$ 250-350 per hour
About John
Biography
My areas of practice include general business, real estate, employment, construction, estate planning and probate. I represent a number of area businesses, including manufacturers, developers, commercial landlords and contractors, as well as individuals. I assist corporate clients in the formation, growth, diversification, compliance programs, family transition, purchase and sale of their companies, and am available for consultation on a wide range of business issues. I have experience in matters relating to corporate governance, employment policies and discrimination, non-competes, land use and zoning, mechanic’s liens, due diligence and the resolution of business disputes. I also have been involved with the creation of several area subdivisions and condominiums and represents a number of homeowners associations. And I work with individual clients on their wills, trusts and estates and the purchase, sale and other issues concerning their homes.
I'm a life-long resident of South Bend-Mishawaka and thoroughly enjoy living and practicing law in this community.
Strengths: Problem-solving for small businesses and individuals
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Business
40%
50 years | 200 cases
Real Estate
25%
50 years | 200 cases
Estate Planning
15%
50 years | 200 cases
Employment and Labor
10%
50 years | 100 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Indiana for 49 years
State: Indiana
Acquired: 1976
No misconduct found
Location
Jones Obenchain LLP
Po Box 4577, South Bend, IN, 46634-4577
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John Burt Ford's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
6 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (6)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews
Posted by Gary | March 22, 2018 | Probate
Extremely helpful consultation
I sent Mr. Ford a message through Avvo, seeking help on the probate of a small estate left by my father. Mr. Ford immediately called me and walked me through various options for most efficiently and cost-effectively settling the estate. He was extremely generous with his time and his wisdom, all the ...
Posted by Steven | December 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Real Estate
Real Estate Transaction
I recently had a real estate issue that John worked on for me that was anything but straightforward. John worked with me to form the strategy, negotiated the deal, and closed it. Along the way, he managed my expectations, gave excellent advice, provided solid options and explained in detail his rea...
Posted by Monty | April 01, 2015 | Business
Asset purchase
I have worked with numerous attorneys over time for my business needs, but John has definitely been a pleasure to work with on my latest project. He was very thorough and attentive to all my needs and provided information and feedback on a timely basis.
Posted by Martin | March 26, 2015 | Employment & Labor
Solid Attorney with Great Experience
I have worked with John on several corporate matters from employment law and contracts to union issues to disputes with major vendors. John has very much impressed me with his accessibility and responsiveness. He also does a great job of setting my expectations for timing and the way a legal issue ...
Posted by Paul | March 26, 2015 | Estate Planning
Lawyer that gets it done.
Mr. Ford is our corporate attorney that has performed many functions for the company. From completing and closing of my purchase of the company from an ESOP, to complete refinancing several years later. John completed both processes in a timely and cost effective way. John has performed many HR funct...
John Burt Ford's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. John has a stellar reputation for being thorough and committed to his client's business needs. I recommend him wholeheartedly."
"As counsel for a business in Ohio who does business in Indiana, I've needed to find Indiana counsel. John has worked for my client many times in that role now, and I strongly endorse his abilites and accumen."
"I endorse this lawyer. John is diligent, effective and highly competent. I would highly recommend him in the practice areas of business and real estate."
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"John is a first class lawyer and a gentleman. He is very detail oriented."
"John has a wealth of experience in corporate matters and a dedication to his clients."
"John is an excellent lawyer and an asset to the profession."
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Experience
Honors
2018
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1975
Indiana Law Journal, Indiana University School of Law
1973
ODK National Leadership Honorary Society, Ohio Wesleyan University
Work Experience
1976 - Present
Partner, Jones Obenchain, LLP
Associations
2012 - Present
Michiana Estate Planning CouncilDirector
1976 - Present
Indiana State Bar Association
1976 - Present
St. Joseph County Bar Association
2015 - 2017
Morris Park Country ClubPresident
1999 - 2010
Delta Tau Delta Mu Chapter House CorporationPresident
1988 - 1988
Windingbrook Park H.O. Assn.President
1981 - 1987
United Way of St. Joseph CountyAdmission and Allocations Committees
Sample of Legal Cases
M.F.P. Inc. v. David E. McDaniel Co., 495 NE2d 561 (Ind. App. 1986).
Settled.
Education
1976
Indiana University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1973
Ohio Wesleyan University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
The Probate Process from Start to Finish
Understanding the Role of the Personal Representative in Probate
2015
Estate Planning
Grantor Trusts
2014
Landlord-Tenant Issues
Indiana Residential Leases
2003
client seminar
Workplace Violence: An Employer's Perspective
2002
client seminar
Estate Planning in the New Milennium
1999
client seminar
Indiana's Mechanic's Lien Law
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Is a verbal agreement binding in the state of indiana
02 Dec 2013
Q&A
Why is an order to amend HEIRSHIP filed in an estate ? Party in question is the Father of deceased daughter.
02 Dec 2013