John S. Buford

John S. Buford is a partner at Hancock Daniel, where he handles complex commercial and employment law at the trial and appellate levels. He represents businesses and individuals in disputes involving contracts, corporate and LLC governance, trademarks, trade secrets, business torts, construction, land use, and bankruptcy proceedings. He also defends employers against discrimination, retaliation, wrongful discharge, noncompetition, and nonsolicitation claims. His practice extends to federal and state courts in Virginia and North Carolina, administrative proceedings, arbitration, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

John earned his B.A. in Economics and Government from the University of Virginia in 1999. He received his J.D. cum laude from Washington and Lee University in 2002, where he served as executive editor of the Washington & Lee Law Review. He is admitted in Virginia and North Carolina, along with several federal district, bankruptcy, and appellate courts. After law school, he clerked for Senior U.S. District Judge Jackson L. Kiser in the Western District of Virginia, and he later practiced in North Carolina for 12 years.

John uses litigation technology to organize evidence and present complex issues clearly to judges, juries, and arbitrators. He oversees the firm’s electronic discovery platform, including document collection, review, and production. He adapts his strategy to each client’s facts, risk tolerance, personalities, and goals rather than relying on a standard approach. He also serves on the American Health Law Association’s panel of arbitrators, where his experience supports the resolution of healthcare-related disputes.

John S. Buford combines broad courtroom experience with professional leadership and community service. He has held an AV Preeminent rating and was selected for Virginia Super Lawyers in business litigation for 2025 and 2026. His earlier honors include Virginia Business Legal Elite recognition in 2023 and 2024 and multiple Rising Stars selections in Virginia and North Carolina. He has served on the Federal Bar Association’s Richmond Chapter Board of Directors since 2023, and his practical judgment helps clients pursue informed solutions in demanding disputes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Hancock, Daniel & Johnson, LLC
• Member, American Health Law Association

Licensed State

• North Carolina
• Virginia

Education

• Washington and Lee University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Virginia
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)