Jim Schmillen, Esq.

Experience

Jim Schmillen earned his B.S., magna cum laude, with a double major in both Accounting and Finance from the University of Arizona. He then attended the Sandra Day O'Connor School of Law at Arizona State University, where he graduated cum laude with their pro bono distinction.

Jim has been practicing law in Arizona for the past eighteen years. For his first three years, he leveraged his business and accounting background working for one of Arizona’s most revered boutique commercial litigation firms.  In 2004, Jim continued his practice in the area of commercial law serving as in-house counsel for a large construction company.  In 2008, Jim discovered his passion for family law, and began transitioning his practice's focus to family law. Since then, Jim has developed his knowledge and skill to successfully represent clients needing successful family law solutions and personalized representation.  His educational and professional background in business and finance are uncommon in family law, and uniquely position him to understand and negotiate the complex financial issues that can arise in family law cases.

Jim holds many professional designations and contributes to our community. He is has been a member of the Arizona State Bar and is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. 

 Jim is a former president of VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) and a volunteer for FLAP (the Family Legal Assistance Program).  Jim also served on 
the Board of Directors for the Maricopa County Bar Association Family Law Section.   

​In addition to Jim's professional designations and community contributions, he has received numerous recognitions and awards that set him apart. In 2015, he was named 'Attorney of the Month' by the Volunteer Lawyers Program. That same year, he was also awarded by Avvo with the Client's Choice Award; currently, Jim holds a 'Superb' rating through Avvo. In December of 2019, Jim was recognized by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2019 AV Preeminent Peer Reviewed Attorney - a distinction held by only 10% of attorneys in the United States.  

Jim contributes to the family law legal community through his expertise and writing. He especially enjoys his appellate work where he is able to advocate for important clarification and changes in family law.

Rachel Stimens

Rachel grew up in Phoenix and is a paralegal at Schmillen Law Firm. She began her career in the legal field in 2012, gaining considerable experience in both the domestic relations and civil litigation fields. She completed her paralegal certification program through Phoenix College in 2016 and completed all requirements to become a Certified Paralegal. She is a member of the Maricopa County Bar Association's paralegal division and continues to pursue ongoing legal education. 


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​Smart Advocacy.
Personalized Service.
​Successful Solutions.

I originally hired James to represent me in my divorce in 2005. There were many complicated issues involved, and the safety of my family and their future was at risk. I needed an attorney who would handle matters swiftly and effectively. James did that and so much more. His knowledge of the law and diligence to my case gave me the best possible outcome in a very difficult situation. He always got back to me quickly on any questions I had during and after the case. He explained everything clearly and was extremely patient during the times I was stressed. His calm but firm nature also came across in the courtroom with interactions I saw between him, the judge, and other attorneys. He was respectful in the courtroom, but at the same time, would push the issues and points that were most important to me and in the best interest of my young children...I would not hesitate to use James again in any legal matter I may have.  

Elizabeth, July 2015...posted on Avvo