Judge John E. McDermott

John E. McDermott was appointed as a Magistrate Judge in 2009. Prior to his appointment, he was a commercial and public trial lawyer for 37 years in Los Angeles. He was a partner with Howrey LLP from 1997 to 2009, a partner with Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft from 1990 to 1997, a partner with McDermott, Will & Emery from 1987 to 1990 and a partner with Memel, Jacobs, Pierno, Gersh & Ellsworth from 1981 to 1987. He was with the Western Center on Law & Poverty from 1972 to 1981, serving as its Executive Director from 1977 to 1981. He was an associate at Latham & Watkins from 1971 to 1972. Judge McDermott’s practice focused on complex business litigation and litigation involving public entities.

Judge McDermott received his undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1968 and his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1971.