News

Joe Watkins named Managing Attorney for Hugo, McAlester and Poteau Law Offices

  • 7/24/2012
  • Margaret Hamlett
  • Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc.

Image of Joe WatkinsLegal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. announces the appointment of Joe R. Watkins as the Managing Attorney for the Hugo, McAlester and Poteau Law Offices.  Joe has been a Staff Attorney at the Poteau Satellite Office since early 2009.  He received a B.S.N. in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma, College of Nursing in 1981 and is a licensed Registered Nurse in the State of Oklahoma.  He received his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma, College of Law in 1986.

Mr. Watkins has 26 years of legal experience representing clients in a wide range of areas such as divorce, child custody, child support enforcement, Social Security Disability claims, general civil practice, and criminal defense.  He served as appointed counsel for criminal defendants through the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System for 2 years, as Municipal Attorney for Broken Bow, Millerton and Valliant, Oklahoma 10 years, and as an Assistant District Attorney and First Assistant District Attorney for District 17 for 11 years.   Joe has been active in the LeFlore County Bar Association and has served as its President since 2011.

Mr. Watkins was nominated as the “2004 Oklahoma Child Support Enforcement Association Attorney of the Year” and as the “District 17 Outstanding Assistant District Attorney in 2005.”   Joe has been married to his wife, Denese, for 34 years and enjoys spending time with his two grandchildren.  He is excited about the challenges and potential opportunities that this new position brings to help those members of the public who cannot afford an attorney.

About Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma

Legal Services is a statewide not-for-profit law firm providing free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income individuals, families and to elderly and disabled persons in the areas of domestic violence, consumer scams, housing, health and employment.  Legal Services attorneys and staff work through a network of 21 fully-staffed law offices and satellite offices, serving eligible clients in all 77 counties of Oklahoma.              

Funding for Legal Aid is from the Legal Services Corporation, the State of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Bar Foundation, 14 United Way and United Fund organizations and generous attorneys, law firms, foundations, businesses and individuals throughout the state contributing to the Campaign for Justice.

Media Contact:                     

Michael Figgins, Executive Director
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma
405.488.6768
michael.figgins@laok.org

Joe Watkins, Managing Attorney
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma
580-326-9655
joe.watkins@laok.org

Topics:
  • Pro Bono/Legal Services