Q&A with Donald E. Smolen, II

Donald E. Smolen, II is the Principal at Smolen Law.  He’s a Tulsa native, growing up on a ranch south of town. He attended the University of Tulsa for his undergraduate degree, and the University of Tulsa School of Law. Don, as many refer to him, is an impeccable attorney known as, “The Alpha Attorney,” and having the opportunity to speak with him is a pleasure.  He’s not only a passionate professional, he’s the type of person you’d hang out and relax with on the weekends.  Recently, I asked Don some professional and personal questions. I hope you enjoy getting to know “The Alpha Attorney”.

Growing up, did you want to become an attorney?

No.  I actually wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon.  It was not until I took a political science class at the University of Tulsa on the First Amendment, and the role between Church vs. State, that I found my passion for the law and decided to devote my life to giving people a voice who would otherwise not have one. Why did you choose law? I chose law because I had a Bachelor’s Degree in political science and with that you really only have 2 options; teach or go to law school.  I was already married with our oldest son and I knew there was no way we’d be able to live on a teacher’s salary in Oklahoma, so I decided to try law school.

How long have you been an attorney?

I have been an attorney for 16 years come this September.

Why do you consider Smolen Law “The Alpha Firm”?

I consider Smolen Law the Alpha Firm because we are #1 at zealously representing our clients and their interests.

What type of law do you specialize in?

The Oklahoma Bar Association does not allow Oklahoma lawyers to “specialize” in any particular area of the law. I can tell you that the practice areas I focus most heavily on are insurance bad faith and catastrophic tort (negligence) claims.

Your office is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma – do you get involved in cases outside of the state?

Our firm handles cases across the entire United States.  Even states that we are not licensed to practice in, we retain local firms that aid us in getting admitted to the local courts so that we can handle the case.

When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun?

I love to hang out with my wife and four sons.  I also love going fly fishing with my wife.

Do you have a favorite quote or phrase that keeps you going?

When you have integrity, that’s all that matters.  When you don’t have integrity, that’s all that matters.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I would love to go on a Safari in Africa one day.

What’s your dream vehicle?

A matte black Phantom Rolls Royce.

If you could give one piece of advice, be-it personal or professional, to those reading this, what would you say?

Give God the credit for everything you have in life.  Stay humble. There you have it! A BIG thank you to Don for speaking with me. I know myself, and I’m confident others, look forward to your continued success!

Until next week…