Polsinelli Shughart PC welcomes attorney John F. Barwell to the firm as associate to practice business litigation. Barwell, a former Marine Corps journalist, served a combat tour in Somalia, and brings strong leadership skills to the firm. He earned his law degree from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in 2010. Barwell says many of the skills he learned as a Marine will complement his practice as an attorney.
“There is nothing more exciting or more rewarding than standing up as an advocate for others,” Barwell said. “Polsinelli Shughart shares many of the same values that I learned in the Marine Corps. Those values – honor, courage, and commitment – shaped my development in the Marine Corps and will continue to guide me as a Polsinelli Shughart lawyer.”
Barwell grew up in Tucson, and decided to join the Marine Corps after high school. He spent his first enlistment as an Infantry Rifleman, but eventually transitioned into public affairs and served primarily as a combat journalist. His assignments included teaching journalism to entry-level personnel of all military services, developing the faculty and staff of a military training school, and leading an office of a dozen Marine journalists.
After serving in the Marines, Barwell went straight to law school. While in law school, he was selected by the American Bar Association in a nationwide search to be the student editor for the Student Lawyer. In addition, he helped establish a special court in Tucson for military veterans. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Maryland in 2003, and his master’s degree in Organization and Management with a specialization in Leadership from Capella University in 2007.
Barwell joins Polsinelli Shughart during an unprecedented time of growth for the firm and the Phoenix office. The office has increased by more than one-third to nearly 60 attorneys and recently relocated to the new 27-story CityScape high-rise downtown.
“John is a welcome addition to our firm,” said Phoenix Office Managing Partner Edward F. Novak. “He brings many fine qualities to his role as associate in business litigation including a strong character having served our nation.”
Barwell is an excellent source for reporters working on stories about:
• Career paths –“How I got the job.”
• Associate joining national law firm
• Veterans’ issues
For information contact:
Public Relations Manager Heather McMichael, 816-395-0618,
Phoenix Marketing Manager Molly Edwards, 602-650-2338, medwards@polsinelli.com
About Polsinelli Shughart PC
With more than 500 attorneys, Polsinelli Shughart PC (www.polsinelli.com) is a national law firm that is a recognized leader in the areas of business law, financial services, real estate and business litigation. Serving corporate, institutional and individual clients, Polsinelli Shughart is redefining the business of law by sharing ideas, goals and outcomes with its clients. The firm builds enduring relationships by creating value beyond legal services - with passion, ingenuity and a sense of urgency. The firm has offices located in Kansas City; St. Louis; Phoenix; Chicago; Denver; Washington, D.C.; New York; Wilmington, Del.; Overland Park, Kan.; St. Joseph, Springfield, and Jefferson City, Mo.; Topeka, Kan.; and Edwardsville, Ill.