Managing Attorney in Los Angeles, CA

Biography

John Sheehan is the Managing Attorney for the Los Angeles office of The Barnes Firm, one of the largest personal injury law firms in the United States. With decades of experience and proven results, John leads a team of highly skilled Los Angeles personal injury attorneys dedicated to achieving the maximum recovery for accident victims across California.

Los Angeles, CA

• Email: John.Sheehan@TheBarnesFirm.com
• Phone: (800) 800-0000

Free Case Evaluation

Since his admission to practice law in 1988, John Sheehan has represented thousands of injured clients, helping them rebuild their lives after serious accidents. He takes pride in fighting for justice on behalf of people harmed by the negligence or carelessness of others. John approaches every case with passion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting his clients’ rights.

Over the course of his career, John has successfully prosecuted complex personal injury cases in both California and New York, taking on some of the nation’s largest corporations and insurance companies. His notable cases include recovering a settlement for the family of a pedestrian struck by a snow plow operator in Buffalo, New York. Before joining The Barnes Firm, John worked alongside Steve Barnes at Cellino & Barnes, where he helped accident victims recover millions of dollars in compensation. Today, he continues that legacy in California, where he proudly serves as a champion for personal injury clients who face powerful corporate defendants and insurers.

John’s experience spans a wide range of cases, including construction accidents, workplace injuries, car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, and wrongful death claims. He has represented hardworking individuals such as sewer inspectors, millworkers, and laborers injured on the job. Having personally suffered a workplace injury—burns from hot steel at a construction site—John deeply understands the challenges faced by injured workers. This personal experience drives his dedication to advocating for construction and workplace accident victims throughout California.

Among his successful cases are construction site trip-and-fall claims, on-site pedestrian and vehicle accidents, and an unsecured load case resulting in 11 crushed ribs for a commercial driver. John’s meticulous preparation, trial experience, and deep compassion for his clients have made him a trusted advocate and respected leader in personal injury law.

John believes that success in the courtroom and in client advocacy is built on three core principles:

1. A focused, positive attitude
2. Disciplined preparation
3. The relentless pursuit of justice

He applies these principles daily as he leads the Los Angeles trial team at The Barnes Firm, ensuring that every client receives top-tier representation and the results they deserve.

Education

• B.A., Canisius College (1982)
• J.D., McGeorge School of Law, Univ. of the Pacific (1987)

Bar Admissions

• The State Bar of California
• Erie County Bar Association
• Licensed to practice law in New York and California

Honors & Awards

• Best Lawyers in America (Recognized since 2023) for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs. This honor is based entirely on peer review and reflects John Sheehan’s outstanding professional achievement and high ethical standards.
• Million Dollar Advocates Forum – One of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have secured million-dollar settlements or verdicts for their clients.

Case Results

• Trial Attorney – The Barnes Firm (2003 – Present). Among the results I have achieved for my clients include:
  • $2.8 Million for man injured in a bus accident
  • $2 Million for man injured in farming accident
  • $1.2 Million for man hurt in car accident
  • $850,000 for a woman injured in a car accident
  • $818,500 for a woman hurt in series of 3 car accidents
  • $795,000 for a woman hurt in a car accident
  • $764,500 for a man hurt in a car accident
  • $750,000 for a woman hurt in a car accident
  • $500,000 for a man hurt in a car accident
  • $495,000 for a man hurt in a slip and fall
  • $490,000 for a man hurt in a car accident
  • $485,000 for a man injured in a trip and fall at a restaurant
  • $475,000 for a man hurt in a car accident
  • $400,000 for a man hurt in a car accident
  • $350,000 for a woman injured by a municipal snow plow
  • $335,000 for a woman hurt in a municipal bus accident
  • $300,000 for a man injured in a fall from a ladder
• Trial Attorney – Hellerer, Cuomo & O’Connor (1999 – 2002)
• General Counsel – The Erie Group of Companies (1998)
• Trial Attorney – Law Offices of John A. Sheehan (1991 – 1997)
• Trial Attorney – Hoseit & Koelewyn (1990 – 1991)
• Trial Attorney – VanTassell & Fornasero (1988 – 1989)

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