John doesn’t do this work for the awards. But the recognition matters — not because of what it says about him, but because it tells potential clients and their families that the person fighting for them has been tested and verified at the highest levels.
A few highlights: Forbes named him one of America’s Top 200 Lawyers in 2025. He was selected for NYC Journal’s “50 Under 50” in 2023. He’s been a Super Lawyers honoree every year from 2017 to 2023, and Florida Trend has repeatedly named him to its “Legal Elite” — the top 1% of Florida attorneys.
He is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar, a distinction held by less than 1% of attorneys in the state. He carries an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell — the highest possible peer-review rating for legal ability and ethics.
Locally, Folio Weekly readers have voted him Best Lawyer, Best Hero, Best Social Justice Crusader, and Best Personal Injury Lawyer. He’s been named one of the 29 most influential people in Northeast Florida. His firm, Phillips, Hunt & Walker, is a two-time “Company With Heart” recipient from 904 Magazine and a Jacksonville Business Journal Partner in Philanthropy.
Additional Recognition
- Forbes Top 20 Lawyers in Florida (2025) — In addition to the national Top 200 recognition, Forbes selected John as one of the Top 20 Lawyers in Florida. Editorial selection.
- Emmy Award — Outstanding Social Issue Documentary (2017) — “The Armor of Light,” in which John served as a legal advocate and participant, won the Emmy for best social issue documentary.
- Trial Lawyers Board of Regents — Litigator Award
- MLK Foundation Trophy — Recognized for civil rights and community advocacy.
- Rainbow Awards — Best Lawyer (2017)
- Void Magazine — #1 in the 904
- Jacksonville Magazine — Faces of the First Coast (2015)
- Ultimate Attorney Award (2018)
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum (2015–present)
- DK Global Golden Advocate Award
- Jacksonville Business Journal — Boldest Business Lawyer Award, Jax Chamber
- Florida Times-Union — Bold City Best Lawyer
- CW17 / WJXT — JaxBest Award
- Folio Weekly — Best of the Beaches (2019) — In addition to Best Lawyer, Best Hero, Best Social Justice Crusader, and Best Personal Injury Lawyer.
For the full list of case results, credentials, and professional history, visit John’s profile at Phillips, Hunt & Walker.