When I was growing up, I thought I wanted to be a social worker. After my first year of college I lived in the ghettos of New York and came to realize that social workers did not help the under-served, and what they really needed were attorneys and doctors. I did not like biology so I decided to become a lawyer.

I have been a practicing attorney since 1979 and was first involved in civil litigation. I did that for 8 years and as I grew to become a high profile attorney, I began to be approached by other attorneys to do Civil Rights cases, many involving sex discrimination.

The biggest challenge I have had to overcome is balancing being a mom and a litigator. 

I really care about people and I hate unfairness. I always represented the "little guy" in court, which can be financially devastating. I am tenacious and I never give up.

My greatest accomplishments are my two beautiful daughters and my stepson, who I of course can't take full credit for.

I had 28 employees when I started closing down my practice in 2006, with the intention of moving to Africa. I went to Africa in 2004 and left my heart there. For one reason or another, I am still here, but my goal is to find a position in Africa and work with a group that works with International Human Rights, such as The Center for Human Rights or Rule of Law Institute. I am trying to fulfill this vision by reestablishing my practice to create the income I need to do that.

What inspires me is the way my mom raised me and my siblings and the example she set for us. My dad died when I was 5 years old, and so my mom did it all. She went on to get a doctorate and became Head of the Language Arts dept in our Public School System and then a professor. After retirement she spent a year in Japan teaching and in her 70's joined the Peace Corps.

I want to be known as an advocate for women, children and those being discriminated against.

• Named as “SuperLawyer” - Business Litigation, 2014-2016
• “Oklahoma Top Lawyers” - Business Tort Litigation, 2012-2015
• “Tulsa Top Lawyers” - Business Tort Litigation, 2010-2015
• Named as #2 in “Leading Firms” (Bridger-Riley & Associates) and “Lead Individuals” (Kay Bridger -Riley) in Oklahoma for “Employment & Labor Law - mainly Plaintiff” Chambers USA
• America’s Leading  Business Lawyers 2003-2004 published by Chambers & Partners, legal publishers.1
• “Pro Bono/Community Service Award” by the Tulsa County Bar Centennial Committee, 2003
• “Trailblazer Award” by the Tulsa County Bar Centennial Committee, 2002
• “Mona Salyer Lambird Spotlight Award” by the Oklahoma Bar Association, 2001(highest award given for attorney promoting other women)
• Pinnacle Award for Public Service Advocate by Tulsa Women’s Foundation, 2000
• "Outstanding Service To The Public ”Award by Oklahoma Bar Association, 1994 (Highest honor given by OBA recognizing public
• service)
• Appointed by Oklahoma Supreme Court to serve as Chairman of Lawyers Staffed Panel LXII of the Oklahoma Court of Appeals, 1992-93
• "Distinguished Leadership Award" by Legal Services of Eastern Oklahoma, Inc., 1992
• "Outstanding Service Award" by Legal Services of Eastern Oklahoma, Inc., 1992, 1989
• Tulsa County Bar Association Distinguished Service Award, 1992, 2004
• Nominee of Tulsa County Bar Association for ABA's Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award, 1992
• Martindale -Hubbell "AV" rating since 1984
• "Outstanding Junior Lawyer Award" awarded by the Tulsa County Bar Association, 1981
• "National Law Student of the Year" awarded by the California State Student Bar Association, 1978
• "Gold Key Award" (1979) and "Silver Key Award" (1978) for outstanding service to the American Bar Association/Law Student
• Division
• "Woman of the Year" Scholarship by Tulsa University's Women's Law Caucus , 1978

• Chair of Division, Sections & Committees, Bd of Governors & House of Delegates-Oklahoma Bar Association
• Chair of Sections & Committees, Board of Directors Tulsa County Bar Association
• The Rotary Club of Tulsa
  
• Founder & President Tulsa Women Lawyers Association
• President, Board of Directors Call Rape, Inc.
• President, Board of Directors Legal Services of Eastern Oklahoma, Inc.

My favorite hobbies include international travel, home restoration/renovation & gardening, and international human rights activities. I love to host foreign exchange students, and to date have housed 19 in my home.