Education:
In 1980, John Curtin graduated from Lawrence University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. While attending Lawrence, he received the prestigious National Merit Scholarship which requires PSAT/SAT scores in the top .5% of the nation. While in college, John worked summers in a paper mill, and maintained his interest in writing by editing the college literary magazine. Following graduation, John became a drug and alcohol counselor for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.

John says, “I think my training in psychology has actually served me pretty well. A lawyer sees people in conditions of stress, bereavement, grief and emotional pain. It is important to be able to recognize and respond to this, as well as communicate it to others.”

In 1984, John was admitted to one of the top twenty law schools in the United States, the University of Wisconsin. While there, he represented the school in moot court competitions and was chosen by his classmates to give the commencement address. He graduated with honors in 1987.

Bar Admissions:
Arizona 1987
US District Court (Arizona) 1987
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals 1999
Wisconsin 1987 (inactive)

Community Involvement:
John is a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, where he has been a lector and member of the parish council. He volunteers his time at André House and St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchens.

Personal:
John grew up in the small town of Algoma, Wisconsin, where his father was an attorney in solo practice, until he was elected a judge. “While it wasn’t always easy being the county judge’s son, I was always very proud of my dad. I admire him greatly. Even today, I think of myself as honored to practice my father’s profession.”

John is married and has two children. His wife, Victoria, is also an attorney. “We’re the only couple I know that has a home copy of the Rules of Civil Procedure,” John jokes. In his spare time, John loves to cook, camp, read, and write fiction.