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Ed Abel is the revered founder of Abel Law Firm, formerly known as Abel, Musser, Sokolosky & Kouri. In 1966, he earned his Juris Doctor Degree from University of Oklahoma College of Law and in 1976, he took the bold step of establishing the Abel Law Firm. Throughout his illustrious career, Ed focused on one paramount goal: helping people.

During the 1970s, the availability of personal injury attorneys was scarce, leaving many wrongfully injured individuals without proper compensation for their suffering. Recognizing this pressing need in the community, Ed was driven to create a firm that could navigate the complexities of the legal process and alleviate the burden accidental injuries placed on Oklahoma families.

Ed’s exceptional legal prowess and unwavering commitment to justice have earned him the remarkable recognition in his field, as he was inducted into the prestigious fellowship of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the legal profession. Throughout his career, he has been the proud recipient of several awards, including the esteemed titles of “Personal Injury Litigator of the Year” and one of the “Top Guns” of the legal profession by Best Lawyers. Ed’s remarkable courtroom achievements include 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 at the time.

Ed faced a life-changing challenge in his early thirties when his vision impairment escalated, leading to eventual blindness. Undeterred by this obstacle, he refused to slow down and continued to practice law as the owner of Abel Law Firm for over 50 years. Even in retirement, Ed remains a regular presence at the office, serving as a guiding force and inspiring the team to uphold the values upon which he founded the firm.

Over the course of his extraordinary career, Ed has emerged victorious in thousands of cases, cementing his legacy as a formidable legal force. Beyond the courtroom, Ed cherishes moments with his wife, Carol, their five children, and six grandchildren. Active involvement with Crossings Community Church enriches his life, and he serves as a source of strength and hope to the community.

Ed Abel’s indomitable spirit, enduring dedication to his clients, and exemplary service to the community have left an indelible mark on the legal profession. The values he instilled in Abel Law Firm continue to shape its path, ensuring that his remarkable legacy of compassion and justice lives on.

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
Voted Oklahoma's Best Personal Injury Law Firm
The Journal Record 2023 Reader Rankings - Top Winner - Abel Law Firm - Best Peronal Injury Law Firm
The Journal Record 2023 Reader Rankings - Top Winner - Abel Law Firm - Best Peronal Injury Law Firm

Oklahomans across the state have recognized the Abel Law Firm's unique heritage as a statewide institution. Founded by Ed Abel, and today led by his son, Luke Abel, our personal injury law firm has become synonymous with empathy, compassion, and the highest professional performance serving our neighbors. Our family has sought to leave a profound impact upon the State of Oklahoma. We appreciate that former Governor Mary Fallin recognized that dedication when she declared May 1st "Ed Abel Day."

To be named Oklahoma's Best Personal Injury Law Firm is humbling. We are grateful to have won this prestigious honor. We work every day to earn the trust of those we serve: Oklahoma families who are facing some of the most difficulty days of their lives due to the negligence of others. It is our intention and resolve to continue to be deserving of the faith Oklahomans have placed in our family's law firm. Thank you!

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