Attorney Bill Bishop, Certified Specialist
Arizona Family Law Attorney William D. Bishop
The founder of the firm, Bill Bishop, has been practicing law for over twenty-two years. Mr. Bishop grew up in Oregon and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Mr. Bishop graduated with honors and obtained double majors in both Political Science and Psychology.
While in college, Mr. Bishop received numerous scholarships and was a member of numerous honor societies including Mortar Board and Omicron Delta Kappa. Mr. Bill Bishop received All-American and Academic All-American Wrestling honors during college. Mr. Bishop brings this same dedication and competitive nature to the courtroom.
Mr. Bishop graduated from Arizona State University College of Law. During law school, Mr. Bishop graduated in the top portion of his class, and was selected as a member of the National Moot Court Team. Mr. Bill Bishop received the honor of the Order Of Barristers for outstanding oral advocacy.
After law school, Mr. Bill Bishop worked for large downtown law firms and practiced in the areas of commercial litigation and family law. Since then, Mr. Bishop has focused primarily in the area of family law and divorce . Mr. Bishop's background and commercial litigation experience has given him an advantage over many other family law attorneys with regard to complex financial and property issues.
Unlike many attorneys, Mr. Bill Bishop does not shy away from contested custody cases. Mr. Bishop's background as a psychology major and his self-fulfillment from assisting people with regard to custody and parenting time issues assist him in dealing with custody issues head on. When necessary, Mr. Bishop often involves mental health experts in the custody process, especially when the other parent has certain mental health issues or is attempting to alienate the children against his client.
Mr. Bishop receives numerous referrals from other family law attorneys and attorneys who practice in other areas. Mr. Bill Bishop receives referrals in numerous complex and high conflict cases as a result of his reputation as a professional, very thorough and assertive trial attorney.
Mr. Bishop has been selected as one of Arizona's Finest Lawyers (www.azfinestlawyers.org). This selection is a peer-reviewed nomination based upon "a demonstrated record of high achievement, excellent legal skills, and a well-earned reputation for integrity". As of 2012, only 6% of all Arizona's attorneys (including practicing attorneys, retired attorneys, judges and law professors) have been selected for such distinction.
Certified Specialist
Bill Bishop is a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of Arizona Board of Legal Specialization and a preeminent rated lawyer in Martindale-Hubbell listings.
Approximately 65 attorneys (as of 2013) throughout the State of Arizona have attained the distinction as Certified Family Law Specialists although there are thousands of attorneys in Arizona that practice family law to some degree.
To obtain such certification and distinction, Certified Family Law Specialists must demonstrate to the State Bar of Arizona Board of Legal Specialization that:
- They have substantial experience in the area of family law.
- They possess a high degree of competence in the practice of family law.
- They have knowledge and experience substantially higher than that possessed by a general practitioner who regularly handles family law matters.
- They have established a high degree of skill, thoroughness, preparation, effectiveness, professionalism and judgment in the field of family law.
- They have provided references from other family law attorneys and judges that substantiate such levels of skill.
- They have passed a detailed test that establishes a thorough knowledge of complex issues in the field.
Memberships and Chairs
Mr. Bishop has served as the Chairperson of the Maricopa County Bar Association Family Law Section. Mr. Bishop is currently a member of the Executive Council of the Family law Section of the State Bar of Arizona. He is also an attorney liaison for the Superior Court Mental Health Committee, which is comprised of many of Arizona's Custody Evaluators and Parentin Coordinators. Mr. Bill Bishop has chaired and spoken at numerous seminars for both attorneys and the public.
To speak to any of the following lawyers about your family law or divorce concern, contact the Bishop & Martin Law Office today.
