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Meet Jonathan
After more than two decades practicing law, Attorney Jonathan Marks knows what you’re going through – and he starts problem-solving the moment you begin explaining your situation. His philosophy is simple: If you know exactly what to expect, your divorce process will go more smoothly than it would if you were always waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop.
But what really sets Jonathan apart from other attorneys is his “Why.” He began focusing solely on family law in 1998 because it allowed him to make an immediate, positive difference in his clients’ lives. From divorce issues such as child custody and support to complex financial matters related to spousal support, valuation of closely held businesses, the division of real estate, securities, retirement accounts, and business interests, Jonathan finds solutions that help set his clients up for future success. Jonathan uses his wide range of abilities, including alternative dispute resolution and trial skills, to relentlessly pursue what’s best for his clients and their families.
Jonathan D. Marks
Family Law Attorney
To be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers means being elevated to the highest level of distinction and providing the highest quality of family law services you can find. Lawyers who have earned the right to be called a Fellow of the AAML have demonstrated unparalleled expertise and professionalism you would expect to experience from a lawyer of this caliber. AAML lawyers are recognized as the most qualified and excellent family lawyers in the United States.
Fellowship of the International Academy of Family Lawyers is by invitation only. The criteria to become a Fellow of the IAFL are rigorous, but achievable for those with significant expertise in their own jurisdiction and experience of international family law such as representing clients in extensive Hague Convention proceedings in the Federal District Court and Federal Court of Appeals.
Established in 1983, The Best Lawyers in AmericaⓇ has steadfastly committed to its rigorous peer-review process for over four decades. Despite significant expansion in scope and scale, the fundamental objective of showcasing America's premier legal professionals has remained unchanged. In its latest edition for 2024, Best Lawyers acknowledges attorney Jonathan Marks again, underscoring his prowess in trial and negotiation, proficiency in mediation and appellate practice, and unwavering dedication to consistently achieving favorable client outcomes.
Super Lawyer is a distinguished honor and title bestowed on attorneys nationwide with the highest standards and accomplishments in their specialties. A Super Lawyer has earned the respect of the public and their peers, as indicated by the title. In addition to receiving the admiration of their peers who nominated them for this award, they are recognized for having successfully represented their clients. They have done a super job of representing the legal profession, and this title is a reward for their dedication. Attorney Jonathan Marks is recognized as one of the top 50 legal professionals in the St. Louis area by Super Lawyers, an excellent honor speaking to his expertise and client devotion.
In 1887, Martindale-Hubbell created this peer-review system for fellow lawyers, where attorneys can be reviewed by other attorneys. Before you can receive a peer-review rating, you must first be evaluated for the “V” part of the rating. If you’re endorsed with a “V” (meaning “very high”), it means you’ve followed the professional rules of conduct and ethics. After this endorsement, you’re given an A, B, or C rating. AV Rating or AV Preeminent is the highest rating you can get in the peer-review process. If you receive an AV rating, it means you’ve been recognized for having high levels of integrity and skill.
JONATHAN IS ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY REGARDED DIVORCE AND CHILD CUSTODY LAWYERS IN THE ST. LOUIS METROPOLITAN AREA, KNOWN FOR HIS TRIAL AND NEGOTIATION SKILLS, AS WELL AS HIS YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN FAMILY LAW MEDIATION AND APPELLATE PRACTICE.
Persistent Preparedness, Attention to Detail and a Huge Repository of Information
When Jonathan’s clients, colleagues and friends describe him, they use words like prepared, empathetic, loyal and hardworking. He’s known for retaining and quickly accessing information on a wide range of subjects, which certainly comes in handy during trials. He’s the kind of divorce lawyer who actually cares about his clients beyond the resolution of their cases; he takes the time to ensure each of his clients is on the path to the best possible outcome.
What Makes Jonathan “Tick” as an Attorney
You’ll walk out of your first meeting with Jonathan understanding all the basics, including how long your divorce is likely to take, what you can do to make things run more smoothly, and what kind of outcome you can expect. He’ll set a pragmatic timeline of events to give you the peace of mind you need right now, communicate with you and earn your trust, and be there when you need him – that’s why people don’t hesitate to refer their friends, family and colleagues. He makes it a point to give clients all the information they need to make the right choices for their futures.
On the rare occasions he’s not working on a case or in court, he’s meeting with clients, mediating cases, addressing client needs and staying up-to-date on case law. Otherwise, you may find him cheering on his son at a wrestling meet, helping his daughter build her fashion career, playing pickleball, practicing yoga and mindfulness, or spending quality time with his wife. You might also catch him rooting for the St. Louis Blues or Cardinals, attending Mizzou football and basketball games, or getting caught up in a Star Wars or James Bond movie.
Attorney Jonathan Marks: Education, Credentials and Awards
Jonathan earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree with honors from the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Journalism in 1993. Jonathan remained at the School of Journalism to work on his master’s degree in journalism when he dual enrolled in law school. Jonathan earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 1997, where he also earned the distinction of receiving the CALI Excellence, Future Award in the study of mediation and the CALI Excellence, Future Award in the study of communication law. He’s received the following honors:
- Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML)
- Fellow, International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL)
- Board Certified, Family Trial Law Advocate, by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA)
- The Best Lawyers in America 2023 Family Law Lawyer of the Year for St. Louis
- The Best Lawyers in America (2016 to present)
- Super Lawyers (2013 to present)
- The Nation’s TOP ONE Percent (2015 to present)
- AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated (2013 to present)
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2008 through 2011)
- Missouri’s Up & Coming Lawyers by Missouri Lawyers Weekly (2008)
Jonathan is a member of:
- Missouri Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
- St. Louis County Bar Association
- St. Charles County Bar Association
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- Missouri, 1998
- Illinois, 1999
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Missouri, 1998
- U.S. District Court Western District of Missouri, 1998
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Illinois, 2003
- U.S. District Court Central District of Illinois, 2003
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 2003
- U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 2000