About Robert Donald Gifford

Robert Donald Gifford II practices law in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, focusing primarily on criminal law. He has a diverse practice that includes family law, appeals and appellate work, civil rights, government and administrative law, military law, native American law, and white-collar crime. His firm, GIFFORD LAW, P.L.L.C., serves clients across various legal areas, providing comprehensive representation in both state and federal courts. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1996, following a Bachelor of Arts from Southwestern College in 1989. Additionally, he holds a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College, which he completed in 2015. His education gave him a strong foundation in legal principles and strategic thinking, essential for navigating complex legal issues.

Gifford's experience includes serving as an Associate District Judge for the Seminole Nation in 2019. He has held various judicial roles, including Chief Judge for the Iowa Tribe and the Kaw Nation. His legal career began in 1996 when he served as Trial Counsel and Defense Counsel in the U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps. Over the years, he has taken on significant responsibilities, including roles as an Assistant U.S. Lawyer and Senior Trial Lawyer, focusing on issues such as human trafficking and violent crime.

His practice encompasses many jurisdictions, including the U.S. Supreme Court, various U.S. District Courts, and multiple tribal courts. Gifford is experienced in both military and civilian legal systems, which allows him to address the challenges faced by his clients. He is also a Master Military Justice Practitioner, showcasing his dedication to excellence in military law. Active in the legal community, Gifford is a member of several professional associations, including the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Oklahoma County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

He has served in leadership roles, such as Chair of the Oklahoma Bar Association's Military & Veterans Law Section and Chair-elect of the Criminal Law Section. His commitment to the legal profession is evident through his involvement in various organizations and his contributions to legal education. In addition to his legal practice, Gifford has a focus on serving his community. He has dedicated his career to advocating for justice and ensuring that the rights of individuals are protected. His diverse background and experience make him a advocate for his clients, whether in the courtroom or through legal counsel. Gifford continues to build a reputation as a skilled attorney, committed to upholding the rule of law and serving the needs of his clients in Oklahoma and beyond.

Education

United States Army War College

M.S. (2015) | Strategic Studies

2013

University of Oklahoma College of Law

J.D. (1996) | Law

1993

Southwestern College

B.A. (1993)

1989

Languages

English (Spoken, Written) Spanish (Written)

Experience

Chief Judge - KTK

Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Tribal Court
2021

Associate District Judge - Seminole Nation

Seminole Nation Tribal Court
2019

Lawyer and Founder

GIFFORD LAW P.L.L.C.
2018

Judge, Civil Trial Docket

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma
2018

Associate Supreme Court Justice

Comanche Nation Supreme Court
2018

Chief Judge - Iowa (Ioway) Tribe

Iowa (Ioway) Tribal Court
2018

Special Judge

Oklahoma City Municipal Court
2018

Senior Trial Lawyer

Gungoll, Jackson, Box & Devoll, P.C.
2016

Associate Supreme Court Justice

Iowa (Ioway) Tribe of Oklahoma
2013

Chief Judge - Kaw (Kanza) Nation

Kaw (Kanza) Nation Tribal Court
2009

Assistant U.S. Lawyer, Tribal Liaison/Human Trafficking Coordinator/Anti-Terrorism Coordinator

United States Lawyer s Office, Western District of Oklahoma
2006

Assistant U.S. Lawyer, Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator

Assistant United States Lawyer s Office, District of Nevada
2001

Colonel, U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps

United States Army Reserve
2000

Assistant District Lawyer (Felony/Violent Crime; SANE Nurse Trainer; Death Penalty Review; Child Abuse Review)

Tulsa County District Lawyer s Office
2000

Trial Counsel/Defense Counsel/Legal Assistance Lawyer

United States Army Judge Advocate General s Corps
1996

Accepted Jurisdictions

District of Nevada, U.S. District Court
Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
Various Tribal Courts
Western District of Oklahoma, U.S. District Court
Army Court of Criminal Appeals
Oklahoma
10th Circuit
Kaw Nation Tribal Court
9th Circuit
Eastern District of Oklahoma, U.S. District Court
Western District of Kentucky, U.S. District Court
Northern District of Oklahoma, U.S. District Court
U.S. Supreme Court

Court Admissions

U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma U.S. District Court
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma U.S. District Court
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma U.S. District Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit U.S. Circuit Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit U.S. Circuit Court
Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals Military Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims U.S. Circuit Court
Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces Military Court
Various Tribal Courts
Kaw Nation Tribal Court

Types of Cases Handled

Criminal Law Family Law Appeals & Appellate Civil Rights Gov & Administrative Law Military Law Native American Law White Collar Crime

Legal Services Scope

Trial Appeals

Certifications & Awards

Master Military Justice Pracitioner

United States Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps

Professional Associations

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Lifetime has membership 2016 - Current

Oklahoma County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

has membership 2016 - Current

Oklahoma County Bar Association

has membership (former member of Board of Directors) 2013 - Current

Oklahoma Bar Association s Military & Veteran s Law Section

has membership (Chair) 2012 - Current

Federal Bar Association

has membership 2007 - Current

Oklahoma Bar Association s Criminal Law Section

Chair-elect (2018) 2007 - Current

Oklahoma Indian Bar Association

has membership 2007 - Current

Judge Advocate s Association

Lifetime has membership 2007 - Current

Oklahoma Bar Association

Board of Governors 2013 - 2016

Videos

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CLE 2019- Robert D. Gifford: Native Americans as Witnesses & Jurors - Considerations & Perspective
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CLE 2019- Robert D. Gifford: Native Americans as Witnesses & Jurors - Considerations & Perspective
Parents file lawsuit against Stillwater Public Schools over distance learning plan
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Parents file lawsuit against Stillwater Public Schools over distance learning plan
State of Oklahoma and local tribes reach agreement for criminal jurisdiction after Supreme Court dec
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State of Oklahoma and local tribes reach agreement for criminal jurisdiction after Supreme Court dec
Hamdan loses attempt to call 9/11 mastermind as witness
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Hamdan loses attempt to call 9/11 mastermind as witness
Edmond man found guilty on 7 charges in Kenya sexual abuse trial
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Edmond man found guilty on 7 charges in Kenya sexual abuse trial
Human Trafficking
6
Human Trafficking
New details revealed against attorney, bail bondsman accused of sex with young girls
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New details revealed against attorney, bail bondsman accused of sex with young girls

Data is based on available information and may not be complete.