In 2026, John became the Managing Partner of Hacker Murphy, LLP after 25 years of working at the firm as a litigation attorney. He has been practicing law in upstate New York since 1995.
John personally handles each of his client’s cases and believes that effective communication is key to a successful attorney-client relationship. As an experienced trial court litigator, he understands that the outcome of a case largely depends on the attorney’s preparation, knowledge of the law, and attention to detail.
John’s practice focuses extensively on representing individuals in complex litigation. He has secured several multimillion-dollar recoveries for personal injury victims as well as parties involved in high-stakes commercial litigation. Additionally, John maintains an active trust and estate litigation practice, representing executors, administrators, trustees, and beneficiaries through sensitive and contested proceedings.
His zealous advocacy skills and dedication to his clients have been widely recognized by the bench and bar in both State and Federal Courts. John was named “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation by Best Lawyers. Since 2018, he has consistently been named one of the “Top 25” lawyers in the Hudson Valley by Super Lawyers Magazine, and he holds a 10.0 rating on AVVO based on client reviews. In 2012, he earned the highest peer-reviewed rating of “AV Preeminent” for ethics and legal ability from Martindale-Hubbell.
John actively serves the legal community through leadership roles in local bar associations. He was elected to the Executive Board of Directors for the Albany County Bar Association, serving in the office of Vice President in 2026, having previously chaired its Newsletter Committee. He is a former President of the Capital District Trial Lawyers’ Association and remains active in both the Schenectady County and Saratoga County Bar Associations.
John prides himself on obtaining the best possible results while keeping clients fully informed. He strives to educate his clients on the legal process, set realistic expectations regarding likely outcomes, and maintain prompt, open communication throughout every stage of a proceeding.
Beyond his legal practice, John is a strong supporter of the Epilepsy Association of Northeastern New York—an organization his mother helped found over 40 years ago. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, playing golf and chess, and spending time with his wife, Deirdre, their two sons, and their Siamese cat.
- Multiple successful jury trials and settlements in both personal injury and commercial litigation cases
- Achieved numerous settlements in excess of $1.0 million for severely injured clients
- Settled a major injury claim for a roofer who was caused to fall due to a lack of safety devices
- Settled hundreds of car accident cases involving spinal injuries, broken bones, and lost time from work
- Successfully litigated dissolution of family business cases involving allegations of fraud and breach of fiduciary duties
- Arbitrated breach of contract claims involving business transactions
- Litigated and favorably settled ERISA long-term disability cases on behalf of wrongfully denied insureds
- Tried multiple timber trespass cases to a successful conclusion
- Listed in “Best Lawyers” since 2012
- 2026 Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year”
- Best Lawyers – 2024 “Lawyer of the Year – Plaintiff’s Personal Injury”
- “Top 25 Lawyers,” Plaintiff’s Personal Injury (Hudson Valley New York)
- Super Lawyers (2018 through present)
- “AV” Rating, Martindale Hubble (2012 to present)
- Highest rating of “10.0” on AVVO
- Recognized in “The Best Lawyers in America® “- Albany, 2025 in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Insurance Litigation, Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Recognized in “The Best Lawyers in America®” – 2026 Edition as “Lawyer of the Year” in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs in Albany
- Juris Doctor, cum laude, Albany Law School Union University
- Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Clark University
- State of New York
- United States District Court, Northern District of New York
- United States District Court, Eastern District of New York
- United States District Court, Western District of New York
- United States District Court, Southern District of New York
- Capital District Trial Lawyers Association, Past President and current Member
- Albany County Bar Association, Executive Board Member
- Schenectady County Bar Association, Board of Directors
- Rensselaer County Bar Association, Member
- New York State Bar Association, Member
- Saratoga Bar County Association, Member
- Northern District of New York Federal Bar Association, Member
- Personal Injury
- Commercial Litigation