John graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature. He then received his Juris Doctor from University of Puget Sound Law School in 1985.

John is a lifetime resident of Whatcom County and has been a practicing attorney since 1986. 

John is a member of Wealth Counsel, a national organization of estate planning attorneys.

John is also a Hyatt Legal Plan, ARAG and Workplace Benefits Participating Attorney.