John Ferrell is a Fellow of the 2026 Class. As a litigator for Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, John represents energy producers in the Appalachian basin in state and federal courts and in administrative proceedings before the ODNR. His favorite part of practicing in this area is getting the opportunity to shape the law in Ohio by litigating issues of first impression.
As a lawyer, John believes it is critical to put training and education to work solving problems for society, educating the public about our system of government, and educating the next generation of legally trained problem-solvers.
“I have always been passionate about my work for the OCLRE high school mock trial program and the OSBA Certified Grievance Committee,” John said. “[I’m] inspired by the advocacy skills of Ohio high school students during the mock trial competition, and judging the competition is one of the highlights of my year. Likewise, the work of grievance committees is integral to our self-regulating profession, and I take very seriously our charge to hold fellow attorneys, judges, and magistrates accountable to our high standards of ethical conduct.”
John shared that he is excited to be a Fellow and find new ways to inspire others as he has been inspired, helping the OSBF confront some of the biggest challenges faced by the legal system and society at large.
“I am honored to be a part of it now and I look forward to working with this year’s class of Fellows to continue this mission,” he said.
As part of John’s Fellows Class Project, he is instrumental in pulling together this fall’s symposium topic.
“As someone recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder for the first time at age 36, the father of a child with ASD, and the husband of a wife with ADHD, this year’s topic, 'Neurodiversity and the Law,' is near and dear to my heart,” he said. “I look forward to putting together a symposium that will educate the public about the struggles and strengths of neurodivergence and its impact on the legal profession and the justice system.”
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