John began his legal career at a litigation firm in South Texas with an active trial docket. He was immersed in litigation from day one of his practice and represented clients, including corporate defendants, in some of the most challenging venues in Texas. He zealously represented clients in the courtroom and on appeal in the Texas Courts of Appeals, the Texas Supreme Court and the Fifth Circuit. Those early experiences gave John an important perspective born of handling lawsuits through every stage of litigation from demand letter through appeal to the court of last resort. That perspective has been invaluable in enabling John to “see the forest for the trees” while handling matters, which helps him anticipate the next challenges and strategize accordingly.
Since joining Weisbart Springer Hayes, John has had the opportunity to represent clients of all sizes in nearly every corner of Texas in state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration. He has successfully represented both plaintiffs and defendants in employment litigation, FLSA claims, commercial disputes, ownership and shareholder litigation, complex contract and fiduciary duty disputes, non-compete and non-solicit litigation, and insurance litigation. That broad experience has equipped John with the tools to help his clients maneuver through the legal process and arrive at their desired outcome as efficiently as possible.
Before attending law school, John served in the United States Marine Corps for six years and was deployed to Iraq in 2007–2008. His experience as an infantry Marine during Operation Iraqi Freedom shaped his perspective in a fundamental manner and has been a strong asset to him as a courtroom advocate and a counselor to his clients. After leaving the Marine Corps he worked as a Congressional Intern on Capitol Hill before going to law school using the GI Bill.
Outside the Office
John is a seventh generation Texan and a native Austinite. Outside the office John can be found spending time with his wife and two spirited young children as well as his extended family that is spread throughout central Texas. When the opportunity presents itself, he enjoys hunting, fishing, or exploring all that the great outdoors offer in Texas and beyond, often with his children in tow. He also likes to play handyman and short-order cook around his home on the weekends.
Representative Cases
- Defend employers throughout Texas and the United States in cases involving allegations of employee discrimination, harassment, retaliation and other claims arising out of the employee–employer relationship.
- Represent clients on all sides of complex contract and ownership disputes.
- Favorable verdict representing a defendant in a bench trial on breach of contract claims.
- Favorable settlement on behalf of a defendant employer in a disability discrimination suit during federal jury trial.
- Successfully obtained summary judgment on behalf of mortgage company in federal court.
- Successfully obtained summary judgment on age and disability discrimination claims in favor of defendant employer in federal court.
- Obtained a defense verdict on behalf of employer in a federal jury trial involving age, race, and gender discrimination claims, which was upheld by the Fifth Circuit. Garza v. Caplin, 745 F. App’x 230 (5th Cir. 2018).
Honors & Distinctions
- Texas Rising Star, 2021-2024, Thomson Reuters Legal
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for Commercial Litigation, 2023 – 2024
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas
- Austin Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association, Austin Chapter
- Texas Young Lawyers Association
Education
- J.D., with honors, Texas Tech University School of Law
- Articles Editor, Texas Tech Law Review Vol.46
- National Moot Court Team
- National Pretrial Competition Team
- B.A., Political Science, Texas Tech University