John G. Johnson, Jr.

John Griffith "Grif" Johnson, Jr.

Of Counsel - Retired

Grif practiced law for more than four decades in the field of the federal government’s regulation of mass media service providers, especially radio and television broadcasters.  His clients included both commercial and public station group owners, as well as institutional sources of capital to the broadcasting industry, encompassing commercial banks, investment banks, hedge funds, private equity funds, venture capital firms, and underwriters of securities offerings.  He also assisted clients whose operations weren’t directly regulated by the Federal Communications Commission or by other federal agencies, but whose interests were vitally affected by such regulation.  Grif worked extensively with clients in navigating both the Congressional and the administrative layers of governmental oversight of mass media.  In addition, he participated in numerous proceedings before the federal judiciary in challenging or defending new or modified regulatory initiatives.

Education

Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., Deans List; Editor, Georgetown Law Journal, 1976

Princeton University, A.B., Summa Cum Laude; Phi Beta Kappa, 1972

Prior Experience

Partner, Paul Hastings LLP, 1996-2010

Partner, Bryan Cave LLP, 1987-1996

Partner, Kadison, Pfaelzer, Woodard, Quinn & Rossi, 1981-1987

Partner, Jorgensen, Johnson & Northrop, 1977-1981

Associate, Law Offices of Norman E. Jorgensen, 1976-1977

Fun Fact

Prior to attending law school, Grif worked as a reporter for an international wire service company and was stationed in Richmond, Virginia.  In 1973, he was among the first U.S. journalists to interview American former prisoners-of-war who were being released from captivity in what was then North Vietnam and were being processed through the Portsmouth (Virginia) Naval Air Station.

Practice Admissions

Representative Matters

Awards & Distinctions