Atty. John Michael Stephen

Atty. John Michael Stephen

John Michael Stephen is a lawyer practicing labor & employment, employment discrimination and wrongful discharge litigation, erisa and employee benefits litigation and 14 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from DePauw University in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years.

Columbus Columbus 47 yrs experience 47 year
Call (380) 219-6510 Book Appointment

Employment Discrimination and Wrongful Discharge Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Columbus, OH · 47+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About John Michael Stephen at a Glance

John Michael Stephen is a Partner based in Columbus, Ohio, practicing at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP. They have 47+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1979. Their practice focuses on wrongful termination, discrimination, employment, workers comp, and wage & hour. Admitted to practice in Ohio (1979), U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio (1980), U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit (1981), and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio (1982). Educated at The Ohio State University (J.D., 1979) and DePauw University (B.A., 1976). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in Columbus, OH and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About John Michael Stephen

  • John Michael Stephen is a lawyer practicing labor & employment, employment discrimination and wrongful discharge litigation, erisa and employee benefits litigation and 14 other areas of law
  • John received a B.A. degree from DePauw University in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years
  • John practices at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP in Columbus, OH

Practice Areas Explained

John Michael Stephen's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John Michael Stephen handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Columbus.

Wrongful Termination in Columbus

John Michael Stephen is one of 6,861 wrongful termination attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wrongful termination attorneys in Ohio →

Workplace Discrimination in Columbus

John Michael Stephen is one of 7,049 discrimination attorneys indexed nationally. Browse discrimination attorneys in Ohio →

Employment Law in Columbus

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

John Michael Stephen is one of 167,770 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Ohio →

Workers Compensation in Columbus

Workers compensation lawyers help injured workers get medical care, lost wages, and disability benefits. Free consult, no fee unless you win.

John Michael Stephen is one of 54,932 workers comp attorneys indexed nationally. Browse workers comp attorneys in Ohio →

Wage & Hour Disputes in Columbus

John Michael Stephen is one of 4,887 wage & hour attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wage & hour attorneys in Ohio →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Columbus

Practicing law in Ohio. Legal matters in Ohio are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Columbus are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Ohio state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Ohio brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Ohio courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Columbus Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Columbus-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional Ohio attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Columbus or all attorneys in Ohio.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About John Michael Stephen

Where is John Michael Stephen's law office located?
John Michael Stephen's law practice is located in Columbus, Ohio. The firm is Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John Michael Stephen handle?
John Michael Stephen focuses on wrongful termination, discrimination, employment, workers comp, wage & hour. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Ohio.
How long has John Michael Stephen practiced law?
John Michael Stephen has 47+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1979.
Where did John Michael Stephen go to law school?
John Michael Stephen earned their education at (J.D., 1979); (B.A., 1976).
How can I contact John Michael Stephen for a consultation?
You can contact John Michael Stephen directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has John Michael Stephen received?
John Michael Stephen's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Columbus Choose John Michael Stephen

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish John Michael Stephen's practice in the field of wrongful termination, discrimination, employment, workers comp, and wage & hour.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

John Michael Stephen brings 47+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in Ohio, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, and U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, John Michael Stephen can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering wrongful termination, discrimination, and employment, John Michael Stephen can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Columbus

A Columbus-based practice means John Michael Stephen attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues John Michael Stephen Handles in Columbus

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters John Michael Stephen has experience with under Ohio law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Wrongful termination claims
Employment
Workplace discrimination
Employment
Wage and hour disputes
Employment
Non-compete agreement review
Employment
Work-related injury claims
Workers Comp
Occupational disease benefits
Workers Comp
Employer retaliation
Workers Comp
Disability rating disputes
Workers Comp

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact John Michael Stephen directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find John Michael Stephen Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Columbus commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like John Michael Stephen.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with John Michael Stephen directly.

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
The Ohio State University
- 1979
B.A.
DePauw University
- 1976

Awards & Professional Honors

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

Ohio
Admitted: 1979
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
Admitted: 1980
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
Admitted: 1981
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
Admitted: 1982
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky
Admitted: 1984
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
Admitted: 1986
U.S. Supreme Court
Admitted: 1990
U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
Admitted: 1996
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana and Central District of Illinois
Admitted: 1997
U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
Admitted: 1998
U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
Admitted: 2003

Client Reviews & Ratings — John Michael Stephen

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