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      Varghese Summersett Background

      J. Turner Thornton

      Published:
      Updated:
      Author: Benson Varghese
      Reading Time: 5 min read

      J. Turner Thornton

      Partner

      Turner Thornton is a highly-regarded Fort Worth family law attorney who leads Varghese Summersett’s Family Law Division. A skilled negotiator, experienced litigator, and licensed mediator, Turner has successfully guided hundreds of individuals and families through their most tumultuous times.

      Divorce, child custody disputes, and property division are among the most contentious and complex cases in the legal system. Turner understands the intricacies and complexities involved in family law and works strategically to find and implement the best solution for each client. While many cases are resolved through mediation, others require an aggressive courtroom battle. Turner is skilled in all aspects of case resolution and treats every person who walks through his door with honesty, professionalism and compassion.

      In addition to being a highly adept lawyer, Turner is also a family man with deep ties to the community. He was born and raised in North Texas along with his older sister, Katie. He attended Martin High School in Arlington. After high school, Turner attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated in 2009. Afterward, he returned to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex to attend Texas A&M University School of Law (formerly Texas Wesleyan University). There, he obtained his law degree and also met his future wife, Alex – who is a defense attorney at Varghese Summersett. Turner and Alex have two young children. They are also the proud parents of two dachshunds, Clifford and Annie.

      Fun Fact: In 2015, Turner appeared on the game show, Celebrity Name Game — and won.

      Education

      • Texas A & M University School of Law (formerly Texas Wesleyan School of Law), Juris Doctor, 2012
      • University of Texas at Austin, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Minor in Business, 2009

      Practice Areas

      • Mediation
      • High Net Worth Divorce
      • Contested and Uncontested Divorce
      • Child Custody, Support, and Modification
      • Property and Asset Division
      • Enforcement of Existing Orders
      • Father’s Rights
      • Grandparent’s Rights
      • Prenuptial Agreements
      • Postnuptial Agreements

      Honors, Awards & Accolades

      • Licensed Mediator
      • Recognized by Best Lawyers in America for Family Law , 2024
      • Texas A&M Law Alumni Legacy Award Recipient, Private Practice Achievement Award, 2024
      • Elected Board Member, Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association, 2023
      • Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2023, 2024
      • Top Attorney, Southlake Style, 2024
      • Top Attorney, Fort Worth Magazine, 2015 – Present
      • Top Attorney, 360 West Magazine, 2017 – Present
      • Top Attorney, 76107 Magazine, 2019, 2020

      Memberships

      • Board Member, Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association
      • Member, Texas Bar College
      • Member, Tarrant County Bar Association – Family Law Section
      • Member, Fort Worth-Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association
      • Member, State Bar of Texas
      • Member, State Bar of Texas Family Law Section
      • Member, Tarrant County Family Bar Association
      • Member, Tarrant County Bar Association

      Bar Admissions

        • State Bar of Texas
        • U.S. Supreme Court

      Benson Varghese is the founder and managing partner of Varghese Summersett, where he has built a distinguished career championing the underdog in personal injury, wrongful death, and criminal defense cases. With over 100 jury trials in Texas state and federal courts, he brings exceptional courtroom experience and a proven record with Texas juries to every case.

      Under his leadership, Varghese Summersett has grown into a powerhouse firm with dedicated teams across three core practice areas: criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. Beyond his legal practice, Benson is recognized as a legal tech entrepreneur as the founder of Lawft and a thought leader in legal technology.

      Benson is also the author of Tapped In, the definitive guide to law firm growth that has become essential reading for attorneys looking to scale their practices.

      Benson serves as an adjunct faculty at Baylor Law School.

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