Practice Areas
Business Law, Estate Planning, Trusts, Wills, Asset Protection, Probate, Real Estate, Emerging businesses & Start-ups, Private Equity, Internet Law
Philosophy & Experience
Prior to becoming an attorney, John Skabelund was an auditor and serial entrepreneur. Mr. Skabelund’s previous companies were in the real estate development, human resource consulting, and internet industries. His real world business experience, combined with his education, helps Mr. Skabelund understand the needs and pressures business owners face. This unique perspective allows him to address root causes to problems and develop innovative solutions.
Mr. Skabelund also knows firsthand the value and importance of proper estate and succession planning having had his mother and sister pass away. As an estate planner, he provides security and peace of mind to his clients by providing real solutions to families and business owners when death or disability occurs. In addition, he is often able to protect his clients’ assets from creditors as part of their estate or business plan. Many estate planning attorneys do not practice probate; the area of law concerning the administration of a person’s property after death. As a result of his probate experience, Mr. Skabelund is able to help his clients minimize the cost and time involved in taking care of a person’s estate. He understands personally the emotional and stressful toll a loved one’s death causes and helps relieve that stress and anxiety throughout the process.
Education
J.D. Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law, Arizona State University, 2011
Executive MBA,W.P.CareySchool of Business, Arizona State University, 2007
B.S. Accounting, Gore Schoolof Business, Westminster College, 2001
Professional Memberships and Activities
State Bar ofArizona- Member
Inn of Court, Sandra Day O’Connor Chapter - Member
J. Reuben Clark Law Society, Phoenix Chapter Board Member
J. Reuben Clark Law Society, International Media Committee Board Member
Central Arizona Estate Planning Council - Member
Boy Scouts of America– WEBELOS Cub Scout Den Leader
Publications & Presentations
Panelist, “Networking With Business Owners,” Young Pros, (September, 2007)
Are Non-Performers Killing Your Bottom Line?, Cited in Management of Innovation and Technology, 2006 IEEE International Conference 2006, June, 2006; 678 – 680, Volume 2.
Boost Your Bottom Line - Through Better People Management, American Management Association. November, 2005.
I Just Work Here: Creating a Front Line That Improves Your Bottom Line, The Receivables Report, November, 2005; 9 – 10; used by Professor Lynn Westbrook at the University of Texas-Austin – McCombs School of Business INF 387: Management Course Spring, 2006
“Ten Worst Mistakes in Sales & Marketing,” presented to the Arizona Small Business Association (June 14, 2005)
“How To Go From Good To Great!” Presented to the Arizona Small Business Association (May 10, 2005)
“How to Hire, Develop, & Retain Top Talent,” Presented to the Renaissance Executive Forum (April, 2005)
Hobbies and Interests
John and his wife, Sarah, are the proud parents of three boys and a girl ages 10 to 1. He is active in Boy Scouts of America, having received the Hall of Fame award from the Mesa District. He enjoys international travel, Finnish genealogy, and sports.