Legal Division

The General Counsel and his staff of attorneys represent the public interest in all hearings and proceedings held before the Insurance Commissioner. The Legal Division also represents the Insurance Commissioner in the courts and advises all other divisions in legal matters. The division also investigates and prosecutes allegations against insurance companies, agents, adjusters, bail bondsmen and other licensees under the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner, with particular emphasis on assisting and protecting consumers.

The Legal Division provides a variety of related services, including administering the E.A.G.L.E. Mediation Program; responding to Open Record Act requests; maintaining the law library and updating legal publications for other divisions; handling employee grievances, wage, hour and leave disputes, hiring/firing actions, and disciplinary actions; and acting as the Department’s liaison to the Ethics Commission.

The Legal Division functions much like a private law firm, with each attorney assigned to represent specific divisions and provide guidance on specific topics. This gives attorneys the opportunity to obtain and use specialized knowledge of their assigned subjects, and gives their “client” divisions and the general public better service. Each division also has a backup attorney for times when their primary attorney is not available.

The members of the Legal Division and their main assignments are summarized below:

Sherry Standerfer, Donna Hope, and Mirian Yusef-Smith are the backbone of the Legal Division. They perform secretarial and paralegal duties, and keep the rest of the employees organized and on schedule. Sherry, and Donna have each been at the Department for over ten years, so their institutional memory and understanding of insurance regulation and internal processes are unmatched.

Michael Ridgeway is General Counsel for the Department. In addition to being the chief legal advisor for the Commissioner and all of the divisions, he is the primary contact for specific questions from all the Executive Division and Communications personnel. Michael supervises the work of the Legal Division, outside counsel, and the Anti-Fraud Unit. The Bail Bond Division and Real Estate Appraiser Division also report directly to him.

Kelley Callahan has handled a wide range of legal matters during his career, and he has written articles and taught seminars on a variety of topics including ERISA.  He oversees litigation and claims against the Department; handles issues involving prepaid funeral trusts and professional employer organizations; monitors class actions and bankruptcies involving licensees; and advises the Financial Division regarding examinations and other issues.

Susan Dobbins is a former chair of the High Risk Pool Board and has been certified as a Fellow, Life Management Institute. She is assigned to the Life and Health Division, High Risk Pool Board, senior programs, and Small Employer Health Reinsurance Program, and advises on related issues including viatical and life settlements.

Sandra Lavenue has a background in both criminal law and administrative law.  As counsel for the Anti-Fraud Unit, she works closely with the Department’s investigators and the Attorney General’s office, and she administratively prosecutes licensees who commit fraud.  She also manages the nationally-acclaimed E.A.G.L.E. Mediation Program, handles issues involving service warranty companies and discount medical plan organizations, and answers questions regarding workers compensation.

John Mahoney is a former prosecutor who is assigned to represent the Bailbond Division, including both administrative disciplinary cases and Open Record Act requests that pertain to that division.  In addition, he is the Department’s advisor on issues of civil procedure and administrative procedure, and he reviews contracts and leases on behalf of the Department.

Julie Delluomo has experience as an attorney in private practice, and prior to that she was an underwriter for an insurance company and a certified insurance counselor (CIC).  She advises the Producer Licensing Division and represents the Department in administrative disciplinary proceedings against agents, adjusters, and third party administrators.

Caleb Muckala also worked as an attorney in private practice before coming to the Department.  He handles property and casualty questions, record requests, subpoenas, and service of process on foreign insurers.  Caleb is also the Commissioner’s attorney for her role as chair of the Real Estate Appraiser Board and he serves as the Department’s liaison to the Ethics Commission.

Melanie Pouncey worked in a law firm prior to being employed as a staff attorney for the state legislature.  She also has worked for an advocacy group, so she brings a wide range of experience related to the lawmaking process.  She advises the Department on legislative and administrative rulemaking issues and procedures, and is also the primary point of contact for questions that arise from the Consumer Assistance Division, Human Resources, and the Real Estate Appraiser Division.

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