About John
John is an associate in the firm’s Nashville office and practices in the General Commercial Litigation group. John defends clients in state and federal courts in a variety of cases involving catastrophic personal injuries, pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, premises liability, employment claims and mechanical equipment. He also has handled general insurance defense, the defense of electrical cooperatives throughout the state of Tennessee and the defense of numerous Tennessee counties.
In addition to his defense work, John has represented plaintiffs in personal injury and products liability actions, claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), claims for wrongful termination and claims in breach of contract cases. He also represents artists, producers and managers in the entertainment industry in contract and intellectual property disputes. Additionally, John was actively involved in the successful representation of 14 Tennessee counties in the case of Lane, et al. v. State of Tennessee, et al., a claim brought under the ADA. John was instrumental in defeating the plaintiffs’ attempt to certify a class of approximately 250,000 individuals against the State of Tennessee and 25 Tennessee counties in a case alleging that Tennessee’s courthouses did not comply with the ADA.
Representative Experience
Numerous financial institutions in litigation related to mortgages, easements and liens
Insurance company in suit asserting bad faith in resolving claims
Liquidator of bankrupt company in auditing malpractice case
Numerous electric cooperatives in a variety of matters including personal injury, electrical contact, property damage and employment claims
Numerous insureds in a variety of personal injury liability claims
Grammy award winning producer in copyright litigation
Bankruptcy estate to recover funds deposited in a Tennessee Chancery Court
Apartment complexes who were overcharged for water consumption by a utility based on an improper rate classification under a municipal code
Medical device manufacturer in products liability case in which the plaintiff’s claims were dismissed on summary judgment
Manufacturer in land use case in which case was dismissed on directed verdict in favor of manufacturer
Insurance company in Wausau Ins. Co. v. Dorsett, 172 S.W.3d 538 (Tenn. Sup. Ct. 2005), which established that the statutory “Maximum Total Benefit” of 400 Weeks applied to temporary total disability benefits in workers’ compensation case
Church and individual church members in malicious prosecution case filed by the church’s former pastor which was dismissed on summary judgment
14 Tennessee counties in Lane, et al. v. State of Tennessee, et al., United States District Court, Middle District of Tennessee, Docket No. 3:98-CV-0731, in which plaintiffs’ motion for certification of a class containing approximately 250,000 individuals was denied in case asserting that Tennessee’s courthouses did not comply with the ADA
Speaking Engagements
What is your favorite thing about the law?
I really enjoy getting to know my clients, learning their goals, their businesses, and how they operate. A big reward for me in practicing law is the sense of accomplishment when the client’s goals are met.
What was your first job?
I worked the graveyard shift at the Circle K convenience store on Belmont Boulevard.
What are your hobbies?
Exercise, music, movies, and reading. Also, I try to get to the beach as much as possible.
What advice would you give to a young student in law school?
In practicing law, always, always, always do your best. You owe it to your client, and you never know who is watching.
What is your favorite lawyer joke?
I love the “Disorder in the Court” jokes that are said to be taken from actual transcripts. I can see many of those statements actually being made.
How do you define a “good day”?
One where I’m still smiling at the end of it.
How do you spend your weekend?
I try not to plan my weekends. We do enough of that during the work week. However, I try to get outside in the sunshine as much as possible.