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John J. Porta

(He/Him)
Principal
New York City
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John J. Porta a principal in the New York City, New York, office and a client solutions leader of Jackson Lewis P.C. 

John is a strategic advisor who manages national, regional and local client relationships. He advises management teams on their most sensitive and important matters. In managing these relationships, he represents employers in all aspects of employment law, including transactional matters, litigation, arbitration, compliance advice and audits, executive and management training, and other employment related legal matters. John’s approach is to emphasize the primacy of achieving the client’s business goals by focusing on strategic counseling, negotiation and risk management.    

John has spent his entire career at Jackson Lewis, building a thorough understanding of the firm’s resources and a strong internal network which he leverages to deliver timely, best-in-class service to clients. Having “grown up” in the firm, he knows firsthand what it takes to meet client needs and build partnerships over time, experience which informs his approach as a relationship manager. His client service perspective is further enhanced by the leadership roles he has held in our New York area offices, including, among others, serving as Office Business Development Liaison and mentorship chair. Throughout his time at Jackson Lewis, John has provided mentorship to numerous associates and served as an ally to all attorneys, helping to guide their professional development and supporting their involvement in the firm’s Attorney Resource Groups.

John litigates employment disputes of all types before federal and state courts, the EEOC and the New York State Division of Human Rights. His litigation practice ranges from defending individual claims of discrimination to representing clients in collective actions under the FLSA. John is experienced in all aspects of class action cases, including developing litigation strategy, overseeing class discovery, and preparing potential exposure analysis. While he regularly is successful on his clients’ behalf through negotiation and dispositive motions, he maintains first chair trial experience, and is well-versed in alternative dispute resolution including proceedings before FINRA and other tribunals.

John regularly counsels and represents employers in a range of industries, including retail, commercial real estate, professional services, and financial services. In the retail space, he has defended leading luxury brand clients in wage and hour class actions. John also provides sophisticated, industry-specific advice to airlines and airline service providers on a range of issues.

Honors and Recognitions

  • The Best Lawyers in America©, “Labor Law – Management” (2024)
  • New York Super Lawyers®, “Rising Stars” (2013-2018) and
    “Super Lawyers” (2019-2020)
  • Legal 500 USA, “Recommended Attorney” (2021)

No aspect of this or any advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. For all award methodology, see Awards and Honors Methodology.

Credentials

Education
Brooklyn Law School
J.D.
Fordham University
B.A.
Admitted to Practice
2nd Circuit Court of Appeals
New Jersey - D. N.J.
New York - E.D. N.Y.
New York - S.D. N.Y.
New York - W.D. N.Y.
New Jersey
New York
Professional Associations and Activities
Society for Human Resources Management - New York City Chapter
Association for Corporate Counsel – Greater New York Chapter

Brooklyn Law School
J.D.
Fordham University
B.A.

2nd Circuit Court of Appeals
New Jersey - D. N.J.
New York - E.D. N.Y.
New York - S.D. N.Y.
New York - W.D. N.Y.
New Jersey
New York

Society for Human Resources Management - New York City Chapter
Association for Corporate Counsel – Greater New York Chapter