John Henry

John’s philosophy and approach are straightforward – focused on identifying and aligning commonly held objectives – and designed to create fertile ground in which relationships between parties can move forward in a positive, collaborative manner. He brings competence and empathy to every interaction – to build trust, avoid positional mindsets, and achieve buy-in from stakeholders. His practice includes:

Labor law. John has handled numerous complex collective bargaining agreements, as well as budget-mitigation processes. John understands the often competing priorities and pressures facing public employers, employees, and the communities they serve.

John has unique and extensive expertise advising municipal and public employers in matters involving police, fire, and other interest-arbitration-eligible groups. He has helped clients navigate complex police transformation bargaining, impact bargaining objectives, and highly publicized issues, such as the use of body-worn cameras by law-enforcement personnel.

Dispute avoidance and prevention. To help clients identify and avoid disputes, John works with employers – as well as elected and appointed officials, unions, and community representatives – to identify effective solutions. He has conducted numerous best-practices training sessions and professional development seminars for employers, unions, industry groups, and adjudicators on regulatory compliance issues, adjudication procedures, and more.

Dispute resolution and litigation. When disputes arise, John represents clients in alternative-dispute resolution forums (mediation and arbitration), and before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Washington State Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC), and other agencies and administrative-oversight bodies. He has handled matters involving allegations of unfair labor practices, wage-and-hour violations, grievances, disciplinary proceedings, and law enforcement liability, among other areas.

Clients. Over the course of his career, John has represented unions and is a former Director of Dispute Resolution for the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board, where he also served as an administrative law judge, mediator, and agency ethics officer. Prior to joining Summit Law Group, John was the lead negotiator and contract administrator for the City of Tacoma, Washington.

Credentials

Awards & Accolades

• Indiana Bar Association Leadership Development Academy, Graduate, Member

Memberships

• American Bar Association