John F. Potanovic

Stockholder


John F. Potanovic concentrates his practice in Employment Law and was among the first attorneys to achieve Board Certification in Labor and Employment Law in the State of Florida. He defends employers in discrimination and harassment lawsuits, including cases brought under Title VII, the ADA, the FLSA, and civil rights statutes, handling such matters through both jury and non-jury trials. John also handles wage and hour matters under the Fair Labor Standards Act, EEOC investigations and all aspects of employment counseling, including the review and drafting of employment policy handbooks. He is admitted to practice in all Florida state courts, as well as the United States District Court for the Middle and Northern Districts of Florida.

John is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee (2005 - present) and chair of the firm’s Employment Law practice group. He writes articles and lectures to many business and professional groups with regard to employment matters, and takes the lead in organizing Henderson Franklin’s annual HR Law & Solutions educational seminar for human resource professionals. 

In 2009 and 2010, John was named to Florida Super Lawyers® magazine, which recognizes the state’s top five percent of attorneys who are selected through an extensive peer review, statewide survey and independent evaluation. John is also AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell.

John joined Henderson Franklin in 1988. He and his wife, Stacie, have two daughters, Brittany and Jessica.

PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC AFFILIATIONS

John is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). He currently serves on the board of directors of City of Palms Basketball Classic, Inc. and on the Advisory Board of Art of the Olympians. John is a past member of the board of directors of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, past president of the University of Florida Alumni Association (Southwest Florida Chapter), former legislative committee chairman of the Human Resource Management Association of Southwest Florida and was a barrister in the Calusa Chapter of the American Inn of Courts.


Education

Undergraduate Degree:
University of South Florida, 1982
Law Degree:
University of Florida, J.D., with honors, 1988

Admitted to The Florida Bar 1988