P‍ray Walker Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 Edition

Nine Pray Walker attorneys were recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, reflecting peer-recognized excellence across the firm's diverse areas of practice – an honor earned by only 5% of U.S. lawyers. In addition, two attorneys were recognized as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® for lawyers in private practice for 5 to 9 years.

“Having so many of our attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers® is a tremendous reflection of the strength of our entire team,” said C. Bretton Crane, managing partner. “We’re proud of the individual accomplishments this recognition represents, but even more proud of what it says about the depth of talent, experience and commitment to our clients across Pray Walker. Our people are what make this firm exceptional, and it’s gratifying to see their work recognized by their peers.”

In addition to practice area recognition, Crane was named the Best Lawyers® 2027 Securities / Capital Markets Law "Lawyer of the Year" in Tulsa, which is awarded to one lawyer in each practice area and metropolitan region based on the highest aggregate peer feedback. He has received “Lawyer of the Year” honors in 2014 (Securities / Capital Markets Law), 2022 (Corporate Law), 2023 (both in Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Business Organizations Law), and in 2026 (Business Organizations).

C. Bretton Crane Jr. and Paul Hood were both recognized for Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®, which recognizes lawyers earlier in their careers for outstanding professional excellence. Crane Jr. has been recognized in this category since 2022.

2027 The Best Lawyers in America® Honorees at Pray Walker

• Steve Butterfield (Recognized in Best Lawyers® since 2023)
  
  • Energy Law
• C. Bretton Crane (Recognized in Best Lawyers® since 2010)
  
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
  • Corporate Law
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Securities / Capital Markets Law
• Kevin P. Doyle (Recognized in Best Lawyers® since 2008)
  
  • Employment Law - Management
  • Labor Law - Management
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment
• William L. Eagleton IV (Recognized in Best Lawyers® since 2010)
  
  • Commercial Finance Law
  • Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
  • Corporate Law
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Real Estate Law
• William Jones (Recognized in Best Lawyers® since 2025)
  
  • Banking and Finance Law
• Donald S. Smith (Recognized in Best Lawyers® since 2007)
  
  • Energy Law
  • Natural Resources Law
  • Oil and Gas Law
• Randall G. Vaughan (Recognized in Best Lawyers® since 2007)
  
  • Commercial Litigation
• W. Bland Williamson, Jr. (Recognized in Best Lawyers® since 1983)
  
  • Natural Resources Law
  • Oil and Gas Law
• Robert J. Winter (Recognized in Best Lawyers® since 2013)
  
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment
  • Litigation - Real Estate
  • Litigation - Trusts and Estates
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
  • Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

2027 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch

• C. Bretton Crane, Jr. (recognized since 2022)
  
  • Banking and Finance Law
  • Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
  • Corporate Law
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Tax Law
• Paul Hood (Recognized since 2027)
  
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment