For James L. Williams, the practice of law has always been more than a profession. Rooted in his Christian faith, it is a calling to pursue justice, serve others and use his professional talents for a greater purpose.
That conviction will now help shape the future of legal education at Grand Canyon University (GCU).
GCU has named Williams, an accomplished Phoenix attorney and longtime Christian leader, as the inaugural dean of its new College of Law. Williams will oversee the development of a law school that combines rigorous academic instruction with a distinctly Christian worldview, preparing students to excel in the legal profession while embracing their responsibility to serve others and positively impact their communities.
“We are grateful James answered the calling to serve as the inaugural dean of the College of Law,” said GCU President Brian Mueller. “There are many accomplished attorneys who understand the law. What makes James uniquely suited for this role is the way he brings together legal excellence, a passion for teaching and mentoring, and a deeply rooted Christian faith.”
Mueller emphasized that the university intends to establish a law school distinguished by both academic excellence and a strong sense of purpose.
“We are not simply building another law school. We have an opportunity to rethink what legal education can look like when academic excellence, Christian worldview principles and free market thinking are joined with a strong sense of purpose,” Mueller said. “We want to develop attorneys who pursue truth and justice, serve others with integrity and understand the tremendous responsibility that comes with the influence they will have in their communities. James understands that vision because he has lived it throughout his career.”
Williams, a graduate of Baylor University School of Law, is an attorney and shareholder at the Phoenix law firm Schmitt Schneck Even & Williams. He also serves as president of the Phoenix chapter of the Christian Legal Society and has been a member of its board for the past decade.
He said the opportunity to build a law school from the ground up, combined with Mueller’s vision to create something that is “not simply another law school,” made the position particularly appealing.
“Starting from the ground up gives us the opportunity to be very intentional about the kind of law school we want to become and, more importantly, the kind of lawyers we want to develop,” Williams said. “GCU students will be challenged academically, prepared professionally and encouraged to think deeply about the purpose of their work and the responsibility they have to serve others. I am confident this is a work God has begun in and through GCU, and that He will be faithful to complete it.”
A New Chapter for Grand Canyon University
Williams’ appointment represents a major milestone in GCU’s plans to establish its 12th college and expand educational opportunities in a profession that plays a vital role in Arizona and across the nation.
The College of Law could welcome its inaugural class as early as fall 2027, pending required regulatory approvals.
The College of Law could welcome its first class as early as fall 2027, subject to required regulatory approvals. GCU is pursuing the necessary approvals through the Supreme Court of Arizona, Higher Learning Commission and Arizona Board for Private Postsecondary Education, and then will seek accreditation through the American Bar Association, a separate multiyear process.
If authorized by the Supreme Court of Arizona, graduates of GCU’s College of Law who meet applicable requirements would be eligible to seek admission to practice law in Arizona. Upon ultimately achieving ABA accreditation, GCU would become the third ABA-accredited law school in Arizona, joining Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.
A Career Built on Legal Excellence and Mentorship
Williams brings 18 years of experience practicing law in Arizona, along with an extensive record of mentoring young attorneys and preparing law students for successful careers.
His commitment to legal education includes years of volunteer service with Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law mock trial competition program, where he helped students develop courtroom skills and prepare for the demands of legal practice.
Among those students was Justin Larson, who participated in the program from 2017 to 2019 and now serves as an assistant attorney general for the State of Colorado.
“Despite being a volunteer position that James took on while managing his own successful law practice, I was immediately inspired by the tremendous amount of time, effort and passion he put into teaching us the art of practicing law and getting the program off the ground,” Larson said.
“Since that time, James has continued to serve as an indispensable mentor and friend to me and many other young lawyers, and I owe a great deal of my success to his thoughtful guidance. To my mind, James is an obvious choice for this position, and words cannot convey how happy I am to know that James will continue to play a pivotal role in training future generations of young lawyers.”
Integrating Faith, Justice and Service
Williams’ dedication to integrating Christian principles with the practice of law extends well beyond his professional responsibilities.
In addition to his leadership with the Christian Legal Society, he serves as an elder and worship leader at New City Church in Phoenix.
These experiences have strengthened his belief that Christian attorneys have an important responsibility to uphold truth, pursue justice and defend the rule of law.
“The law touches virtually every part of our society, which means attorneys have an extraordinary opportunity – and responsibility – to influence the culture around them,” Williams said.
“My hope is that GCU will develop lawyers who are exceptional advocates and legal thinkers, but also men and women of courage, humility, integrity and faith who understand that their profession is ultimately about serving people. If we can send graduates into courtrooms, businesses, government agencies and communities with that mindset, the impact can extend far beyond the practice of law. That is the kind of law school we intend to build.”
“I have been privileged and honored to practice law with James Williams for the past 18 years,” stated Mark Schmitt, Director, Schmitt Schneck Even & Williams, P.C. “James is a Godly man with great integrity and is an exceptionally skilled lawyer. He has willingly given of his time and knowledge to help other practicing lawyers as well as law students. In my opinion, GCU’s College of Law could not have picked a better person to be its first dean.”
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