John R. Teakell brings over three decades of experience in criminal law, specializing in federal criminal defense. With 19 years of practice representing clients in both state and federal criminal matters, he has handled a diverse range of cases, including computer crimes, securities fraud, tax evasion, white-collar crimes, drug violations, and money laundering allegations.
Prior to establishing his own law firm, John gained valuable experience working in various legal settings. He began his career at a large commercial bank while attending law school at night. Subsequently, he served as a state prosecutor at the District Attorney’s Office before transitioning to become a federal prosecutor at the United States Attorney’s Office.
During his tenure as a federal prosecutor, John focused on investigations and charges brought by United States Attorney’s Offices and the U.S. Department of Justice. He spent the majority of his career in the federal Northern District of Texas, where he honed his expertise in handling complex federal cases. Additionally, John was recruited to assist in clearing a backlog of cases in the District of Puerto Rico, where he spent three years at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Throughout his career, John has demonstrated a strong work ethic and a genuine ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. He approaches his work with a down-to-earth demeanor, believing in the importance of open communication and understanding in legal proceedings.
Handling of Diverse Federal Crimes
During his tenure as a federal prosecutor, John handled a wide array of federal crimes, including bank fraud, white-collar crimes, drug trafficking, money laundering, firearms violations, and more. He was designated as a bank fraud prosecutor during a period when bank fraud cases were prevalent in both prosecutions and media coverage.
In the Northern District of Texas, John prosecuted various white-collar cases alongside drug trafficking cases, demonstrating his versatility in handling diverse criminal matters. His experience extended to prosecuting significant drug trafficking cases, large-scale money laundering charges, and federal death penalty cases while serving in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico. Federal death penalty cases involved protocols for approval and specific procedures due to the gravity of the charges, typically related to the murder of individuals involved in drug trafficking or government witnesses.
Transitioning to private practice after his government service, John focused on federal defense, specializing in cases involving white-collar crimes, drug trafficking, money laundering, and other federal offenses. His practice also encompasses a range of other federal crimes, including computer crimes, securities fraud, counterfeit goods, criminal tax violations, and health care fraud. Through his extensive experience in both prosecution and defense, John brings a comprehensive understanding of federal criminal law to his clients’ cases.
Outreach and Education
As a legal leader, John faces the challenge of educating potential clients and the public about the importance of representation in federal criminal cases and the distinctions between the federal and state criminal justice systems. Many individuals may not fully understand the complexities and implications of facing federal charges versus state charges, leading to misconceptions or underestimations of the seriousness of federal prosecutions.
To overcome this barrier, John may employ various strategies to educate and inform his target audience:
- Outreach and Education
- Clear Communication
- Collaborative Partnerships
- Thought Leadership
- Online Presence
By proactively addressing the need for education and awareness in federal criminal defense matters, John can help potential clients make informed decisions and navigate the legal system more effectively.
Fulfillment in Achieving Positive Outcomes
John plays a multifaceted role in his legal practice, overseeing clients’ cases while also managing the business aspects of his office. His responsibilities include obtaining and presenting all favorable evidence for his clients’ cases, ensuring thorough preparation and effective representation. Additionally, he is in charge of managing the financial aspects of the office, including expenses such as advertising and media.
For John, the most fulfilling aspect of his work is achieving positive outcomes for his clients. Successfully resolving a case or obtaining a favorable result brings him a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, highlighting the impact of his efforts on his clients’ lives and legal matters. This focus on client success underscores his commitment to providing high-quality legal representation and advocating zealously on behalf of those he serves.
Allocating Resources
John adopts a pragmatic approach to managing his workload, prioritizing cases based on their immediate needs and the intensity of the situations involved. While some cases may require urgent attention, others may be important but not as time-sensitive. In managing his caseload, John ensures that he allocates time and resources effectively to address the needs of each case.
To stay updated on legal issues and develop strategies for his cases, John delegates tasks such as research to his staff or contractors as needed. This enables him to gather relevant information and prepare necessary documentation, such as motions or responses to government positions. Additionally, John leverages the expertise of other experienced attorneys by conferring with them when faced with challenging or unique situations, allowing him to benefit from their insights and perspectives.
By strategically managing his caseload and leveraging resources effectively, John ensures that he can provide thorough and effective representation to his clients while navigating the complexities of federal criminal defense.
Courage in the Face of Risk
John acknowledges that one of the greatest risks he took in his career was transitioning from a stable position as a salaried government employee to starting his own law office. This decision required courage and a willingness to venture into the unknown, facing uncertainties about building a client base and managing the business aspects of running an office.
Despite having established his own office years ago, John continues to encounter risks in his practice, particularly regarding investment decisions related to media or advertising. These risks involve evaluating the potential returns on investment, considering the effectiveness of different marketing strategies, and navigating the competitive landscape of legal services.
By embracing these risks and making informed decisions, John demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to growing his practice while providing high-quality legal representation to his clients.
Guidance for Aspiring Attorneys
John emphasizes the importance of seeking advice from experienced attorneys who have worked in the practice areas that appeal to the next generation of legal professionals. He advises aspiring attorneys to learn from the best and most seasoned practitioners in order to gain valuable insights and guidance for their own careers.
Also, John underscores the necessity of persistence in handling clients’ cases, particularly in the federal prosecution and defense arena. He emphasizes the importance of thoroughly investigating and presenting all favorable evidence while scrutinizing the government’s case for any questionable evidence. However, John also cautions about maintaining a delicate balance when interacting with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as excessive contact may potentially disrupt the working relationship.
