John McLaughlin - Tampa, FL
Attorney at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore
Admiralty Law Lawyers in Tampa, FL
601 Bayshore Blvd. Suite 910 Tampa, FL 33606
Tampa Admiralty Law Lawyer
Updated: 02/16/2026
Areas of Practice
- Admiralty Law
Attorney Information
Overview
John McLaughlin became a partner with the firm in 1976. He provides a unique perspective and passion 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 former member of the Board of Directors of the S.S. American Victory, a victory ship with an historical museum dedicated to merchant seamen.
John is a member of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers and has been 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. By appointment of the Florida Governor, John has served on 13th Judicial Circuit's Judicial Nominating Committee, as well as 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, practice with him as his partners.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- ‘AV’ Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America
- Listed in Florida Legal Elite
- Listed in Florida Super Lawyer
Education
-
Legal Education
-
George Washington University National Law Center,
Washington,
District of Columbia, 1971
J.D., Doctor of Jurisprudence
Honors: cum laude
Honors: With Honors
-
George Washington University National Law Center,
Washington,
District of Columbia, 1971
-
Non Legal Education
-
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, 1964
B.S.
Major: Marine Engineering
-
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, 1964
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Partner, since 1976
Past Positions
- U.S. Department of Commerce, Patent Examiner
- U.S. Department of Justice, Admiralty and Shipping Section, Attorney
- U.S. Coast Guard — ‘Steam or Diesel, Any Tonnage’, Engineering Officer, 1960
Classes and Seminars
- Lecturer, Maritime Law, Automobile Liability and Insurance Law
Pro Bono Activities
- Former Member of the Board of Directors of the S.S. American Victory
- Founder, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice
Published Works
Articles
-
Admiralty and Maritime Law, Hillsborough County Bar Association Desk Book, 1983
-
Ethical Considerations, Florida Auto Insurance Law Manual
Bar Admissions
- District of Columbia, 1971
- Florida, 1975
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1975
- U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 1981
- U.S. Court of Appeals District of Columbia Circuit
Specialties and Certifications
- Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, The Florida Bar
- Certified Civil Trial Advocate, National Board of Trial Advocacy
Other Affiliations
- American Association for Justice (Sustaining Member)
- Florida Justice Association (Sustaining Member)
- American Board of Trial Advocacy (Advocate)
- American Bar Association, Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee
- The Florida Bar, Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee
- Maritime Law Association of the United States (Member)
- Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute (Diplomat)
- American College of Trial Lawyers (Member)
- American Board of Trial Advocates (Past President of its Tampa Bay Chapter)
- 13th Judicial Circuit’s Judicial Nominating Committee
- 13th Judicial Circuit’s Grievance Committee
Photo
Contact
601 Bayshore Blvd.
Suite 910
Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 813-225-4000
Fax: 813-225-4010
Email: Send a message
Website: https://www.wagnerlaw.com/
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