John V. Jansonius
Practice Areas
Experience
- Discrimination & Harassment Claims
- Employee Whistleblower & Retaliation Claims
- Employment & Governmental Investigations
- Employment Policies, Procedures, & Handbooks
- Hiring, Performance Management, & Termination
- Labor & Employment Appellate
- Labor & Employment Litigation
- Labor Management & Traditional Labor Relations
- Non-Compete Issues
- Special Investigations
- Staffing, Independent Contractors, & Contingent Workers
- Unfair Competition & Trade Secrets
- Wage & Hour
- Workplace Ethics, Compliance, & Investigations
- Workplace Safety & Health
- Workplace Training
“John Jansonius provides expert representation to employers in labor relations matters as well as high-stakes employment litigation. 'He is universally regarded as a good lawyer and easy to work with,' sources stated. 'John brings deep expertise and knowledge of traditional labor work. He is among the best and can deal with difficult issues that require deep experience in labor practice. He is well-connected, practical, and capable of understanding deep theory, and he stays abreast of what is going on.' One interviewee added, 'He is very strong on all accounts.'”
— Chambers USA Guide, 2023
Biography
John V. Jansonius has over 40 years experience in labor and employment law. He focuses his practice on: contract and compensation negotiations and disputes with corporate officers and managers; defense of employment discrimination claims and wrongful discharge claims; collective bargaining, representation cases, and unfair labor practice claims under the National Labor Relations Act; denial of benefits claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act; advising on and conducting internal investigations with employers, boards of directors, audit committees, and compensation committees; and advising on employment and labor aspects of business transactions. He has represented clients in numerous jury and non-jury trials in state and federal court and has presented oral arguments to the U.S. Supreme Court and several federal circuit courts of appeals.
John is rare among labor and employment lawyers in having experience in the board room, at the bargaining table, and in the courtroom. His experience, and his current practice, ranges from counseling boards of directors of publicly traded companies to serving as counsel to company negotiating committees in collective bargaining with labor unions. Rounding out John’s practice is regular involvement as defense counsel in employment litigation and counseling management on executive and employee relations matters and compliance with federal and state labor and employment law.
John provides added value to clients by partnering with employers, boards of directors, and compensation committees to develop and implement tailored compliance and ethics programs that reduce risk and ensure compliance in today’s increasingly regulatory climate. John regularly serves as a trusted adviser to clients that must conduct independent or internal investigations.
Few lawyers have been as long and steadily involved in the full array of labor and employment law as it has evolved over the past generation as John, and this gives him a unique ability to counsel and defend businesses in their legal relationships with executives, salaried and hourly paid employees, and labor unions.
Education
B.A., cum laude, Drake University
J.D., SMU Dedman School of Law
Bar Admissions
Texas
Minnesota
Oklahoma
Court Admissions
United States Supreme Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth, Eighth, and Tenth Circuits
United States District Court for the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
All courts in Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Texas
Professional Certifications
Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law (TBLS)
John has served as lead counsel in countless employment litigation cases; counsel to management on executive compensation and employee relations aspects in a wide variety of business transactions; management counsel in collective bargaining, contract administration, and unfair labor practice defense in the labor relations context; and he routinely works with corporate counsel, executive management, and human resources management to resolve specific employee relations issues and to develop programs and strategies to minimize risk.
Among John’s specific areas of expertise are:
- Defense of claims alleging unfair or discriminatory compensation practices
- Representation of management in union representation cases, unfair labor practice cases, and grievance arbitrations
- Counseling and representing corporations and other business entities in executive relations and the labor and employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions and other business transactions
- Arbitration and litigation defense of employment discrimination and wrongful discharge claims
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, 1996-2025
- Ranked for Employment: Mainly Defendant – Texas, 1996-2006
- Ranked for Labor & Employment – Texas, 2007-2025
- Chambers Global Guide, Ranked for Labor & Employment (USA), 2018-2023
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 1997-2026
- Lawyer of the Year – Dallas/Fort Worth, Employment Law – Management, 2010, 2012, 2025
- Lawyer of the Year – Dallas/Fort Worth, Labor Law – Management, 2014
- Employment and Labor Law – Management, 1997-2026
- Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2020-2025
- Top 100: Texas Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2010-2011, 2013-2014, 2016
- Top 100: Dallas/Fort Worth Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2007-2017
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2003-2025
- Who’s Who Legal by Lexology, Recommended for Labor & Employment, 2016, 2019, 2023-2024
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas,” D Magazine, 2009, 2011-2015, 2017-2018
Speaking Engagements (partial list)
- “National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Update,” 32nd Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference (June 2025)
- “The Evolving World of Union Organizing,” TexasBarCLE’s 31st Annual Advanced Employment Law Course (January 2023)
- “Labor Law Update,” 32nd Annual Labor and Employment Law Institute of the Labor & Employment Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (August 2022)
- “NLRB Update,” 31st Annual Labor and Employment Law Institute of the Labor & Employment Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (August 2021)
- “Recent Developments Under the National Labor Relations Act,” State Bar of Texas 29th Annual Advanced Employment Law Course (January 2021)
- “Wage-Hour 2020: U.S. Department of Labor and Private Enforcement of the FLSA,” UT Law CLE’s 27th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference (May 2020)
- “Class Action Employment Litigation: What’s Left and What’s New,” UT Law CLE’s 26th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference (May 2019)
- Co-Presenter, “2018 Employment and Labor Law Update: The Year of #MeToo,” Labor & Employment Law Symposium (October 2018)
- “Recent Updates to the Anti-SLAPP Law,” Dallas Bar Association Media Relations Committee (November 2018)
- “Flip-Flop at the Board: What’s Gone, What’s New, What’s Coming Under the NLRA,” UT Law CLE’s 25th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference (May 2018)
- “Recent Developments and A Look Ahead Under the National Labor Relations Act,” UT Law CLE’s 24th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference (June 2017)
- “Keeping Up With The Times Or Re-Writing History: The Pace and Scope of Change Under the National Labor Relations Act,” New Mexico Bar Association (October 2016)
- “Compensation Litigation and Regulation in Trucking: The Battle Between the States and the States, the Federal Government, and the Industry,” 29th Annual Conference of the North American Transportation Employee Relations Association (2016)
Jackson Walker Congratulates 2025 Texas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the recognition of 75 attorneys by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers in the 2025 “Texas Super Lawyers” list, as well as 66 attorneys as “Texas Rising Stars” for 2025. Each year, less than 5% of attorneys are selected to Super Lawyers and 2.5% to Rising Stars. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 18, 2025
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 “Lawyers of the Year” and 106 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys across 87 specialty practice areas in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch.
Attorney News • August 21, 2025
‘Texas Lawyer’ Names Jackson Walker to Hall of Fame as Top Labor & Employment Firm in 2025 Best Of Survey
Jackson Walker is honored to be named to the Texas Lawyer Hall of Fame, earning top Labor & Employment Law Firm rankings across Austin, Houston, and Dallas in the 2025 “Best Of” survey.
Spotlight • August 12, 2025
Chambers and Partners Releases 2025 USA Guide Featuring 79 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 28 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 79 attorneys and 28 departments for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 29 departments, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 9 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 12 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 5, 2025
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2024
Jackson Walker proudly announces the selection of 71 attorneys to Thomson Reuters’ 2024 “Texas Super Lawyers” list.
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 17, 2024
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 15, 2024
Chambers and Partners Releases 2024 USA Guide Featuring 67 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 23 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 67 attorneys and 23 departments for inclusion in the 2024 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 27 departments, with 3 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 8 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 15 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 6, 2024
Student-Athletes as Employees Spells Legal Stressors for Schools | Bloomberg Tax
The union-aspiring Dartmouth College men’s basketball team has put the full court press on their “employer,” labor agencies, and courts of law — with far-reaching legal and financial implications.
Insights • April 17, 2024
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2023
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 19, 2023
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 17, 2023
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2023 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 51 attorneys and 17 departments for inclusion in the 2023 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys recognized in the guides were ranked in 19 practice areas, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas and 6 named among the top attorneys nationwide in their respective areas.
Spotlight • June 1, 2023
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 64 “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2022
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 21, 2022
John Jansonius and David Schlottman to Present at 32nd Annual Labor and Employment Law Institute
During the 32nd Annual Labor and Employment Law Institute, John Jansonius and David Schlottman will present the latest developments related to labor law and wage and hour matters. Held at JW Marriott Hill Country Resort in San Antonio on August 26-27, 2022, the conference is presented by the Labor & Employment Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.
Speaking Engagements • August 19, 2022
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 18, 2022
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2022 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 48 attorneys and 16 departments for inclusion in the 2022 edition of the Global and USA guides.
Spotlight • June 1, 2022
‘Lawdragon’ Lists 15 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among 500 Leading Lawyers in Environmental, Energy, and Employment Law
Jackson Walker announces the selection of 15 attorneys to Lawdragon‘s list of the 500 leading practitioners in environmental and energy law and corporate employment law.
Attorney News • November 16, 2021
- State Bar of Texas (partial list)
- Board of Directors, 2008-2011, 2014-2017
- Executive Committee, 2016-2017
- Named Outstanding Director, 2017
- Texas Access to Justice Commission, Commissioner, 2014-2017
- Legislative Policy Committee, Chair, 2015-2017
- Grievance Committee for District 6, Panel Chair, 2013-2014
- Client Security Fund, Chair, 2010-2011
- Labor & Employment Section, Chair, 2004-2005
- Texas Bar College, 1990-2022
- Pattern Jury Charge Committee, 2021-2025
- Board of Directors, 2008-2011, 2014-2017
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Dallas Bar Association
- Judicial Committee, Co-Chair, 2014
- New Laws/Legislation Committee, Chair, 1995
- Dallas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- American Bar Foundation, Fellow
- American Employment Law Council (AELC), 2011-2024
- College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, Fellow, 2006-Present
- Employment Discrimination Law treatise, Editorial Board, 2013-2023
- General Counsel Forum – DFW Chapter, Board of Directors, 2001-2012
- Industrial Relations Research Association – North Texas Chapter, President, 1987
- North American Transportation Employee Relations Association, President, 2010
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Pattern Jury Charges for Employment Litigation, Advisory Committee, 2005-2008
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Oklahoma Bar Association
Practice Experience
John has served as lead counsel in countless employment litigation cases; counsel to management on executive compensation and employee relations aspects in a wide variety of business transactions; management counsel in collective bargaining, contract administration, and unfair labor practice defense in the labor relations context; and he routinely works with corporate counsel, executive management, and human resources management to resolve specific employee relations issues and to develop programs and strategies to minimize risk.
Among John’s specific areas of expertise are:
- Defense of claims alleging unfair or discriminatory compensation practices
- Representation of management in union representation cases, unfair labor practice cases, and grievance arbitrations
- Counseling and representing corporations and other business entities in executive relations and the labor and employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions and other business transactions
- Arbitration and litigation defense of employment discrimination and wrongful discharge claims
Recognition & Accolades
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, 1996-2025
- Ranked for Employment: Mainly Defendant – Texas, 1996-2006
- Ranked for Labor & Employment – Texas, 2007-2025
- Chambers Global Guide, Ranked for Labor & Employment (USA), 2018-2023
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 1997-2026
- Lawyer of the Year – Dallas/Fort Worth, Employment Law – Management, 2010, 2012, 2025
- Lawyer of the Year – Dallas/Fort Worth, Labor Law – Management, 2014
- Employment and Labor Law – Management, 1997-2026
- Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2020-2025
- Top 100: Texas Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2010-2011, 2013-2014, 2016
- Top 100: Dallas/Fort Worth Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2007-2017
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2003-2025
- Who’s Who Legal by Lexology, Recommended for Labor & Employment, 2016, 2019, 2023-2024
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas,” D Magazine, 2009, 2011-2015, 2017-2018
Publications & Speeches
Speaking Engagements (partial list)
- “National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Update,” 32nd Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference (June 2025)
- “The Evolving World of Union Organizing,” TexasBarCLE’s 31st Annual Advanced Employment Law Course (January 2023)
- “Labor Law Update,” 32nd Annual Labor and Employment Law Institute of the Labor & Employment Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (August 2022)
- “NLRB Update,” 31st Annual Labor and Employment Law Institute of the Labor & Employment Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (August 2021)
- “Recent Developments Under the National Labor Relations Act,” State Bar of Texas 29th Annual Advanced Employment Law Course (January 2021)
- “Wage-Hour 2020: U.S. Department of Labor and Private Enforcement of the FLSA,” UT Law CLE’s 27th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference (May 2020)
- “Class Action Employment Litigation: What’s Left and What’s New,” UT Law CLE’s 26th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference (May 2019)
- Co-Presenter, “2018 Employment and Labor Law Update: The Year of #MeToo,” Labor & Employment Law Symposium (October 2018)
- “Recent Updates to the Anti-SLAPP Law,” Dallas Bar Association Media Relations Committee (November 2018)
- “Flip-Flop at the Board: What’s Gone, What’s New, What’s Coming Under the NLRA,” UT Law CLE’s 25th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference (May 2018)
- “Recent Developments and A Look Ahead Under the National Labor Relations Act,” UT Law CLE’s 24th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference (June 2017)
- “Keeping Up With The Times Or Re-Writing History: The Pace and Scope of Change Under the National Labor Relations Act,” New Mexico Bar Association (October 2016)
- “Compensation Litigation and Regulation in Trucking: The Battle Between the States and the States, the Federal Government, and the Industry,” 29th Annual Conference of the North American Transportation Employee Relations Association (2016)
Professional Involvement
- State Bar of Texas (partial list)
- Board of Directors, 2008-2011, 2014-2017
- Executive Committee, 2016-2017
- Named Outstanding Director, 2017
- Texas Access to Justice Commission, Commissioner, 2014-2017
- Legislative Policy Committee, Chair, 2015-2017
- Grievance Committee for District 6, Panel Chair, 2013-2014
- Client Security Fund, Chair, 2010-2011
- Labor & Employment Section, Chair, 2004-2005
- Texas Bar College, 1990-2022
- Pattern Jury Charge Committee, 2021-2025
- Board of Directors, 2008-2011, 2014-2017
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Dallas Bar Association
- Judicial Committee, Co-Chair, 2014
- New Laws/Legislation Committee, Chair, 1995
- Dallas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- American Bar Foundation, Fellow
- American Employment Law Council (AELC), 2011-2024
- College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, Fellow, 2006-Present
- Employment Discrimination Law treatise, Editorial Board, 2013-2023
- General Counsel Forum – DFW Chapter, Board of Directors, 2001-2012
- Industrial Relations Research Association – North Texas Chapter, President, 1987
- North American Transportation Employee Relations Association, President, 2010
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Pattern Jury Charges for Employment Litigation, Advisory Committee, 2005-2008
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Oklahoma Bar Association
Practice Areas
Experience
- Discrimination & Harassment Claims
- Employee Whistleblower & Retaliation Claims
- Employment & Governmental Investigations
- Employment Policies, Procedures, & Handbooks
- Hiring, Performance Management, & Termination
- Labor & Employment Appellate
- Labor & Employment Litigation
- Labor Management & Traditional Labor Relations
- Non-Compete Issues
- Special Investigations
- Staffing, Independent Contractors, & Contingent Workers
- Unfair Competition & Trade Secrets
- Wage & Hour
- Workplace Ethics, Compliance, & Investigations
- Workplace Safety & Health
- Workplace Training