Testimonials and Biographical Information
Testimonials
"John was extremely valuable in helping me make the right decisions about the growth of my law firm. His invaluable experience in working with so many different people made it easy for him to assist me in choosing the right lawyer for my firm. He was very accessible and easy to work with. I would highly recommend him."
Lynn A. Johnson, Esq., Lynn Johnson Law Office, Slayton, MN
"John provided sound and valuable advice during a challenging career transition. His perspective is particularly broad because he has practiced both in-house and with firms."
PB in San Francisco
“The Negotiation Seminar was excellent, and it was unusual to find a negotiation course geared to litigators. John’s skill and experience provided many concrete and practical examples to illustrate his points. The materials were helpful and well organized, and the participants all enjoyed gaining an appreciation for different styles and thought processes favored by different people. Highly recommended.”
Katherine L. Rhyne, Esq., King & Spalding Partner
“John provides concrete examples of effective and ineffective techniques as well as hands-on practice. John’s credibility and experience make this program particularly effective.”
Cynthia AM Stroman, Esq., King & Spalding Partner
“John is an experienced and talented instructor. He is clearly knowledgeable about the subject matter, and communicates his unique tips in an effective and memorable manner.”
Stephanie L. Salek, Esq., King & Spalding Associate
Biographical Information
At 3M Company, John had overall responsibility for the litigation managed by
the Office of General Counsel worldwide. He redesigned 3M’s processes for
managing litigation and for selecting and retaining outside counsel. He was instrumental on several occasions in the company’s successful resolution of mass tort, class action and other complex litigation. He frequently
participated in mediations as the company representative and personally
negotiated settlements of thousands of claims and lawsuits with lawyers from
all over the country. John also was legal counsel for several corporate staff
groups and advised senior executive management on effective strategies for
handling a number of challenging issues. He served on the Office of General
Counsel Management Committee and was the primary supervisor and coach
for several lawyers and other legal professionals, and particularly enjoyed
his coaching and mentoring role.
Before joining 3M, John was a law firm partner in Seattle with an active trial and litigation practice in state and federal court. He served as managing partner and as the Executive Committee member responsible for leading the firm’s efforts in marketing and practice development. He chaired a committee of the ABA’s Tort and Insurance Practice Section and served as a Bar Examiner for the Washington State Bar Association. While practicing in Seattle, John decided many cases as an Arbitrator and Judge Pro Tempore of the King County (Washington) Superior Court and was also a Judge Pro Tempore of the Seattle Municipal Court.
John is a frequent speaker at professional seminars. He received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and his law degree from the University of Washington.
View additional biographical information.
View a list of John’s seminar presentations and publications.
