A seasoned litigator, John has earned a reputation as a formidable advocate who realistically evaluates his client’s case, needs and goals.
John is the co-leader of Phillips Lytle’s Business Litigation Practice Team. He has extensive experience in complex business disputes and commercial litigation, including class actions, shareholder and partner disputes, breach of fiduciary duty claims, contract disputes, business torts and fraud matters.
John represents a variety of companies and individuals—from large corporations to closely-held businesses, professional firms, not-for-profits and individuals. He serves clients in a variety of industries and professions, including health care, energy, legal, technology, finance, education, manufacturing, municipalities, charities and religious groups. John also practices in technology litigation, computer forensics, white collar and government investigations defense, and antitrust. He has extensive litigation experience in state and federal courts, both trial and appellate. John has been appointed by several courts in complex corporate and personal disputes requiring receiverships and fraud investigations. He also serves on the boards of several civic and charitable organizations.
Co-Presenter, “Navigating the Effects of a Business Dispute or Dissolution,” Phillips Lytle Breakfast Briefing Webinar, March 2023
Presenter, “Legal Ethics and Telecommuting,” 35th Annual Pharmaceutical/Chemical Patent Practice Update Webinar Series, New Jersey Intellectual Property Law Association, October 2021
“The Anatomy of a Workplace Fraud Case – Detection, Investigation, Remediation,” Webinar, Phillips Lytle, Dopkins & Company and Peter M. Vito & Associates, June 2021
Panelist, “Investigating and Remediating Workplace Fraud and Similar Business Disputes,” National Association of Credit Management (NACM) Virtual Legal Symposium, March 2021
Panelist, “Injunction Junction, Stop That Function! A Practitioner’s Guide to Rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,” Bar Association of Erie County, Federal Practice Committee, May 2019
Panelist, “Fraud Awareness: The First Step in Fraud Prevention – What’s Your Plan?” Dopkins & Company LLP, KeyBank and Phillips Lytle LLP Seminar, April 2015
Speaker, “The Litigator’s Considerations in Accessing ADR,” “Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Commercial Division,” Erie Institute of Law Event, April 2015
Activities & Professional Associations
Present Activities
100 Club of Buffalo, Inc., Board of Directors
Donate Life New York State, Board of Directors
ConnectLife, Board of Directors, Vice-Chair
Kidney Foundation of Western New York, Board of Directors
Co-Author, “Navigating Clone Discovery in the United States: Understanding Relevance, Proportionality and Particularity, and the Latest Judicial Guidance,” Chambers Expert Focus Series, Chambers and Partners, September 2024
Co-Author, “A Refresher on the Ethical Considerations for Telecommuting Attorneys in the USA,” Chambers Expert Focus Series, Chambers and Partners, July 2024
Co-Author, “Using a Private Investigator Effectively in Business Litigation,” Buffalo Business First, May 2024
Co-Author, “The Business Divorce,” Buffalo Business First, May 2022
Co-Author, “New York State’s Amendments to Its Anti-SLAPP Law Could Impact Business Litigants,” Beyond Dispute, Phillips Lytle Commercial Litigation Newsletter, June 2021
Co-Author, “PREP Act Immunity and Its Application in Shareholder Derivative Litigation: A Modest Proposal,” National Law Review, May 2021
Co-Author, “Ethics Tips For Attorneys Telecommuting Across State Lines,” Law360, March 2021
Co-Author, “Keys To Protecting Clients During Law Firm Dissolution,” Law360, February 2021
Co-Author, “E-Discovery Update: Transition to Sophisticated but Reasonably Priced Platform,” Beyond Dispute, Phillips Lytle Commercial Litigation Newsletter, July 2020
Co-Author, “Protecting Against Workplace Fraud in the COVID-19 Era,” Rochester Business Journal, June 2020
Co-Author, “White Collar Corner: Can One Successfully Oppose a Federal Civil Forfeiture Action?,” The Daily Record, June 2020
Author, “The Right Way to Deal with Workplace Fraud,” Buffalo Business First, March 2019
Author, “The Proper Use of a Private Investigator in Commercial Litigation,” Beyond Dispute, Phillips Lytle Commercial Litigation Newsletter, February 2019
Co-Author, “A Valuable Tool For Consolidating NY State Court Actions,” Law360, March 2016
Author, “‘Debt Collection Dialogue’ Occurs in Buffalo, New York,” Beyond Dispute, Phillips Lytle Commercial Litigation Newsletter, August 2015
Author, “Regulatory Burdens Increase for Receivables-Management Companies in New York,” Beyond Dispute, Phillips Lytle Commercial Litigation Newsletter, August 2015
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