Overview

Trial Attorney John R. Byrne: Federal Litigation & White-Collar Defense

John Byrne is a dedicated trial lawyer who prepares every case with a single goal: winning at trial. As a former federal prosecutor and appellate law clerk, John combines a cerebral strategy with a practical approach to litigation.

Because of his unique experience, high-profile clients frequently trust him with sensitive legal matters. John has successfully represented a former head of state, a prominent NCAA head basketball coach, and high-level government officials.

Expert Representation in Personal Injury and Consumer Fraud

John represents plaintiffs in high-stakes litigation involving:

Former Federal Prosecutor with Extensive Trial Experience

Prior to co-founding Maderal Byrne & Furst PLLC, John served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. During his tenure, he charged over 60 cases, including numerous complex fraud investigations.

John took 16 cases to trial, serving as first chair ten times. This role allowed him to develop an extensive mastery of:

  • Federal statutory law
  • Federal Rules of Evidence
  • Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure

Federal Appellate and Internal Investigation Background

John possesses significant federal appellate experience. He has argued before multiple United States Courts of Appeal and served as a law clerk to Judge Jeffrey R. Howard of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

Before his time as a federal prosecutor, John practiced at Ropes & Gray LLP. There, he focused on internal investigations, regulatory enforcement, and complex commercial disputes. This background in “Big Law” gives him an edge when litigating against large corporate entities.

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

  • Member of Third District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission
  • President of the Federal Bar Association, South Florida Chapter
  • 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