John Walton graduated with an A.B. degree from Stanford University in 1984, followed by a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Michigan Law School in 1987 and an LL.M. in Japanese Law from Kyoto University in 1990.

Mr. Walton has extensive experience in all phases of litigation, including trials in state and federal courts, arbitration, mediation and appeals.  Some of his recent successes include:

• Successfully represented company sued for $30 million based upon asset sale agreement, resulting in $3 million recovery to client.
• Obtained nationwide preliminary injunction protecting client’s rights to weight-loss product, followed by permanent injunction and $6 million judgment.
• Obtained preliminary injunction against UCLA’s intended sale of historical Japanese garden property in violation of terms of agreement (affirmed on appeal).
• Retained as trial counsel ten days before trial in conversion of art case. After three-week jury trial, obtained a verdict valued at $15 million in damages and ownership of art. Received mayoral commendation for excellence in trial advocacy.
• Obtained judgments of non-dischargeability in bankruptcy court on behalf of trademark and joint venture plaintiffs against Chapter 7 debtor, including injunction against further competitive activities.
• Represented Austrian manufacturer of heavy equipment against fraud claim; vacated default judgment (and affirmed on appeal) in first suit and defended second suit on the merits, resulting in judgment for client and award of attorneys’ fees under FRCP Rule 41.
• Defended corporate client against claim by owner of note for ownership of 20% of company as “fee” for forbearance; after trial, obtained judgment for defendant on the complaint and also prevailed on cross-complaint for usury and alter ego liability, totaling $2 million.
• Represented plaintiff creditors/assignees of corporate bankruptcy in claim of theft of trade secrets. Obtained 8-figure settlement during arbitration proceedings.
• Defended against proffered amendment of trust by proving forgery at trial, and then successfully petitioned for disinheritance (affirmed on appeal).

Mr. Walton also has significant experience in international litigation (i.e., cases where one or more of the parties is domiciled in a foreign country).  Mr. Walton is fluent in spoken and written Japanese, and earned a Masters in Japanese law while working as a foreign legal consultant at an international Japanese law firm.  Mr. Walton previously practiced with Irell & Manella and Graham & James. 

Mr. Walton has been recognized repeatedly as a preeminent practitioner by Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, American Lawyer Magazine, and Pasadena Magazine.