During more than 40 years as a trial lawyer, John has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in matters large and small. That said, during the last several years of his litigation practice the average case value of the matters on John’s inventory has been in excess of $2 million. He has litigated nearly 400 cases to verdict, decision and/or through appeal. As evidence of his skill and reputation, John has maintained an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell since 1988.
Throughout his career John has been a presenter, lecturer and mentor on topics involving civil litigation, mediation and business practices at programs sponsored by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (“NITA”), various law firms, insurance carriers and clients, the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Iowa State Bar Association, as well as other national and local professional and business organizations.
John was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and raised in the western Chicago suburbs. He is the father of four and grandfather to eight. Mr. Griner is a PADI Certified open water diver and is a part-time professional photographer. In addition to publishing and selling his work, he writes and teaches on photography topics. He is also an avid baseball and music fan.
Professional Experience
REPRESENATION OF CLIENTS IN STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS IN WISCONSIN
June, 1987 to April, 2025
Including 25 years as Staff Counsel for one of the nation’s largest and highest rated Property Casualty Insurers: Serving as Senior Counsel and Wisconsin Managing Counsel
Average Case Value of matters handled since 2019: $2.1M
REPRESENATION OF CLIENTS IN STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS IN IOWA and NEBRASKA
May, 1984 to June, 1987
- 40 years a litigator – Total of nearly 400 matters litigated to verdict, decision and/or through appeal
- Primarily, though not exclusively, insurance defense
- AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell since 1988
Education
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL PROFESSIONAL STUDIES – EVANSTON, IL
November, 2024
Negotiation and Mediation Training (40 hour program)
DRAKE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW – Des Moines, IA
J.D. – May, 1984
Dean’s List; Dean’s Service Award; SBA President’s Award; Staff Attorney: Drake Legal Services Clinic;
Chapter Justice: Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity;
Associate Editor: The Gavel (Drake Law School Newspaper)
HARVARD UNIVERSITY – CAMBRIDGE, MA
AB in Economics – May, 1981
Producer: Dunster House Drama Society.
Bar Admissions
- Wisconsin (1987)
- U.S. District Court: ED of Wisconsin and WD of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court: ND of Iowa, SD of Iowa
- U.S. District Court: Nebraska
- 7th and 8th Circuit Courts of Appeals
- Iowa (1984) (Inactive)
Bar & Civic Activities
University Lake School – Hartland, WI
2016 – Present
Board of Trustees – President (2022 to present) for this private pre-primary through Grade 12 College Preparatory School.
State Bar of Wisconsin
1987 – Present
Public Affairs Advisory Committee (1996 2002); Tort Law Committee (1993 1998); Legal Education Commission (1995 1996); Mentor Council (1993 1996); Study Committee on the Voluntary Bar (1990 1992); Regional & State Mock Trial Tournaments: Judge and Mentor (2017-2024); Young Lawyers Division: Director (1988 1992); Treasurer (1992 1995); Co Chair Program Committee (1991 1993); Chair Host Committee, Regional Moot Court Competition (1994).
Wisconsin Association of Worker’s Compensation Attorneys
2002 – 2012
President (2002)
Treasurer (2005-2008)
Milwaukee Insurance Adjusters Association
1995-1999
President (1998-1999)
Vice-President (1997-1998)
Iowa State Bar Association
1984-1987
Federal Practice Committee (1985 1986)
Bridge the Gap Committee (Young Lawyers Section) (1985 1986)
Sioux City (Iowa) Lawyers Club
1984-1987
Secretary / Treasurer (1987)
Fred Grandy for Congress
1985-1986
Staff Attorney and researcher
