About John
John Cavanaugh earned his J.D. from Boston University School of Law in 1991. He finished law school at the start of a decade that reshaped how state and federal courts handled a number of commercial and civil disputes. Those years provided the foundation for a career that would span trial and appellate work across Massachusetts and the federal system.
He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Those admissions reflect work that reaches from state trial courts to the highest national forum. Cavanaugh has taken matters into the federal district and appellate courts, making courtroom practice a regular part of his professional life.
Cavanaugh joined Clarkin & Phillips, PC and rose through the firm’s ranks. He became a partner in 2000 and has maintained that role since. As a partner, he has handled a range of client matters and taken part in the firm’s case strategy and litigation planning. His time at the firm spans decades, giving him an institutional perspective on how individual cases fit into larger legal and business contexts.
He has been a member of the Boston Bar Association since 1993 and has also held membership in the Massachusetts Bar Association since 1993. Those professional affiliations have kept him connected to developments in court rules, continuing legal education and the local legal community. He has used those associations to stay current on procedural changes and emerging practice issues in Massachusetts courts.
Cavanaugh’s career shows steady progression from law school graduate to long-tenured partner at Clarkin & Phillips, PC. Over the years he has argued matters in both state and federal venues and maintained active bar memberships that reflect ongoing engagement with the profession. His current practice focuses on litigation in Massachusetts and federal courts.
