John D. Sheaffer Jr. (Retired)

     

John D. Sheaffer Jr. has practiced family law since 1979. He is deeply committed to helping his clients solve complex marital property and child custody issues arising through separation and divorce in an effective and compassionate manner, tailored to the specific needs of their case. John’s extensive knowledge of family law, together with his broad experience as an advocate in court as well as in mediation and collaborative settings, provides a firm foundation for dispute resolution when relationships are in transition.

John is an active member of Utah’s legal community, which has recognized him for his contributions; he regularly plans and presents legal education programs for the Family Law Section of the Utah State Bar Association, and is a visiting classroom instructor at the S.J.Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. John is a vice-chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, a member of the Association of Collaborative Professionals of Utah (ACP) and is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), a national organization of preeminent family law attorneys.

Education:

  • Gonzaga University School of Law, J.D., M.B.A., 1979
    • Cum Laude
  • University of Utah, B.S., Political Science, 1974
    • Cum Laude

Bar Admissions:

  • Utah, 1979
  • U.S. District Court, District of Utah, 1979

Professional Associations:

  • American Bar Association
  • Utah State Bar Association; Family Law Section
    • Executive Committee, 2004-Present; Chair 2008-2009
    • Bar Examiner, 1999-Present
  • Legal Aid Society
    • Board of Trustees, 1987-2004
    • Executive Director, 1980-1985
    • Associate 1979-1980
  • Salt Lake County Bar Association
  • Trained Mediator in Domestic Relations
  • Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
    • Chair, Mountain States Chapter 2015-2016
  • Fellow, Association of Collaborative Professionals of Utah
  • Utah Journal of Family Law
    • Founding Board Member and Editor, 2010-2015
  • Assistant Chancellor, Episcopal Diocese of Utah

Recognitions:

  • “Utah’s Legal Elite,”  Family Law, Utah Business Magazine, 2007
  • “The Best Lawyers in America”
  • “Outstanding Family Law Lawyer of the Year,” Utah State Bar Association, 2017
  • Martindale Hubbell Rating: AV Preeminent