JM

John Michael Devine, Business Attorney in Santa Ana, California

Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Employment, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Of CounselatLerner & McDonald

Santa Ana, CA

Practicing business in Santa Ana since 1982.

44+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
6
Bar admissions

Are you John Michael Devine?

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Quick answer

John Michael Devine is an of counsel based in Santa Ana, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Litigation. John has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lerner & McDonald. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Santa Ana, CA
Experience
over 44 years
Known for
Business · Employment · Litigation
  • Handles Business, Employment, and Litigation matters from Santa Ana, CA.
  • Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About John Michael Devine: John Michael Devine is an of counsel based in Santa Ana, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Litigation. John has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lerner & McDonald. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters John takes on

John concentrates on business, employment, litigation, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Santa Ana, California

John takes business matters in Santa Ana, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Santa Ana, California

John takes employment matters in Santa Ana, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Santa Ana, California

John takes litigation matters in Santa Ana, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Zoning cases in Santa Ana, California

John takes zoning matters in Santa Ana, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet John Michael Devine — business lawyer in Santa Ana

John Michael Devine is an of counsel based in Santa Ana, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Litigation. John has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lerner & McDonald. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

John Michael Devine is a lawyer practicing business litigation, labor law, employment law and 3 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana in 1978, and has been licensed for 44 years. John practices at Lerner & McDonald in Santa Ana, CA.

John's approach to business cases

John Michael Devine is a lawyer practicing business litigation, labor law, employment law and 3 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana in 1978, and has been licensed for 44 years. John practices at Lerner & McDonald in Santa Ana, CA.

The kind of cases John takes

John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, employment, and litigation matters in Santa Ana and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Pepperdine University

    J.D. · 1982

  • University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana

    B.A. · 1978

Jurisdictions

John's state bar admissions

  • Illinois

    1988 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1987 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1987 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1986 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1984 · ACTIVE

  • California

    1982 · ACTIVE

John studied at J.D. in Pepperdine University and B.A. in University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

Law school and academic background

John completed J.D. in Pepperdine University and B.A. in University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

John's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Orange County (Member, Business and Corporate Law Section) and American Bar Associations State Bar of California

    membership

Locations

John Michael Devine's office in Santa Ana

John's primary office is at Griffin Towers, 5 Hutton Centre Drive, Suite 1025, Santa Ana, CA, 92707-5754. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Lerner & McDonald

Griffin Towers, 5 Hutton Centre Drive, Suite 1025

Santa Ana, CA 92707-5754

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Client feedback

Client reviews of John Michael Devine — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Santa Ana.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Michael Devine claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire John Michael Devine — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Santa Ana, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John

John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about John Michael Devine

  • How much does it cost to hire John for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does John offer a free consultation?

    John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in California typically take?

    Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can John take my case if I'm outside Santa Ana?

    John is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with John?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is John accepting new business clients right now?

    John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Santa Ana, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

John handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Santa Ana handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.