John G. Schmidt Jr

A seasoned litigator, John has earned a reputation as a formidable advocate who realistically evaluates his client’s case, needs and goals.

John is the co-leader of Phillips Lytle’s Business Litigation Practice Team. He has extensive experience in complex business disputes and commercial litigation, including class actions, shareholder and partner disputes, breach of fiduciary duty claims, contract disputes, business torts and fraud matters.

John represents a variety of companies and individuals—from large corporations to closely-held businesses, professional firms, not-for-profits and individuals. He serves clients in a variety of industries and professions, including health care, energy, legal, technology, finance, education, manufacturing, municipalities, charities and religious groups. John also practices in technology litigation, computer forensics, white collar and government investigations defense, and antitrust. He has extensive litigation experience in state and federal courts, both trial and appellate. John has been appointed by several courts in complex corporate and personal disputes requiring receiverships and fraud investigations. He also serves on the boards of several civic and charitable organizations.

Joined firm in 1996 and has been a Partner since 2002. Judicial Clerkship: Hon. John T. Elfvin; U.S. District Court, Western District of New York, 1994-96. Fellow, Pacific Legal Foundation, 1993-94.

American Bar Association, Litigation Section, Infrastructure and Regulated Industries Section; American Gas Association; Bar Association of Erie County, Federal Practice Committee; Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy, Founding Member, WNY Lawyers Chapter; Litigation Counsel of America, Trial Law Institute, Member, Diversity Law Institute, Member, Barrister, Order of Veritas, Advocate, Order of Certus; NYSBA, Antitrust Law Section, Trial Lawyers Section; Republican National Lawyers Association; St. Thomas More Guild, Inc.; Western New York Trial Lawyers Association; State Bar of California.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey School of Law, Newark, J.D., 1993; New York University, B.F.A., 1985.