John Vernon counsels growth-minded business owners and entrepreneurs as they structure, finance and scale their ventures. Clients trust him to provide business and legal counsel in pursuit of their immediate and long-term goals and objectives. John’s exceptional communication skills and keen insight and vision position him as a valued team member.

Leveraging his background in venture capital, consulting and business planning, John is focused on helping corporate clients on their angel, venture and institutional investor-led financings, as well as federal and state securities law filings and compliance. He also assists with entity formation and conversion, employee equity incentive plans, commercial contract drafting and review of ongoing corporate governance matters.

Having board-level experience in cybersecurity, AI, managed intelligence, interactive video streaming and biotech companies, John brings broad industry experience and a unique perspective when providing counsel on corporate and other structural issues.

Prior to joining Shulman Rogers, John was an Associate at Paladin Capital Group. In that role, he initiated new deals and evaluations of potential companies and performed due diligence reviews including the operational, technology, and legal efficacy. He provided analysis and support to Paladin’s portfolio companies, developing solutions to respond to their day-to-day business challenges.  John also served as a legal intern at the White House Domestic Policy Council and the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

John earned his J.D. from the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law and his bachelor’s degree and master’s of science in Engineering, Technology, and Entrepreneurship from the University of Notre Dame. During law school, he was honored with the Meyer Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship Award and was a LawMeets Startup National Finalist.  John is involved in several service organizations including the Villanova Law Alumni Club of DC, the Notre Dame Alumni Club of Maryland, the Lumen Institute, and the Knights of Columbus, and he is an Eagle Scout. He has been a member of the Maryland Bar since 2019.

Professional & Community Affiliations

Recognition

  • Maryland, Super Lawyers “Rising Stars,” 2024

Publications