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Meet the Attorneys of Sterling Oaks Law Firm
Experienced. Committed. Rooted in Justice.
At Sterling Oaks Law Firm, our attorneys bring a powerful blend of legal expertise, cultural understanding, and client-centered advocacy to every case. With diverse backgrounds and a shared commitment to excellence, our team represents clients across Oklahoma and in multiple tribal, state, and federal courts.
We are proud to be a Native-owned law firm, grounded in service to our communities and driven by the values of professionalism, equity, and integrity.
Our Attorneys
Deborah A. Reed
Founder and Managing Member
Deborah Reed holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma. She is an Appeals Officer for the Court of Indian Offenses, Miami Agency, and brings more than 15 years of legal experience to her leadership at Sterling Oaks Law Firm. Ms. Reed is admitted to practice in:
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All three U.S. District Courts in Oklahoma
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The U.S. Court of Federal Claims
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The United States Supreme Court
A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Deborah is an active member of:
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American Bar Association
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Oklahoma Bar Association
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Tulsa County Bar Association
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Oklahoma Indian Bar Association
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Cherokee Nation Bar Association
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Muscogee (Creek) Nation Bar Association
Emilee Morris Ratcliff
Of Counsel
Emilee Morris Ratcliff graduated from the University of Tulsa School of Law with highest honors, where she served in multiple leadership roles:
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President, Native American Law Students Association
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Secretary, Public Interest Board
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Articles Editor, Tulsa Law Review
She also holds a B.A. in Psychology from Baylor University, where she completed the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core and graduated with honors.
Prior to law school, Emilee worked as a child welfare investigator for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and volunteered with Tulsa County CASA during law school. She is a proud descendant of Sac and Fox, Cherokee, Creek, and Seneca ancestors.
Courtney Jordan, Esq.
Senior Attorney
Courtney Jordan is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation and a seasoned attorney with over 10 years of dynamic legal experience. Her practice is distinguished by deep knowledge in federal Indian law, tribal relations, complex civil litigation, and federal criminal defense, strengthened by her four years as a federal prosecutor.
Her additional experience includes:
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Assistant Solicitor General & Tribal Liaison, Cherokee Nation
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Assistant Attorney General, Cherokee Nation
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Legal Analyst and Director of Advocacy
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Adjunct Professor, University of Tulsa College of Law (Master’s in Indian Law Program)
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Former Teach For America educator, advocating for equity in low-income schools
Courtney is admitted to practice before:
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The Supreme Court of Oklahoma
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The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma
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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
Legal Representation Rooted in Community
Together, our attorneys bring a deep understanding of Oklahoma’s legal landscape—from real property issues to intergovernmental tribal law matters. As a team, we are committed to delivering high-caliber legal counsel that respects our clients’ values, honors cultural heritage, and protects long-term interests.
Visit our About the Firm page to learn more about our mission and practice values.
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