John has tried more than 70 jury trials to verdict, including many in the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis, one of the most challenging plaintiff venues in the nation. He focuses his practice on issues involving retail, premises, mass transit and professional liability matters. He has represented retail clients such as J.C. Penney, T. J. Maxx, Marshalls and other major national retailers. John also has represented State Farm Automobile Insurance Company and Bi-State Development Agency, the region’s mass transit authority.
With extensive experience in the areas of hospitality, false imprisonment, criminal/ negligent conduct of municipalities and employees, slander, libel, and race discrimination matters, John handles a variety of legal issues for clients in the retail industry. John also has had repeated success with cases involving product liability, construction and transportation matters and frequently represents real estate agents and real estate companies in professional liability disputes.
John has been recognized by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America and is a former director of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel.
Recent Successful Jury Trials
- Obtained summary judgment in a professional liability real estate agent matter on behalf of agent and broker based on the failure to disclose an opinion of a next door neighbor as to the source water. The court held that the opinion of a neighbor regarding the source of water does not have to be disclosed by an agent and/or broker.
- Recently tried a case for a major retailer where liability was admitted and all of the treaters related the treatment and care to the incident. Plaintiff sought several million dollars including a $2-million life care plan. After deliberation, the jury returned a verdict 80 percent less than that sought by the attorneys in closing argument and well below the last settlement demand.
- Redman vs. Bi-State Development Agency (2018) – Secured defense verdict in case involving plaintiff who sustained substantial injuries to his knee requiring 15 surgical procedures resulting from a fall that he claimed occurred in a large gap between the end of the platform at a train station and the train. The plaintiff sought $10 million.
- Miller v. Wal-Mart (2017) – Plaintiff asserted that a broken piece of concrete in the cart corral portion of the store caused him to trip and fall requiring surgical intervention. The case was one of liability as the condition had existed for several weeks. The verdict came in at exactly the settlement value and offer extended before trial.
Community Activities
Lindbergh School District Committee Member – 2010 Budget Committee
Lindbergh School District Committee Member – Prop R Committee 2006, 2009
Former Eureka, Mo., Board of Alderman
Former Crestwood, Mo., Public Works Board Member