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J. Spencer Nilsson

also known as Spencer Nilsson
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Avvo Rating10
  • Fort Worth, TX
  • Licensed for 8 years
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J. Spencer Nilsson
J. Spencer Nilsson
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About J. Spencer

Experienced, ethical, & proven representation. Check out my client reviews to learn more.

Family Law attorneys at both the local and state level recognize J. Spencer Nilsson as one of the most advanced and innovative young lawyers the field. Spencer is notorious for pioneering strategies to combat the ever changing landscape of family law resulting from legislative reform and defense tactics aimed at extending litigation.

Spencer sets himself apart from other attorneys by his sincere dedication to his clients. He feels that one of the biggest deficiencies in the legal world today is attorneys leaving their clients in the dark throughout the evolution of their case. He understand that a client seeking a family law attorney is likely going through a tough time in their life and the last thing they want is to be told that everything is being taken care and not have an understanding of what is actually going on. He feels strongly that educating his clients and explaining the process is paramount to not only to the outcome of the case, but also to the attorney/client relationship.  Spencer believes that a family law attorney should handle every case as if it were their own. He has found that this mentality and level of commitment has resulted in his clients' ability to obtain the best possible outcome available. 

Spencer was born in Texas, but grew up overseas in Sweden and Holland, and eventually returned to Texas for college. He graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor degree in business and accepted a position in Dallas where he managed a national group of primary-care physicians.  He grew up in a hard working Christian family that never neglected an opportunity to help others, and Spencer continues to volunteer his time with numerous organizations including: Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Paws in the City, Texas Hospice, and Love our Local Animals (LOLA). Spencer credits his tireless work ethic to his father: a man who often worked seventy hour work weeks and travelled constantly, yet never missed one of his two sons' sporting events.

Spencer earned his Juris Doctorate while attending night classes at Texas Wesleyan School of Law in downtown Fort Worth. As a night student, Spencer continued to work 50 hours per week while attending in the evening, and still excelled academically by repeatedly making the Dean’s List.  Spencer eventually resigned from his position to pursue law full time and become more involved in the legal community.  During his time at Texas Wesleyan School of Law, Spencer worked part-time as a clerk in a family law firm, represented numerous clients as a student attorney in the Texas Wesleyan family law clinic, acted as a student ambassador for the school, and served as Vice Magister for Phi Delta Phi legal honors fraternity, President of the Animal Law Society, and as a two-time board member for the Intellectual Property Law Association.

Spencer thoroughly enjoys volunteering for causes close to his heart, spending his free time with his family and his beagle, Charlie.

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • State Bar of Texas
  • Tarrant County Bar Association
  • Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association
  • The Fort Worth Club
  • Mensa
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Practice areas

OtherChild supportChild custodyDivorce and separationFamily
  1. Family: 25%

    10 years

  2. Divorce and separation: 25%

    10 years

  3. Child custody: 20%

    10 years

  4. Child support: 20%

    10 years

  1. Estate planning: 10%

    9 years

Languages spoken

English, Swedish, Spanish

Photos and videos

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Contact

Nilsson Legal Group, PLLC

930 West First Street, Suite 200
Fort Worth, TX, 76102

Website
https://www.ftwlegal.com/ 

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    TXEligible To Practice In Texas 201308/23/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers34
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    10 Best Under 40American Institute of Family Law Attorneys2019
    Rising StarSuper Lawyers2019
    Top AttorneyFort Worth Magazine2019
    Top Attorney360 West Magazine2019
    10 Best Under 40American Institute of Family Law Attorneys2018
    Top AttorneyFort Worth Magazine2018
    Top Attorney360 West Magazine2018
    10 Best Under 40American Institute of Family Law Attorneys2017
    Top AttorneyForth Worth Magazine2017
    Top Attorney360 West Magazine2017
    Top AttorneyFort Worth Magazine2016
    10 Best Under 40American Institute of Family Law Attorneys2015
    10 BestAmerican Institute of Family Law Attorneys2015
    Top AttorneyForth Worth Magazine2015
    Civil Trial AcademyDallas Bar Association2014
    Lawyers You Want to KnowFort Worth, Texas Magazine2013
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    Managing AttorneyNilsson Legal Group, PLLC2013 - Present
    AttorneyKate Smith Law, PLLC2013 - 2014
    Law ClerkWillis Law, PLLC2011 - 2012
    Legal InternUnited States Courts2011 - 2011
    Student AttorneyTexas A&M University School of Law Family Law Clinic2010 - 2011
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Tarrant County Bar AssociationBoard Member2019 - Present
    Tarrant County Young Lawyers AssociationBoard Member2019 - Present
    Texas Association of MediatorsCertified Mediator2012 - Present
    Lawyers in MENSAMember2012 - Present
    Tarrant County Bar AssociationMember2012 - Present
    Tarrant County Family Law Bar AssociationMember2012 - Present
    Tarrant County Young Lawyers AssociationMember2012 - Present
    State Bar of TexasMember2011 - Present
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Texas Wesleyan LawyerMongolian Judicial Reform2012
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Texas A&M University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2012
    Texas Tech UniversityBBA - Bachelor of Business Administration2006
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Asian Judicial InstituteDifferences between Divorce in Texas and Mongolia2011
    Asian Judicial InstituteMongolian Judicial Reform2011
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    In the Interest of S.R., a ChildSucess
    In the Interest of S.R, a ChildSucess
    In re E.D.R.Client designated as JMC with exclusive right to designate domicile of the child

    Reviews

    (34)4.5 stars
    5 Star
    		91%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		3%
    1 Star
    		6%
    Review J. Spencer Nilsson

    Great honest and hardworking Attorney

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Spencer handled a divorce for me. I was so impressed with the meticulous and determined manner in which he handled the case. The prior lawyer quit on us and didn't respond. Spencer stepped in and pushed the case forward and obtained an incredible result. Spencer fights for his clients until the end, then he fights some more. Because of his efforts, Spencer gained a client for life and I recommend him and his firm to everyone I know in need of a family law attorney.
    More
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Spencer is AMAZING!!!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    I hired Spencer! He’s was very honest about the things in my case that we could change. Instead of wasting time and money on things that I couldn’t. Spencer and Jenny fought for me! I don’t regret hiring him at all!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Outstanding Attorney

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Contacted Mr. Nilsson about representing my son in a custody case. Very happy with his professionalism. His office responds quickly if you have any questions or concerns. AAA+++++
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Awsome lawyer

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    As a father of 3 girls ages 3-12 Nilsson helped me get custodial. I am so happy when other lawyers pretty much laughed at me after getting served trying to find someone last minute Nilsson was there for me and even let me pay out the remaining balance since I couldn't afford all of it right there. I highly recommend Spencer Nilsson to anyone.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Professional and Compassionate

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Spencer helped me on a modification. He was extremely professional, as was his office staff. I would highly recommend him as your family law attorney.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Excellent attorney

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Spencer and his team have been on point and insightful throughout my entire custody case.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Professional & Helpful

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Spencer and crew have been great during the divorce process. Never having divorced before, I had lots of questions and concerns that were all answered and addressed quickly.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Mr. Nilsson/ Divorce

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    I struggled with divorce for years being strung along by my husband and his attorney and finally I meet with Mr. Nilsson. He talked with me about my options and what I needed to do to get the things over. Once Mr. Nilsson explained the process to me he took things over and made it easy. I should have went with Mr. Nilsson from the begging, I would suggest that anyone to sit and meet with him and they will see that he is the right choice to represent them.
    More
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Highly Recommend

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Spencer and his team were great. He was realistic about my case, honest, and made every attempt to save me money and time. His advice paid off big-time for me in court. In the end, I gained everything that I asked for. His paralegal, Donna, was responsive and knowledgeable and his associate Stuart was helpful as well on the date of the hearing. I hope that I don't need these kinds of services again, but if I do I know who to call.
    More
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Hire Him!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Spencer was knowledgeable, efficient, pleasant and made an astute honest observation regarding potential solutions with a focus on the most effective potential resolution versus what simply produced billable hours. Need a professional in every sense of the word? Then hire Spencer.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (33)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
    Lawyer Edward Scott Gaytan

    Edward Gaytan, Family Attorney on Feb 18, 2019
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. I've co-counseled a few cases with Spencer and could not be more impressed with his knowledge, dedication, and genuine care for his clients and their situation.

    No photo

    Kathryn "Katie" Copeland, Family Attorney on Sep 11, 2018
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Spencer is a very talented attorney. He is creative and collaborative.

    Lawyer Edward Scott Gaytan

    Edward Gaytan, Family Attorney on Feb 18, 2019
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. I've co-counseled a few cases with Spencer and could not be more impressed with his knowledge, dedication, and genuine care for his clients and their situation.

    No photo

    Kathryn "Katie" Copeland, Family Attorney on Sep 11, 2018
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Spencer is a very talented attorney. He is creative and collaborative.

    Lawyer Lori Elizabeth Dally

    Lori Dally, Child custody Attorney on Nov 15, 2017
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I always enjoy working with Spencer on cases. He is very diligent, professional and easy to work with.

    Lawyer Walter Rudolph Hnot, III

    Walter Hnot,, Child custody Attorney on Mar 22, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr. Nilsson is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation.

    Lawyer Stuart Armstrong Adrian

    Stuart Adrian, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 4, 2017
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Chase LanCarte

    Chase LanCarte, Unknown Attorney on May 24, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Spencer is a very knowledgeable and passionate attorney. I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Christstachia Robinson Tefera

    Christstachia Tefera, Family Attorney on Nov 12, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Spencer is always very prepared. He is a great advocate for his clients.

    Lawyer Mark V. Clay

    Mark Clay, Family Attorney on Aug 22, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I highly endorse Mr. Nilsson. Very experienced and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first.

    Lawyer Sarah Capra Seltzer

    Sarah Seltzer, Family Attorney on Jun 9, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Spencer is professional, experienced, and a pleasure to work with.

    Lawyer Jonathan Pierre Lacour

    Jonathan Lacour, Unknown Attorney on May 7, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    One of the absolute best. Exceptional attention to detail, service next to none. I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Edward Scott Cawlfield

    Edward Cawlfield, Family Attorney on Apr 22, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Spencer is not only an outstanding lawyer, he is a fantastic person. He is one of the smartest lawyers in North Texas and a true asset to the legal community. I whole-heartedly endorse Spencer Nilsson.

    Lawyer Jill L Rogers

    Jill Rogers, Unknown Attorney on Mar 27, 2015
    Relationship: Other

    I endorse this lawyer and the remarkable work that gets done for clients.

    Lawyer Jessica Hargis

    Jessica Hargis, Family Attorney on Feb 3, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. A great option for family law issues in Texas.

    Lawyer M Colin Bresee

    M Bresee, Unknown Attorney on Jan 11, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Randal Moore

    Randal Moore, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 10, 2015
    Relationship: Other

    I endorse this lawyer.

    No photo

    Christina Kan, Divorce and separation Attorney on Dec 29, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Highly respected in his community

    Lawyer Nicole Elizabeth Boros

    Nicole Boros, Family Attorney on Dec 28, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. He is committed to his practice and very knowledgeable.

    Lawyer Vonnie Clay Dones III

    Vonnie Dones, Child custody Attorney on Dec 21, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A top-notch attorney, highly respected in the legal community.

    Lawyer Annilee Travers Reed

    Annilee Reed, Family Attorney on Dec 20, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Spencer is a skilled attorney, and a well-qualified family law practitioner. He is an asset to the legal community. I whole-heartedly endorse this lawyer.

    No photo

    Charles Reese, Unknown Attorney on Dec 18, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Exceptional quality, skill, and service. Highest marks.

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