AREAS OF PRACTICE
- Litigation
- Medical Malpractice Defense and Healthcare Law
- Insurance Defense
- Labor, Employment and Workers’ Compensation
John graduated from Louisiana State University School of Law in 1974 and has been with the law firm of Stockwell, Sievert for the last 36 years. He has tried approximately 100 jury cases to decisions on different matters in State and Federal Court. He has also been involved in over 70 labor arbitration matters representing various industries. He has taught trial tactics as a faculty member of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy in Boulder, Colorado, and has given lectures for the Louisiana Bar Association and IADC on the issues of trial tactics, bad faith, fraud, medical malpractice, and employment issues. John litigated the first reported jury trial in Louisiana involving the Americans for Disability Act. He has been a member of the Steering Committee in Class Litigation representing Louisiana medical providers where he assisted in securing a Judgment for $260 Million Dollars and other Multi-Million Dollar settlements. He has also been a contributing writer to the IADC Arson and Fraud Handbook. As a result of his work, he has been recognized for his accomplishments by the following peer reviews:
The Best Lawyers in America – In the primary practice area of Labor and Employment Law, representing clients such as PPG Industries, Inc., Firestone Polymers, LLC, Sasol North America, and Citgo, in both Louisiana and Texas. Also in the primary practice area of Medical Malpractice Law, representing Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, West Calcasieu-Cameron Hospital, and various medical groups of physicians.
Martindale-Hubbell – Awarded a rating of AV preeminent, representing the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards.
Louisiana Super Lawyers 2011 – Recently selected for inclusion in the primary practice areas of Personal Injury Defense and Medical Malpractice.
Prior to law school, John served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army, receiving the Bronze Star for Service in the Vietnam Conflict. Following his tour of duty in Vietnam, he served in the capacity as Hospital Administrator and Prosecutor at Fort Polk, Louisiana. John is involved in local and state community organizations including the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Louisiana as Vice Chairman of Legislative Affairs and Legal Counsel as well as serving on the Board of Directors for ten years. He is also a member of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, Louisiana Chemical Association, and Louisiana Political Action Committee.
PRACTICE DETAILS:
Admitted to bar, 1974, Louisiana. Education: Louisiana State University (B.S. 1969; J.D., 1974); Member: Southwest Louisiana Bar Association (Secretary-Treasurer, 1976-1977); Louisiana State Bar Association (Labor Law and Negligence Sections); American Bar Association (Labor and Employment Law and Litigation Law Sections); John has been a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel since 1982, an invitation only organization whose members represent corporations and insurance companies. He was elected to serve on the IADC Board of Directors from 2002-2004; John has served the IADC as Chairman of the Property Committee, State Membership Chair, member of the Medical Defense Committee and Employment Law Committee. He is also a member of the Defense Research Institute (DRI) (past State Membership Chair), Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA), and Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel. He is a current member of the Louisiana State Federal Bar Association and is the past Director of the Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA). He was also appointed as the Southwest District Director of the Louisiana Society of Hospital Attorneys.
John is married to Dinah Bradford, the current principal of Immaculate Conception Cathedral School. He is a father of two adult children and enjoys golf, gardening, and LSU athletics.
