J. Blake Dutcher, Jr.

J. Blake Dutcher, Jr.

Since his admission to the bar in 1982, Blake has developed a broad legal background with practical experience in a wide variety of legal disciplines. Blake is currently engaged in an active general practice, with an emphasis in civil and family matters, small businesses, real estate and transactional work, some criminal matters, and in-court representation of clients in litigation. Blake has significant experience in both trial and appellate practice, having briefed and argued appellate cases in both state and federal courts. Reported appellate cases include Mariano v. Mariano, 2005 OK CIV APP 77, 122 P2d 493, Superior Supply Co., Inc., v. Torres, 1995 OK CIV APP 18, 900 P2d 1005, and 1414 Partnership v. Taveau, 1991 OK CIV APP 77, 815 P2d 1228.

Blake was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army upon graduation from college in 1979. While in law school he served in the Infantry branch in the active reserves until entry on active duty and branch transfer to the Judge Advocate General's Corps. As an army lawyer Blake served in a variety of positions, including Chief of the Legal Assistance Division at Fort Sill, and as primary prosecutor in courts martial and legal advisor for two brigades. Blake left active duty to enter private practice in 1986, but continued to serve as an active reserve officer with areas of emphasis in environmental regulation, administrative separations, and as legal advisor to selection, retention, and separation boards. Blake retired from the Army Reserves in 2001 after more than 22 years of creditable service.

In addition to his private practice, Blake served as an Administrative Law Judge under contract with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services from 1998 through 2016 in cases involving child support establishment and collection, paternity, and related matters. Blake has also served as a Hearing Officer for appeals and due process hearings under state and federal programs administered by the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitative Services, most recently involving the determination of the successful applicant to administer a multi-million dollar concession at Fort Sill.

Blake is a third-generation Lawtonian, and like the other members of the firm, has deep roots in Lawton and Oklahoma. He has been married to the former Ruth Kretsinger, with whom he has three children, for more than 40 years. His interests include golf, Oklahoma football, and spending time with his family.