Business courts are specialized courts that handle disputes related to business and commercial law, often involving complex issues like corporate disputes, intellectual property, or shareholder actions. They are designed to expedite resolution of these types of cases by judges with expertise in business law.
Currently, more than 25 states have adopted some form of business courts, and Oklahoma is in the process of establishing its first business court system ― with one court in Tulsa and another in Oklahoma City.
Business Court Leadership and Advocacy
Oklahoma
GableGotwals attorney Adam Doverspike was appointed to the Oklahoma Task Force for the Study of Business Courts, created by Senate Bill 473 to evaluate and recommend a framework for handling complex commercial litigation. Appointed by Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, Adam serves alongside judges, legislators, and private practitioners to help shape recommendations on jurisdiction, judicial selection, and procedures.
On May 28, 2025, the Legislature created the state’s first business court system. Governor Stitt signed the law the next day, which goes into effect on September 1, 2025.
Texas
GableGotwals Shareholder John Sullivan also testified before the Texas Legislature in support of HB 19 and SB 27 to establish a statewide business court system. The court was created by House Bill 19, which was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 9, 2023. The Texas Business Courts opened on September 1, 2024.
Together, these efforts demonstrate our attorneys’ deep understanding of the procedural and strategic considerations involved in business courts across jurisdictions.
Recent Updates
December 11, 2025 | Oklahoma Business Court Task Force Approves Final Report
The Oklahoma Business Court Task Force approved its Final Report, providing the Governor, legislature, and judiciary with its recommendations on the scope, structure, and procedures for a business court division within the Oklahoma district courts. GableGotwals Shareholder Adam Doverspike voted with the unanimous task force to approve the Final Report.
October 7, 2025 | Oklahoma Supreme Court Strikes Down SB 632
A five-justice majority of the Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down SB 632 creating business courts in Oklahoma. The Supreme Court found the bill creating trial judge positions that would not be elected, which violated the Oklahoma Constitution’s requirement that trial judges be elected. The legislature may take up the issue again in the 2026 legislative session.
July 17, 2025 | Business Courts Halted by Oklahoma Supreme Court
This week, the Oklahoma Supreme Court stayed the September 1 implementation of Senate Bill 632, which would create business courts in Tulsa and Oklahoma counties. In a 6-3 decision, the justices halted the law’s enactment while they consider whether it violates the state constitution.
July 1, 2025 | Business Courts Constitutionality Challenged at Oklahoma Supreme Court
Shortly after Oklahoma enacted its new business courts, opponents filed suit asking the state Supreme Court to declare the law unconstitutional. The June 26 application urges the Court to assume original jurisdiction and invalidate the new courts on two grounds.
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