Experience at Work
John is widely recognized for guiding and resolving complex legal matters related to for-profit and non-profit companies, commercial real estate and business transactions. John is a talented collaborator who has represented clients in numerous commercial transactions and disputes resolved through litigation, mediation and arbitration over his span of nearly 40 years in private practice. He presently serves for-profit and nonprofit clients in a wide variety of matters.
In the Community
John is committed to activities that benefit the St. Louis area. He is the Secretary of The Round Table, Vice Chair of the Affinia Healthcare Foundation board, and a member of the Executive Committee for The Robert Burns Club of St. Louis. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Advisors for the Washington University School of Law and is a Deputy of the Law School's William Greenleaf Eliot Society Committee. Previously, he served as the Board President for The Loop Trolley Company.
Awards & Recognition
Awards
Recognitions
- Martindale-Hubbell® Law Directory, AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated
- Washington University School of Law | Honorary Order of the Coif (2013)
Education
Educational Background
- J.D., Washington University School of Law (1984)
- B.A., Psychology, Yale University (1980)
Significant Experience
Representations
- Representation in numerous mergers, acquisitions and spinoffs by way of asset and equity transfers.
- Oversaw litigation and developed strategy leading to clients’ control of the St. Louis-based manufacturer and distributor of the SmartMouth line of dental hygiene products. The firm now serves as Triumph’s general counsel.
- General representation of Federally Qualified Health Center with respect to development of new and renovated health centers and a one-of-a kind dental clinic and training facility with 125 operatories in collaboration with A.T. Still University.
- Resolved construction dispute and obtained approval to sell hotel in developer’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings
- Resolved mechanic’s liens and procured bankruptcy court approval to foreclose on the historic St. Louis Merchandise Mart Building
- Resolved mechanic’s liens filed by subcontractors and suppliers to brewery renovations stemming from general contractor’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing
- Responsible for claims resolution and daily issues arising in one of the largest Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases ever filed in U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
- Represented trustee in sale of financially distressed extended care facilities to fund distribution of proceeds to bondholders
- Negotiated build-to-suit leases for corporate office buildings in Toledo, Ohio and Torrance, California
- Represents Joe Edwards and his companies with respect to various elements critical to development of “The Loop,” a mile-long stretch of Delmar Boulevard in University City and St. Louis, Missouri, which has been named one of the Ten Great Streets in North America by the American Planning Association. Illustrative matters include development of Moonrise Hotel in The Loop and resolution of claims related to the restoration of the historic Tivoli Theatre
- Resolved millions of dollars in assorted mechanic’s liens filed against Coffeyville, Kansas oil refinery amid Farmland’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings
- General representation of 100+-year-old nonprofit corporation, including real estate development projects designed to expand accessibility to health care, Head Start and jobs training and placement services
- General representation of nonprofit corporation formed pursuant to Missouri’s County Sheltered Workshop Act
- Representation with respect to the acquisition of Minneapolis-based Medicare Products, Inc., a distributor of Prism’s proprietary line of patient lift systems manufactured in Maryland Heights, Missouri.
- General advice to distributor of motor vehicle fuel and operator of convenience stores.
Published Decisions
- Tivoli Bldg., L.L.C. v. Metropolitan Design and Bldg. Co., Inc., 139 S.W.3d 592 (Mo. App. E.D. 2004)
- In re Thermadyne Holdings Corp., Beck v. Victor Equipment Co., Inc., 277 B.R. 179 (S.D.N.Y. 2002)
- Sachs Elec. Co. v. HS Const. Co., 86 S.W.3d 445 (Mo. App. E.D. 2002)
- Moto, Inc. v. Board of Adjustment City of St. Louis, 88 S.W.3d 96 (Mo. App. E.D. 2002)
- In re Interco, Inc., Gretchen’s of Minneapolis, Inc. v. Highland House, Inc., 186 F.3d 1032 (8thCir. 1999)
- L. Waldo and Associates, Inc. v. PVO Foods, Inc., 852 S.W.2d 424 (Mo. App. E.D. 1993)
- In re Melp, Ltd., 143 B.R. 890 (Bkrtcy. E.D.Mo. 1992)
- Lemay Bank and Trust Co. v. Lawrence, 710 S.W.2d 318 (Mo. App. E.D. 1986)
Knowledge & Insights
Speaking Engagements
- Debtor Creditor and Bankruptcy Issues and Construction Issues. University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business – The Center for Real Estate. (2004 – 2006)
- Construction Law–How to Obtain Payment. The Seminar Group. (2003)
- Mechanic’s Liens and Construction Bonds Under Missouri Law. The Cambridge Institute. (1992–1998)
Publications
- “Pro Bono Helps Launch an Innovative All-Girls School.” St. Louis Lawyer. (2015)
- “Will Short Memories Encourage a Repeat of the Housing Bubble?” St. Louis Lawyer. (2013)
- “Construction Project Payment Issues in the Context of Bankruptcy.” Journal of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. (2001)
Firm Programs
- COVID-19 Response Legislation – Economic Relief for Small Businesses. Webinar. Louis, MO. (2020)
- Tug of War: Dealing with Tax Liens and Other Claims Against Real Property. Capes Sokol Tax Controversy Symposium. St. Louis, MO. (2018)
Admissions & Qualifications
Bar & Court Admissions
- Missouri
- U.S. District Courts
- Eastern District of Missouri
Leadership & Community Engagement
Current Leadership Positions
- Affinia Healthcare Foundation | Board Member and Vice Chair
- The Robert Burns Club of St. Louis | Executive Committee
- The Round Table | Secretary
- Washington University School of Law – William Greenleaf Eliot Society | Deputy
- Washington University School of Law | Board of Advisors
Past Leadership Positions
- The Loop Trolley Company | Board President
- Beyond Housing | Board of Trustees
- Beyond Housing | Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee
- Downtown Development Committee of St. Louis | Member (2004)
- Forsyth School | Board President
- Forsyth School | Co-Chair of Capital Campaign
- John Burroughs School | Board of Trustees
- John Burroughs School | Building and Grounds Committee Chair
- Loop Media Hub | Chair
- Loop Media Hub | Director
- Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region | Board Member
- Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region | President
- Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region | Treasurer
- The City Museum | Director
- Washington University School of Law – Annual Giving Campaign | Chair (2008 – 2014)
- Washington University School of Law – William Greenleaf Eliot Society | Chair (2008 – 2014)
Professional Organizations
- The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
- American Bar Association | Construction Section
- American Bar Association | Business Law Section
- Missouri Bar
Civic & Community
- The Round Table | Secretary
- Affinia Healthcare Foundation | Vice Chair
- Washington University School of Law | Board of Advisors and Deputy of the William Greenleaf Eliot Society
- The Robert Burns Club of St. Louis | Executive Committee