Biography

John Thornton brings over a decade of diverse legal experience to his clients, including roles as a litigator in private practice and as the Chief Legal Officer at a mid-sized professional services company. Having directly reported to the chief executive officer and worked with the board of directors, John understands what internal stakeholders expect from outside counsel—not merely a lawyer, but a counselor to navigate their most challenging legal matters and to guide them to the most pragmatic business solutions.

Litigation

John has represented clients in trial and appellate litigation matters, including breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud-related claims, conversion, defamation, employment and labor, conflicts of interest and legal ethics, tortious interference, and deceptive and unfair trade practices, among other matters.

Corporate Counsel

John’s in-house experience includes providing corporate governance and other advice, advising on employment and labor matters, drafting and negotiating complex transactions including master services agreements, subcontracts, teaming agreements, nondisclosure agreements, UCC Article 9 matters and other transactions.

Services and Industries

Background

Prior to joining Armstrong Teasdale, John was the Chief Legal Officer for a Florida-based management consulting company with a national presence. Before that, he was an attorney at two multinational law firms and a Miami litigation boutique. In addition, he clerked for the Hon. Donald L. Graham in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Education

University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law
- Executive Education
University of Miami School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2014)
- University of Miami Inter-American Law Review, Articles and Comments Editor
- Dean’s Certificate of Achievement Award, Death Penalty Clinic
University of Florida, Warrington College of Business (B.S.B.A., 2011)