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What We Offer
While we have a proven track record of success in negotiations and courtroom proceedings, we are also lifelong learners who remain abreast of the latest developments in areas related to your case. When you come to John R. Schilling, APC. expect to hit the ground running with an attorney who's already a step ahead of the game.
John R. Schilling
John R. Schilling is a seasoned litigator and counselor, having been a Certified Family Law Specialist for over 50 years. His overall approach to each case is to reach the best possible outcome for his clients while providing exceptional advice and guidance. Family law matters can be fraught with intense emotion, Mr. Schilling provides the steady hand of guidance and wisdom.
Mr. Schilling’s participation in family law industry organizations is well-documented; American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (1977-2019), American Association for Justice (1993-2019), National Board of Trial Advocates (1999- 2019.) His accolades are equally impressive with being named a Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters for each of the past 15 years and U.S. News and World Report has named him as Best Lawyer for the years 1995-2019 and his law firm as Best Law Firm for the years 2010-2019.
Mr. Schilling has always been an early riser and is often in his office just after sunrise reviewing his files for the day, speaking with clients who are likewise early risers or who are on the East Coast or another time zone somewhere in the world. His commitment to his practice and clients is paramount.
John was among the first group of lawyers to achieve the distinction of Certified Family Law Specialist.
He is the first and only Orange County attorney to be board certified in family law by the prestigious National Board of Trial Advocacy.
He is a member of the Family Law Section of the Orange County Bar Association.
He serves on the Child Custody Committee for the Section of Family Law of the American Bar Association.
He was the first attorney in Orange County to be elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and has served as Vice President of the Academy's Southern California Chapter and as its Counsel.
He is a Master Bencher of the Robert L. Banyard Inn of Court.
He was among the first group of attorneys elected to serve in the Judge Pro Tem program of the Orange County Bar Association and acted in that capacity in literally dozens of family law matters over the past 25 years.
His lecturing credits include the California Trial Lawyers State Convention, numerous programs for Continuing Education of the Bar, and the Orange County Bar Association's "Bridging the Gap" program.
He has authored the article, "Family Law Practice in Orange County" for the Los Angeles Bar Association Family Law Symposium and was a contributing editor for the CEB treatise, "Practice Under the California Family Law Act".
He is listed in Continental's "Who's Who of Professionals and Executives" Woodward/White Inc.'s "The Best Lawyers in America" and Marquis' "Who's Who in American Law".
With John R. Schilling, APC, you'll work with an experienced lawyer who holds a keen understanding of your individual situation.
Milton B. Tennant
Mr. Tennant is a highly experienced and resourceful research attorney and counselor. He graduated from the University of California, Irvine, with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970. This degree led him to his first career, that of Zoological Director at Lion Country Safari. Not wanting to move from Southern California after Lion Country closed, Mr. Tennant enrolled in law school and in 1979, graduated from Western State College of Law.
After law school, Mr. Tennant practiced in several areas of law before settling in full time at John R. Schilling, APC, in 2001 to focus on Family Law. His wide breadth of experience in multiple areas of law is highly valued as issues in family cases are typically not limited and often involve issues concerning bankruptcy, trusts, and business litigation.
Victoria A. Conner
Ms. Conner has been a team member of John R. Schilling, APC, since 1995. Initially hired as a paralegal, within a few years she became Office Manager. At present, Ms. Conner runs the day-to-day operations of the office, acts as senior paralegal and personal assistant to Mr. Schilling. Her experience in working for Certified Family Law Specialists for past 30 years is of valuable assistance to both the firm and clients.
Tara M. Vila
Ms. Vila joined our firm in 2012 and brought with her fourteen years of experience. In addition to providing our attorneys with solid and reliable assistance, Ms. Vila offers our clients support and understanding as they face the emotional challenges of their family law matters.
Karen M. DeFilippo
Ms. DeFilippo joined our firm in 2017 and as our receptionist, offers our clients a warm, personal welcome whether in person or on the telephone. Ms. DeFilippo also lends support behind the scene with file maintenance and staff support.
Ashley L. Wendell
Ms. Wendell joined our firm in 2017 as a billing and file clerk but her role has expanded to also include legal secretary duties and responsibilities.