John graduated from the University of Chicago Law School with Honors in 1998.  While at the University of Chicago, he was a member of the University of Chicago Law Review and wrote a note for the University of Chicago Legal Forum entitled "Genetics and Justice: An Indigent Defendant's Right to DNA Expert Assistance."  After graduation, John served for one year as a law clerk for Judge Ed Carnes, a federal appeals court judge in Montgomery, Alabama, and then for another year as a law clerk for Judge Shira Scheindlin, a federal trial judge in New York City.

After completing his clerkships, John worked for several years as an associate at Shea & Gardner (now Goodwin Procter), a commercial litigation firm in Washington, D.C.  John moved to Oregon in 2004 and began working as a Deputy District Attorney in Multnomah County in January 2005.  During his time as a Deputy D.A., John worked in the misdemeanor trial unit and felony property unit.  While in the D.A.'s office, John handled approximately 50 trials and presented numerous cases to the grand jury.

John was born in the Bronx, New York, and he is an avid New York Yankees fan.  He enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, shooting pool, and playing cards.