About John
John Severe completed his undergraduate work at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, earning a B.S. in pre-law in 1970. He went on to receive his J.D. from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1975. Those formative years set the stage for a steady legal career rooted in Oklahoma courts and civic practice.
Early in his career he served as city lawyer for the City of Stillwater in 1978. That role put him inside municipal operations and exposed him to the range of legal issues that cities encounter, from ordinance drafting to contract reviews. In 1981 he took on a county role as Assistant District Lawyer for Payne and Logan Counties, working within the State of Oklahoma’s prosecutorial framework. Those positions map a trajectory from municipal law to county-level public service.
Severe holds admissions to practice in Oklahoma and before federal courts. His listed jurisdictions include the U.S. District Court, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He has been a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association since 1978 and maintains membership in the Payne County Bar Association. Those affiliations reflect sustained involvement in the state’s legal community over many years.
Over time Severe’s work has encompassed both the legal needs of local governments and the responsibilities of county prosecution. He has handled regulatory and administrative matters that cities typically confront, and he has experience in courtroom work tied to county-level charges. The combination of municipal advisory work and prosecutorial service has given him a practical perspective on how law intersects with day-to-day government functions.
Outside of his listed public roles, Severe’s career details are a matter of public record through bar and court admissions. He has continued to practice in Oklahoma courts and federal forums, maintaining the licenses necessary for representation at multiple levels. Colleagues and court filings note a steady presence in local legal circles rather than high-profile litigation on a national stage.
As of 2026 he continues to practice law in Oklahoma. His current practice focuses on municipal law and county-level matters, reflecting the roles he has held over the course of his career.
