Lawyer Overview

Craig M. Fowler brings a depth and breadth of experience to his specialty of mediation and arbitration of family law disputes as well as civil disputes. Craig is a board certified family law specialist and former Family Court Judge. His extensive civil, family law and judicial background includes numerous jury trials as well as appearances in the appellate courts, including the Supreme Court of Texas. This depth of experience in the adversary system equips Craig with unique insight into the impact of this system on children and families. He has tried a variety of civil and family law cases, including, but not limited to, divorce, custody, property division, modification and enforcement of orders. Having seen first hand the trauma inflicted on children and families by the adversary system, Craig believes strongly in the resolution of these disputes outside the hostile environment often found in the courtroom.

Mediation offers an alternative to the adversary system and creates a safe environment where the focus is on the interests and needs of the parties and their children.

Seeing the need for a better way to help families in conflict, Craig pioneered the use of mediation in the family courts. Upon completion of the initial training, he served as a trainer for the Dallas Bar Association in 1991 and 1992. As a trainer for the Attorney Mediators Institute and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Craig has trained over 300 local, state and national family law mediators, gaining valuable insight and expertise in different styles and methods of mediation. He has mediated over 400 civil and family law cases.  He is also trained in Collaborative Law.

Craig is committed to the principles of civility, professionalism, ethics and legal excellence. He was the founding President of the Annette Stewart American Inn of Court and in 2004 received its highest honor of selection to the Serjeants Inn. He has lectured frequently on various family law matters to a variety of professional organizations. Craig received his bachelors degree in Business Administration from Texas Christian University and his Law Degree from the University of Houston.

If you would like a more detailed description of Craig's career, including a list of presentations, please contact us.

Representative Cases

• Buchanan v. Byrd, 519 SW 2 841 (S. Ct. Tx. 1975)
• Hammond v. City of Dallas, 712 SW 2 496 (S. Ct. Tx. 1986)
• GMC Superior v. Irvine Bank of Trust, 2168 SW2 274 (Tex. App. 1971)

Bar Admissions

• Texas, 1965
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas, 1968
• U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 1972
• U.S. Tax Court

Certification/Specialties

• Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1975

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Annette Stewart American Inn of Court, 2003 - 2005 (President)

Honors and Awards

• Sergeants Inn, American Inn of Court, 2006

Classes and Seminars

• Family Law Mediation, Dallas Bar Association, 1991 - 1992
• Valuing Goodwill of Closely Held Business, American Society of Appraisers, 2005

Pro Bono Activities

• Outstanding Judicial Pro Bono Service, Dallas Bar Association, 2000 - 2001
• Distinguished Judicial Pro Bono Service, Dallas Bar Association, 2002 - 2003

Past Employment Positions

• 255th District Court Judge, 1998 - 2007

Education

• University of Houston Law Center, Houston, Texas, 1964
  LL.B.
• Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, 1964
  B.B.A.
  Major: Business

Fraternities/Sororities

• Sigma Chi

Address

1660 S. Stemmons Frwy
Suite 300
Lock Box 10
Lewisville, TX 75067-6314

Phones

(972) 436-9300

Faxes

(972) 436-9000

Emails

vnh@hammerle.com

Websites

http://www.hammerle.com