With over 25 years of experience devoted to civil litigation, John has handled a wide variety of matters in state and federal courts, in arbitration, and before administrative tribunals. His current practice focuses on the defense of complex litigation, including commercial and consumer claims and class actions. Clients include companies from the following industries: financial services, health care, energy, manufacturing, retail, construction, and insurance.
Companies big and small turn to John for help with their most challenging litigation matters based on his depth of experience and proven track record. Whatever the issue, John has probably seen it before, and even if he hasn't, he and his team have the expertise and resources to solve it.
John began his career defending product liability and other personal injury claims in state and federal court and before the workers' compensation commission. His practice today concentrates on the defense of complex litigation including class actions, both in court and in arbitration. John also represents clients before administrative bodies, including with respect to public contract and licensing matters. Another practice focus for John is the area of construction litigation and suretyship. John has provided general counsel and claims representation to several surety and fidelity companies in Maine and in other New England states.
Recent Experience
- Representation of national mortgage lenders and servicers in defense of various claims arising out of challenges to affidavits and other documentation in residential foreclosure actions, including defense of class action in Maine federal court
- Defense of national manufacturer of electrical receptacles in class action in Maine state court, including successful opposition to motion to certify class
- Defense of health insurance companies in national subscriber class actions brought in Maine, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina
- Defense of health insurance companies in provider lawsuits, including class action in Maine state court
- Defense of gas additive manufacturer in class action in Maine state court, including successful opposition to motion to certify class
- Successful trial of claims against hydro generator arising from a dispute over timberland easements valued at $8.1 million
- Representation of client on successful administrative challenge to government award of water purification contract
- Representation of municipal client on successful defense of claims challenging multi-million dollar tax increment financing
Honors & Distinctions
John is listed in the
The Best Lawyers in America for commercial litigation, and maintains an AV® rating in
Martindale-Hubbell.
Professional Activities
Member, American Bar Association, Fidelity and Surety Law Committee
Member, Maine State Bar Association
Member, Cumberland County Bar Association
Former member (2006-2012), Fee Arbitration Commission of the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar
Publications
Maine Chapter of the ABA Payment Bond Manual (3rd ed. 2006)
The Surety's Liability for Bad Faith: Claims for Extra-Contractual Damages under the Payment Bond, 47 Me. L. Rev. 390 (1995).
Civic Activities
Maine School Administrative District 51 Board of Directors, Member 2000-2006, Chair 2002-2004
Foundation 51 Board of Directors, Member 2008-2011
Maine RipTide ASA Girls Fast Pitch Softball Team, Head Coach, 2008-2011