James Bristol

James Bristol is a certified Family Law Specialist and a fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He exclusively practices in Family Law, covering areas such as collaborative divorce, alimony, custody, child support, adoptions, kinship guardianship, parentage matters, and domestic violence cases.

James is experienced in representing children's interests as a guardian ad litem and holds an LISW licensure to assist clients with emotional issues regarding family law. He serves as a Secretary and Director on the Family Law Section Board of Directors of the State Bar of New Mexico.

He is actively involved in various organizations including the New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group, the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, and the Adoption and Foster Care Alliance of New Mexico. James is a member of the Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association.

James Bristol holds a JD from The University of New Mexico School of Law, an AM from the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago, an MDiv from the Divinity School at the University of Chicago, and a BA in Creative Writing / Philosophy from Loyola University of Chicago. Prior to establishing his own firm, he worked as an associate at Sutin, Thayer & Browne, A.P.C.

He possesses an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Besides his legal expertise, James has a background as a Crisis Counselor at St. Vincent Regional Medical Center and as a Research Assistant at the Erikson Institute.