John McLaughlin

John McLaughlin became a partner with Wagner, Vaughan & McLaughlin in 1976. He provides a unique expertise in admiralty law, thanks to both his education and experience. Prior to passing the Bar, John earned a degree in marine engineering at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and worked as an engineer for several years before returning to his Washington, D.C. birthplace and joining the U.S. Department of Commerce as a Patent Examiner. Upon graduation from The National Law Center at George Washington University, he worked as an attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, Admiralty and Shipping Section.

John’s special area of practice is reflected in many of his professional activities, including leadership positions on admiralty and maritime law committees of both the American Bar Association and The Florida Bar, as well as membership in the Maritime Law Association of the United States. He is also a Diplomat of the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute. John is a member of the Board of Directors of the S.S. American Victory, a victory ship with an historical museum dedicated to merchant seamen.

John has been selected for membership in the American College of Trial Lawyers and is listed in “Florida Legal Elite” and “Florida Super Lawyer.” A sustaining member of the American Association for Justice and the Florida Justice Association, he helped found Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, a national public interest law firm, and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and a past president of its Tampa Bay Chapter. Recently, John was appointed by Florida Governor Charlie Crist to the 13th Judicial Circuit’s Judicial Nominating Committee. Additionally, he has served on the 13th Judicial Circuit’s Grievance Committee.

John is a frequent lecturer, having authored many articles on maritime law, automobile liability, and insurance law. Two of John’s sons, Kevin and Michael, have joined him in the practice as his partners.