Prior to graduating LL.B. at Melbourne University John was involved in farming for several years. After admission on 3 November 1975 John joined Ellison Hewison & Whitehead [now Minter Ellison] and subsequently became an Associate with that firm practising in Common Law and Insurance Law.

Since signing the Bar Roll in 1984 John has had extensive experience in many areas including; Personal Injury [ including Workcare & Comcare, Transport Accident and Public Liability], Insurance Law, Testators Family Maintenance, Building disputes and Leases, and the Practice Court [Supreme & County Court] involving all interlocutory procedures.