Tulsa’s legal market is marked by a mix of influential corporations, law firms, and key public sector employers that provide a diverse array of opportunities for legal professionals. From major energy and aerospace companies to established firms specializing in oil and gas, intellectual property, and litigation, Tulsa’s largest employers are pivotal to the region’s economic and legal landscape. For attorneys seeking to advance their careers, understanding these major employers and the types of legal expertise they value can be crucial to landing a position.
Biggest Law Firms in Tulsa
- Hall Estill: Founded in 1966, Hall Estill is a powerhouse in Tulsa’s legal scene with a team of over 130 attorneys across multiple offices, including Oklahoma City and Denver. Renowned for its client-first approach, Hall Estill has made a mark in energy law, intellectual property, and corporate services. The firm has been recognized nationally for its inclusive practices and is celebrated for representing clients in high-stakes cases in the region’s dominant industries.
- McAfee & Taft: Since its founding in 1952, McAfee & Taft has established itself as a legal giant in Oklahoma, known for representing industry leaders in sectors like aerospace, health care, and finance. With an impressive roster of talent and offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and beyond, McAfee & Taft is frequently highlighted in the American Lawyer for its innovative approaches and is a consistent presence in Best Lawyers in America, embodying excellence and adaptability across corporate and litigation services.
- Crowe & Dunlevy: As one of Oklahoma’s oldest law firms, founded in 1902, Crowe & Dunlevy’s heritage and reputation for integrity make it a mainstay for legal representation in Tulsa. With a breadth of expertise spanning business law, litigation, and regulatory issues, Crowe & Dunlevy serves both public and private sector clients, including Fortune 500 companies. Its history is marked by precedent-setting cases, and its forward-thinking approach has won it awards for client service and legal innovation.
- GableGotwals: GableGotwals, established in 1944, stands out for its deep commitment to legal expertise and community involvement. This mid-sized firm, with offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Houston, brings national experience with a regional focus, particularly excelling in areas like energy law and corporate litigation. Known for a personalized approach to complex cases, GableGotwals has earned accolades from Chambers USA and Benchmark Litigation, attracting top legal talent to its ranks.
- Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison & Lewis: Founded in 1972, Riggs Abney has become synonymous with community-focused legal services in Tulsa and beyond. Not only does the firm excel in areas like personal injury, family law, and municipal law, but it also prioritizes access to justice and is involved in numerous pro bono initiatives. With additional offices in Denver and Oklahoma City, Riggs Abney is known for balancing professional excellence with a profound commitment to public service.
- Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, LLP: With roots tracing back to 1896, Doerner Saunders is a distinguished firm that brings over a century of experience to every client relationship. Known for handling intricate corporate, environmental, and healthcare cases, Doerner has represented clients through groundbreaking litigation and regulatory shifts. The firm’s longevity is a testament to its adaptability and dedication to ethical legal practices, earning numerous awards for its attorneys and consistent rankings in Best Lawyers.
- Fry & Elder: Fry & Elder, established in 1932, is Tulsa’s go-to firm for family law, criminal defense, and personal injury. The firm’s attorneys are fierce advocates known for compassionate service, especially in sensitive family cases. Nationally recognized for excellence in family law by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America, Fry & Elder has a reputation for tireless dedication to client welfare, maintaining a legacy of trust and success across generations.
- Barrow & Grimm, P.C.: Since 1976, Barrow & Grimm has served Tulsa with a unique blend of legal savvy and local insight, especially in corporate law, real estate, and litigation. This boutique firm combines personalized client service with the depth of experience typically found in larger firms, making it a favored choice for businesses across industries. Barrow & Grimm attorneys are frequently honored in Super Lawyers for their innovative approaches and client-centered strategies.
- Conner & Winters, LLP: Founded in 1933, Conner & Winters is a multi-state firm that has maintained strong ties to its Tulsa roots. Known for its expertise in labor law, tax, and corporate litigation, the firm also represents a host of national and international clients, including major corporations in energy and telecommunications. Conner & Winters’ attorneys are celebrated for their high ethical standards and have been lauded in Chambers USA and Best Lawyers, particularly for cross-border and high-stakes cases.
- Jones Gotcher Attorneys at Law: Jones Gotcher, founded in 1968, is a Tulsa-based firm renowned for its versatility across corporate law, family law, and civil litigation. With a collaborative team approach, the firm handles complex disputes and transactional work, earning a reputation for delivering results without losing its personal touch. Recognized in Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America, Jones Gotcher is highly regarded for its creative solutions and client-focused advocacy.
Tulsa
Tulsa’s legal market is rooted in its strong energy, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. Lawyers in Tulsa frequently specialize in oil and gas law, corporate transactions, and healthcare compliance, serving both established industries and emerging businesses. The city’s economic base offers legal professionals opportunities in regulatory matters, commercial litigation, and real estate, making Tulsa a solid environment for diverse and impactful legal practice.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a position with one of Tulsa’s leading companies often requires targeted networking and guidance from a skilled legal recruiter. Many of Tulsa’s largest employers value specific legal expertise and prefer candidates who align closely with their industry focus. From energy and telecommunications giants to healthcare and aerospace leaders, these companies offer unique opportunities for legal professionals looking to make an impact. Here’s a look at some of Tulsa’s most notable employers of legal talent:
- Williams Companies, Inc.: Founded in 1908, Williams is a premier energy infrastructure company, primarily focused on natural gas processing and transportation. With around 5,000 employees, Williams requires extensive legal expertise in regulatory compliance, environmental law, and commercial litigation. Known for landmark regulatory cases and its commitment to sustainability, Williams offers a dynamic legal environment but often looks for candidates with industry-specific experience.
- ONEOK, Inc.: A Fortune 500 company established in 1906, ONEOK specializes in the gathering and processing of natural gas. With approximately 2,800 employees, ONEOK’s legal team manages a range of needs, from environmental compliance to mergers and acquisitions. Legal professionals here are frequently involved in high-stakes litigation and regulatory matters, given the complex nature of the energy industry. ONEOK’s legal roles are competitive, making connections through a recruiter beneficial.
- BOK Financial Corporation: BOK Financial, founded in 1910, is a major regional bank headquartered in Tulsa with about 4,900 employees. The company’s in-house counsel team handles diverse responsibilities, including financial regulation, contract law, and corporate governance. BOK is known for its progressive approach to corporate social responsibility, often engaging in pro bono legal initiatives. Legal recruiters can provide insight into the skill sets and certifications most valued here.
- NORDAM: Founded in 1969, NORDAM is a family-owned aerospace manufacturing and repair company with around 2,500 employees. Legal roles at NORDAM encompass a variety of areas, including intellectual property, labor law, and international compliance. NORDAM is renowned for its innovative work in aerospace and has been involved in several significant IP cases related to aircraft component manufacturing. Recruiters specializing in aerospace or manufacturing law are often instrumental in securing roles here.
- Saint Francis Health System: Saint Francis Health System, one of the largest healthcare providers in Oklahoma, employs over 10,000 individuals across its hospitals, clinics, and facilities. Established in 1960, Saint Francis offers legal positions related to healthcare compliance, medical liability, and patient privacy laws. With the evolving landscape of healthcare regulation, Saint Francis’s legal department provides vital support to its expansive operations. Legal recruiters with healthcare law expertise can be valuable for placements in such specialized roles.
- Matrix Service Company: Matrix Service Company, founded in 1984, is an engineering, construction, and maintenance provider in the energy sector. Employing around 4,500 people, Matrix relies on its legal team to navigate complex construction law, environmental compliance, and corporate contracts. Known for its commitment to workplace safety and sustainability, Matrix offers a unique work culture for legal professionals, especially those with experience in industrial law and energy projects.
- QuikTrip Corporation: QuikTrip, founded in 1958, is a privately held convenience store chain with approximately 24,000 employees across multiple states. Known for its employee-centric policies, QuikTrip’s legal team manages contract law, labor law, and real estate transactions for its rapidly expanding operations. QuikTrip is also notable for its role in community development and philanthropic initiatives, creating an engaging environment for legal professionals interested in corporate social responsibility.
- Helmerich & Payne, Inc.: Founded in 1920, Helmerich & Payne (H&P) is a leading drilling company in the oil and gas industry, employing around 8,000 people. H&P’s legal team addresses energy law, environmental compliance, and corporate governance issues. Known for innovations in drilling technology, H&P often seeks legal professionals with a background in energy sector regulations, making connections through a recruiter advantageous for placement.
- Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.: With a strong presence in Tulsa, Spirit AeroSystems is one of the world’s largest non-OEM manufacturers of aerostructures. The company employs over 18,000 people globally, with Tulsa as one of its key production sites. Spirit’s legal department handles intellectual property, international trade compliance, and defense contracting regulations. Given the high-security nature of its work, Spirit’s legal roles are competitive, often requiring specialized knowledge in aerospace law.
- American Airlines: American Airlines operates a major maintenance and engineering base in Tulsa, employing approximately 5,000 individuals locally. The legal team at American Airlines deals with aviation law, labor relations, and regulatory compliance for one of the world’s largest airlines. Known for its comprehensive employee benefits and strong labor relations, American Airlines often seeks legal professionals with expertise in transportation and labor law.
