Bob Widner

Bob Widner is originally from Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated with a B.B.A. from Southern Methodist University. He received his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He received top honors in the First Year Moot Court competition in law school. He then passed the Missouri Bar and the U.S. District Court – Northern District of Texas, and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Widner participated for two years working with Dr. Phil McGraw as a TA (Teaching Assistant) in his life skills company called Pathways in Irving, Texas and learned many of the life-skills that can help others in time of conflict. Much of the divorce process involves identifying and healing what you acknowledge and sometimes the completion and healing process is more important than the legal process. Mr. Widner current law practice includes technology law, forming his own company’s (internet-related), working with small-sized companies on a start-up, finance, helping with their business plans and formation. His others areas of practice include commercial litigation, personal injury, family law, and serving as an adviser on art acquisitions and authentication.

Jeff Johnson
About Jeff Johnson the Person

Most attorneys are intimidating and don’t relate well with people. I’m just a nice guy who lives a great life. I’m enjoying it. Life’s most simple things make me happy – is there anything better than waking up on a vacation at the lake and having an early morning cup of coffee on the dock?

Travel and adventure are big parts of education, I am convinced. I’ve traveled abroad and lived twice in France, I’ve lived in several different cities here in the U.S. and I’m a little bit of an adventure junkie. I’m trying to cram as much into my limited time here as I possibly can. If you are a potential client with similar adventurous or appreciate my apparent lack of fear in life, we’re starting off on the right foot.

I love witty people. Sarcasm, mixed with an intelligent sense of humor, is an unbeatable combination. Throwing out the occasional movie line helps, too.

I love my job as an attorney working with The Law Firm of Robert Widner. Bob built the firm on the concept that about 80% of what we do is a ministry, helping people spiritually and emotionally, and 20% of our practice is to address legal strategies that put the children first and force the divorce to a quick conclusion.

I am very driven and have high aspirations. The thought of living a sedentary and average life terrifies me.

I love going to sporting events, concerts, dinners and social events, but watching a movie or reading a book is what I often find myself doing when I’m alone.

I laugh often and find fun in everything I do. I really don’t have stress in my life outside of work so it’s easy for me to relax and enjoy life.

Interests – I have very diverse interests, and I tend to find fun in almost everything. I’m equally comfortable traveling, entertaining, hanging with friends, or relaxing on the couch with a glass of wine and a movie. There’s very little I won’t try once.
Favorite Destinations – France, Morocco and Costa Rica have been my favorites so far. Marbella, Spain is tops for beach and Interlaken, Switzerland for adventure. Chicago, Seattle, SF and Manhattan are my U.S. favorites, though I’m having fun living in Uptown Dallas too.

Favorite Things – Good food, great wine, College football and basketball, I-Pod, Dave Matthews Band, The lake, My job. My Passport!

Last Read – I love books, especially biographies and historical fiction. Clancy, Grisham and Follett have been past favorites. Wine Spectator is another regular read for me.

Jeff Johnson: Education & Experience

Following his second round of European adventures, Jeff found himself in law school at the University of Oregon where he founded the Pacific Wine Law Society, a student group focused on the many legal issues of the wine industry that has now matured into a full course of study at University of Oregon.

Jeff then took a position in Washington State with a firm that allowed him to start a wine law practice in which he represented numerous wineries, vineyards and wine importers. Shortly thereafter, Jeff became in-house counsel and vice president for a national wine importer, which “required” daily tasting sessions, travel across the country and even excruciating trips to Italy’s wine country.

Despite having an insatiable passion for wine, Jeff was ultimately drawn away by the NBA, working as vice president of sales & marketing for the Indiana Pacers’ D-League affiliate. In the process, Jeff got to work with Larry Bird.

For the next year, Jeff worked as a consultant for the Dallas Mavericks’ D-League affiliate in the marketing and sale field, helping them start-up and market a fledgling sport franchise. It was in this last role that Jeff met Bob Widner and decided that family law is his calling.

Licensing

Jeff is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and will be taking the Texas Bar Exam in February.