John Haarlow, Jr.

John never hesitates in tackling the most complex legal problems and has a track record of earning top results. Clients, colleagues, and adversaries all agree on his effectiveness and professionalism. In 2017, the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin selected John as one of the 40 most talented young attorneys in Illinois. John was recognized for his quick wit, professionalism and dedication to his clients. His “Forty Under 40” nominators described him as “stunningly effective” and “destined to be a prize litigator.” John founded Mercer Oak to provide the close attention and predictability his clients richly deserve.

For over 15 years, John has served as a litigator, strategist, and advisor to individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes. John has tried cases to victory in courts and alternative dispute resolution venues, successfully argued dispositive motions, and engaged in all aspects of discovery and motion practice. He’s briefed clients’ cases before the Supreme Court of the United States. Clients call on John to advise on litigation strategy, crisis management, and compliance, as well as risk assessment in connection with commercial contracts, product launches, and transactions. His experience encompasses closely held companies, financial services, hedge funds, real estate, consumer goods, aviation, legal malpractice, manufacturing, entertainment, food and beverage, and technology.

Prior to founding Mercer Oak, John was a partner at the premier Chicago litigation boutique Novack and Macey LLP, where he co-chaired the firm’s closely held businesses practice group. John began his career at litigation powerhouse Jenner & Block. He clerked for the Honorable Suzanne Conlon in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.   

For over a decade, John has served as a member of the Board of the Sue Duncan Children’s Center, a 501(c)(3) organization which provides free after-school educational and recreational programming for under-served children in Chicago. He currently resides outside Chicago with his wife, Courtney, and three children. In his free time, John is a gourmet chef, guitar player, golfer, world traveler and, soon, a coach.   

Credentials:

Princeton University, AB 1999

University of Illinois College of Law, JD 2004, summa cum laude.

Awards:

Illinois Super Lawyers (2022-2024)

Leading Lawyer, Closely & Privately Held Business Law, Commercial Litigation, Law Bulletin Publishing Company, given to fewer than 5 percent of all Illinois lawyers (2020-2021)

Illinois Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2013-2017 an honor given to fewer than 2.5 percent of all Illinois lawyers.

Emerging Lawyer, Law Bulletin Publishing Company, 2015-2017

Forty Under 40, given to the top 40 attorneys in Illinois under 40 years old, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, 2017

Publications and Presentations:

Editor, Novack and Macey LLP’s Case Studies in Closely Held Company Disputes (2017-2020)

Author, “New FERC Rule Paves the Way for Greater Renewable Participation in Wholesale Markets,” Novack and Macey LLP Energy Alert (June 2018)

Author, four Practice Point Case Notes on the American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution Website (2015-2016)

Co-Author, Chapter 7, “Civil Procedure Issues in Closely Held Entities,” Handbook on Disputes Involving Closely Held Companies, published by the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (2015)

Faculty member, “Federal E-Discovery,” Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (Webcast February 14, 2013)

Co-author, “Recovering Attorney Fees for Defending Frivolous Claims,” Illinois Bar Journal (Sept. 2012)

Author, “Standing Out:  How to Manage an Online Presence Using Trademarks and Domain Names,” Smart Business Chicago (June 2012)

Co-author, “Nonparty Discovery Under the FAA,” Illinois Bar Journal (Sept. 2010)

Co-author, “Departing Executives and the Wage Payment Act,” Illinois Bar Journal (Mar. 2008)