Gary L. Nickelson - Fort Worth, TX

Awards and Honors

Awards

About Awards

Martindale Peer Awards

Martindale Peer Awards

Martindale Peer awards recognize the legal ability and ethical standards of an attorney as affirmed by their peers. The awards require a minimum threshold of qualifying Martindale-Hubbell reviews from fellow attorneys.

• 

  AV Preeminent®: This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.

• 

  Distinguished: This award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 3.0 to 4.4.

• 

  Notable: This award is granted to attorneys who have been reviewed by their peers, with an average peer review score below 3.0.

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service.

• 

  Platinum: This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 10 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.5 or higher.

• 

  Gold: This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 6 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.2 or higher.

• 

  Silver: This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 3 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.0 or higher.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Awards

• 

  Avvo Top Contributor: This award is granted to attorneys who have significantly contributed to Avvo.com by answering questions in the Q&A forum, publishing legal guides, or other meaningful contributions to the Avvo community.

• 

  Avvo Client’s Choice: This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com.

Super Lawyers® Selections

Super Lawyers® Selections

• 

  Super Lawyers® is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The top 5% of lawyers in each state are selected using a patented selection process that includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations.

Martindale Peer Awards Client Champion Awards Avvo Awards Super Lawyers® Selections

Martindale Peer Awards

Martindale Peer awards recognize the legal ability and ethical standards of an attorney as affirmed by their peers. The awards require a minimum threshold of qualifying Martindale-Hubbell reviews from fellow attorneys.

• 

  AV Preeminent®: This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.

• 

  Distinguished: This award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 3.0 to 4.4.

• 

  Notable: This award is granted to attorneys who have been reviewed by their peers, with an average peer review score below 3.0.

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service.

• 

  Platinum: This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 10 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.5 or higher.

• 

  Gold: This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 6 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.2 or higher.

• 

  Silver: This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 3 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.0 or higher.

Avvo Awards

• 

  Avvo Top Contributor: This award is granted to attorneys who have significantly contributed to Avvo.com by answering questions in the Q&A forum, publishing legal guides, or other meaningful contributions to the Avvo community.

• 

  Avvo Client’s Choice: This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com.

Super Lawyers® Selections

• 

  Super Lawyers® is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The top 5% of lawyers in each state are selected using a patented selection process that includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations.

Super Lawyers® Selectees

About Awards

Martindale Peer Awards

Martindale Peer Awards

Martindale Peer awards recognize the legal ability and ethical standards of an attorney as affirmed by their peers. The awards require a minimum threshold of qualifying Martindale-Hubbell reviews from fellow attorneys.

• 

  AV Preeminent®: This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.

• 

  Distinguished: This award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 3.0 to 4.4.

• 

  Notable: This award is granted to attorneys who have been reviewed by their peers, with an average peer review score below 3.0.

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service.

• 

  Platinum: This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 10 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.5 or higher.

• 

  Gold: This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 6 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.2 or higher.

• 

  Silver: This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 3 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.0 or higher.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Awards

• 

  Avvo Top Contributor: This award is granted to attorneys who have significantly contributed to Avvo.com by answering questions in the Q&A forum, publishing legal guides, or other meaningful contributions to the Avvo community.

• 

  Avvo Client’s Choice: This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com.

Super Lawyers® Selections

Super Lawyers® Selections

• 

  Super Lawyers® is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The top 5% of lawyers in each state are selected using a patented selection process that includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations.

Martindale Peer Awards Client Champion Awards Avvo Awards Super Lawyers® Selections

Martindale Peer Awards

Martindale Peer awards recognize the legal ability and ethical standards of an attorney as affirmed by their peers. The awards require a minimum threshold of qualifying Martindale-Hubbell reviews from fellow attorneys.

• 

  AV Preeminent®: This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.

• 

  Distinguished: This award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 3.0 to 4.4.

• 

  Notable: This award is granted to attorneys who have been reviewed by their peers, with an average peer review score below 3.0.

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service.

• 

  Platinum: This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 10 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.5 or higher.

• 

  Gold: This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 6 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.2 or higher.

• 

  Silver: This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 3 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.0 or higher.

Avvo Awards

• 

  Avvo Top Contributor: This award is granted to attorneys who have significantly contributed to Avvo.com by answering questions in the Q&A forum, publishing legal guides, or other meaningful contributions to the Avvo community.

• 

  Avvo Client’s Choice: This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com.

Super Lawyers® Selections

• 

  Super Lawyers® is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The top 5% of lawyers in each state are selected using a patented selection process that includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations.

Gary L. Nickelson included in a Super Lawyers® list

Education

• Legal Education

  • The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, Texas, 1972
    J.D.
    Honors: Member, Trial Advocacy Association, 1972
    Honors: National Member, Order of the Barristers, 1972
    Honors: Moot Court Board, 1970-1972
    Honors: Moot Court Board-Secretary/Treasurer, 1971-1972
    Honors: International Moot Court Team - 2nd in International Competition, 1972
    Honors: International Moot Court Competition, 1972
    Honors: Order of Barristers, 1972

• Non Legal Education

  • Texas Tech University, 1969
    B.A.

Current Employment Position(s)

• Law Office of Gary L. Nickelson, since 1973

Past Positions

• Texas Christian University, Adjunct Instructor of Business Law (2/3 time), 1976 - 2008

Classes and Seminars

• Speaker, New Legislation, Advanced Drafting, Dallas, TX, 2011
  
• Speaker, What Lawyers Can Teach Mental Health Professionals, AAML/AFCC, Philadelphia, PA, 2011
  
• Speaker, Legislative Update, Advanced Family Law, San Antonio, TX, 2011
  
• Speaker, Legislative Issues and Resources, Marriage Dissolution Institute, Austin, TX, 2011
  
• Speaker, The Art of Negotiation: How to get what you want while making the other side believe you have 'given up the farm' , 36th Annual Advanced Family Law Course, San Antonio, TX, 2010
  
• Speaker, Practicing Family Law for Fun and Profit, State Bar of Texas Bar Convention, Fort Worth, TX, 2010
  
• Speaker, Finalizing the Deal: Rule 11 Agreements, Mediated Settlement Agreements and the Importance of Getting Orders Timely Signed , Marriage Dissolution Institute, San Antonio, TX, 2010
  
• Speaker, Equitable Remedies: Getting Out of Traps, Messes, and Other Problems, 35th Advanced Family Law Course, Dallas, TX, 2009
  
• Speaker, Temporary Orders, 35th Advanced Family Law Course, Family Law Boot Camp, Dallas, TX, 2009
  
• Speaker, Professionalism, 34th Advanced Family Law Course, San Antonio, TX, 2008
  
• Speaker, Maintaining the chain of (Electronic) Evidence and Spoliation of (Electronic) Evidence, AICPA-AAML National conference on Divorce, Las Vegas, NV, 2008
  
• Speaker, Mediation: Be Prepared, Kentucky Bar Association, 11th Annual Family Law Seminar, Louisville, KY, 2008
  
• Speaker, Effective Preparation and Final Trial of a Suit Affecting the Parent Child Relationship, Northeast Tarrant County Bar Association, 2007
  
• Speaker, How To Get How To Get What You Got (In The Decree) Securing and Enforcing The Property Division, 33rd Annual Advanced Family Law Course, San Antonio, TX, 2007
  
• Speaker, The Complex Case, Marriage Dissolution, El Paso, TX, 2007
  
• Speaker, Temporary Orders and Witness Preparation; substance Abuse and Bad Facts in a Custody Case; Preserving Error at Trial and Top Ten Mistakes at Trial , Ely Family Law Conference, State Bar of Nevada, 2007
  
• Speaker, Exhibits, Ultimate Trial Notebook, Family Law, New Orleans. LA, 2006
  
• Speaker, Hot Tip: Balanced Life, Advanced Family Law Seminar, San Antonio, TX, 2006
  
• Speaker, Effective Preparation and Presentation at the Final SAPCR Hearing, Advanced Family Law Seminar, San Antonio, TX, 2006
  
• Speaker, Practicing Law for Fun and Profit, South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association Seminar, Hilton Head, SC, 2006
  
• Speaker, The Characterization of Punitive Damages, New Frontiers in Marital Property Law, San Diego, CA
  
• Speaker, Enhancing the Practice, Marriage Dissolution Seminar, Boot Camp, Austin, TX, 2006
  
• Speaker, Handling The Property Case On A Shoestring, Texas Stars - Pro Bono Seminar, Abilene, TX, 2006

Published Works

Articles

• "New Legislation", Advanced Drafting, Dallas, TX, 2011
  
• "What Lawyers Can Teach Mental Health Professionals", AAML/AFCC, Philadelphia, PA, 2011
  
• "Legislative Update", Advanced Family Law, San Antonio, TX, 2011
  
• "Legislative Issues and Resources", Marriage Dissolution Institute, Austin, TX, 2011
  
• "The Art of Negotiation: How to get what you want while making the other side believe you have 'given up the farm', 36th Annual Advanced Family Law Course, San Antonio, TX, 2010
  
• "Practicing Family Law for Fun and Profit", State Bar of Texas Bar Convention, Fort Worth, TX, 2010
• "Finalizing the Deal: Rule 11 Agreements, Mediated Settlement Agreements and the Importance of Getting Orders Timely Signed", Marriage Dissolution Institute, San Antonio, TX, 2010
• "Equitable Remedies: Getting Out of Traps, Messes, and Other Problems", 35th Advanced Family Law Course, Dallas, TX, 2009
• "Temporary Orders", 35th Advanced Family Law Course, Family Law Boot Camp, Dallas, TX, 2009
• "Professionalism", 34th Advanced Family Law Course, San Antonio, TX, 2008
• "Maintaining the Chain of (Electronic) Evidence and Spoliation of (Electronic) Evidence", AICPA-AAML National conference on Divorce, Las Vegas, NV, 2008
• "Mediation: Be Prepared", Kentucky Bar Association, 11th Annual Family Law Seminar, Louisville, KY, 2008
• "Effective Preparation and Final Trial of a Suit Affecting the Parent Child Relationship", Northeast Tarrant County Bar Association, 2007
• "How To Get What You Got (In The Decree) Securing and Enforcing The Property Division", 33rd Annual Advanced Family Law Course, San Antonio, TX, 2007
• "The Complex Case", Marriage Dissolution, El Paso, TX, 2007
• "Temporary Orders and Witness Preparation"; "Substance Abuse and Bad Facts in a Custody Case"; "Preserving Error at Trial and Top Ten Mistakes at Trial", Ely Family Law Conference, State Bar of Nevada, 2007
• "Exhibits", Ultimate Trial Notebook, Family Law, New Orleans, LA, 2006
• "Hot Tip: Balanced Life", Advanced Family Law Seminar, San Antonio, TX, 2006
• "Effective Preparation and Presentation at the Final SAPCR Hearing", Advanced Family Law Seminar, San Antonio, TX, 2006
• "Practicing Law for Fun and Profit", South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association Seminar, Hilton Head, SC, 2006

Bar Admissions

• Texas, 1972

Specialties and Certifications

• Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1984

Other Affiliations

• Texas Family Law Foundation, 2010 - 2012 (President)
• Texas Family Law Foundation, 2009 - Present (President Elect)
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2008 - 2009 (President)
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2007 - 2008 (President Elect)
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2006 - 2007 (First Vice President)
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2001 - 2006 (Vice-President)
• State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section, 2002 - 2003 (Immediate Past Chair, Family Law Council)
• Matrimonial Lawyers Network, 2002 - Present (Member)
• State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section, 2001 - 2002 (Chair, Family Law Council)
• Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, 2001 - 2002 (Immediate Past-President)
• State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section, 2000 - 2001 (Chair-Elect, Family Law Council)
• Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, 2000 - 2001 (President)
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 1998 - 2001 (Board of Governors)
• Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, 1998 - 1999 (Vice President)
• State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section, 1999 - 2000 (Vice-Chair, Family Law Council)
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Texas Chapter, 1999 - 2000 (President)
• Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, 1999 - 2000 (President-Elect)
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Texas Chapter, 1998 - 1999 (President-Elect)
• Texas Family Law Foundation, 1999 - Present (Life Member)
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 1997 - 1998 (Counsel)
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Texas Chapter, 1997 - 1998 (Vice President)
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 1992 - Present (Fellow)
• State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section, 1998 - 1999 (Treasurer, Family Law Council)
• International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 1998 - Present (Member)
• Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association, 1989 - 1998 (Board of Directors)
• State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section, 1997 - 1998 (Secretary, Family Law Council)
• State Bar of Texas, 1996 - 1998 (Chairman, District 7A Professional Enhancement Program)
• Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, 1997 - 1998 (Secretary)
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Texas Chapter, 1996 - 1997 (Secretary)
• State Bar of Texas, 1994 - 1998 (Member, Grievance Committee)
• Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, 1996 - 1997 (Treasurer)
• State Bar of Texas, 1995 - 1997 (Chair, Pro Bono Committee of the Family Law Council)
• Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, 1993 - 1996 (Member, Board of Directors)
• American College of Family Trial Lawyers, 1995 - Present (Diplomat)
• Family Law Golf Association, 1993 - Present (Co-Founder and Chairman)
• Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association, 1993 (President)
• State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section, 1992 - Present (Family Law Council)
• Texas Supreme Court, 1991 - 1994 (Child Support/Visitation Guidelines Committee)
• State Bar of Texas, 1991 - 1997 (Family Law Practice Manual Revision Committee)
• Parker County Bar Association, 1991 - Present
• College of the State Bar of Texas, 1988 - Present
• American Bar Association, 1988 - Present
• Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, 1984 - Present
• North Texas Family Law Specialists Association, 1984 - Present
• Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association, 1980 - Present
• Tarrant County Bar Association, 1973 - Present
• State Bar of Texas, 1972 - Present