John Pierce is a former federal prosecutor and trial attorney whose practice encompasses complex criminal defense, civil litigation and business disputes. His expertise lies in antitrust, health care and commercial securities litigation.
He has represented some of the most notable riot defendants, such as members of far-right nationalist groups like Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. Additionally, he represents sons of right-wing media founders; pastors at Florida churches; and pub workers from Minnesota.
Attorney John Pierce
Attorney John Pierce, who was dismissed by conservative cause celebre Kyle Rittenhouse and represents 17 Capitol riot defendants, has not made court appearances according to reports. Instead, one of his associates has been appearing instead; prosecutors claim this individual does not possess a license to practice law.
Pierce, who led an M1A1 Abrams tank platoon in the Army before being fired by Rittenhouse this year, has become a nationally respected security journalist renowned for criticizing government responses to Capitol riots as a cover-up.
Right-wing attorney Jeffrey Heithaus has encouraged other defense lawyers to find proof of government incitement of crowd rioting; this would allow him to bring public authority defense for some of his clients. Additionally, Heithaus is outspokenly critical of the F.B.I. and believes they employed Stasi-like techniques during protests to spy on his clients.
He has since withdrawn from several Capitol riot cases but continues to represent some in other hearings. Additionally, he can be found tweeting and social media sharing his efforts at raising the possibility of public authority defense for some of his clients.
Recently, at least two judges appointed conflicts counsel to review whether Pierce’s representation of multiple co-defendants charged together for breaching the Capitol presents any ethical considerations that require his withdrawal as their attorney. His clients include members of a far-right nationalist group known as Proud Boys as well as sons of L. Brent Bozell IV who are all being charged together in this matter.
Judges in these cases vary in their responses as to whether prosecutors can push for “split sentences,” which would give defendants both prison and probation sentences instead of just prison time for Jan. 6 misdemeanors.
The split has not only led to tension within the case, but has made it more challenging for Pierce to avoid accusations of conflict of interest and unscreened clients; specifically taking on several Proud Boys clients as well as representing Florida pastors and Minnesota pub workers among his roster of clients.
His clients have all been charged with crimes related to the January 6 riot and at least seven are currently undergoing trial for them. While most involve only a handful of rioters each time, their number could lead the Justice Department to request new trials should conflicts between attorneys arise during this process.
Federal prosecutors issued a filing this week warning Pierce’s associate, Ryan Marshall, is not licensed as an attorney and faces felony criminal cases in Pennsylvania. Marshall has been representing some of Pierce’s clients without him in his absence and told a judge in court on Friday that he believed Pierce to be hospitalized with COVID-19 and on a ventilator.
Dentons Sirote
Dentons Sirote is a multidisciplinary law firm, offering services in corporate and securities law, commercial litigation, alternative dispute resolution, bankruptcy proceedings, health care contracts, government procurement contracts, taxation and real estate matters. Their clients include Fortune 500 companies as well as family-run businesses requiring comprehensive legal advice.
Dentons Sirote has been providing quality legal representation since 1946. Committed to helping its local communities as well as working with government agencies and multinational corporations, Dentons Sirote strives to be their trusted advisor.
One of the Firm’s guiding principles is providing superior legal services at fair prices in an expeditious fashion, which has been key to its success and continues to guide its practice today.
The Firm also prioritizes diversity and inclusion throughout its workforce, providing all lawyers the chance to develop professionally at the Firm.
Dentons Sirote’s approach entails giving associates early responsibility and mentoring from senior partners who provide advice and assistance. Dentons Sirote is seen by many associates as their long-term employer with many planning to remain here for an extended period.
Pierce is a shareholder at our Mobile, Alabama office and advises clients in matters related to insurance, business, products liability and commercial litigation. In addition, he regularly assists business owners on construction-related matters as well as transportation logistics and professional liability concerns.
As well as representing clients, Mr. Houlihan is active with several professional and community groups that promote racial tolerance and social justice across Alabama. His involvement includes governance, fundraising and volunteerism for these groups.
He is an active speaker and writer for several publications, serving on panels at Alabama Defense Lawyers Association meetings and Product Liability Advisory Council events as well as DRI (Defense Research Institute).
John graduated from Auburn University, and holds a license to practice law in Alabama. Additionally, he belongs to various associations such as the American Bar Association, State Bar of Alabama and Mobile County Bar Association.
John has extensive experience handling claims and disputes before both state and federal courts, representing both plaintiffs and defendants alike as well as working with many businesses, such as manufacturers and retailers.
John has earned a stellar reputation within the legal field and is widely respected for his skill at handling complex litigation matters. Additionally, he frequently lectures and writes on products liability law, commercial disputes management and insurance law as well as litigation management practices.
His experience spans from high-stakes commercial litigation and class actions, through personal injury matters. Additionally, he has extensive knowledge in resolving complex disputes through arbitration and mediation techniques that use innovative settlement techniques in order to reduce costs and avoid lengthy trials.
John C.S. Pierce
Pierce has faced numerous difficulties during his legal career, such as bankruptcy and allegations of mismanagement. Though his debt burden is significant, he plans on rebuilding his firm by taking on high-profile cases.
Pierce has taken on many cases and encouraged clients to speak out in media interviews – something legal experts warn is risky. Furthermore, his lack of criminal law experience poses a potential difficulty when representing clients in court.
Federal prosecutors recently accused Pierce of failing to communicate with them about 17 clients charged in the Capitol riot, leaving their fate in the hands of 30-year-old Ryan Marshall – an unlicensed lawyer – who claimed Pierce was fighting COVID-19.
Prosecutors reported in a filing that they are concerned about Mr. Pierce’s health and that Mr. Marshall does not possess the legal qualifications to represent his clients ethically and legally, reporting these concerns directly to the judge.
As such, the federal government announced it will delay moving against alleged rioters until they find legal representation to represent them in court and request that evidence against them not be used against them by judges. Prosecutors intend to also ask that evidence against these alleged rioters not be used against them by asking judges not to allow it.
Additionally, federal prosecutors are considering dropping some charges against 17 people charged in the riot, so that they may appeal them more easily.
One attorney told NPR that Pierce and his legal team face an extremely grave situation. According to him, some issues might be resolved through negotiations; however, he anticipates not being able to represent all of his clients in court proceedings.
Some of his cases have involved thousands of hours of video footage and terabytes of data for discovery – an enormous task for an inexperienced attorney.
Financial difficulties have cast a shadow over his work, forcing him to turn away some clients who needed his services. Recently though, he has taken on numerous high-profile cases and pledged to repay all debt as soon as possible.
Dentons Sirote’s Mobile, Alabama office and the Litigation Practice Group. He represents businesses and business owners across a broad range of trial and appellate practice areas.
He assists clients with litigation as well as construction and transportation matters, professional liability issues, products liability concerns, business disputes, insurance matters and corporate guidance. Additionally, he serves on the board of Mobile County Bar Association.
Pierce remains confident despite the many obstacles standing in his way and believes he is doing an exceptional job representing his clients. He remains focused on excelling in court proceedings while taking measures to avoid conflicts of interest; but is aware that law changes quickly as cases progress.