GableGotwals Establishes a Scholarship at The University of Tulsa College of Law in Memory of Judge Joseph W. Morris

GableGotwals is pleased to announce it has established a $25,000 scholarship at The University of Tulsa College of Law in loving memory of former shareholder, mentor, and friend, Judge Joseph W. Morris.

As part of his long and distinguished legal career, Joe Morris served as Dean of The University of Tulsa College of Law from 1972-1974, before becoming chief judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Joe’s vast legal experience also included being the VP & General Counsel of Shell Oil Company and the General Counsel of Amerada Petroleum Corporation. In later years, he taught oil and gas law and arbitration law at the TU College of Law for many years. Judge Morris received his law degree from Washburn University School of Law and an advanced degree from the University of Michigan Law School. He also served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II, assigned to the Admiral O. C. Badger in Honolulu, Hawaii.

In 1984, while attending Ellis Gable’s 50th wedding anniversary, Joe was asked what he would do following his retirement from Shell. Joe replied that he would likely move back to Tulsa. With that, Ellis told Joe to come see him when he was ready. Shortly thereafter, Joe was invited to join GableGotwals, where he was shareholder for more than 35 years.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Judge Morris. Establishing this scholarship in his name on what would have been his 100th birthday is our way of honoring his great legacy. It will provide opportunities for students who have a demonstrated track record of academic success that might not otherwise have had the financial means to pursue a legal degree,” said John Dale, Shareholder and CEO of GableGotwals.

GableGotwals began as a two-person enterprise between Ellis Gable and Charles Gotwals in 1944 and has since grown into a distinguished full-service law firm that employs 100 attorneys and more than 60 professionals with offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Though Oklahoma-based, we represent a diversified client base across the nation and our connections and reach are global. We represent a diversified client base that includes Fortune 500 companies, private and public entities, entrepreneurs, foundations, and individuals. Clients trust us every day with the stewardship and strategic management of their legal challenges due to the exceptional services provided by our litigators and transactional attorneys.