John’s practice concentrates on complex business litigation. He regularly appears in state and federal courts for U.S. and foreign clients on matters involving stock ownership and corporate control, corporate acquisition litigation, breach-of-contract cases, and patent litigation.
Education
- Harvard Law School JD, cum laude (1972)
- England Fulbright Scholar (1968-1969)
- Amherst College BA, magna cum laude (1968)
- University College, University of London MA (1969)
Bar Admissions
- Massachusetts
- U.S. District Court for Massachusetts
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- U.S. Supreme Court
Affiliations
- Massachusetts Judicial Nominating Commission, former member
- Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers, former chair
- American Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association
- Massachusetts Bar Association
- Worcester County Bar Association
Awards & Recognitions
- AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating available for legal ability and professional ethics.
- Included in The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation (2025); recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® since 1994.
- Named one of the “Top 100 Massachusetts Super Lawyers” by Boston magazine and Law & Politics (2009-2010)
- Named one of Massachusetts “Super Lawyers®” by Boston magazine and Law & Politics (2004-present); New England’s “Super Lawyers®” (2007, 2008)
- Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® in the field of Commercial Litigation (2022). First listed in 1993.
Articles & Speaking Engagements
- Massachusetts Superior Court Civil Practice Jury Instructions (MCLE 1998)(co-editor)
- “Discovery and Trial Preparation,” in Chapter 93A Rights and Remedies (MCLE 2002)
- “Selecting and Retaining Experts,” in Massachusetts Expert Witnesses (MCLE 2002)
- “Drafting Simple Wills and Trust Clauses,” Massachusetts Basic Practice Manual (MCLE, 2008 to present)(co-author)
- “Litigation,” in Due Diligence in Massachusetts (MCLE 2000)
- “Jury Issues,” in Massachusetts Superior Court Civil Practice Manual (1997)
SJC Upholds MBTA Communities Act MBTA Communities Act Mandating Multifamily Zoning
January 8, 2025 | Articles
Affordable Homes Act Expands Housing Options
August 16, 2024 | Articles
David Surprenant Named the Best Lawyers® 2025 Business Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Worcester; 18 Mirick Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in 2025 Edition of Best Lawyers® and 6 Selected for Ones to Watch in America®
August 15, 2024 | In The News
24 Mirick O’Connell Attorneys Named to 2025 Best Lawyers® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch List
August 15, 2024 | In The News
Supreme Court Decision Addresses When Government Officials May Block Social Media Users
March 19, 2024 | Articles
28 Mirick Attorneys Named to 2023 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List
October 12, 2023 | In The News
25 Mirick Attorneys Recognized as 2023 Best Lawyers® and Ones to Watch™
August 18, 2023 | In The News
