Governor Kevin Stitt Appoints Gregory Blackwell to Court of Civil Appeals

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 21, 2021) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Gregory Blackwell to the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals.  This is the governor’s fourth appointment to the Court.

“Greg Blackwell has proven his legal expertise through his years of practicing and defending the law,” said Gov. Stitt. “I am confident he will serve on the Court of Civil Appeals with honor and commitment.”

"I'm humbled and grateful that the governor has appointed me to serve the people of Oklahoma as an appellate judge,” said Blackwell. “My career has taken me to many places, but I've never felt more at home than at the Court of Civil Appeals. I look forward to meeting my new colleagues, rolling up my sleeves, and doing the important work of the court for many years to come."

Blackwell has practiced law for 17 years. He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he received both his Bachelor of Arts in Letters and his Juris Doctor. 

Upon graduating, Blackwell served as a federal judicial clerk to the Honorable Michael Mihm on the Central District of Illinois.  In 2005, he then began working for the United States Department of Justice in the Environment and Natural Resources Division, where he defended the U.S. and numerous federal agencies in complex environmental litigation.

Blackwell moved back to Oklahoma City in 2008 and worked in the land department of Chesapeake Energy Corporation and then served as head of all appellate litigation at Ball Morse Lowe, PLLC. 

Prior to his appointment, Blackwell has been a staff attorney for Judge Bay Mitchell on the Court of Civil Appeals in Oklahoma City.

Blackwell’s appointment fills the vacancy for District 3, Office 1, created by the retirement of P. Thomas Thornbrugh, effective April 1, 2021.  He was one of three applicants provided by the Judicial Nominating Commission for the governor’s selection.

Gov. Stitt’s appointment of Blackwell can be read here.