John, who joined the firm in 2004, has over fifteen (15) years experience as a Senior Corporate Counsel and Human Resources Executive for several high profile companies. John's extensive corporate legal background brings a unique perspective for our clients. He is the small company's corporate attorney.

John's main areas of practice include Business Issues, Employment, Contract Matters, Real Estate, Probate and General Litigation. John is known as a creative problem solver and has counseled clients on numerous unique issues.

His background in the Human Resources area includes organizational development, multi-cultural initiatives, benefits, recruitment and retention issues, incentives, terminations and compensation.

Prior to joining the firm, John served as Vice President, General Counsel and Vice President of Human Resources for General Cigar Holdings, Inc., the manufacturer and seller of such famous cigar brands as Macanudo, Cohiba, Partagas, White Owl and Garcia Vega. John was responsible for all legal and human resources matters relating to this leading international producer of premium cigars and cigar tobacco. He was an active member of the company's Senior Management team working closely with the CEO and Board of Directors on strategic business, development and legal issues.

Before joining General Cigar, John served as General Counsel for the historic firearms maker, Colt's Manufacturing Company , where he was responsible for the control of all corporate legal matters for this world renowned firearms producer. Among his many duties at Colt, John managed a nationwide litigation network of expert counsel in the preparation and successful defense of numerous product liability cases. In addition, John handled public relations duties, acting as primary corporate spokesman on gun rights issues, regularly interacting with national, international and local media. He also maintained regular contact with legislators, lobbyists, administrative and trade agencies on national and local levels in all matters affecting the firearms industry.

John's experience as chief legal officer for these two well known companies exposed him to an endless variety of business and legal issues. Among the areas John was involved in are employment discrimination, sexual harassment, product liability, intellectual property, antitrust, technology, risk management, environmental and international marketing/selling.

John's wealth of experience in corporate legal departments has been a wonderful addition to the firm and a benefit to our clients.

John received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts and his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University . Originally from a suburb of Boston , John was admitted to the practice of law in Massachusetts in 1988 and in Connecticut in 1989.

John's legal career began as Assistant General Counsel at Shared Technologies, a telecommunications company. There, he was involved in property management, contract issues and worked on the various issues facing the company including employment, management, and expansion of the company with sec involvement.

John is an active member of the Windsor community and St. Joseph 's Parish. He is an active member of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce. John also enjoys participating in his children's various academic and extracurricular activities.

A life long Red Sox fan, John was overwhelmed by the performance of the 2004 and 2007 Series Champions!