Attorney Spotlight: Meet Callahan & Blaine Senior Trial Attorney John D. Van Ackeren

At Callahan & Blaine, our talent pool is deep. Each month, we publish our “Attorney Spotlight” where we look past the briefcases to see what makes the men and women of Callahan & Blaine tick. How have we won over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements? It’s a team effort of hard work, dedication, experience and savvy litigation. Today, meet Senior Trial Attorney, John D. Van Ackeren!

The Basics:

Name: John D. Van Ackeren

Position: Senior Trial Attorney

Birth city: Omaha, Nebraska

Current city: Anaheim Hills, California

Law school: Loyola Law School (JD/MBA 2005)

Attorney Q&A:

Q: What attracted you to the legal field?
A: The intellectual challenges.

Q: Was there anyone along the way who mentored or influenced your work?
A: Nicholas Hutchinson, Esq. of Johnston & Hutchinson.

Q: What do you think sets Callahan & Blaine apart from the rest?
A: The results the firm achieves for its clients.

Q: Tell us about a case that you are particularly proud of:
A: Obtained judgment in favor of bank and director clients on all counts in shareholder fraud class action following lengthy trial.

Q: What are the things you wish you knew as a junior associate that you know now?
A: Do not stress over things you cannot control.

Just for Fun

Favorite TV show: No Reservations/Parts Unknown.

Family facts: My wife Margaret and I have two sons, Noah (age 7) and Simon (age 5), and a French bulldog named Ace.

Guilty food pleasure: Texas style barbecue.

No. 1 bucket list item: Shoot a trophy elk with my bow.

Dog person/cat person: Dog.

Dream vacation: Hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada.

Favorite high-profile case: The OJ Simpson case.

Favorite fictional lawyer: Horace Rumpole.

Stay tuned for next month’s Attorney Spotlight, where we will meet another talented Callahan & Blaine attorney! Our law firm represents corporate, professional and entrepreneurial clients of all sizes. To find out more about our distinctive approach to advocacy and dispute resolution in complex litigation, contact us at the Callahan & Blaine offices in Santa Ana.

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