Education:
University of San Diego School of Law, J.D.
University of California School of Pharmacy, D. Pharm.
Admitted 1987 - State Bar of California

Areas of Practice:
Pharmacy Law (both litigation and administrative), Professional Liability (focusing on medical issues), Business Law, and General Liability.

Personal Biography:
The law is a second career for John. After graduating from the U.S.C. School of Pharmacy, he spent ten years in the practice of pharmacy, including the opening and operation of several retail pharmacies in Southern California. He continues t own pharmacies in Escondido and Valley Center and this business interest allows him to remain in touch with the medical and legal issues of all health care providers.

John spent several years in the litigation section of the firm until 1993 when be began serving as General Counsel for the California Pharmacists Association, the largest state pharmacy association in the country. In that role, he has worked on legislative and regulatory issues, including drafting of legislation and providing analysis, testimony and comments on a variety of regulatory issues at both the state and federal levels.

John is the current president elect of the American Society for Pharmacy Law and also served as its Executive Director from 1996-2000, and is recognized as one of the leading pharmacy law specialists in the country. In addition, he is recognized as one of the 50 most influential pharmacists in the United States in 1999. He has written articles for professional journals on a variety of topics and has lectured throughout the country on pharmacy law issues.

John's current focus is in the areas of healthcare law and governmental and regulatory affairs with an emphasis on healthcare antitrust issues. He continues to be involved in legislative issues and has frequent dealings with California regulatory agencies, including the Board of Pharmacy, the Department of Health Services and the Health Plan Division of the Department of Corporations (now the Department of Managed Care). He has extensive contacts in the pharmacy community throughout the country and has represented clients in dealings with many state pharmacy boards and federal agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission.

With this diverse background, John serves as a unique asset for many clients. His dual medical-legal background has proven invaluable in the assessment and presentation of complex medical issues. In addition, his experience in the governmental and regulatory affairs arena has attracted clients who are seeking guidance with new or innovative approaches to healthcare issues.

Under John's lead, the firm is actively developing and growing a practice section in pharmacy law, including general healthcare law issues and regulatory actions against pharmacists. In addition, he provides expertise and assistance to the litigation section whenever medical issues are involved.

On A Personal Note:
John says that he and his sons are well past little league, but he enjoyed his role as an active coach. When John is not traveling on behalf of his clients he says that he and his wife, as grandparents, enjoy the country life on their small ranch with their horses.