About the Attorney
Growing up in Yukon, Oklahoma, John’s parents raised him to have good values and a strong work ethic. As a child, he enjoyed participating in extracurricular activities like student council, football, FFA, and his church’s youth group program. John spent every summer working on his family farm. After graduating from Yukon High School, John attended Oklahoma State University, where he enjoyed being a part of the greatest homecoming celebration in America and joined the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Oklahoma City University provided the legal education which allowed him to obtain his first job as an Assistant District Attorney in Kay County, Ponca City, Oklahoma. John enjoyed Kay County and working as a prosecutor in the District Attorney’s Office. Kay County is also where John met the love of his life, his wife Carla. After a little over four years life took John and Carla back to Yukon, where he began his journey into the private practice of law.
John has been an attorney for more than thirty-five years. The majority of that time has been spent in private practice in the Oklahoma City area.
John and Carla enjoy time with their family, as well as time spent cheering for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and Oklahoma City Thunder. Retreats to the lake and family farm allow them to get away from the big city and enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors.
John served on the Yukon City Council, including several terms as Mayor. Meeting and helping people has always been a passion of his. As Mayor a young cub scout once asked him “Why do you want to be Mayor?” John thought for a moment, and then stated, “Because I feel it is our responsibility to leave this place better than we found it”. With the support of his family, John has been able to continue to serve Yukon for many years. It is his hope that his service has improved the community for his family, friends, and neighbors. John became an attorney for the same reason, to help others.
In 2018, John made a change and moved the practice from downtown Oklahoma City to his hometown of Yukon. Bedlam Law was born and the idea of helping others came full circle back to Yukon where he grew up helping and serving others. Bedlam Law serves the state of Oklahoma, but most of the practice is focused in Central Oklahoma. Bedlam Law has grown and Bison Law, a sister law firm located next door, opened to help injured Oklahomans and is now a thriving personal injury practice.
EDUCATION:
- Oklahoma City University – (J.D. 1990)
- Oklahoma State University – (B.S. 1987)
MEMBERSHIPS/ASSOCIATIONS:
- Member of the Oklahoma Bar Association – Current
- Member of the American Bar Association – Current
- Member of the Canadian County Bar Association – Current
- Integris Canadian Valley Board Member – Current
- Yukon Cemetery Association Board Member – Current
- Member of Yukon Chamber of Commerce – Current
- Yukon Community Support Foundation Board Member – 2020 – Present
- Martindale – Hubbell AV Rated Lawyer – 2008 – Present
- Young Lawyer Division of the Oklahoma Bar Association – Director at Large – 1992-1994
- Kay County Bar Association – Secretary – 1993
- Kay County Bar Association – 1990-1994
- Young Lawyers Criminal Law Committee – 1994
- Young Lawyers Services for the Underprivileged – 1992
CIVIC ACTIVITIES:
- Yukon Cemetery Board – 2022 – Present
- Member of Yukon City Council – 2010-2018
- Member of City of Yukon, Oklahoma Parks and Recreation, Board Member – 2008-2010
- Member of Yukon City Council – 2002-2008
- Mayor of City of Yukon, Oklahoma – Six terms between 2004-2017
- Planning Commission City of Yukon, Oklahoma – 2000-2002
EMPLOYMENT:
- Bedlam Law Firm – 2018 – Present
- Alberts & Associates – 2008
- Abel, Musser, Mares, and Kouri – 2000
- Goolsby, Olson, and Proctor – 1997
- Bloodworth & Associates – 1995
- Kay County District Attorney’s Office – 1990
AREAS OF PRACTICE:
- Family Law
- Estate Planning
- Personal Injury
- Nursing Home Neglect
