About John Michael
John Michael Singleton built the foundations of his legal life in classrooms and courtrooms. He earned a B.A. in psychology from Hunter College in 1974 after beginning his undergraduate studies in 1970. He went on to attend the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, completing his J.D. in 1980 after enrolling in 1977 and concentrating his studies on labor and employment law.
His education led naturally into admission to practice before a range of courts. He is admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court and to several federal appellate courts, including the Federal Circuit and the D.C. Circuit. He is also admitted in Maryland and the Fourth Circuit. Those credentials reflect a practice that crosses trial and appellate lines.
Singleton’s file of work centers on employment-related disputes and the federal issues that often accompany them. He handles matters that arise under federal statutes and regulations as well as cases grounded in state law. Over time his practice has included counseling, litigation and appellate work. He brings courtroom experience and appellate credentials together when cases require a second look after trial.
Colleagues describe him as steady under pressure. That steadiness shows up in how he approaches complicated procedural questions and statutory interpretations. He treats discovery disputes and administrative appeals with the same attention he gives to contract and discrimination claims. He prefers clear legal writing and argumentation that lays out the pathway from statute to remedy.
He has moved between the trial table and the appellate briefbook on a number of occasions. Being admitted to the D.C. Circuit and the Fourth Circuit, as well as the Federal Circuit and the nation’s highest court, gives him the option to pursue appeals in multiple venues. That range matters for clients who confront agency decisions, federal employment law issues, or complex contractual disputes.
Outside the courtroom he has maintained the steady practice of an attorney who values precision and precedent. He mentors younger lawyers and collaborates with colleagues on multi-jurisdictional matters. He keeps up with developments in employment law and administrative procedure as they emerge.
As of 2026 he concentrates his practice on labor and employment matters and appellate litigation.
