Bradley S. Shelts
Managing Partner
Bradley S. Shelts is a litigator who advocates for his clients with tenacity and dedication to the client’s end game. Brad approaches each case with passion and dedication, always upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity. Brad thrives in the chess-match of litigation, while always approaching each case pragmatically and creatively to accomplish the best result for the client.
Brad’s practice spans a diverse range of legal areas, including general and complex civil litigation, employment law, wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims, insurance defense, and products liability. His clientele comprises a wide spectrum of individuals, corporations, limited liability companies, and both private and public entities.
Professional Achievements
One of Brad’s most notable accomplishments was his tireless three-year battle against multiple health insurance companies on behalf of profoundly deaf children in need of bilateral cochlear implants. These insurers consistently denied benefits for a second implant, deeming it “experimental and investigational.” Brad, in collaboration with industry experts, meticulously demonstrated the medical necessity of bilateral implants and the coverage provided under the insurance policies. Remarkably, Brad achieved a 100% success rate in securing insurance coverage for over 60 children across the United States and overseas. His determination culminated in a class-action RICO lawsuit against a major insurer and its parent organization, ultimately compelling the insurance industry to acknowledge the essential nature of bilateral cochlear implants.
Furthermore, Brad’s legal acumen shone brightly when he represented the Oklahoma Department of Insurance in the placement of two insurance companies into receivership. These companies’ owners vehemently opposed the department’s efforts, as they sought to continue exploiting the entities. Brad’s pivotal role in co-trying the show-cause hearing uncovered a web of corruption and criminal conduct within the insurance companies. With criminal investigations looming, the companies finally capitulated, allowing the Department of Insurance to take control, just moments before the majority owner was scheduled to testify.
Education
- J.D., with highest honors, University of Tulsa College of Law, 2002. While in law school, Brad received the Cali Excellence for the Future Award in Advanced Legal Writing and received first place for his closing argument in a moot court competition.
- B.S. in Business Administration, Finance, Oklahoma State University, 1998.
Professional Associations
Brad is an active member of several prestigious legal organizations, including the Maricopa County Bar Association, the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel, the Oklahoma Association of Defense Counsel, and the Defense Research Institute.
Recognition
Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2008, 2010