About John Thomas
John Thomas McKenna built his path from the Central Coast of California to a national law firm. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 1989. He then returned to school for law and received his J.D. from Boston University School of Law in 1996. Those two credentials shaped the practical outlook he brings to legal work.
Early in his career he moved into private practice and rose through firm ranks to partner. He served as a partner at Cooley Godward Kronish LLP, a role that placed him in the middle of complex client engagements and firm management. His experience at the firm spans transactional work and client counseling, as well as the internal responsibilities partners often carry, such as mentoring associates and participating in firm governance.
McKenna’s background combines business training and legal education. That mix suits the sorts of matters he handles. Colleagues describe him as methodical in structuring deals and deliberate when parsing regulatory or contract issues. He is licensed to practice in California and has spent much of his career working on matters that arise in that jurisdiction.
Clients and peers have turned to him for steady judgment rather than flash. He takes a practical approach. He breaks problems down and frames options in business terms. That style is consistent with his undergraduate work in business administration and the transactional emphasis that has marked much of his practice.
Throughout his time at the firm, McKenna has been involved in the kinds of cross-disciplinary legal work that require coordination among lawyers, accountants and business leaders. He has guided negotiations, reviewed complex agreements, and helped teams prepare for closings. He also has overseen associate projects and contributed to internal firm processes.
Today he is based at Cooley’s offices and continues to practice in California. He remains a partner and a resource for clients seeking business-oriented legal counsel. He focuses on advising businesses on legal and commercial matters in California.
