John is a native Atlantan and a graduate of Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas where he received his Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science. John earned his Juris Doctorate at Samford University's Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama where he was selected for the Advanced Skills in Trial Advocacy program, while maintaining his academic status on the Dean's List. John additionally earned his 3rd year practice card and worked at the Jefferson County District Attorney's office in Birmingham where he prosecuted numerous criminal cases.
Â
John has been selected as a Super Lawyer - Rising Star for the past three years with featured articles in Atlanta Magazine. Less than 2.5% of the practicing lawyers in the state of Georgia have received such a designation. He has also been selected as one of the Top 40 Under 40 trial lawyers in the State of Georgia by the National Trial Lawyers. He has dedicated his legal career to representing victims of severe and catastrophic personal injury, as well as families who have suffered the loss of loved ones as a result of negligence or wrongdoing of others. He is admitted to practice in all superior and state courts of Georgia, including the Georgia Supreme Court and the Georgia Court of Appeals, as well as all federal courts in the Northern District of Georgia.
Â
In a legal marketplace with many volume practitioners, John limits his practice to a few cases at a time, so he can focus on each client individually.  John remains friends with all of his clients, past and present, and brings a unique level of personal attention to each person he represents.  Any client of the Houghton Law Firm becomes a friend of John's for life.
Â
John additionally enjoys volunteer work, and has dedicated a considerable amount of his time to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Georgia) and The Shepherd Center. He is an active member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA) and Civil Justice PAC where he serves as a member of the Communications Committee. He additionally serves as Chairman for the steering committee for Walk Like MADD, helping organize this yearly fundraiser in Georgia. John is also a member of Lawyers Club of Atlanta, the Atlanta Bar Association, and the American Association for Justice.
Â
John has spoken statewide on a variety of topics including handling motor carrier claims, dram shop liability and punitive damages to name a few. He annually co-chairs a CLE Seminar at the State Bar on Dram Shop Claims, and enjoys helping educate other practitioners.
Â
When not practicing law or spending time with his wife and children, John enjoys jogging, golfing and fishing with his father, and rooting for his Atlanta Braves and Falcons.
Â
John is always available to chat; his direct dial phone number at the office is. Â Potential clients should feel free to call for a free consultation anytime, day or night.