About Me
I’ve served clients as an attorney for over 40 years, handling countless matters and dozens of trials in commercial, professional liability, toxic tort, wrongful death, employment, and complex multi-party litigation.
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What clients value most is confidence, clarity, and their lawyer’s unwavering commitment. My role is to provide a clear path forward and help clients avoid or resolve disputes, which is why mediation and arbitration are central to my practice.
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Too often, clients face vague advice or lawyers who avoid hard truths. As a litigator and mediator, I deliver honest counsel, strategic solutions, and a clear understanding of the realities.
As an arbitrator, I bring a laser focus on the key elements of any matter and work to help the parties wade through their dispute efficiently and effectively so that they can get back to doing what they do best.
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Whether delivering hard news or navigating complex challenges, I approach every case with courage, clarity, focus and dedication to results.
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John C. Stivarius, Jr.
In litigation, it's all about trust and leverage . . .
John C. Stivarius, Jr.
As a trial attorney, my primary job is to find or create leverage for their clients . . .
​Often, the lawyer is the leverage - delivering clarity, strategy, and a forceful presence to tip the scales in their client’s favor.
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Unfortunately, some lawyers fall short, not from lack of skill but from lack of courage, seasoned focus or dedication. Whether it’s avoiding hard truths, neglecting the tough work of finding solutions, or prioritizing profit over outcomes, these missteps erode trust.
For me, trust is the bedrock of the attorney-client relationship. I am committed to forging strong, transparent partnerships grounded in honesty and an unwavering focus on delivering results.
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Starting my own practice has been a way to fully embrace this mission—using my experience and dedication to create leverage for my clients.
I’ve handled everything from high-profile wrongful death, toxic tort and commercial dispute cases to complex employment and professional liability matters.
Through it all, I’ve learned that success is about more than winning; it’s about empowering clients with the leverage they need to achieve clarity, confidence, and forward momentum.
Success is about more than winning . . .
John C. Stivarius, Jr.
Outside the courtroom, I find joy and happiness with my family. My wife, children, and grandchildren are my greatest blessings.
Our two German Short-Haired Pointers bring energy and laughter to our home, while pickleball and cheering on the Atlanta Braves, Falcons, Hawks, Georgia Bulldogs, and North Carolina Tarheels keep me connected to my community.
I’m also passionate about music, singing every Sunday as a staff singer with the Cathedral of St. Philip.
Traveling the world broadens my perspective, but nothing grounds me more than these simple, meaningful connections.​
This journey—of serving clients, building trust, and embracing life’s joys—defines who I am. For me, being a lawyer is about more than cases and verdicts. It’s about standing alongside my clients with unwavering dedication and courage, every step of the way.
John C. Stivarius, Jr.
Lead Counsel in . . .
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Employment discrimination cases against employers
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​Hospital chain in wage and hour claims and putative class exposure
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Mass action alleging exposure to hexavalent chromium
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Wrongful death multi-million dollar high profile case against municipality (won on summary judgment affirmed by GA Supreme Court)
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Lead exposure involving a child
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Embezzlement case valued at $5 million
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Commercial litigation involving RICO, fraud and conversion
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Professional malpractice claims against lawyers, healthcare professionals, engineers and accountants