John W. Stapleton

John W. Stapleton is a partner of Fisher & Phillips LLP. He focuses on labor and employment law, helping employers manage workplace legal challenges. He works with businesses of all sizes, offering both courtroom representation and day-to-day legal advice. John, as he is known professionally, is especially experienced in handling cases that involve employees moving between competing companies. These include issues like non-compete agreements, non-solicitation, trade secrets, and duties of loyalty. He has successfully represented clients on both the plaintiff and defense side in state and federal courts.

John earned his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2013, and his B.B.A. from the University of Georgia in 2010.

In addition to litigation, John helps employers follow the law and avoid legal trouble. He advises companies on federal and state employment laws and reviews employment agreements, severance documents, and workplace policies. He also conducts training to help employers prevent problems such as harassment or wage violations. His legal support covers claims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, and wage and hour issues. He represents clients before federal and state courts as well as government agencies.

John is a trusted labor and employment law attorney, known for his regular writing and speaking on workplace legal issues. He is deeply committed to serving his community, providing pro bono legal services to Georgia nonprofits through the Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta. John’s leadership and results have earned him consistent recognition in the legal field, including selection as a Georgia Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2018–2023 and inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch from 2021–2025.

John W. Stapleton is admitted to practice in the state of Georgia, the Georgia Court of Appeals, the Georgia Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Georgia. John brings reliable legal guidance, strong courtroom skills, and a practical approach to every case he handles.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Fisher & Phillips LLP
• Allied Trade Member, Georgia Craft Brewers Guild
• Member, Atlanta Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of Georgia, Labor & Employment Section

Licensed State

• Georgia

Education

• University of Georgia School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Georgia
  BBA with Cum Laude

Awards & Badges