Ivy, Ratcliff & Chasteen, P.C. Law Firm

Proud for our firm to help sponsor For the Love of Adoption for Deaconess Pregnancy and Adoption

April and I are thankful for our great staff and know we could not provide the great service our firm provides without their help.

Thankful that we have police and law enforcement to keep the peace. However, great points by this law school professor about why you should not talk with the police if they are wanting to question you about your possible involvement in a crime.

Don't Talk to the Police Regent Law Professor James Duane gives viewers startling reasons why they should always exercise their 5th Amendment rights when questioned by government off...

The law firm of Ivy, Ratcliff & Chasteen, P.C. is pleased to announce law partner April Chasteen has recently joined David K. Ratcliff as being named a Distinguished Attorney under the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings. Distinguished Attorneys are those given an excellent rating who have some experience and are widely respected by their peers for their professional achievement and ethical standards.

Peer reviews analyze five areas of a lawyer’s skills - legal knowledge, analytical capability, judgment, communication and legal experience. Martindale-Hubbell has been evaluating attorneys for more than 130 years for their strong legal ability and high ethical standards and was the first national rating service for attorneys in the United States.

April Chasteen has been practicing law for 28 years while David K. Ratcliff has been practicing law for 30 years, of which the two have been partners in the Ivy, Ratcliff & Chasteen Law Firm for over 22 years. Their general civil and criminal practice includes family law, guardianships, adoptions, probate, estate planning, and criminal law.

Tribute to Patsy Brinkley

1970 - Richard Nixon was President of the U.S., PBS began operation, the first New York City Marathon is run, the Baltimore Orioles beat the Cincinnati Reds to win the World Series, actor Matt Damon is born and Ronald Reagan is elected governor of California. A first-class stamp was 6 cents and a gallon of gas was 36 cents.

And in 1970 a 16-year old girl named Patsy Carpenter began working part time for renowned, long-time trial lawyer Red Ivy. Her older sister worked for him and knew he needed some more part-time help. That began the career as a legal assistant that has lasted fifty years this month. After 18 years of working for Red Ivy, Patsy married Charles Brinkley and she moved to south Texas where she worked for several attorneys there and they began to raise their daughter Shelby and Charles’ older children.

I began practicing law in 1990 and joined Red Ivy in 1996. When I joined Red Ivy in the practice of law, we had just one staff person - Lorie Hargus. Lorie was literally Red’s right hand-person - she was not only secretary, receptionist and chauffeur to Red, but often had to go home and cut up his cantaloupe and get his dinner ready. Lorie couldn’t get any legal work done until after she took care of all of Red’s individual jobs and that could be extensive at times, including his daily trips to Liberty Drug for coffee with his buddies. We joked that Red had gone from practicing law to holding a royal court at the office for all his friends and former clients who stopped by for home-made pies that Red had delivered each week. Lorie was burdened with being the “Pearl Mesta” for Red Ivy on top of all her other duties. (For those of you who don’t know who Pearl Mesta is, look it up - another fascinating person from Oklahoma).

But from the first day I worked with Red Ivy, he always talked about a former secretary he had employed - Patsy. Red always said Patsy knew more the law then most lawyers and she could work circles around most people. I had never met Patsy but she was legendary, not just in our office, but the whole legal field in our area. It is common to hear attorneys talk about other attorneys that they held in high esteem. But never had I heard other attorneys talk about another firm’s legal secretary before. But when other attorneys learned I worked with Red Ivy, the other attorneys regularly mentioned Patsy in the past tense with the greatest reverence. I often heard comments like, “Back in the day, if Patsy’ drafted the documents, I didn’t even need to look at them, they were just right.”.

In 1997, Red Ivy came in and said “Well, I just got off the phone and Patsy is coming back to work here in a few weeks, she’s moving back from Texas.” I had never met Patsy, I just knew the legend. A few weeks later, I had gotten to the office early, gathered a file and driven to court in another town where I had a hearing all morning. I got back to the office around lunch, walked in to my desk and set my briefcase down. I then looked at my desk to see a pile of files with various documents on top. I began sifting through the files and documents on top, only to feel my amazement grow - there weren’t just simple cover letters to clients or opposing counsel, but some complex documents already neatly drafted without flaw. My mouth-dropped open when I realized how much work was done in the half-day that I was gone, all by someone I had never met, never spoken to, or even given any direction.

The legend was real. And the best news was that I got to work with her beginning in 1997.

Moses had Aaron, the Lone Ranger had Tonto, Laurel had Hardy. But none compared to having a Patsy. April Chasteen joined our legal practice in 1998 and Red unfortunately died in January 1999 after fifty years of practicing law himself. In the few years I got to work with Red Ivy, I learned a lot and cherished the stories from the legendary attorney. But the greatest gift he gave me in the practice of law was Patsy. For now going on 23 years, she has been an incredible legal secretary, co-worker, trainer to many new legal staff in our office, listener, advisor, and most importantly, friend.
Patsy is smart, having done several years of college at USAO back in the day as she really should have gone to law school herself. She is hard-working, nearly always early, not just on-time, and just as happy to make coffee as to draft a whole set of probate documents. She’s always been organized, disciplined and been willing to help people, sometimes even when I wasn’t. She has had patience with people that I’d given up on long ago.

The only downside is that Patsy is like a shadow, never in the light. She doesn’t like attention and never wants to be in front. My only regret in writing this to honor her is that it may be my last post - ever, as she may use her letter opener to bludgeon me for sharing this with the world. But her fifty-year career merits the recognition and I am willing to take the risk even if it means the ultimate sacrifice.

After working with Patsy for twenty-three years myself, she is one of our best friends. Congrats to an amazing fifty year career in the legal system, of which 40 years have been at Ivy, Ratcliff & Chasteen, P.C., and we are so glad you are still working with us, even if it is only part-time at this point.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court has extended its prior order through May 15, 2020 whereby there are no trials or hearings other then emergency situations.

www.oscn.net

We are open for business but based on the current pandemic, if you have had any fever, cough, sneezing or flu-like symptoms, or recently been around anyone with those symptoms, we request that you NOT COME IN. Rather you can call or email us. Phone 405-224-1181 or email: [email protected] and [email protected].

Even if you don’t have those symptoms, if you are concerned, we can handle many matters over the phone or through email. Otherwise, please come in. Thanks for your understanding during this difficult time.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court issued a monumental order a few hours ago in light of the Covid 19 pandemic. For any clients with hearings in the next 30 days, you will be contacted by our office for further direction.

April and David aren't sure if they'll still be practicing at 97 years old. But if they do, they will continue to be as zealous for their clients as this New Jersey attorney.

Judge limits 97-year-old lawyer's involvement in murder case after courtroom outburst On Wednesday, a New Jersey judge refused to remove a 97-year-old lawyer from a Bergenfield murder case following a courtroom outburst last Thursday.

And when you need legal counsel, give us a call at 405-224-1181.

12 Ways to Get Help if You're a Victim of Domestic Abuse No one wants to think of themselves as a "victim of domestic abuse." But, if your relationship is damaging you, it's important to seek help.

Estate planning is inexpensive when compared to probate, and not just in terms of dollars. Let us at Ivy, Ratcliff & Chasteen, P.C. help you have peace of mind about your assets for the future.

Heads up car owners.

Starting next week, drivers must carry registration. Here's how to get one if you need a duplicate. A law change affecting vehicle registration and tagging process in Oklahoma means up-to-date certificates of registration must be carried at all times.

If I had to add another it would be Ada Louis Sipuel Fisher from Chickasha, Oklahoma whose application to the University of Oklahoma's law school triggered a case that went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. Thurgood Marshall was her lawyer and her landmark case eventually led to the ruling in Brown v. Board of Education by the U.S. Supreme Court.

These 14 black lawyers broke down barriers and made history (gallery) February is Black History Month, a time to honor the heritage and triumphs of African-American people from the past to the present. From abolitionists to modern social justice advocates, the list of African-American trailblazers is extensive.

Good points for Estate Planning in 2019.

Estate Planning Resolutions For 2019: How To Be A Grown-Up In The New Year From an estate planning perspective, here is a punch list that every adult should look to achieve in the new year.

We generally advise our clients to keep texts under 150,000 to any one person ;)

Phoenix woman sent date 159k text messages, threatened to turn his kidneys into sushi: police Jacqueline Ades, of Phoenix, who was accused of stalking a man she went on one date sent him way more than the 65,000 texts that was previously reported.

Great story about determination to better her family and world.

Onetime high school dropout and single mom celebrates her law school graduation in viral photo Ieshia Champs has come a long way since she dropped out of high school and had her first child at age 19. The 33-year-old Texas woman will be graduating magna cm laude from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law in May.

For those wanting more information about Capital Gains tax and how it works.

Oklahoma Farm Report - How Does Senate Bill 1086 Impact Oklahoma Farmers and Ranchers? Shannon Ferrell Offers This Analysis Howdy Neighbors! Oklahoma Farm Report is home to Ron Hays - 'Ron on RON.' Radio Oklahoma Network keeps producers updated with ag news, reports, markets, sales and so much more!

Get ready for a flood of difficult divorces in 2018 Acrimonious couples who were racing to get divorced by Dec. 31 or face dire tax consequences can breathe a sigh of relief. The final tax overhaul bill gives them until the end of 2018 before completely upending the divorce process.

Extreme care must be exercised when using search engines that you will share financial information with.

Cunning malware spreads, going after your bank account Malware keeps getting smarter at ways to get your money. And a new version of Zeus Panda malware has some scary smarts.

There is almost a 40% chance you were one of the victims of the Equitfax data breach. Here is a good article on steps you can take to protect your financial health. A few minutes could save you hundreds of hours dealing a problem later.

Equifax data breach: How to freeze your credit

It might be humorous when the phone of a Supreme Court Justice goes off in court. But it is highly recommended that you turn your phone off when in court and in many courts, you are not allowed to have them in the courtroom.

Supreme Court Justice Breyer Guilty Of Not Silencing His Cellphone APR 26, 2017 - Arguments before the Supreme Court on Tuesday morning were interrupted by a ringing cellphone. Amused colleagues watched as Justice Stephen Breyer reacted quickly to turn off the device.

David K. Ratcliff was recently selected for two awards: he was named a 2017 Distinguished Attorney by Martindale-Hubbell, an honor he has been awarded in prior years. He was also invited into membership into Lawyers of Distinction for 2017 based on "peer recognition, favorable reviews and the independent research of the Lawyers of Distinction Membership Committee."

Great information who want to help children whose parents are going through a divorce or custody action.

Co-Parenting for Resilience benefits both parents and children — Division of Agricultural... STILLWATER, Okla. – When a couple exchanges vows at their wedding, the last thing they are thinking will happen is getting divorced. Going through a divorce is not something people want to experience, especially for those who have minor children. It is a difficult situation for everyone involved.

Be careful when executing a power of attorney as this article notes.

Oklahoma attorney says power of attorney law changes may pose risks to guardians GableGotwals’ David McKinney discusses a new Oklahoma statute that, without action, leaves durable powers of attorney effective after guardians are appointed, and makes it harder for new guardians to end power of attorney agreements.

We should all be mindful of our words and actions as they impact children.

3 effects divorce has on a child Children often suffer devastating consequences of divorce. If you are a divorced parent, learn what you can do to avoid hurting your child.

Although only the "tip of the iceberg", good basic article about end-of-life legal issues persons and families need to think about.

Legal Counsel: Planning helps families deal with end-of-life issues Cynda C. Ottawaya: Suggestions to avoid problems when a loved one is dying.

This N.J. school district is being educated that it was wrong because courts have unanimously said it is appropriate to include Christmas songs with religious themes in school programs.

New Jersey school bans religious Christmas music The angels will not be allowed to hark their herald nor will the little Lord Jesus sleep on the hay after a New Jersey school district announced a ban on all religious Christmas music.

Historic case decided today as to the ability of the State of Oklahoma to regulate water within its borders.

U.S. Supreme Court sides with Oklahoma in water case In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court says a Texas state agency has no right to reach into Oklahoma for a share of water.

Court room decorum and respect for the judge is critical in any case. This high-profile Defendant went from no jail time to 30 days in the jail for slapping his attorney in the rear in front of the judge.

Former NFL star Johnson gets 30 days in jail for slapping lawyer's ass On Monday morning, former NFL star Chad Johnson earned a 30-day-jail sentence after slapping his attorney on the backside. Johnson had reached a plea deal — one without jail time — after violating his probation in his domestic violence case, but that disappeared about the time his hand reached attor...

Silent auction until Tuesday @ 4:00 p.m. for the highest bidder on one Last Will & Testament by the law office of Ivy, Ratcliff & Chasteen, P.C., proceeds to go to youth group at New Life Christian Church attending Christ in Youth Conference in Michigan in June. Just private message me and I'll periodically post the value of the highest bid.