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Robert D. Gifford
also known as Bobby Don Gifford, Robert Don Gifford
About Robert
Biography
After a career as a federal prosecutor with a background in federal, state, military and tribal courts at both the trial and appellate level, Mr. Gifford founded the Gifford Law Firm, P.L.L.C. in Oklahoma City with a practice specialty in White Collar/Criminal Defense, Family Law, Civil Rights Native American Law, Military Law, Government Contracts, and Complex Civil Litigation. Mr. Gifford is the current Chair of the Oklahoma Bar Association's Criminal Law Section, and formerly served on the state bar's Board of Governors and as the Chair of the Military & Veteran's Law Section.
Mr. Gifford is a tribal member of the Cherokee Nation, also serves as a tribal court judge for four Native American tribes, a Special Judge for the City of Oklahoma City, a retired Colonel in the Army Reserves with over 20 years of active and reserve service, a former Editor on the American Indian Law Review, and has served nearly ten years as an adjunct law professor at the University of Oklahoma College of Law, Oklahoma City University School of Law and the University of Arkansas School of Law teaching Trial Practice, Military Law, Indian Gaming, & National Security Law.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Family
20%
16 years
Litigation
20%
29 years
Native Peoples Law
20%
29 years
White Collar Crime
20%
29 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Oklahoma for 29 years
State: Oklahoma
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Gifford Law
P.O. Box 2682, Oklahoma City, OK, 73101
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Robert D. Gifford's Reviews
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Barb | September 13, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Hates republicans
He celebrates the death of people who don’t agree with him. It’s really pretty sad.
Posted by Plastic | September 13, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
We are Charlie
Low moral character. Enjoys exorcising his right to free speech while mocking Charlie Kirk’s assassination online. He is making baseless claims providing no proof. It’s really disturbing.
Posted by Clint | September 6, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Child adoption consulting
After both the father and mother died of a young Native American girl my wife had coached forever, Mr. Gifford provided me information and assistance on the steps to help ensure the child's overall positive well-being and potentially adopt the child. Without a Will in place, things can get pretty co...
Robert D. Gifford's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Mr. Gifford for over 20 years and have been extremely impressed with his legal knowledge, work ethic and empathy toward whatever issue or client he represents. I would personally recommend him to a family member and would consult with him if I needed a personal attorney. He is among the best of the best nationally."
"I litigated military courts-martial against Don at Fort Sill. He is a dedicated advocate for his clients and has the experience and diligence to fight for their interests. If you are looking for a tenacious advocate call Don."
"Amazing advocate for his clients whether it is in the tribal courts, military courts, or state and federal court."
"I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Gifford. He is an outstanding trial lawyer and I would not want to be on the opposite side of him in a courtroom."
"I strongly endorse Don. I have worked with him, and have seen his abilities first hand. He is an outstanding litigation attorney with significant while collar defense and complex civil litigation experience. Don is well respected in the legal community. Without a doubt, his work ethic, drive, competence, and genuine concern for his client's best interest put him at the top of his field."
James Dillon
Criminal defense lawyer
John Stiner
Personal injury lawyer
David Coombs
Military law lawyer
Experience
Honors
2023
Justice Cardozo Award, Oklahoma Bar Association
2021
Cherokee Nation Medal of Patriotism, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma
2016
Justice Cardozo Award, Criminal Law Section, Okla Bar Assoc
2015
Director's Award for Excellence, Federal Bureau of Investigation
2013
Professional Advocate of the Year (Prosecutor), Criminal Law Section, Okla Bar Assoc
2006
Director's Award for Excellence, Federal Bureau of Investigation
2004
Award of Excellence in Prosecution of Federal Case, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Founder and Attorney, GIFFORD LAW, P.L.L.C.
2016 - Present
Senior Attorney, Gungoll, Jackson, Box & Devoll, P.C.
2013 - 2017
Adjunct Law Professor - Military Law & National Security Law, University of Oklahoma College of Law
2013 - 2013
Adjunct Law Professor - National Security, University Of Arkansas School Of Law, Fayetteville
2012 - 2017
Associate Justice, Iowa Nation Supreme Court
2012 - 2017
Adjunct Professor - Trial Practice, Military, & Nat'l Security, Oklahoma City University School of Law
2009 - 2017
Chief Judge, Kaw Nation Tribal Court
2006 - 2016
Assistant United States Attorney (Federal Prosecutor), United States Attorney's Office, Oklahoma City
2001 - 2006
Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney's Office, Reno, NV
2001 - 2019
Colonel, U. S. Army Reserves
2000 - 2001
Felony Prosecutor/Child Abuse Center, Tulsa County District Attorney's Office
1996 - 2000
Defense Counsel/Trial Counsel/Legal Assistance Attorney, U.S. Army Jag Corps
Associations
2025 - Present
ACLU of OklahomaBoard of Directors
2025 - Present
United States Commission on Civil RightsAdvisory Board Member - Oklahoma
2024 - Present
Oklahoma County Law LibraryTrustee - Board of Directors
2024 - Present
Oklahoma County Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
2016 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersLifetime Member
2016 - Present
Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Military & Veterans' Law Section, Okla Bar AssocChair (2012-2014, 2018-Present)
2006 - Present
Oklahoma County Bar AssociationBoard of Directors (2013-16)
1996 - Present
Criminal Law Section, Okla Bar AssocMember and Former Chair (2018)
1996 - Present
Oklahoma Bar AssociationBoard of Governors (2013-16)
Sample of Legal Cases
United States v. Tracy Jean Vargas
Acquittal
United States v. Matthew Lane Durham
Won case
Education
2015
United States Army War College
MA - Masters
1996
University of Oklahoma College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
Southwestern College (Winfield, KS)
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
Sovereignty Symposium
Juveniles in the Tribal Court System
2016
Sovereignty Symposium
Human Trafficking in Indian Country
2015
Movie Night with the Justices: Breaker Morant
Law of Armed Conflict (Law of War) and Military Justice
2014
OBA's Youtube Education to the Public
Human Trafficking
2014
Modern Day Slavery in Oklahoma: OBA Members Take Action
Human Trafficking
2013
A Cornucopia of Criminal Law
Criminal Law Updates
Publications
2016
Oklahoma Bar Journal
A Primer for Ye Ol'Woodshed: Witness Preparation
2016
Oklahoma Bar Journal
"Your Witness Counsel" – Cross-Examination
2015
Oklahoma Bar Journal
The Time is Twenty Years past 9:02 a.m. (Oklahoma City Bombing article)
2013
Oklahoma Bar Journal
Human Trafficking: Beyond Pretty Woman and Huggy Bear
2012
Oklahoma Bar Journal
The Fourth Amendment – the Airport and Borders
2011
Oklahoma Bar Journal
Groucho was Wrong about Military Justice
2011
Oklahoma Bar Journal
Employment Protection for the Citizen-Soldier
2011
Oklahoma Bar Journal
The OBA’s ‘Draft’ – Will you Answer the Call?
2010
United States Attorney's Bulletin
Sex Offender Registration in Indian Country
2009
The Oklahoman
War Courts Make Sense
2008
Oklahoma Bar Journal
Foregoing the Scorched Earth Policy: Ethical Cross-Exam
2007
Oklahoma Bar Journal
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: The Fourth Amendment and Your Vehicle
2006
American Bar Association (General Practice/Solo Magazine)
Become an Authority: Get Published
2006
Oklahoma Bar Journal
Very Appealing Ethics
2005
Oklahoma Bar Journal
Ethics & the Criminal Prosecutor – Guilt shall no escape, nor innocents shall suffer
2005
Oklahoma Bar Journal
The Fifth Amendment & the Federal Grand Jury
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers