Deborah Barnes

Deborah Barnes
Other names	Deborah Browers Barnes
Occupation	Judge
Years active	1985–present
Known for	Judge on the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals

Deborah Barnes (also known as Deborah Browers Barnes) serves as a judge on the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals. She was appointed by Governor Brad Henry and officially took office on July 8, 2008. Barnes successfully retained her position in the 2010 and 2014 retention elections, receiving approval ratings exceeding 60%. Her upcoming retention election is set for January 10, 2021.

Legal career

Barnes launched her legal profession as a staff attorney for former Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Ralph B. Hodges from 1985 to 1989, where she concentrated on civil litigation, administrative law, and commercial law matters. Early during her appellate service, she also instructed oil and gas law at the University of Tulsa’s business school, guiding aspiring professionals in the field.

Between 1997 and 2001, she held the roles of vice president, corporate secretary, and associate general counsel at Oneok Inc., a prominent energy corporation headquartered in Tulsa. Beginning in 2002, Barnes engaged in private legal practice with the firm Crutchmer, Browers & Barnes.

Her selection by Governor Brad Henry to the intermediate appellate bench marked a significant career advancement, where she has consistently earned strong voter retention support.

Education

Barnes obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma and achieved the highest academic distinction upon earning her Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1983.

Personal life

Judge Barnes is a survivor of breast cancer. Her oath of office was administered by her father-in-law, former Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Don Barnes. She is married to Ron Barnes, and together they have a son named Grayson. Ron’s grandfather, Maurice H. Merrill, was a law professor at the University of Oklahoma; Deborah and Ron resided in the Merrill family home during the first three years of their marriage.

Awards

Barnes has been honored with the James C. Lang Mentoring Award presented by the Tulsa County Bar Association.