Overview

John is a trial lawyer who handles every case with a view towards winning at trial. As both a former federal prosecutor and federal appellate law clerk, John brings both a cerebral and practical approach to case development and strategy. Given his philosophy and experience, it is no surprise that high-profile clients have trusted him with their cases, including a former head of state, a prominent NCAA head basketball coach, and high-level city and federal officials.

John represents plaintiffs in cases involving serious injury, death, or consumer fraud. He also represents defendants in select white-collar criminal matters.

Prior to co-founding Maderal Byrne & Furst PLLC, he was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. During his time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, John charged over 60 cases, including numerous fraud cases. He took 16 of these cases to trial, serving as first chair ten times and second chair six times. During his time as a prosecutor, he developed an extensive knowledge of federal law, including federal statutory law, the Federal Rules of Evidence, and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

John also has extensive federal appellate experience. In addition to having argued appeals before multiple United States Courts of Appeal, he served as the law clerk to Judge Jeffrey R. Howard of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

Prior to his time as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, John practiced with Ropes & Gray LLP, where he focused on internal investigations, regulatory enforcement matters, and complex commercial disputes.

Bar Admissions

  • State of Florida
  • State of Massachusetts
  • United States Supreme Court
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
  • United States District Court, Southern District of Florida
  • United States District Court, Middle District of Florida
  • United States District Court, Northern District of Florida
  • United States District Court District of Massachusetts
  • United States District Court District of New Hampshire

Education

  • J.D., Cornell Law School, cum laude, 2007
  • B.A., University of Florida, cum laude, 2002

Federal Clerkship

Hon. Jeffrey R. Howard, U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

Publications

  • Habits of the Dead: Relying on Habit Evidence to Establish Causation in Failure to Warn Cases, The Federal Lawyer (2024)
  • A Change in Character: The Amendment to Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b), The Daily Business Review (2021)
  • Demystifying the Civil Deposition, The Federal Lawyer (2021)
  • The Rise of the Net Impression Test in Fla. Consumer Suits, Law 360 (2020)

Community Involvement

  • Federal Bar Association, South Florida Chapter, Board of Directors, President-Elect
  • Florida Bar’s Eleventh Circuit Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee
  • 2025 Southern District of Florida Bench and Bar Planning Committee (appointed by Chief Judge of the S.D. Fla.)
  • 2026 Federal Eleventh Circuit Judicial Conference Planning Committee (appointed by Chief Judge of S.D. Fla.)

Representations

  • Obtained a $66 million award for alternative energy client following a three week arbitration hearing in Chicago. Proved that wind turbine manufacturer supplied client with defective wind turbine blades.
  • Represented a Cambodian government official in federal criminal prosecution; full acquittal after nine-day jury trial
  • Represented a Latin American former head of state in extradition proceedings, obtained an order releasing said individual on bond and dealt with numerous issues of first impression.
  • Represented energy company in fraud action in federal court, resulting in a $10 million settlement.
  • Represented prominent former NCAA basketball coach in connection with federal investigation arising out of Southern District of New York. No charges filed.
biography