John Gilliam

John, having always been interested in music, took his B.A. in music from a small Montana private college in 1980.  He went on to obtain his J.D. from the University of Montana in 1991.  John has 15 years litigation experience, including extensive experience in appeals to the Montana Supreme Court and the Federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  In addition to litigation, John’s general practice has included State and Federal criminal defense, family law, business organizations, litigation and dispute resolution, real estate transactions and litigation, Indian law and estate planning. He has recent experience in Texas district and appellate courts, as well as in Federal courts, including the Federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

John now serves in an “Of Counsel” capacity to the law firm, while serving his own clients through John H. Gilliam Law Office.  John brings a unique skill set to the law firm.

John has been a performing singer/songwriter here in Texas since 2004.  He is currently an officer for Cheatham Street Music Foundation, a performing arts nonprofit.  He is a published songwriter, and has been affiliated with ASCAP since 2001.

Bar Admissions
Montana, 1991
Texas, 2005
U.S. District Court District of Montana, 1991
U.S. District Court Western District of Texas, 2006
U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 2008

Education
University of Montana School of Law, Missoula, Montana, 1991
J.D.
University of Montana School of Law, Missoula, Montana, 1993
Advanced Trial Advocacy
Rocky Mountain College, Billings, Montana, 1980
B.A.Major: Music
Computer Programming Helena Vo-Tec Helena, Montana, 1983

Professional Associations, Memberships and Charitable Activities:
State Bar of Texas, Real Estate, Probate and Trust Section
Austin Songwriters Group, 2003 – 2007
Board member Cheatham Street Music Foundation, 2005 Officer

Past Employment Positions
Moster & Wynne, P.C., Austin, Texas, Senior Counsel, 2005 – 2007
Skjelset, Gilliam & Geer, P.L.L.P, Missoula, Montana, Managing Partner, 2000 – 2001
Skjelset & Gilliam, P.L.L.P., Missoula, Montana, Managing Partner, 1997 – 2000
Skjelset Law Office, Missoula, Montana, Associate Attorney, 1995 – 1997
Howard Toole Law Offices, Missoula, Montana, Associate Attorney, 1993 – 1994
Dorsey & Whitney, P.C, Great Falls, Montana, Staff Attorney, 1991 – 1992
Connell, Beers & Alterowitz, Missoula, Montana, Legal Intern, 1989 – 1991