About Us
Davis Business Law brings superior customer experience to the law. Our duty to keep you informed is an active and ongoing responsibility.
Empowering Entrepreneurs
Our team integrates into your business to improve your operations and prevent legal problems. Additionally, if you join our Strong Protected Business Program we work on a fixed budget so you can confidently and securely afford great legal help. Also, we propose a Work Plan every month (a “we’ll do” list, not a “to do” list) and follow it up with a Return on Investment Report. This ensures we add value to our clients’ bottom line and peace of mind. We know problems are still going to arise, and we are ready to react quickly and efficiently. This may mean a shift in monthly priorities, but we handle these emergencies within the preset budget.
Davis Business Law is devoted to continuously adding value to our clients’ businesses. Our goal is to take our clients from struggling, frustrated business owners to confident, in-control entrepreneurs. By being an affordable and integrated legal team, we drive the improvement and change that turns our clients’ companies into great operations.
Our firm is about one thing – helping our clients make smart business decisions.
Business Issue Cases where we help our clients with a present need an opportunity to determine a cost effective solution. They range from simple drafting of documents to combative litigation to negotiating a deal. There are three levels of business issue cases.
Preventative Business Issue
These cases are where we are working to solve a quick solution. This may by working to ward off a potential case or to push back on a threatened one. Alternatively, a client might ask us to draft some simple documents and negotiate a resolution with another party. These cases have two notable characteristics:
- The general simplicity of the matter and a clear goal.
- Our ability to control the costs because of the limited number of people and issue involved.
Because of these points we distinguish these cases from matters where the parties have come to blows. On this level of case, we can generally tell our clients how much it is going to cost and we commit to not going over that amount without pre-authorization.
Disputed Business Issue
This is a case where the parties already have or will very likely come into conflict, potentially resulting in a court battle or heated negotiations. For us, this sort of case is like being a contractor asked to repair a house full of termites. It is very difficult to tell how much it will cost because of the variables involved, such as the other party, their attorney, and the complexity of each side’s arguments. We implement a different set of financial controls in this sort of case, including continuously updated budget estimates and bi-monthly invoicing, to keep a close watch on expenses. While we cannot promise on this level exactly what a case is going to cost, we respect our clients’ wallets through these systems and keep them as in control of their cases as we reasonably can.
Combative Business Issue
The difference between a Combative and Disputed case is a matter of degree. If the burner is on medium for a Disputed case it is on high for a Combative case. This is where the “punches” start flying fast and furious. These types of cases can be very expensive to handle and are difficult to keep financial control over. We respect our client’s interests and remain vigilant to keep them advised of all developments so they can make smart business decisions. There is an old adage, “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure.” That holds true for your legal affairs too. The problem is very few law firms have developed a proven way of helping businesses protect, improve, and grow. Davis Business Law has and we call it our Strong Protected Business Program.
Why Choose Us
Honest, Expert Lawyers
We believe in open, honest communication and transparency in all aspects of our work. Our experienced staff will provide you with not only the legal knowledge and advice you need, but also a long-lasting relationship where you are never out of the loop.
Proactive Help
Our preventative lawyering approach helps your business adjust to growth-related changes and amplify success by foreseeing issues, creating solutions and implementing systems that ensure your business is growing in the most profitable way possible.
Built for Entrepreneurs
We have an extensive background in helping small businesses and LLCs launching their practices. We work with you every step of the way to not only start your business, but to ensure it will succeed and thrive for years to come.
Our Team
Matthew Davis, Esq.
CEO, Partner, and Leadership
BIO
Matthew Davis holds a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude and with distinction, from Cornell College. He received his law degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1993. Davis also attended Cornell University, where he earned a master’s in public administration. Early in his career, Davis worked for the US Department of Energy in Washington, D.C.; in 1995, he entered private practice. Davis has extensive litigation and business representation experience. He has served as lead or co-counsel in litigation cases with recoveries in excess of $50,000,000, including numerous jury trials and a substantial victory against the Bank of America. He also regularly represents clients in complex arbitration. He maintains a limited clientele of established clients and takes select cases for new clients. His current focus is on representing new and existing business clients in the firm’s outside general counsel program. He also acts as general counsel for Groendyke Transport, Inc. Davis is a member of both the Oklahoma and Garfield County Bar Associations and is involved in the Enid Kiwanis Club.
Practice Areas
- Outside General Counsel
- Business Law
- General Litigation
- Wills, Estates, and Trusts
Education & Affiliates
- Cornell University, M.P.A., Ithaca, NY 2001
- University of Oklahoma College of Law, J.D., Norman, OK 1993
- Cornell College, B.A., Mount Vernon, IA 1990, summa cum laude
Bar Admissions
- Oklahoma, 1995
Jaime Walker
Firm Administrator & Leadership
BIO
Jaime Walker is the firm’s paralegal, bookkeeper, and office manager. She was the valedictorian of Waukomis High School in 2000. Shortly thereafter she joined Mr. Davis’ practice. During a hiatus from the legal world Ms. Walker earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Oklahoma State University. She currently assists the firm’s attorneys in case management and trial preparations.
Robert Applegate, Esq.
COO, Partner, and Leadership
BIO
Robert Applegate, a native Tulsan, graduated from the University of Oklahoma majoring in Finance with emphasis in Business Legal Studies. He graduated from the Oklahoma City University School of Law. He was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar in 1998.
Mr. Applegate is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated attorney. He was an Oklahoma contributor for DRI’s Duty to Defend Compendium, 2016 Ed., and authored the article, “Constitutionality of Strip Searches” for The Oklahoma Sheriff’s Journal, Vol. 2, No. 2, Spring/Summer 1998.
Mr. Applegate is married and a father of two. In his spare time, he enjoys attending his kids’ soccer games and running.
Practice Areas
- Employment Law
- Business Litigation
- Business Non-Litigation
- Contract Drafting & Review
- Business Startup
- Products Liability
- Commercial Transportation
- Workers’ Compensation
- Extensive Appellate Experience
- Insurance
Education
- University of Oklahoma in 1994 majoring in Finance with emphasis in Business Legal Studies
- Oklahoma City University School of Law in December 1997
Bar Admissions
- Oklahoma, 1998
- Arkansas, 2023
- Supreme Court of the United States
- Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals
- All State and Federal Courts in Oklahoma
- Oklahoma County Bar Association
Tricia Innis
Chief Financial Officer & Leadership
BIO
Tricia graduated in 2007 with a Business Administration as well as an Accounting degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University with AICPA requirements for the CPA exam. Tricia has a love for numbers hence her years of accounting experience in the corporate world. Tricia worked for Matt Davis years ago, before her college years she is happy to be back on team DBL. In her spare time, she rides Hunter jumper and Western Dressage and was invited to compete in the World show in 2022. Tricia and her husband are avid animal lovers they have three dogs that are treated like royalty!
Katrina Ortega
Client Service Rep. & Leadership
BIO
Katrina graduated from Ruidoso High School in Ruidoso, NM in 2000. She is an enrolled tribal member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe in New Mexico. Katrina is a proud mother of three. Prior to working for Davis Business Law, Katrina spent several years working in EMS in Albuquerque, NM as well as various office administrative positions.
Dixie A. Watkins, Esq.
Partner
BIO
Dixie holds a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University, and a juris doctor, with distinction, from the University of Oklahoma. Dixie is admitted to practice in the State of Oklahoma, the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Practice Areas
- Business Litigation
- Outside General Counsel
- Administrative Law
- Insurance Disputes
Education & Affiliates
- University of Oklahoma, J.D., 2013
- Oklahoma State University, B.A., 2009
Bar Admissions
- Oklahoma, 2013
- United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, 2015
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, 2015
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, 2015
Jeffrey Graham, Esq.
Partner
BIO
Jeffrey Graham received his bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. He received his juris doctor from Oklahoma City University Law School in 2011. Jeff was admitted to practice in the state of Oklahoma in 2011. He has practiced law in Oklahoma, Colorado and New Mexico. When not working, Jeff enjoys volunteering with the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s Renaissance Ball and spending time with his wife and two young boys.
Practice Areas
- Business Litigation
- Outside General Counsel
- Creditors’ Rights
Education & Affiliates
- Oklahoma City Law University, J.D., Oklahoma City, OK 2011
- Arizona State University, B.S., Tempe, AZ 2008
Bar Admissions
- Oklahoma, 2011
- Colorado, 2017
- New Mexico, 2012
Kristin D. Bugg (Meloni), Esq.
Senior Attorney
BIO
Kristin D. Bugg (Meloni), Esq, is an attorney in the Oklahoma City office of Davis Business Law and practices primarily in commercial litigation with a specific focus on business defense. She earned her Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 2015, where she was a merit scholar and a member of the Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity. Her experience as an attorney has provided her with the unique ability to work effectively with businesses to avoid legal risks and accomplish company objectives.
In addition to working to achieve the best resolution for clients, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family and friends and being active in the Oklahoma City community. Kristin is a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Oklahoma County Bar Association, where she is currently serving as Chair of the Board after having previously served in other various leadership positions. In 2019, Kristin was recognized as an Oklahoma Gazette Forty Under 40 Honoree and received the Outstanding Young Lawyers Division Director of the Year Award from the Oklahoma County Bar Association. In 2020, Kristin was recognized as a Super Lawyers® “Rising Star” and in 2021 she was named in Best Lawyers® “Ones to Watch.”
ADMISSIONS & PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Oklahoma, 2015
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Oklahoma, 2015
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Oklahoma, 2017
- Oklahoma Bar Association Cannabis Committee
- Member, May 2022-present
- Member, Oklahoma County Bar Association, 2016-present
- Oklahoma County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division:
- Past Chair, September 2021-present
- Chair, September 2020-August 2021
- Chair Elect, September 2019-August 2020
- Vice-Chair, September 2018-August 2019
- Secretary, September 2017-August 2018
- Board Member/Director, September 2016-August 2017
PROFESSIONAL HONORS & AWARDS
- Best Lawyers in America© Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation, Oklahoma, 2021
- Super Lawyers® Rising Star, Civil Litigation: Defense, Oklahoma, 2020
- Oklahoma Gazette Forty Under 40 Honoree, Class of 2019
- Outstanding Young Lawyers Division Director, Oklahoma County Bar Association, 2019
Robert Hoeven, Esq.
Business Attorney
BIO
Robert Hoeven received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Baker University before earning a Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Robert is admitted to practice in Kansas and Missouri and has represented a variety of insurance companies and employers in contested matters.
Practice Areas
- Employment Law
- Business Litigation
- Contract Drafting & Review
- Business Startup
Education
- Baker University – Bachelor of Science in Business Management, 2016
- University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law – Juris Doctorate, 2019
Bar Admissions
- Missouri, 2019
- Kansas, 2020
Timothy Pullin, Esq.
Senior Attorney
BIO
Tim received his Bachelor of Arts in International and Area Studies from The University of Oklahoma and his Juris Doctor from Baylor Law School with a concentration in Business Transactions. Tim is an experienced litigator and has successfully achieved favorable results for his clients throughout all stages of the litigation process in state and federal courts.
Tim is experienced in disputes involving insurance coverage, third-party liability and business disputes. Previously, Tim was an attorney at law firms in the greater Kansas City area and Dallas, Texas, where his practice included employment disputes, small business formation, and real estate transactions including debtor-creditor transactions.
Practice Areas
- Corporate & Business Law
- Commercial Litigation
Education
- Baylor Law School, J.D. 2016
- University of Oklahoma, B.A., magna cum laude, 2013
Bar Admissions
- Texas, 2016
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, 2017
- Missouri, 2018
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, 2018
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, 2020
- Kansas, 2019
- United States District Court for the District of Kansas, 2019
- Oklahoma, 2024
Noelle Moorad, Esq.
Business Attorney
BIO
Noelle is an Oklahoma City native who grew up in and around her family-owned restaurants, which taught her tremendous work ethic and the value of always providing great service. This fueled her client-centric mentality and attention to detail which are key in her creative strategies, approach to business, and case planning, to consistently meet the client’s legal goals and protect their business dreams.
Noelle holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma, and a juris doctor, with a National Institute for Trial Advocacy Certificate in Client Representation and Alternative Dispute Resolution, from Oklahoma City University School of Law. Noelle is admitted to practice in the State of Oklahoma and the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. Noelle has experience in oil and gas and worked for a national land services company where she served in various aspects including title examination, curative title work, and acquisition due diligence. Noelle also has a substantial background in family law where she regularly encountered couples dividing their business assets. Noelle was voted Best Attorney & Rising Star of 2023 published in the 405 Magazine.
When Noelle is not working, Noelle enjoys traveling, maintaining a regular yoga practice, avid patronage of the arts locally, and spending time with her family.
Practice Areas
- Business Startup
- Contract Drafting, Review, & Negotiations
- Business Lease
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Business Litigation
- Risk Management
Education & Affiliates
- Oklahoma City University School of Law Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
J.D. - National Institute for Trial Advocacy Certificate in Client Representation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
- University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OK B.A.
Bar Admissions
- Oklahoma, 2020
- U.S. District Court Western District of Oklahoma, 2020
Charles Penot, Esq.
Senior Counsel
BIO
Charles received his bachelor’s degree from Loyola University New Orleans. He obtained his juris doctorate from Loyola University College of Law in 1982, his LL.M from Yale Law School in 1988, and was admitted to practice in Louisiana in 1982 and in Texas in 2008. He has a wide range of commercial and business experience including in commercial litigation, corporate and business law, and construction law. When not working, Charles enjoys reading, walking, cycling, and being outside in nature doing almost anything.
Practice Areas
- Corporate & Business Law
- Commercial Litigation
- Construction Law
Education & Affiliates
- J.D. 1982, Loyola University College of Law
- LL.M. 1988, Yale Law School
Bar Admissions
- Texas, 2008
- Louisiana, 1982
Ryan Harper, Esq.
Senior Counsel
BIO
Ryan received his bachelor’s degree from Davidson College. He obtained his Juris Doctorate from The University of Tulsa College of Law in 1999 and was admitted to practice in the state of Oklahoma later that same year. Ryan is admitted to all of the Federal Courts in Oklahoma as well as Federal Courts in multiple other jurisdictions.
Prior to joining Davis Business Law, Ryan has operated his own law firm while working with other firms on cases related to insurance, contracts, trucking and personal injury. Ryan was previously a partner at Holden Litigation and at Latham, Wagner, Steele & Lehman. Ryan served as the president of the board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Sooner Chapter for six years and has been on their board for nearly 25 years.
When not working, Ryan enjoys watching his son play soccer and traveling with his wife to New Mexico and Colorado.
Practice Areas
- Contracts and Legal Research
- Corporate & Business Law
- Commercial Litigation
- General Counsel
- Mediation
- Trucking Law
Education & Affiliates
- J.D. 1999, University of Tulsa College of Law
- B.A. 1994, Davidson College
Bar Admissions
- Oklahoma, 1999
Lexy Vela, Esq.
Business Attorney
BIO
Lexy Vela received her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and obtained her juris doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 2023. She has been admitted to practice law in the state of Oklahoma. She has experience in business transactions including business formation, contract drafting, and corporate governance. Before attending law school, Lexy worked as a paralegal for several years. While in law school, Lexy was a Staff Editor on Law Review and the Vice President of the Student Bar Association. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, thrift shopping, and running.
Practice Areas
- Business Formation
- Contract Drafting and Review
- Corporate Governance
Education & Affiliates
- Texas A&M University – Bachelor of Science, 2015
- Texas State University – Master’s in Legal Studies, 2019
- Oklahoma City University School of Law – Juris Doctorate, 2023
Bar Admissions
- Oklahoma, 2024
Jonathan Ashton, Esq.
Business Attorney
BIO
Jonathan received his bachelor’s degree from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. He obtained his juris doctor from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and was admitted to practice in the state of Texas in 2015. Prior to joining Davis Business Law, Jonathan worked for the Texas Workforce Commission as an administrative law judge handling appeals related to unemployment benefits. He also has multiple years of experience in civil litigation focused primarily on personal injury. Additionally, Jonathan has represented major companies in commercial debt collection litigation in civil courts throughout Texas. When not working, he enjoys sports, music, and spending time outdoors with his shar-pei, Wrinkles.
Bar Admissions
- Texas, 2015
Matthew O'Connor
Senior Counsel
BIO
Matthew R. O’Connor received his bachelor’s degree from Washburn University School of Law in 1998 and is admitted to practice in the states of Kansas and Missouri. He has experience in business, construction and real estate related issues, ranging from helping clients form their business, to assisting clients in obtaining financing, to navigating human resource issues, and to managing the everyday challenges business owners’ encounter. When not working, Mr. O’Connor enjoys sports, travelling, cooking, and spending time with his best friend and dog, Rosie.
Practice Areas
- General Business Law
- Real Estate Related Work
- Construction Related Work
Education & Affiliates
- Juris Doctorate
- Kansas Metropolitan Bar Association
Bar Admissions
- Kansas, 1998
- Missouri, 1999
Bailey Wilson
Case Finance Director
BIO
Bailey Wilson is a life-long resident of Enid, Oklahoma and graduated from Enid High in 2015. She attended Oklahoma State University, where she studied theatre performance and is currently pursuing a BA in English from Arizona State University. She has many years of experience that combine the legal, financial, and customer service worlds, and is happy to be back in the legal field with DBL. In her spare time, she performs with and serves on the board of directors at the Gaslight Theatre.
Brenda Moody
Paralegal
BIO
Brenda Moody is the firm’s paralegal in the Enid office. She is originally from Enid. She graduated from Enid High School in 1981. She earned an Associate Degree from Northern Oklahoma College. She also earned her Legal Assistant Certificate from The University of Oklahoma in 2001. She first worked with Mr. Davis during the years of 1995-1998 and recently returned to help grow Davis Business Law. She has over 20 years in the legal field. She currently assists the firm’s attorneys in all areas.
Katie McGuire
Paralegal
BIO
Katie McGuire is one of our paralegals, working out of our Oklahoma City office. She is a 1998 graduate of Washington High School in Washington, OK. She has an applied associate degree in Police Science from Oklahoma State University-OKC in 2005.
Katie has been in the legal field for more than eleven years. She has a passion for taking great care of our clients and our lawyers with case management and trial preparation.
Megan Druse
Legal Assistant
BIO
Megan Druse is our legal assistant at our Enid office. She is a lifelong resident of Enid, Oklahoma. She is a 2009 graduate of Enid High School. She recently graduated with an associates in social science: behavioral from the Northern Oklahoma College in Enid. Megan works primarily on one of our general counsel clients. She also assists the intake team with additional coverage as needed as well.
Katrina "Kat" Fortner
Receptionist
BIO
Katrina “Kat” Fortner is our Receptionist as well as a vital part of our intake team. She is a Texas native, but recently moved to Oklahoma. She graduated with honors from Career Prep Academy. She attended Cisco Junior College & Texas State Technical College. Formerly Kat served as City Councilwoman and VP of Economic Development in Texas. Kat does a fantastic job on the front line with our intake team taking care of our new and existing clients.