John L. Winchester, III
Deputy County Counsel
Overview
John transferred to the Child and Family Protection Team in 2014 after working on the Litigation Team since joining the Office of the County Counsel in 2006. John worked in the Independent Defense Counsel Office between 2022 and 2024. For the entirety of his professional career, John has served as lead trial counsel in complex and high exposure litigation involving alleged civil rights violations, employment disputes, professional negligence and the defense of catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death claims. He has successfully tried countless bench trials and numerous cases to jury verdict in state and federal courts throughout California. Before joining the County, John was recognized as a California Super Lawyer and a Bay Area Best by San Francisco Magazine in the field of commercial litigation. He has been a frequent panelist and lecturer on civil trial practice and has served in leadership roles both in private practice and in the Office of the County Counsel. John takes particular interest in mentoring junior attorneys.
Office practice areas
- Child and Family Protection Team
Education
- University of San Francisco School of Law, J.D., 1989
- Moot Court Board
- National Appellate Advocacy Team
- Order of Barristers
- Moot Court Honors
- Extern, Hon. John E. Benson, California Court of Appeals
- California State University, Chico, 1986
- Hon. Ann B. Rutherford Merit Scholar
Professional associations
- Community Leadership San Jose (2006)
Prior experience
- Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Pro Tem (1994-2006)
- Equity Shareholder at Robinson & Wood, Inc. (1989-2006)