Michael Burrage

Michael Burrage is one of the Co-Founders of Whitten Burrage. He achieved the distinction of becoming the inaugural Native American Federal Judge when appointed by President William Jefferson Clinton in 1994. In 2016, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame welcomed him among its inductees, while in 2013, the University of Oklahoma College of Law honored him with an induction into the Order of the Owl Hall of Fame. Within the esteemed circle of legal practitioners, Michael is recognized as a member of the prestigious fellowship of the American College of Trial Lawyers. His legal acumen led him to be acknowledged as one of Oklahoma’s Top 10 Attorneys by Super Lawyers Magazine.

Michael’s educational journey led him to acquire a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. His time there was marked by serving as the editor of the Oklahoma Law Review and achieving membership in the Order of the Coif. Graduating with honors in 1974, Michael commenced his professional journey.

Initiating his career, Michael Burrage embarked as a partner in the legal firm of Stamper & Burrage, where he remained until 1994. In 1977, his peers recognized him as the Outstanding Young Lawyer in Oklahoma. Moreover, he actively participated as a member of the Board of Governors from 1984 to 1986. As a testament to his commitment to the legal profession, Michael assumed the role of president of the Oklahoma Bar Association in 1990, followed by the receipt of the Neil E. Bogan Professionalism Award in 1991.

Subsequently, from 1994 to 2001, Michael took on the role of a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. His expertise also led him to sit by designation of the Chief on nearly 40 cases for the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit. Transitioning in 2011 back to private practice, Michael Burrage continued to excel in various legal domains.

Dedicating his knowledge and skills, Michael furthered his impact by serving as the Chair of the Oklahoma State Committee for the American College of Trial Lawyers between 2008 and 2009. His contributions were acknowledged by being named one of the Top Attorneys in Oklahoma by Oklahoma Magazine in 2008. As a member of the Oklahoma and American Bar Associations, he holds fellowship in the American Bar Foundation and participates in the Oklahoma Supreme Court Committee for Civil Jury Instructions. A sought-after speaker, Michael engages in lectures across diverse Continuing Legal Education seminar programs.