Johnny O’Kane is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Skiermont Derby LLP. He represents a diverse set of clients ranging from multinational organizations to start-ups and individuals in the real estate, entertainment, software, hospitality, and technology industries. At trial and arbitration, on appeal, or by working with his clients to achieve innovative business solutions, Mr. O’Kane has successfully handled a variety of complex business tort, employment, partnership, securities, real estate, and contract disputes through all stages of trial and appeal.

While litigation is the primary focus of his practice, Mr. O’Kane is also relied upon for key strategic, operational, and compliance-related advice by various clients, acting in a role akin to that of an outside general counsel. Beyond his normal obligations to his and the firm’s clients, and benefitted by Skiermont Derby’s national presence, alternative fee arrangements, and client-driven focus, outside firms and attorneys often ask Johnny to act as conflict or California/local counsel, to co-counsel on trials or key motion work, or as a consultant on California law and procedure. Across all matters, Mr. O’Kane is able to leverage his unique professional and educational background to effectively and efficiently achieve the client’s objective.

Before Skiermont Derby, Johnny was a member of the Litigation Department at Paul Hastings LLP, one of the largest global law firms founded in Los Angeles. He is an honors graduate of the oldest law school in the country, the College of William and Mary, where he was an editor of the William and Mary Law Review and the teaching assistant to the late Professor William W. Van Alstyne, a leading constitutional scholar. In addition, Mr. O’Kane was named to the Order of the Coif, elected to the Order of the Barristers and as Chair of the National Moot Court Team, and honored with a Dean’s award.

Mr. O’Kane holds an MPA from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs with a concentration in environmental science and policy. While at Columbia, he acted as an editorial assistant for the Journal of International Affairs and was named a University Marshal upon graduation. Previously, he served on the staff of the California State Assembly. Johnny earned his bachelor’s degree from Claremont McKenna College, where he participated in the Claremont Colleges Debate Union and earned three varsity letter awards in baseball.

Beyond Skiermont Derby, Johnny serves on the Leadership Board of Public Counsel, the largest pro bono law firm in the country. He has handled a variety of criminal, civil, and immigration cases on behalf of clients in need, working with organizations like Kids In Need of Defense (KIND), the Los Angeles Community Action Network (LA-CAN), and Public Counsel.