
Aman Talwar

Eric Holey

Gaille Gregoire

Heather Bowen

James Kelly

James M. Kerrigan

Jessica Ridenour

John Behles

Kimberly McLean

Noah Fontanez

Robert Don Gifford

Shane Walker

Shannon Broyles

Sidney Martin

Tom Sullivent

Vincent Auricchio



Attorney
Gaille Gregoire
Overview
Gaille is an outstanding member of our team with broad experience as corporate counsel, leasing, acquisitions, finance, and contracts. Her business acumen is bolstered by her law degree and MBA in International Business. She is a consummate professional who develops solutions for the most complex legal issues.
Experience
Gaille’s diverse background includes vast experience in contracts, such as purchase and sale agreements, leases, licenses, service agreements, and non-disclosures. She is also skilled in dispute resolution and litigation in many areas of law, including, construction and real estate. Additionally, with an MBA in International Business, Gaille has great insight and knowledge in complex international business transactions.
Education
Ms. Gregoire received a joint Juris Doctorate and MBA degree in International Business from St. Thomas University in 2011. Additionally, she received her Bachelor of Science from Florida International University in 2005 where she was a member of Eta Sigma Delta. Ms. Gregoire distinguished herself academically and was also a member of the International Hospitality Honors Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Golden Key International Honor Society.
Professional Associations
- President, Silverfalls Townhomes
- Member, Caribbean Bar Association
- Member, Broward County Bar Association
- Member, Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association
- Member, International Council of Shopping Centers
- Member, National Notary Association
- Pro Bono (volunteer) – Legal Services of Greater Miami
Bar Admissions
- Florida Bar
- United States District Court, Southern, District of Florida


Attorney
James Kelly
James Kelly is a seasoned commercial litigator and appellate attorney in a variety of practice areas, including environmental/mass torts, class actions, pharmaceutical, product liability, professional liability, employment, non-competes, technology, trade secrets, data privacy, and complex multi-jurisdictional litigation.
Most notably, James litigates cases in state and federal courts and has substantial first-chair trial experience with premier national law firms, including his appointment as a Special Assistant Attorney General in a mass action with the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General in partnership with the powerhouse Washington D.C. law firm of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP. He has extensive experience in drafting and arguing summary judgment and other motions, and has appellate experience as a former Assistant Attorney General including preparing briefs and arguing before state and federal appellate courts in complex civil litigation with numerous published cases in state and federal reporters.
James is also an author and legal analyst covering the impact of technology on law and society with an emphasis in Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and blockchain in the legal practice published by leading media outlets in the U.S. and Europe. He has also served hybrid public-private consortiums, including non-profit, educational, governmental, and international entities, drafting contracts, partnership, and technology licensing agreements to increase the impact addressing global challenges in the space of technology, innovation, and access to justice.
- Santa Clara University - Santa Clara, CA, 2010, Bachelor of Science in Political Science
- University of Oklahoma - Norman, OK, Master of Arts in Professional Writing in Professional Writing
- University of Tulsa College of Law - Tulsa, OK, Juris Doctorate
- American Association of Justice
- American Bar Association
- Society of Environmental Journalists
- Society of Professional Journalists
- Technology and Office Management Committee, Oklahoma Bar Association
- Oklahoma Bar Association
- Missouri Bar Association
- Illinois Bar Association
- U.S. District Courts of Missouri, Illinois, and Oklahoma; U. S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals
Email:jkelly@sflegalgroup.com
Phone:888-505-0376


Associate
Jessica Ridenour
Overview
Jessica has an impressive background in litigation and appellate work. Her background includes being a professor of law at the University of Tulsa College of Law. Her extensive research and writing capability provide great depth to our litigation and appellate team.
Experience
Jessica has a broad background in complex litigation, research, and writing. Adding great depth, Jessica has enjoyed an extensive practice in the areas of corporate defense law, labor and employment law, property law, and health litigation law. Her experience includes obtaining multiple summary judgments for Fortune 500 clients. Jessica’s professorship at the University of Tulsa College of Law included persuasive legal writing, appellate writing, and oral advocacy.
Education
Ms. Ridenour is a graduate from the University of Tulsa College of Law with honors. While in law school she was a member of the Board of Advocates, International Law Student Association, and Phi Delta Phi.
Jessica also received a B.A. in Political Science and International Studies with an Emphasis on East Asian Culture & Japanese Language at the University of Kansas. She graduated from the University of Kansas with the Highest Distinction.
Of note, Jessica completed an Honors Thesis which was published at the University of Kansas: Women’s Role in China’s Economy: A History of Contradiction in Traditional and Ideological Expectations of Women.
Bar Admission
- State of Oklahoma
- State of Kansas
- United States District Court – Northern District of Oklahoma
- United States District Court – Eastern District of Oklahoma
- United States District Court – Western District of Oklahoma
- United States District Court – District of Kansas
- United States District Court – Northern District of Texas
- United States Court of Appeals – Tenth Circuit
Email:jridenour@sflegalgroup.com
Phone:(918) 236-9024

Attorney
John Behles
John is a patent and intellectual property lawyer focusing on serving his clients with patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets.
John is a tremendous asset to the firm and has helped clients ranging from large multinational corporations, to business owners, and individuals who want to protect their ideas, inventions, and businesses. Within the firm is the source of leadership on patent, trademark, and copyright prosecution, litigation, and protection. He is also well adept in business and entrepreneurship strategies and often represents clients across the broad spectrum of business law.
John passed the Patent Bar while in law school and has since had tremendous success. As a patent lawyer, John is particularly skilled with patents in the areas of computer science (hardware and software) technologies, along with numerous mechanical technologies such as medical devices, automotive, oil and gas, aviation, and many others.
- Juris Doctorate, 2004 - University of Tulsa College of Law, passed the Patent Bar in 2003 while in Law School. Member of Delta Theta Phi Legal Society, AIPLA, ABA
- Bachelor of Science, 2002 - Mechanical Engineering, Participated in two senior design projects Hybrid electric vehicle design and S.A.E. Mini Baja project
- United States Patent and Trademark Office - Registered Patent Practitioner
- Oklahoma Bar Association
Email:jbehles@sflegalgroup.com
Phone:888-505-0376


Partner
Noah Fontanez
Founder & Partner
Overview
Noah Fontanez is an accomplished attorney representing clients within the US and abroad. Noah’s diverse legal background includes aviation, business law, government contracts, energy, intellectual property, and litigation.
Aviation Attorney
Noah has adept knowledge of Federal Aviation Enforcement regulations and has tried countless cases involving aviation title issues. Noah serves as a panel attorney for the aviation owners pilots association (AOPA) where he is responsible for FAA enforcement actions and litigation. Prior to becoming an attorney, Noah served for over five years as a United States Marine Corps Air Defense Control Officer. As an Air Defense Control Officer, Noah provided close ground based radar control of Navy and Marine Corps aircraft; included fighters and transport aircraft. As he progressed he continued to control aircraft and provide airspace management functions for the military. Noah’s aviation experiences have made him a knowledgeable aviation attorney.
United States Army Judge Advocate
After law school at the University of Tulsa College of Law, Noah transitioned from Air Defense to become a lawyer in the Army’s Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG). He continues to serve our country as a lawyer in the United States Army Reserves and has a combined military career of over twenty years. Noah recently returned from a year-long military deployment to the Middle East where he served as Chief of Contract and Fiscal Law. He currently serves at the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Business Lawyer
Noah’s extensive career includes serving as in-house counsel to one of the largest independent oil and gas exploration companies in the United States.
Litigation
Experienced litigator. Noah has enjoyed over a 15 year career trying cases before United States Army Courts, US District Federal Courts and Oklahoma State Courts. Noah is licensed to practice within the United States District Court for the DC District, United States District Court for the Northern, Western and Eastern Districts of Oklahoma and Oklahoma state courts.
Intellectual Property
Noah has prosecuted hundreds of trademark applications before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. As a highly experienced litigator, Noah has defended his clients’ rights before United States Federal District Courts.
Diverse Experience
Throughout his experiences in both the Army and as in-house counsel, Noah has handled a wide variety of complex legal matters. While serving in the Army, such matters included intelligence law, fiscal law, military air support missions, contracts, estate planning, military justice, administrative law, consumer law, labor, and federal ethics law. As an in-house oil and gas attorney, in addition to routine employment matters, Noah’s primary role involved negotiating, drafting, revising, and reviewing oil and gas leases, joint operating agreements, seismic agreements, farmout agreements, software licenses, and various other unique contracts related to oil and gas exploration and production.
Education
- Master of Strategic Studies, 2020 – United States Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
- Juris Doctor, 2002 – University of Tulsa College of Law – while at Tulsa, Noah served as Student Bar President, received an academic scholarship, and was awarded for exemplary service as a student.
- Bachelor of Science, 1996 – University of Tennessee at Chattanooga – Noah was a two sport athlete in college. He ran cross country at the University of Tennessee at Martin before finishing up his athletic career on UTC’s wrestling team. While at Chattanooga, Noah was on the Athletic Dean’s List.
Bar Admissions
Oklahoma – State and Federal
Oklahoma Bar Association
- Oklahoma United States District Court – Northern District of Oklahoma Oklahoma
- United States District Court – Western District of Oklahoma Oklahoma
- United States District Court – Eastern District of Oklahoma
District of Columbia
- United States District Court – District of Columbia
Professional Associations
- Oklahoma Bar Association
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Panel Attorney
- Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association
- The Federalist Society
Personal
Noah is an active member of LifeChurch in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He is married to Stephanie Fontanez and they have four children; Jacob, Hanna, Gabriel and Lauren. Noah is an avid sports fan and was a Division I wrestler and cross-country runner in college. His son Jacob also wrestled for Oklahoma State University and his daughter Hanna was a USAG power tumbling & trampoline national champion.

Email:nfontanez@sflegalgroup.com
Phone:918-505-7851

Of Counsel
Robert Don Gifford
Overview
Robert D. Gifford is an extremely talented leader, litigator, and advocate for his clients. Mr. Gifford’s commitment to serve is demonstrated through his experiences as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), his impeccable career as an Army Judge Advocate through the rank of Colonel, as a Judge for various tribes throughout Oklahoma, and as a trusted attorney for businesses and individuals throughout the United States. He is a tireless professional who can be counted on for his legal acumen in the most complex cases.
Experience
As a former federal prosecutor with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Nevada and Oklahoma, Mr. Gifford is highly adept in federal investigations and white collar defense. While serving with the DOJ, Mr. Gifford’s experiences included serving as Anti-terrorism Advisory Coordinator, Human Trafficking Coordinator, and a Tribal Liaison for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Prior to becoming an Assistant United States Attorney, he jump started his legal career working for the Cherokee Nation, as Assistant District Attorney in Tulsa, and as an Active Duty Army Judge Advocate with tours at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Mr. Gifford is a tribal member of the Cherokee Nation and currently serves as a Chief Judge for both the Kaw Nation and Iowa Tribes. He is also an Associate Judge for the Miami and Seminole Tribes and a Justice for the Comanche Nation Supreme Court.
Mr. Gifford’s prosecution and diverse legal experiences bolster Sullivent & Fontanez’s bench to offer competent and capable white collar defense and assistance in federal investigations nationwide.
Military
Mr. Gifford enjoyed an active duty and reserve career in the Army for over 20 years and advanced to the rank of Colonel. In addition to his time at Fort Sill, Knox, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, he mobilized on active duty to the “War Courts” at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In that capacity, Mr. Gifford served as the Legal Spokesman to the world-wide media and Deputy Director of Legal Operations.
In addition, Mr. Gifford was competitively selected and graduated from the prestigious United States Army War College where he earned a Masters of Strategic Studies. Mr. Gifford’s military experiences are a tremendous value to Sullivent & Fontanez and continue the tradition of this veteran-owned law firm.
Publications
Mr. Gifford espouses life-long learning and continues to publish scholarly works in Criminal and other areas of the law.
Native American Law: Will It Ever Be Taken Seriously?
Lawyers Monthly
January, 2018
In the military, trusted officers have become alleged assailants in sex crimes
Washington Post
October 19, 2017
Federal prosecutor Gifford shifting to private practice
The Journal Record
December, 2016
“Your Witness Counsel” – Cross Examination
Oklahoma Bar Journal
November 19, 2016
A Primer for Ye Ol’Woodshed: Witness Preparation
Oklahoma Bar Journal
November 19, 2016
The Time is Twenty Years past 9:02 a.m.
Oklahoma Bar Journal
April 18, 2015
Human Trafficking: Beyond Pretty Woman and Huggy Bear
Oklahoma Bar Journal
August 15, 2013
The Fourth Amendment – the Airport and Borders
Oklahoma Bar Journal
November, 2012
Employment Protection for the Citizen-Soldier
Oklahoma Bar Journal
November 19, 2011
Groucho was Wrong about Military Justice
Oklahoma Bar Journal
November 19, 2011
The OBA’s ‘Draft’ – Will you Answer the Call?
Oklahoma Bar Journal
November 19, 2011
War Courts Make Sense
The Daily Oklahoman
September 7, 2009
Sex Offender Registration in Indian Country
United States Attorney Bulletin
July, 2009
Foregoing the Scorched Earth Policy: Ethical Cross-Exam
Oklahoma Bar Journal
December 15, 2008
Cross-Examination – ABA’s 101 Practice Series – Breaking Down the Rules
American Bar Association (Young Lawyer’s Division)
2007
Planning for Trial – The 101 Practice Series – Breaking Down the Rules
American Bar Association (Young Lawyer’s Division)
2007
Preparing a Witness – ABA’s 101 Practice Series – Breaking Down the Rules
American Bar Association (Young Lawyer’s Division)
2007
Protect Yourself from Credit Card Billing Errors
Military Money
October, 2007
Planes, Trains & Automobiles – the Fourth Amendment & your Vehicle
Oklahoma Bar Journal
March 15, 2007
Very Appealing Ethics
Oklahoma Bar Journal
December, 2006
Co-Signing a Loan is a Risky Business
Military Money
October, 2006
Guideline “Departures” at Sentencing after Booker
United States Attorney Bulletin
September 7, 2006
Become an Authority: Get Published
American Bar Association (General Practice/Solo Magazine)
August, 2006
Bankruptcy Just Got A Lot Tougher
Military Money
December, 2005
Ethics & the Criminal Prosecutor – Guilt shall not escape, nor innocents shall suffer
Oklahoma Bar Journal
December 15, 2005
The Law Language and Humpty Dumpty
Oklahoma Bar Journal
September 3, 2005
A Federal Grand Jury Primer
The Young Lawyer (American Bar Association)
August, 2005
The Fifth Amendment & the Federal Grand Jury
Oklahoma Bar Journal
August, 2005
Appellate Advocacy
The Young Lawyer (American Bar Association)
March, 2005
Crime & Punishment: Article 15
The Reserve & National Guard magazine
July, 2004
Let’s Kill all the Lawyers
Oklahoma Bar Journal
May 15, 2004
Understanding the Federal Sentencing Guidelines
The Young Lawyer (American Bar Association)
February, 2004
Stepping on the Battlefield: Military Justice Primer
Oklahoma Bar Journal
October, 2000
The Legalities of the Properly Shined Boot
The Tulsa Lawyer (Tulsa County Bar Association)
March, 2000
Who Really Plays for the Love Game
The Sporting News
December, 1992
Recognitions
Mr. Gifford’s extraordinary accomplishments as a prosecutor have earned him awards for outstanding performance by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Director of the United States Marshal’s Service, and the United States Department of Agriculture.
He has also been an active member of the Oklahoma Bar Association. He has served as the Chair of the bar’s Criminal Law Section, was previously a member of the bar’s Board of Governors, and was the founder and previous Chair of the Oklahoma Bar Military and Veteran’s Law Section. Mr. Gifford’s service earned him the Oklahoma Bar Association’s “Professional Advocate of the Year”. He also was awarded the prestigious Justice Cardozo Award for his work in Criminal Law.
Education
Juris Doctorate, 1996 – University of Oklahoma College of Law – Articles Editor, American Indian Law Review; Who’s Who (American Law School Students); Secretary, National Native American Law Students Association; National Moot Court Team (NALSA); Intern, Cleveland County District Attorney’s Office (’95-’96); Judicial Extern (Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals); Intern, Oklahoma Tax Commission (’94-’95); Intern/Legal Clerk (Cherokee Nation)
Master’s Degree, 2015 – United States Army War College- Strategic Studies
Bachelors, 1993 – Southwestern College – Triple-major graduate (Marketing, Mass Communications, & Film) with a Minor in Business Administration; Rhodes Scholar applicant on behalf of College; Honors Graduate; Varsity Football, Varsity Track and Field, Academic All-Conference.
Certifications and Bar Admissions
Master Military Justice Practitioner
United States Supreme Court Bar
Oklahoma Bar Association
Personal
Mr. Gifford is a devoted husband and father of three daughters. He loves Oklahoma and military history and has a passion for Native American culture.
Email:rgifford@sflegalgroup.com
Office:Tulsa


Legal Administrator
Shannon Broyles
Overview
Shannon has over fifteen years of experience in office administration. Shannon manages the daily administrative operations of our Tulsa office and assists the partners and associate attorneys with aviation, corporate, personal injury, real estate and family matters. Her adept knowledge of legal administrative processes and judicial systems combined with her ability to address client concerns adds value for the firm’s clients.
Shannon is an active member of LifeChurch in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is a devoted mother with one son, Christian, who is an elite Division I Wrestler and pre-med student at the University of Oklahoma. She also recently became the mother-in-law to Sydney Moody, who is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and an RN at the OU Children’s Hospital.
Email:sbroyles@sflegalgroup.com
Phone:(918)894-4415

Attorney
Sidney Martin
Overview
Sid has been in practice for over 30 years, primarily in personal injury and insurance litigation, on both the plaintiff and defense side. He specializes in legal research and writing, particularly appellate practice. More recently he has been involved in estate planning and probate.
Education
- University of Tulsa College of Law, 1984 – Juris Doctorate
- University of Colorado, 1969 – German, Political Science, History
- Phillips Theological Seminary, 2011 – Master of Theological Studies
Bar Admissions
- Oklahoma Bar Association
- United States District Court – Northern District of Oklahoma
- United States District Court – Eastern District of Oklahoma
- United States District Court – Western District of Oklahoma
- United States Court of Appeals Tenth Circuit

Partner
Tom Sullivent
Founder & Partner
Overview
Tom is an attorney with Sullivent & Fontanez PLLC, where he devotes most of his time to estate and business planning as well as litigation involving probates, trust actions, quiet title actions, partition actions and other types of litigation that go hand-in-hand with asset and business transfers and disagreements.
Background
Over the years, Tom has noticed a change in how clients wish to interact with lawyers and law firms. As a result, he now provides his clients with more choices on pricing, as well as when and how the attorney and clients meet – whether in person, via video conference, telephone, email or a combination of all.
Tom frequently speaks to accountants, financial advisors, insurance agents, lawyers, churches, charities, and civic groups on topics such as How to Avoid Probate, How to Determine If You Need a Trust, Asset Protection, Medicaid Planning, and Special Needs Trusts and does Continuing Education classes.
Published Author
Tom has written two books: Trusts: Explained and Illustrated which is primarily used with clients to help them understand trusts and estate planning in general; and How to Give Through Estate Planning to help people who want to get more creative in their giving.
Education
- University of Tulsa 1996, J.D.
- University of Oklahoma 1991, BBA
Bar Admission
- Oklahoma Bar Association
- United States District Court – Northern District of Oklahoma
- United States District Court – Eastern District of Oklahoma
- United States District Court – Western District of Oklahoma
Professional Associations
- American Bar Association
- Oklahoma Bar Association
Email:tsullivent@sflegalgroup.com
Phone:(918)295-8300

Of Counsel
Vincent Auricchio
Overview
Vincent Auricchio is a distinguished attorney with an impressive background in litigation and real estate. His credentials include being selected as one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40. In addition, Mr. Auricchio was selected as an “Outstanding Young Attorney” and “Top Young Attorney in Illinois” for his work in real estate law and business litigation (2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011). In 2015 and 2017, Mr. Auricchio was appointed as a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel representing the top one percent.
Experience
Mr. Auricchio’s diverse experience includes business and commercial litigation, general civil litigation, and medical negligence. He is well known in Chicago for his work as an attorney and truly exudes superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership.
He also hosts a lively radio talk show on AM560, The Answer. As a thought leader, he has served as a featured speaker for the National Business Institute on topics regarding litigation and winning deposition strategies. Mr. Auricchio is also relied on by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons as an annual speaker for the preparation of medical and legal testimony.
Education
Mr. Auricchio obtained his Juris Doctor from the DePaul University College of Law in 1997, holds a Bachelor of Science from Vanderbilt University obtained in 1993, and received his High School Diploma in 1989 from the prestigious Hunter College High School in New York, New York.
Bar Admission
Mr. Auricchio is a member of the Illinois Bar.
Professional Associations
- American Bar Association
- Chicago Bar Association
- Christian Legal Society
- Alliance Defending Freedom
- Christian Businessmen’s Connection
Personal
Mr. Auricchio is a devoted husband, father, and Christian lawyer. His spiritual life guides his commitment to serve his clients with the utmost integrity and passion.
Email:vauricchio@sflegalgroup.com
Office:Chicago