John serves the litigation needs of a wide range of business clients with particular focus on commercial disputes, business torts, intellectual property, securities, and real estate-related litigation.
John is an adjunct professor of litigation at the University of St. Thomas Law School.
Experience
- Obtained receivers and foreclosed on commercial real estate properties with values in excess of $100 million
- Prevailed on a summary judgment motion against telecom giant Sprint, leading to a Sprint buyout of John's client for over $300 million
- Won a $1.2 million arbitration award for client in a securities fraud case
- Defeated on summary judgment a claim against a tank car manufacturer in a case involving a train wreck
- Defeated a claim for $25 million brought by a terminated distributor to South China of electrical generation equipment
Publications
- Minnesota Courtroom Evidence Deskbook, Article 10, coauthor, 2008
Presentations
- "Don't Let Your Smart Devices Outsmart You," Gray Plant Mooty Litigation Roundtable, April 2009
- “Effective Depositions,” Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Seminar, cochair, April 2007
- “Rules of Engagement in the Deposition Room,” Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Seminar, cochair, November 2004
- “Representing the Deponent in Business Litigation,” The Sedona Conference on Complex Litigation, May 2002
- “Ethics in Discovery,” Minnesota Institute of Legal Education Seminar, March 2001
- “Taking Depositions,” Lorman Seminar, cochair, July 1999
- “Ethical Issues in Cyber Discovery,” Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Cyber Discovery Seminar, September 1998
Education
- University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., magna cum laude, 1980
Order of the Coif
Professional Activities
- State-certified mediator and arbitrator of commercial cases
- American Bar Association, Litigation section
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Hennepin County Bar Association
Honors and Distinctions
- “The Best Lawyers in America” Woodward/White, 2010-2011
- “Super Lawyer,” Minnesota Super Lawyers, 2005-2010
Community Involvement
- Hearts & Hammers, board member
- Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Finance Committee, trustee and member
- Volunteer Lawyers Network, volunteer attorney