Austin, TX commercial litigation attorney John R. McConnell talks about why he became a lawyer, what it takes to be successful in the courtroom and more. He shares that he becomes a lawyer because he wants to make a real difference in people’s lives. Early in his career, fresh out of law school, his father becomes involved in a lawsuit after being shut out of his own business by his partners. They lock him out, start operating a new company, and essentially steal the business from him. He attends that trial—completely new to the practice of law—and watches as his father’s attorney, in his opinion, mishandles the case. What he believes to be strong, valid claims end up dismissed by the jury. His father wins nothing, and the loss takes a toll on his health, livelihood, and quality of life.

That experience lights a fire in him. It’s what drives his passion for commercial litigation—because to him, business is personal. The cases he takes on are often high-stakes, make-or-break situations for clients whose futures depend on the outcome. When those cases are handled successfully, the impact is immediate and meaningful, and that’s what motivates him every day.

He also finds fulfillment in the intellectual challenge of commercial litigation. Each case presents a new set of facts and a new industry to learn. One case might involve the FAA and jet engines, while another might focus on home health care operations. He enjoys diving deep into each matter, uncovering the facts like a detective, understanding the complexities, and then distilling it all into a clear, persuasive story for a jury. For him, the most rewarding part of trial work is simplifying complicated issues so a judge or jury can understand and connect with them.

He believes a successful trial lawyer must be deeply curious, able to ask the right questions, and capable of grasping every detail of a case. Once all the facts are understood, a good lawyer must step back and view the case from the perspective of a judge or jury—constructing a narrative that’s both logical and emotionally compelling. Strong advocacy, in his view, comes from careful listening, quick thinking, and the ability to tell a story that resonates on a human level.

Outside the office—which he admits is rare—he cherishes spending time with his young son. His toddler loves being outdoors, so most of their time together involves chasing him around and keeping him out of mischief. When he’s not on dad duty, he enjoys trying new restaurants and experiencing live music—something Austin offers in abundance.