Frederic Dorwart is the founding member of Frederic Dorwart, Lawyers PLLC. With decades of experience in both litigation and transactional law, he focuses his practice on structuring corporate and nonprofit organizations, advising clients on sophisticated business matters, and coordinating teams of attorneys handling complex commercial and corporate litigation.
Mr. Dorwart has practiced law since 1966 and has extensive experience in oil and gas, securities, banking, and corporate law. Throughout his career, he has represented major businesses, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and civic entities in matters involving strategic transactions, governance, organizational structure, and high-level business counseling. Clients value his long-term strategic perspective, institutional knowledge, and ability to guide organizations through complex operational and legal challenges.
Before forming Frederic Dorwart, Lawyers in 1994, Mr. Dorwart served as managing partner of Holliman, Langholz, Runnels & Dorwart. From 1969 to 1989, he was also a owner, director and officer of various manufacturing concerns. He served as General Counsel to BOK Financial Corporation from 1991 to 2021 and to Kaiser-Francis Oil and Gas Company from 1967 to 2011.
Mr. Dorwart has played a major leadership role in Oklahoma civic, educational, philanthropic, and business institutions. He organized the Tulsa Stadium Trust Improvement District and developed the organizational structure for Tulsa’s Gathering Place. He served as pro bono co-lead counsel in DG v. Yarbrough, which resulted in landmark foster care reform in Oklahoma and national recognition. He also authored Oklahoma’s Tourism Statute and successfully defended its Constitutionality before the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
In 2020, Mr. Dorwart was recognized as a Lawyer of Distinction for Corporate and Transaction Law and, in 2021, was named Lawyer of the Year – Corporate Law, Oklahoma by Best Lawyers®.
Industries Served:
- Banking and Financial Services
- Corporate and Commercial Enterprises
- Energy
- Healthcare and Community Organizations
- Manufacturing
- Nonprofit and Philanthropic Organizations
- Oil and Gas
- Real Estate and Development
Recognition:
- Lawyer of the Year – Corporate Law, Oklahoma, Best Lawyers® (2021)
- Lawyer of Distinction – Corporate and Transaction Law (2020)
- LION of the Bar Award (2022)
- Frederic Dorwart Chair in Energy Law Honoree, University of Tulsa College of Law (2009)
- Tulsa Regional Chamber Volunteer of the Year (2009)
- Hall of Fame Honoree, Tulsa Historical Society (2015)
- Hall of Fame Honoree, University of Tulsa College of Law (2015)
- Hall of Fame Honoree as Outstanding Business Leader, Collins College of Business, University of Tulsa (2017)
- Fred Dorwart Day Honoree, City of Tulsa (November 13, 2006)
Speaking and Leadership:
Civic and Institutional Leadership
- President and Trustee, George Kaiser Family Foundation
- Trustee Emeritus and Former Chair, Board of Trustees, University of Tulsa (Chair, 2017–2019)
- Director, Tulsa Educare, Inc.
- General Counsel, Tulsa Stadium Trust
- General Counsel, Tulsa River Parks Authority
- Organizing Trustee, Tulsa Community Foundation
- Commissioner, Tulsa Housing Authority (1990–2007)
- President and Director, Family & Children’s Services of Tulsa
- Director and Chairman, Operation Aware of Oklahoma
- Director, Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Director, Tulsa Opera, Inc.
- Director, Oklahoma Hall of Fame
- Co-Founder, International Society of the Energy Advocates
Professional Experience:
- Founding Member, Frederic Dorwart, Lawyers PLLC
- Managing Partner, Holliman, Langholz, Runnels & Dorwart
- General Counsel, BOK Financial Corporation (1991–2021)
- General Counsel, Kaiser-Francis Oil and Gas Company (1967–2011)
- Owner, Director and Officer of manufacturing companies (1969–1989)
Military Service
Lieutenant, United States Navy
- Chief Engines Officer, U.S.S. Newport News, CL 148
- Chief Operations Officer, U.S.S. Turner, DDR 834
- Instructor in Naval Tactics, U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School, Newport, Rhode Island
Admissions
