James P. McGarvey received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science and an Honor’s Program Certificate in Preparation for Legal Study from the University of Utah. James then received his J.D. from Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska.
Prior to attending law school, James worked at the Utah Army National Guard for over eight years, developing robust discipline that is so significant in family and criminal law practice. During law school, James co-founded the Family Law Student Society and served on its board for three years. James also represented Creighton Law at the ABA Law School Division, Regional Negotiation Competition, earned a litigation concentration, completed a criminal law and procedure concentration, and successfully completed the requirements placed forth by the Supreme Court of Nebraska to mediate. Subsequently to law school, James serves as a board member of Lawyers Helping Lawyers.
James is fortunate to have been mentored by multiple outstanding legal minds, including, but not limited to:
Stuart Dornan, former FBI Agent who is also the former District Attorney of Douglas County and is now a criminal defense attorney.
Greg J. O’Meara, S.J., former prosecutor, prosecuted Jeffry Dahmer, and subsequently worked as a criminal defense attorney.
David R. Stickman, the current Federal Defender for the District of Nebraska.
James is extremely fortunate to currently be mentored by the Honorable Judge Sharon McCully, former President of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, served on the bench for over 27 years, and currently teaches at the University of Utah, S.J. Quinney School of Law.