Attorney Chris Simonds is known for his strong courtroom presence, strategic litigation and settlement, and ability to efficiently resolve complex legal matters. Chris is a co-founder of the firm’s “Divorced in a Day” mediation program, an innovative, streamlined alternative to traditional divorce. Chris enjoys working with clients in mediation to achieve practical and creative solutions for families.
He began his legal career in Wisconsin, practicing family law before working as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. Chris later founded a successful criminal and civil litigation firm where he built extensive trial experience. He has served as lead counsel in 20 jury trials and countless bench trials. He is proud of his quickest trial acquittal – a client represented by Chris was found not guilty by a jury after only 7 minutes of deliberation.
Chris earned his law degree with a concentration in international law from Western Michigan University. During his studies, he completed international legal programs in Spain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. He also served as an adjunct professor at Herzing University, where he was honored as Adjunct Professor of the Year.
He graduated from Marquette University with a degree in Political Science, where he interned for former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, studied international politics in London, and played on the university’s hockey team.
Outside of his legal practice, Chris enjoys traveling, boating, and outdoor activities throughout Arizona. He maintains an active lifestyle that includes road biking, skiing, and ice hockey.
I want to change the culture of divorce by providing a service that make the divorce process as straight forward and amicable as possible. I’m happy to introduce our Divorced in a Day program. By putting the parties in control of their own case, I see such better results over contested litigation.