John Geelan advises family offices, entrepreneurs, and growth-stage companies on a broad range of legal matters, including entity formation, capital raising, financings, compensation, and employment matters. He serves as a key advisor on strategic and risk management matters, counseling clients on transactions, intellectual property and licensing, corporate governance, and employer-employee relationships. John also conducts internal investigations and represents clients in complex litigation involving allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, investor disputes, partnership disputes, theft of trade secrets, and employment disputes. John's practice draws on his background in employment law and litigation.
Experience
- Major financial services institution in ongoing commercial and employment matters.
- International pharmaceutical company concerning compliance with employment laws.
- Global spirits company in numerous commercial matters, including joint venture agreements and intellectual property disputes.
- Private aviation company in ongoing transactional, commercial and employment matters.
- Integrated energy company in employment matters.
- National health and fitness company on numerous commercial matters.
- Food and wellness company in various commercial matters, including transactions and trademark issues.
- Multinational electronics manufacturing services company in employee and union litigation matters arising from reductions in force.
- Officers and directors of public companies, including against claims of fraud and negligent misrepresentation in connection with companies missing targets and filing bankruptcy.
- Private investment firm and international banking and financial services holding company on labor, employment and ERISA issues associated with the operation of an acquired hotel.
- Publishing subsidiary of a multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate against allegations of discrimination and violation of Title VII.
Perspectives
August 15, 2024
Best Lawyers in America 2025 Recognizes 91 Arnold & Porter Lawyers, Names Three as "Lawyers of the Year" and 80 as "Ones to Watch"
February 17, 2022
New Law Requires New York Employers to Notify Employees of Monitoring of Their Communications and Internet Usage
Enforcement Edge: Shining Light on Government Enforcement
Recognition
Best Lawyers
Litigation — Labor and Employment (New York) (2020-2027)
The Legal 500 US
“Recommended Lawyer” Sport (2019)
M&A Advisor
"Upper Middle-Market Deal of the Year" (2012)
Credentials
Education
- J.D., American University, Washington College of Law, 1990, cum laude, Dean's Fellow
- B.A., University of Notre Dame, 1986
Admissions
- New York
Clerkships
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Activities
- Member, Bar Association Of the City Of New York