Robert Don Gifford, a 1989 alumnus of Mannford High School has been named as the 2025 winner of the Clarence Darrow Awards - signifying recognition as Oklahoma's best trial lawyer. The award, given by the Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, recognizes an Oklahoma attorney who exemplifies the zealous criminal defense advocacy that befits the namesake of the award, Clarence Darrow. Mr. Gifford was recognized for his work in securing a Presidential Commutation for Native American activist Leonard Peltier, his recent string of consecutive acquittals in federal court, as well as his pro bono work and advocacy outside of the courtroom with his writings and public speaking. The latest national statistics show that out of the 71,954 federal jury trials, there were only 290 acquittals. In federal criminal cases only 4% of all jury trials result in a 'Not Guilty' verdict and Mr. Gifford had multiple in a single year. Mr. Gifford was also elected earlier this year to the Board of Directors for American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU-Oklahoma) and selected to serve as an Oklahoma representative to the U.S. Commission for Civil Rights. Mr. Gifford is the founder of Gifford Law in Oklahoma City and has a state-wide practice in civil rights and criminal defense.
A retired Colonel from the U.S. Army, Mr. Gifford has previously been honored by the Cherokee Nation with the Medal of Patriotism for his 23 years of active and reserve military service and continued service to veterans. Mr. Gifford hold degrees from Southwestern College in Winfield, KS where he attended on a football and track scholarship; holds a Masters Degree from the U.S. Army War College, and received his juris doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1996. A three-sport athlete while in high school, Mr. Gifford was the 1988 District 3A-5 Defensive Player of the Year when Mannford and Bristow shared the Conference Championship title with identical records.
He is the son of DeWayne and Jacalyn (Greenwood) Gifford of Mannford.