D. Benham Kirk, Jr.

D. Benham Kirk, Jr. is a commercial transactions and litigation attorney with Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson. He advises entrepreneurs, small businesses, lenders, developers, and operators of multi-unit restaurants. His work includes structuring business entities, negotiating agreements, handling real estate transactions, and addressing commercial disputes. Ben has practiced in business transactions and litigation for more than four decades, with substantial experience in financing, acquisitions, and operating arrangements.

Ben received a B.A. from Trinity University in 1979 and a J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1982. He was admitted to practice in Oklahoma in 1982 and later obtained admissions to several federal courts. His education provided the foundation for a practice requiring close analysis of contracts, corporate structures, lending documents, and property interests. His career has since focused on applying that training to business decisions and disagreements.

Ben has represented multi-unit restaurant operators in acquisitions, sales, financing, and development projects. He also advises lenders, borrowers, office building investors, health care providers, and oilfield businesses. His work extends to franchise agreements, commercial leases, real estate development, business acquisitions, and employment-related business agreements.

D. Benham Kirk, Jr. has been listed in Best Lawyers for several business, real estate, and finance categories. He has also supported the arts and legal profession through board and committee service and written about minority shareholder rights. His career combines transactional planning with litigation when agreements or business relationships become contested. He assists businesses in structuring operations, managing commercial risks, and navigating major financing or investment decisions.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, LLP
• Past Chairman, Oklahoma Bar Association
• Treasurer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Inn of the Court (2014-2018)
• Past Board Member, Estate Planning and Probate Section
• Member, Oklahoma County Bench & Bar Committee (2022)
• Advocacy Committee Chairman, Allied Arts (2022-Present)
• Past-President, Oklahoma City Ballet (2020-2021)
• Co-Chair, Uncommon Ground Collective (2024-Present)
• Former Member, Civil Procedure Committee

Licensed State

• Oklahoma

Education

• University of Oklahoma College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Trinity University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges