John L. Viola

John serves as a one-stop resource for employment counseling and litigation for companies across the country, particularly as they relate to California operations. He also draws on his background in the insurance industry to counsel and defend insurance companies on a host of industry-specific legal issues.

In his national employment law practice, John defends companies facing claims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful discharge, and retaliation. He also has defended whistleblower claims and successfully litigated several wage and hour class actions. John frequently conducts internal employment investigations and leads on-site training for employees.

A former in-house attorney with MetLife, John has represented life and health insurance companies for decades and defends first-party "bad faith" and ERISA actions involving universal and variable life insurance policies, as well as more traditional policies and health insurance policies. John has represented insurers in class actions involving market conduct, premium, investment, and cost issues. He also has guided insurers, reinsurers and guarantee associations through insolvencies.

For clients across a host of industries, John has tried cases in state and federal courts, and argued before a variety of state and federal appellate courts. He also has successfully arbitrated and mediated numerous cases before the AAA and other dispute resolution agencies.

John is a problem solver and skilled litigator who nonetheless strives to help clients head off problems long before they lead to litigation. He also ensures that a company's policies and response to potential and actual claims align with its brand, its values, and its ultimate business goals.

Good to know

Job Types Partner
Areas of Practice 1) Appellate, 2) Automotive, 3) Business Litigation, 4) Class Action, 5) Employment Litigation, 6) ERISA Litigation, 7) HR Counseling and 8) Insurance Litigation
Law School New York University School of Law (J.D.,1979)
Education Columbia University (A.B.,1976)
Bar Member / Association California State Bar Association, New York State Bar Association
Most recent firm Thompson Coburn LLP
LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-viola-15912a8
Relevant Jobs
Business Manager for Top Law Schools- Remote Position
USA-UT-Ephraim

We are looking for a dynamic, committed, hard-working recent law school graduate who wants to gain broad-based business experience and help our company grow. The candidate should be comfortable workin...

Apply now

Business Manager for Top Law Schools - Remote Position
USA-NV-Las Vegas

We are looking for a dynamic, committed, hard-working recent law graduate who wants to gain broad-based business experience and help our company grow. The candidate should be comfortable working in a ...

Apply now

+ View more jobs
Andrew Hamilton
Andrew Hamilton

Andrew Hamilton is a partner in Morgan Lewis's Business and Finance Practice. Mr. Hamilton practices in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital, securities law, and general corporate counseling.

Barbara A. Fitzgerald
Barbara A. Fitzgerald

Ms. Fitzgerald represents employers in a wide range of industries, including the entertainment, financial services, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, and transportation industries.

Barbara J. Shander
Barbara J. Shander

Ms. Shander advises public and private company clients as well as private equity funds, with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, dispositions, and financing transactions.