John focuses his practice on all aspects of family law including divorce, custody, support, removal, modification, and contempt actions. He represents high net-worth clients, executives, and wage earners. These types of matters can often be contentious and emotional for families. With over 35 years’ experience in litigation, he has tried cases in the Probate and Family Court, District Court, Housing Court, and Superior Court. He has tried contested divorce and custody matters along with probate matters, including contested wills and equity matters and probate accountings; and has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation including jury trials.
John is a strong advocate for his clients. However, he also knows that most case should resolve prior to trial. Having practiced in Worcester all of his career, John is well known and highly respected in the local courts. Prior to joining Mirick, John was Managing Partner at Lian, Zarrow, Eynon, Shea & Spofford.
John’s clients appreciate his calming demeanor and straight-forward approach. He is able to help navigate his clients through the court system and provide practical advice and resolutions in the best interest of this clients. His pragmatic approach helps his clients reach the desired end.
John recognizes the value of Alternative Dispute Resolution. He is trained as a divorce mediator and Conciliator. He has been mediating Family Law cases for over 20 years. With Mediation the parties retain control over the outcome of their dispute. Mediation is a more economical way to get through a Family Law dispute. He is also trained as a Conciliator. He has served as a Conciliator for the Worcester Probate and Family Court through the Worcester County Bar Association since the inception of the program.
- Boston University School of Law JD
- Assumption College BA, cum laude
- Massachusetts
- U.S. District Court for Massachusetts
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Community Healthlink, Inc., Board of Directors, Chair; Finance Committee, Chair
- UMass Memorial Health, Trustee; Finance Committee member
- Worcester County Bar Association, Finance Committee, Chair; Family Law Section; and Executive Committee
- Pernet Family Health, Board of Directors
- Webster Five, Corporator
- Ancient Order of the Hibernians
- Thomas More Society of Worcester County, Board of Directors
- First Friday Club
- United Way of Central Massachusetts, Finance Committee
- Worcester County Bar Association’s Saint Thomas More Society Award for Distinguished Attorney; President’s Award
- Massachusetts Bar Association’s Community Service Award
- Named one of Massachusetts “Super Lawyers” by Boston magazine and Law & Politics (2004 and 2011-2013)
- ” How to Get an Abuse Prevention Order in the State of Massachusetts,” The Divorce Hour with Ilyssa Panitz podcast (October 19, 2024) (Guest)
- “How to Get Financial Support During a Divorce,” The Divorce Hour with Ilyssa Panitz podcast (July 30, 2024) (guest)
- “Does Relocating to a New State with The Kids Impact Child and Spousal Support,” The Divorce Hour with Ilyssa Panitz podcast (August 30, 2023) (guest)
- Quoted in “What Is Mediation in Divorce?,” The Balance, January 6, 2023
- “Mediation in Divorce Cases,” On Air with Mirick O’Connell legal podcast, August 17, 2020
- “Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements,” On Air with Mirick O’Connell legal podcast, July 29, 2020