After more than four decades in the courtroom, John still finds trial work to be the most compelling and meaningful part of practicing law.
A natural advocate who thrives in front of judges and juries, John brings a sharp courtroom presence, a deep understanding of human dynamics, and a strong commitment to defending individuals and institutions facing high-stakes civil litigation.
Throughout his career, John has focused on representing real people and real institutions—particularly those insured by national and regional carriers—in matters that touch on both legal and social complexity. His practice centers on the defense of personal injury, employment, professional liability, and product liability claims, with a particular emphasis in recent years on litigation involving churches and religious organizations. In these matters, John has navigated sensitive allegations and complex church-state issues with discretion, diligence, and a clear eye toward resolution.
John’s clients have included public housing authorities, religious institutions, long-term care providers, product manufacturers, and professionals across industries. He also represents insurers directly in coverage and bad faith matters. Whether helping clients manage the pressures of high-exposure litigation or addressing the systemic concerns that keep risk managers and in-house counsel up at night, John brings strategic clarity and a calming, confident presence to every stage of the litigation process.
With more than 75 trials and 30 appeals to his name, John is known for his exceptional writing, measured advocacy, and ability to manage the demands of long and complex litigation. Clients value his judgment, his honesty, and his instinct for when to push and when to find the off-ramp. Above all, John is trusted by clients who want a steady, skilled, and strategic defense—especially when the stakes are personal.
Defamation and Mismanagement Claims Against Church Officials Dismissed on Constitutional Grounds
Defended a church, its pastor, and lay moderator against defamation and other claims arising from the plaintiff’s removal from church leadership amid financial misconduct allegations. Summary judgment was granted in favor of all defendants. David v. South Congregational Church, Docket No. 2079cv00513 (Hampden Sup. Ct. 2022).
Ordained Minister’s Wrongful Termination Suit Dismissed Under Ministerial Exception
Secured dismissal of wrongful termination claims brought by a former minister against a regional church organization. The court granted a motion to dismiss based on the First Amendment’s ministerial exception doctrine. Gackenheimer v. Southern New England Conference, et al., Docket No. X06-UWY-CV-22-6070183-S (Waterbury Conn. Sup. Ct. 2023).
Termination of Housing Benefits Upheld for Violent Conduct
Successfully defended a public housing authority in a case involving the termination of benefits due to violent criminal activity. The summary judgment in favor of the authority was affirmed on appeal. Wojcik v. Melrose Housing Authority, 97 Mass. App. Ct. 1112 (2020).
First Circuit Reverses in Favor of Liability Insurer in Inter-Carrier Coverage Dispute
Won reversal of a lower court’s ruling in a case involving a catastrophic auto accident and conflicting coverage claims between two insurers. The First Circuit found in favor of the client insurer. Specialty Nat’l Ins. Co. v. OneBeacon Ins. Co., 486 F.3d 727 (1st Cir. 2007).
Jury Finds for Pacemaker Manufacturer in High-Stakes Product Liability Trial
Successfully defended the world’s largest manufacturer of pacemakers in a federal product liability case involving serious personal injuries. Plaintiff alleged that a pacemaker malfunction caused him to lose consciousness while driving, leading to a major car accident. After a week-long trial, the jury found that the device had not malfunctioned and returned a defense verdict. Horton v. Medtronic, Inc., Docket No. 98-cv-40213-CBS (D. Mass. 2000).
$3 Million Commercial Lease Dispute Win for Landlord Affirmed on Appeal
Tried a commercial leasing dispute to verdict, securing judgment in favor of the landlord on all tenant claims, along with a $3 million award on counterclaims. Affirmed on appeal. Permabit Technology Corp. v. 25 First Street LLC, 83 Mass. App. Ct. 1131 (2013).
Independent Contractor Exclusions Upheld in Favor of Insurers
Represented Lloyd’s syndicates in two high-stakes cases involving the application of “independent contractor” exclusions in CGL policies. Secured summary judgments of non-coverage in both matters, upheld on appeal. Certain Interested Underwriters at Lloyd’s, London v. Stolberg, 680 F.3d 61 (1st Cir. 2012), and Cable Mills, LLC v. Coakley Pierpan Dolan & Collins Ins. Agency, Inc., 82 Mass. App. Ct. 415, 974 N.E.2d 1134 (2012).
Civil Rights Case Over Housing Trust Disbursement Reversed on Appeal
Defended a housing authority at trial in a case involving the termination of benefits tied to disbursements from a supplemental needs trust. Although judgment was initially granted for the authority, the First Circuit reversed on appeal. DeCambre v. Brookline Housing Authority, 95 F.Supp.3d 35 (D. Mass. 2015), rev’d, 826 F.3d 1 (1st Cir. 2016), cert. denied, 137 S. Ct. 813 (2017).
Housing Authority Prevails in Drug Trafficking Termination Case
Obtained summary judgment for a public housing authority in a Section 1983 action arising from the termination of federal housing benefits for drug-related activity. Nalubega v. Cambridge Housing Authority, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 146194 (D. Mass. 2013).
D&O Insurance Class Action Resolved in Multi-Carrier Mediation
Represented a commercial D&O insurer in a complex class action securities fraud case, which settled in the mid-eight-figure range following protracted mediation among carriers, insureds, and plaintiffs.
Product Manufacturer Minimizes Exposure in Major Fire Case
Represented a home appliance manufacturer in a catastrophic fire case, resolving the matter for less than 3% of a $15 million multi-party settlement.
Low Settlement in Multi-Death Fire Case Following Mock Trial
Secured a favorable settlement—less than 3% of the mock trial verdict—for a home appliance manufacturer in a case involving multiple fatalities.
Fire Alarm Installer Resolves Fatal Fire Claim at Minimal Cost
Represented a fire alarm installer in a multi-death fire case; client paid approximately 4% of a total settlement exceeding $12 million.
Massachusetts Appeals Court Reverses in Rare UCC Article 6 Case
Successfully litigated the only reported Massachusetts case on “bulk sales” under Article 6 of the UCC. The appellate court reversed the trial judge’s directed verdict denial and dismissed the case. Key Capital Corp. v. M & S Liquidating Corp., 27 Mass. App. Ct. 721, 542 N.E.2d 603 (1989).
Termination for Non-Violent Criminal Activity Upheld by SJC
Represented a housing authority in a case affirming the termination of housing assistance for non-violent criminal activity. Decision affirmed by the Supreme Judicial Court. Costa v. Fall River Housing Authority, 453 Mass. 614 (2009).
Defense of Housing Authorities Across a Broad Range of Claims
Defended numerous public housing authorities in litigation involving discrimination, wrongful termination, negligent security, mold, lead paint, and police misconduct. Notable cases include Rodriguez v. Cambridge Housing Authority, 59 Mass. App. Ct. 127, 795 N.E.2d 1 (2003), aff’d, 443 Mass. 697, 823 N.E.2d 1249 (2005), and LaGrant v. Boston Housing Authority, 26 Mass. App. Ct. 905, 522 N.E.2d 1001 (1988), aff’d, 403 Mass. 328, 530 N.E.2d 149 (1988).
Defense of Churches and Religious Institutions in Sensitive Civil Litigation
Represented churches and religious institutions in clergy misconduct, wrongful termination, discrimination, negligent security, and financial mismanagement claims. Also defended insurers in consolidated clergy abuse coverage litigation.
Decades of Experience Defending Asbestos and Toxic Tort Claims
Defended construction product manufacturers and shipyards in asbestos litigation in Massachusetts courts for more than 25 years, securing favorable settlements, cost-effective discovery, and preservation of policy limits.
U.S. Supreme Court Amicus Brief
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- Submitted at request of national counsel for public housing authorities an amicus curiae brief in support of a petition for certiorari in the United States Supreme Court, seeking review of a California Supreme Court judgment interpreting eligibility criteria for a federal housing subsidy program. Marin Housing Authority v. Reilly, 23 Cal. App. 5th 425, 232 Cal.Rptr.3d 789 (2018) , rev’d 10 Cal.5th 583, 472 P.3d 472 (2020), cert. denied, 142 S. Ct. 706 (2021).
Education
- JD, Catholic University of America, 1981
- BA, Bates College, 1974
Bar Admissions
- Massachusetts
- District of Columbia
- US District Court for the District of Massachusetts
- US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
- US Supreme Court
Experience recognized
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers, 2020-2021
- American Bar Association
- Massachusetts Bar Association, Arbitration Board (2005 – present) (arbitrating fee disputes between lawyers and their clients)
- Boston Bar Association
- Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association
- Defense Research Institute
- Failure-to-warn claim to proceed against medical device maker, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (July 23, 2021, Quoted)
- Safer’ design is required for products case, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (April 30, 2021, Quoted)