From The Journal Record
Published: April 30, 2010
Click to see full story – Leadership in Law profile: Ray E. Zschiesche
Ray E. Zschiesche’s practice is focused on complex state and federal litigation with extensive experience defending insurance companies, class actions mass tort and lender liability.
Advocating and defending a position on a particular issue was something Ray Zschiesche always enjoyed, and after participating on his high school debate team, he made up his mind to pursue a career in the legal profession.
Zschiesche has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Oklahoma State University and a juris doctorate with distinction from the University of Oklahoma College of Law.
The Oklahoma City native began his career as an attorney with Miller & Associates before joining a predecessor of Phillips Murrah in 1989. Today he is a shareholder and director in the firm’s litigation department and a member of its commercial law practice group. He represents individuals and both privately held and public companies in a wide range of complex litigation matters.
Zschiesche’s law practice centers on complex state and federal litigation at both the trial and appellate levels. In addition to extensive insurance defense experience, he has successfully defended cases involving class actions, mass tort liability, lender liability, fraud and bad faith. He also represents clients in pre-suit negotiations, mediation and arbitration.
His work in the legal field helped earn Zschiesche the George J. Fagin Municipal Law Endowment Award.
“Preparation is the key to success in litigation. You can be the best orator on the planet, but without proper preparation you won’t have much to say,” Zschiesche said.
Honesty and communication are also core factors in practicing law, he advised others entering the field.
“Other than dishonesty, nothing will sully your reputation in the legal community faster than others’ inability to rely on your word. Finally, communicate with your client. Lack of communication is the source of most problems between lawyers and clients.”
Zschiesche is a member of the Oklahoma County Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, and American Bar Association and is active with the Defense Research Institute and the Community Service Committee of the Oklahoma County Bar Association.
He also is active in the community, serving as a board member of the Payne Education Center and executive council of the Jim Thorpe Association. In addition, he volunteers with the St. Baldrick Foundation, which raises money to fund grants for research concerning childhood cancer. Zschiesche was among this year’s group of volunteers to solicit donations and in exchange have their heads shaved at a scheduled event. He is also a volunteer attorney with Oklahoma Lawyers for Children.
“I try to affiliate myself with civic groups that aid children, particularly children who are disadvantaged physically, socially or economically,” Zschiesche said. “I have a special place in my heart for kids who are disadvantaged or labeled as ‘different’ by their peers.”
Education:
Oklahoma State University (B.S., 1982)
University of Oklahoma (J.D., with distinction, 1985)
Primary practice areas:
Commercial litigation
Admitted to practice in:
Oklahoma – 1985
Spouse:
Dana
Children:
Andrew 18; Allison 16
Hobbies:
Golf, spending time with family