that it would be invaluable to enhancing my knowledge and experience. I did so and continued to do so, after my retirement from the police department.

Upon entering the practice of law, it didn’t take long to realize that the sense of knowing the law was simply an illusion. I learned the true meaning of “life long learner.” The law is an intellectual obstacle course that is ultimately endless and ever unfolding, hence, the term "practice" of law. My law enforcement career prepared me for the inescapable aspect to the practice of law: the search for imperfect human interaction. This, after all, is the root of all law.

Although, successful in my practice I felt unfulfilled. Intellectually stimulating, emotionally and physically draining, the reward – besides financial – was the elusive chance to right some wrongs. But, like most jobs there are a few things that I would miss about the practice of law, and many things that I wouldn't.

I'm proud to have graduated from law school, having passed the bar exam and having had the experience of a successful law practice. I feel that this time, education and experience prepared me for the next age of my life. I have been provided invaluable skills that translate to so many other areas that it’s hard to imagine. These are things that no one can take away from me.


One who breaks an unjust law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law. Martin Luther King, Jr.


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THOMPSON & ASSOCIATES

1991-2000

Named managing attorney in small firm of 6 attorneys and support staff in four offices, Oklahoma City, Cleveland County, Payne County and Canadian County. Practiced before all Municipal Courts, Municipal Courts of Record, State District Courts, Oklahoma Supreme Court, and the United States District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Oklahoma and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, Colorado.

Notable cases include:
Hollingsworth v McCurtain County, U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeal
Mitchell v City, U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeal
Tulsa County Deputy Sheriff FOP v County Commissioners, Oklahoma Supreme Court



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