About Our Founder
Frederic Dorwart
Frederic Dorwart – Founder, Visionary, and Architect of a World-Class Firm
For more than five decades, Frederic “Fred” Dorwart has played a defining role in shaping Tulsa’s legal, business, and civic institutions. He is the founder of the firm that bears his name and the architect of the relationships, standards, and reputation that continue to define its work today.
Fred built this firm with a clear vision: deliver sophisticated, high-stakes legal counsel to leading institutions – work typically associated with major national firms – while remaining deeply rooted in Tulsa. That vision remains the foundation of the firm’s practice.
Frederic Dorwart
FOUNDER
Building a Firm Trusted by Leading Institutions
Fred founded Frederic Dorwart, Lawyers PLLC and guided its growth into a firm known for handling complex transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters for major clients.
He served as General Counsel to BOK Financial Corporation, Oklahoma’s largest financial institution, and to Kaiser-Francis Oil & Gas Company, a global energy leader. Through these roles and others, he helped position the firm at the center of some of the most significant business, financial, and philanthropic initiatives in the region.
The firm’s longstanding relationships with sophisticated clients – and its ability to handle their most important matters – are a direct result of the platform Fred built.
Leadership That Shaped Institutions
Fred’s impact extends well beyond legal practice. He has been instrumental in the creation and governance of many of Tulsa’s most important institutions.
He helped organize the Tulsa Stadium Trust Improvement District and played a key role in the development of Gathering Place, widely recognized as one of the premier public parks in the country. He also helped found the Tulsa Community Foundation, now one of the largest community foundations in the United States.
At The University of Tulsa, he served as Chair of the Board of Trustees and supported a wide range of academic and public programs, including the Frederic Dorwart Professorship in Energy Law.
Commitment to Public Service
Fred’s career reflects a sustained commitment to public service and community impact. His leadership roles have included Vice Chair of the Tulsa Housing Authority, President of Family & Children’s Services, Chair of Operation Aware, and President of the Parish Council of Holy Family Cathedral.
His pro bono work includes serving as co-lead counsel in DG v. Yarbrough, a landmark foster care reform case that led to Oklahoma’s “Pinnacle Plan,” a nationally recognized model for child welfare reform.
Service and Recognition
Fred began his career in the United States Navy, where he developed the discipline and leadership that have defined his professional life.
He has been recognized with induction into the Tulsa Hall of Fame, the University of Tulsa College of Law Hall of Fame, and the Collins College of Business Hall of Fame, among other honors.
Enduring Influence
Fred Dorwart’s legacy is not only reflected in his individual accomplishments, but in the firm he built and the standard it continues to uphold.
The firm’s ability to serve sophisticated clients on complex, high-value matters – and to do so with judgment, integrity, and precision – traces directly to his vision. That foundation continues to guide the firm today.
Experience and Insight for your most complex legal matters