John A. Graham

John A. Graham is a Los Angeles commercial litigation lawyer with more than 40 years of experience advising businesses, financial institutions, leasing companies, and manufacturers. His practice covers complex state and federal litigation, bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, appellate matters, arbitration, and mediation. He also provides independent litigation planning and oversight, helping legal departments and trial counsel evaluate strategy, manage difficult disputes, and consider practical paths toward trial or settlement.

John earned a B.A. from Pennsylvania State University College of Science in 1972 and a J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1976. He is also a graduate of the Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law. This education and dispute-resolution training support his work in commercial trials, negotiated resolutions, and complex financial matters.

John has tried more than 70 cases to verdict in state and federal courts and has handled hundreds of high-stakes injunction and prejudgment remedy hearings. His experience includes business disputes, insurance coverage, lender liability, fraudulent schemes, secured transactions, real estate finance, employee claims, federal forfeiture, and money laundering matters. He represented Union Bank before the United States Supreme Court in a case that ended with a unanimous decision for the bank. He has also advised on major Chapter 11 reorganizations and served as an expert witness in complex commercial and bankruptcy matters.

John A. Graham serves as a court-appointed mediator for the U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Central District of California, assisting with complex commercial disputes. He previously served as a judge pro tem in Los Angeles courts and held leadership roles with the Los Angeles County Bankruptcy Forum. His recognition includes selection as a Southern California Super Lawyer from 2006 through 2014 and inclusion among Los Angeles Magazine’s Southern California’s Best Lawyers in 2012. His work combines courtroom experience, strategic planning, and practical commercial judgment.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Jeffer Mangels & Mitchell LLP
• Member, Financial Lawyers Conference
• Member, Los Angeles County Bankruptcy Forum
• Member, Orange County Bankruptcy Forum

Licensed State

• California

Education

• University of San Diego School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Pennsylvania State University College of Science
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)