F. Peter James, Esq.

 

Biography

 

After completing his undergraduate degree in English, Peter attended and graduated from the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV.  While still in law school, Peter interned with Judge Michelle Leavitt, Eighth Judicial District Court, Department 12.  Upon graduation, Peter practiced in the areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal law, and appellate work.

 

In the fall of 2013, Peter branched off on his own opening up the Law Offices of F. Peter James, Esq.  Although Peter’s experience in law covers several areas, he now concentrates in family law including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support (alimony), and asset / debt division.  Peter also handles grandparent / step-parent visitation, guardianships, adoptions, termination of parental rights, and related family law matters.  With his civil litigation experience, Peter is also adept in handling post-trial motions, such as set-asides, motions for a new trial, and motions to amend findings.  

 

Also in 2013, Peter was selected as a Court-Appointed Settlement Master to mediate cases assigned to him by the Family Court judges.  The Settlement Master Program was created to promote more settlements in family law matters.    

 

Peter is an AV Preeminent rated attorney by Martindale Hubbell.  The AV Preeminent rating is a career achievement award.  The AV Preeminent Rating is the highest rating Martindale-Hubbell awards and is based upon superb legal ability and the highest ethical standards.  Avvo.com also rates Peter as "Superb" with a 10.0 rating.  Peter received a hand-signed letter from Sen. Harry Reid recognizing his accomplishment as being one of the top family law attorneys in Las Vegas.  Peter's other accolades include being named a Mountain States Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine (2015 and 2016) and Lead Counsel rated by Thompson Reuters. Peter was also recently honored as one of the Nation’s Top One Percent of attorney’s by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.  In 2015, Distinguished Men in Nevada honored Peter as a distinguished Nevadan.  

 

Through his work experience, Peter has found a passion working with families to solve their family law issues when the expertise of a trusted and well-respected attorney is needed.  Peter believes in giving an honest evaluation of a client’s case, even if it means breaking the bad news to the client.  Helping people is why Peter became an attorney. 

 

When not working, Peter enjoys spending time with his family and restoring his classic Mustang convertible.

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Admission Dates & Jurisdictions

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State Bar of Nevada, 2006

U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, 2006

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 2008

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Education

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B.A. English, University of Nevada Las Vegas

J.D., William S. Boyd School of Law (UNLV)

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Professional Experience

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Court Appointed Settlement Master for the Eighth Judicial District Court, Family Division

Law Offices of F. Peter James, Esq., Founder / Attorney, 2013-present

Right Lawyers / Rocheleau Law Group, Attorney, 2010-2013

Ciciliano & Associates, Attorney, 2007-2010

Alverson Taylor Mortensen & Sanders, 2006-2007

Judicial Intern for Judge Michelle Leavitt, District Court Judge, 2005

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Notable Appellate Cases

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Crawford v. Crawford: Reversal and remand of a child custody / relocation decision

Haberland v. District Court: Writ of Prohibition issued

Yu v. Yu: Created Nevada law in a published decision on timing of appeal / writ petition

Arcella v. Arcella: Created Nevada law in published decision on factors for choosing a school for a child

Carlson v. Carlson:  Order of Reversal and Remand on an attorney's fees award

Stinziano v. Walley: Order of Reversal and Remand on both a name change and child support determination

Fairbairn-Williams v. Williams: Order of Reversal an Remand on a child custody / visitation determination

Mezzano v. Townley:  Order of Reversal and Remand on a denial of a default set aside request

Pan v. Yip:  Affirmance of a decree after a challenge to its validity

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