Firm History

Conner & Winters was founded in 1933 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Benjamin C. Conner and John M. Winters, Jr. The young firm was dealt a temporary setback when, on the day following formation of the partnership, President Franklin D. Roosevelt closed every bank in the nation by executive order, including the firm’s major client. The young lawyers persevered and today the bank’s successor continues to be a client. Tulsa, of course, was an integral part of the oil and gas industry at this time and as the city burst onto the national scene, Ben Conner and John Winters began to establish a law firm that was prepared to meet the needs of the business community evolving around it.

The core activities of the young firm were initially in banking, real estate, trusts, probate, estate planning and the rapidly expanding field of oil and gas law. By the end of World War II, the firm’s practice had expanded into litigation; income, estate and gift taxation law; estate planning and corporate finance. As Tulsa prospered in the middle part of the century, Conner & Winters continued to establish a reputation as one of the most qualified firms in the state, providing legal representation for many of the most successful individuals and companies of the day. As an example, Conner & Winters acted as lead counsel for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in its initial public offering of stock conducted in 1970.

Realizing an opportunity to become more regional in scope, Conner & Winters’ Oklahoma City office was opened in 1994 and was followed soon after by a northwest Arkansas office in Fayetteville in 1995. Since then, Conner & Winters has also expanded into Texas by opening offices in both Dallas and Houston.

Today, Conner & Winters has more than 85 attorneys and is regarded as one of the premier full-service law firms in the region. Attorneys representing a variety of industry categories and many practice areas are prepared for virtually any legal situation. Outstanding reputations are built over time and sustained with diligence and character. Conner & Winters is proud to be considered one of our area’s top law firms, and we are poised for the future with whatever challenges it may hold.

Over 90 Years: Wisdom from Experience

For 90 years, the firm has carried the names of two of its original partners, Benjamin C. Conner and John M. Winters, Jr. Their character, integrity and commitment to excellent client service not only helped define our firm culture but also provided the basis for the superior business practices followed by our firm since day one. Our success and longevity has provided the type of insight and wisdom that can only come from experience. Throughout the years, Conner & Winters has earned its distinguished reputation by consistently providing superior legal services to our clients. We strive to remain the choice for clients who require legal excellence, insightful counsel and exceptional service.