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A.J. Ferate

Of Counsel

Spencer Fane attorney AJ Ferate

T 405.753.5939 / 713.212.2615
F 405.844.9958
ajferate@spencerfane.com


Anthony J. “A.J.” Ferate has built a multi-faceted background in the areas of the law, policy, energy, campaigns and elections, and defense for more than 20 years.

Through representation as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association (“OIPA”), A.J. held responsibilities over government efforts outside of the legislative branch on matters as broad as water, electric generation, commodity marketing, land matters, and seismicity. A.J. also maintained responsibility for legal matters at OIPA, including amicus briefing in appellate matters. A.J.’s extensive experience also includes management of public policy strategy for a Fortune 500 company.

For twelve and a half years, A.J. volunteered as General Counsel and spokesman on behalf of the Oklahoma Republican Party. He has also represented a number of elected officials, including U.S. Senator James Lankford, Congresswoman Stephanie Bice, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, former statewide elected officials, a number of state legislators, and members of Congress. A.J. has also served as a Presidential Elector on behalf of Oklahoma.

Additionally, A.J. has assisted elected officials in service to their constituents in all branches of government. Early in his career, A.J. held legislative aide duties in the Nebraska Legislature, then went on to work for former Nebraska Treasurer David Heineman. A.J. gained experience in the judiciary while serving Judge Gary L. Lumpkin at the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, the highest criminal appellate court in Oklahoma. Following this service, A.J. began work with Commissioner Denise Bode of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, assisting her in her duties regulating 70 percent of Oklahoma’s economy, including oil and gas and electric utilities. In 2021, A.J. served as General Counsel to the Miyares for Attorney General campaign in Virginia, then served in a lead role in the Attorney General-elect’s transition office.

A.J. honorably served ten years as an intelligence analyst for the United States Naval Reserve, including time at the Office of Naval Intelligence in the greater Washington DC area.

Opinion pieces authored or ghostwritten by A.J. have been published in the Seattle Times, Politico, Law360, The Oklahoman, Tulsa World, and The Journal Record. A.J. has also been quoted in and interviewed for newspapers both in the U.S. and abroad. A.J. has also appeared on national radio programs including NPR’s The Diane Rehm Show and On Point with Tom Ashbrook as well as Oklahoma City drive-time programs Mitchell in the Morning (KOKC) and The Trent England Show (KZLS). A.J. has also been interviewed by numerous local television affiliates across the country.

Highlights of A.J.’s experience include:

  • Successfully represented opioid manufacturer as appellate counsel at the Oklahoma Supreme Court, overturning a $465-million district court ruling and defeating a $9-billion counter-appeal.
  • Represented sixteen state Attorneys General as amicus parties in COVID litigation before the U.S. Courts for the Western District of Oklahoma.
  • Successfully argued a motion to dismiss on complex matters of an 1898 federal statute.
  • Continuing representation of football coach Joe Kennedy in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, currently before the U.S. Supreme Court.
  • Led oil and gas trade association as amicus participant before the 10th Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court in tribal jurisdiction case Carpenter v. Murphy.
  • Represented petitioner in original jurisdiction initiative petition review before the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
  • Represented former state Attorney General in investigation and trial culminating in jury trial clearing client of all 13 charges brought against him.
  • Successfully guided negotiations to settlement with EPA on behalf of nation’s largest fruit and nut tree nursery in alleged Clean Water Act matter.
  • Guided client through four-year audit of accounts by the Federal Election Commission ending with positive outcome.
  • Successfully litigated on behalf natural gas utility before the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, securing first Asset Management Agreement approved by the Commission.

Presentations and Publications

Memberships

  • Executive Committee, Environmental Law & Property Rights Practice Group, The Federalist Society
  • Commissioner, Oklahoma Patient’s Right to Pharmacy Choice Commission
  • Oklahoma City Orchestra League
  • Oklahoma Cornhusker Club
  • Oklahoma City Assembly of Catholic Professionals

Contact A.J. Ferate at 405.753.5939 or ajferate@spencerfane.com.