Tenacious and trial-tested litigation counsel
John O'Neal is an experienced trial lawyer and tenacious advocate for his clients both inside and outside the court room. His practice includes:
- Corporate and commercial disputes
- Real estate disputes
- Securities matters
- Professional liability and select personal and financial injury matter
With more than 25 years litigating and in the court room, John is a proven trial and litigation team leader who brings a strategic and creative mindset to his advice for clients, as well as a sensitivity to their long-term business objectives. John also serves as the firm's general counsel.
Experience in Action
- Representing businesses in corporate and commercial disputes, including contract disputes, defense and assertion of claims related to officers and directors, shareholder and LLC member disputes, commercial torts, non-solicitation and non-compete agreements, creditor claims and insurance claims.
- Advising on real estate disputes, including title claims, contract disputes, real estate professional claims, commission disputes, construction matters, lien claims, lease enforcement and defense, and administrative claims.
- Providing counsel on securities matters, including defense of state and federal claims.
- Defending and prosecuting professional liability claims and select personal and financial injury matters.
Successes
- Obtained dismissal of securities claims against board of directors and officers of a publicly traded company.
- Obtained unanimous defense jury verdict for municipality in a $100 million breach of contract/promissory estoppel case.
- Prevailed on summary judgment on multimillion dollar claims against a national bank for alleged dangerous real property conditions.
- Prevailed at arbitration for investment firm's commission claim.
Capabilities
Professional Recognitions
- AZ Business Magazine "Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona" (2016)
- Southwest Super Lawyers® (2011-present: Business Litigation)
- Top 50: Southwest Super Lawyers (2015)
- Best Lawyers in America® (2013-present: Commercial Litigation)
- Martindale-Hubbell AV® Peer Review Rated
Professional & Civic Activities
- Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Arizona State University, adjunct faculty (2011)
- Judge Pro Tem, Arizona Superior Court (2010-present)
- Faculty, Arizona State Bar Course on Professionalism (2011-present)
- Speaker, Taking and Defending Effective Depositions (2007, 2008) Lorman Education Services
- Speaker, Advanced Depositions in Arizona (2006) Lorman Education Services
- State Bar of Arizona, member
- State Bar of Nevada, member
- American Bar Association, member
News & Insights
Education
- Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law (J.D., 1994)
- Southern Methodist University (B.A., cum laude, 1991)
Bar Admissions
- Arizona
- Nevada