Ed Abel was the esteemed founder of Abel Law Firm, formerly known as Abel, Musser, Sokolosky & Kouri. He earned his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1966 and established the Abel Law Firm in 1976. Ed always focused on one main goal: to help people.

During the 1970s, it was common for personal injury attorneys to leave many wrongfully injured individuals without proper compensation. Recognizing this need, Ed was motivated to create a firm that could guide the legal process and help Oklahoma families burdened by accidental injuries.

Ed’s exceptional legal skills and unwavering commitment to justice earned him recognition. He was inducted into the prestigious fellowship of the American College of Trial Lawyers for his outstanding contributions to the legal profession. Ed received several awards throughout his career, including “Personal Injury Litigator of the Year” and “Top Gun” of the legal profession by Best Lawyers. His notable courtroom achievements included securing numerous jury verdicts exceeding $1,000,000, with standout cases reaching $15,000,000 and $10,000,000, making history as the largest personal injury verdicts in the State of Oklahoma.

In his early thirties, Ed faced a life-changing challenge when his vision impairment escalated, eventually leading to blindness. Despite this obstacle, he continued to practice law as the owner of Abel Law Firm for over 50 years. Even in retirement, Ed remained a guiding force at the office, inspiring the team to uphold the firm’s founding values.

Ed was successful in thousands of cases throughout his career, solidifying his legacy as a formidable legal force. Outside his career, Ed cherished time with his wife, Carol, their five children, and six grandchildren. He was actively involved in Crossings Community Church, serving as a source of strength and hope to the community.

Ed Abel’s indomitable spirit, enduring commitment to his clients, and exceptional service to the community made a lasting impact on the legal profession. The values he instilled in Abel Law Firm continued to shape its path, ensuring that his legacy of compassion and justice lived on.

Focus Of Practice

Personal Injury

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Named 2011 Oklahoma City Personal Injury Litigator of the Year by Best Lawyers

Rated AV – the highest rating by the Martindale peer review system

Selected as a “Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers every year from 2007 – Present

American College of Trial Lawyers, Member

Founded what is now the Abel Law Firm, 1976

Previously a partner in another major Oklahoma City law firm for 10 years

Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association, Past President; Past Chairman

Oklahoma Association for Justice, Member; Legislative Committee Member; Active in Speakers’ Bureau

American Association for Justice, Member

Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Former State Committeeman; Former Second National Vice-Chairman; Former First National Vice Chairman; Former National Chairman; Former State Committeeman; Former Member Executive Committee; Former Mid-West Regional Task Force Coordinator; Former Board of Governors

American Bar Association, Negligence and Insurance Section Member

American Board of Trial Advocates, Member

Oklahoma Bar Association, Member; Past Chairman, Civil Code Procedure Committee; Co-Author, Oklahoma Evidence Code; Co-Author, Oklahoma Pleading Code

Recipient, Earl Sneed Award (1985) for Outstanding Continuing Legal Education Contribution

Recipient, Leo Whinery Award (2000) for Outstanding Contribution to Oklahoma Law of Evidence

Oklahoma County Bar Association, Member

Civil Justice Reform Act (1990) Advisory Group Member of the United States District Court, Western District of Oklahoma; Chairman, Early Intervention Subcommittee; Leader and promoter in development of the Early Neutral Evaluation program

Texas Trial Lawyer Association, Member

Honorary Memberships: Iowa Trial Lawyers Association; Idaho Trial Lawyers Association

EDUCATION

Juris Doctor Degree, University of Oklahoma College of Law, 1966; Member of Law Review; Member of the Order of the Coif; President of Class; Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity; Dean’s Honor Roll; Scholastically ranked 8th of 146 graduating seniors

Bachelor of Arts Degree, The University of Oklahoma, 1963

Honors & Affiliations

Admitted to practice in: All Oklahoma trial and appellate courts, U.S. District Courts for the Western, Eastern and Northern Districts of Oklahoma, U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, U.S. Supreme Court
Listed in “Best Lawyers in America” as one of the ‘Top Guns’ of the legal profession, 1987-present
Obtained multiple jury verdicts in excess of $1,000,000, including one for $10,000,000 (1989) – the largest jury verdict for personal injury awarded in Oklahoma at the time
Obtained a verdict (1980) which, at the time, was the largest verdict in the United States ever awarded for the loss of an eye
Elected by The University of Oklahoma College of Law Faculty as Honorary Member, Order of Barristers (1982) for recognition as Outstanding Trial Lawyer in the State of Oklahoma
Frequent lecturer for the Oklahoma Bar Association and the Oklahoma Association for Justice
Frequently teaches at the Oklahoma University School of Law
Board of Trustees, Mid-America Christian University, Oklahoma City, OK
Participant, Living Faith Ministries, Oklahoma City, OK

In Memory: Ed Abel

A Compassionate Advocate

Continuing the Mission