Partner, Worrell Sides LLP
Denton focuses his law practice in the area of estates and trusts, including estate administration and private wealth planning, as well as asset protection, business succession, general business, and corporate-related matters. His extensive business, financial, and legal background brings a unique perspective for his clients.
Prior to his current practice, Denton handled complex business litigation for a boutique Raleigh firm, ranging in matters from shareholder and fiduciary litigation, to contractual disputes, to state constitutional law issues. Denton clerked for Justice Paul M. Newby on the Supreme Court of North Carolina, primarily handling Business Court and complex civil appeals. His litigation experience provides valuable insight to his clients, especially in drafting and creating plans to avoid future litigation issues.
During law school, Denton had the privilege to serve as Editor-In-Chief of the Wake Forest Law Review, and was also selected by the faculty for the prestigious Dean’s Leadership Award. Prior to practicing law, he worked in wealth management and finance in Charlotte for over ten years, helping to establish and develop an independent registered investment advisory firm. As a Certified Financial Planner, he represented clients throughout the Southeast on various financial transactions, estate and trust matters, securities and investments, and corporate matters. He has extensive insurance experience and practiced as a Chartered Life Underwriter with the American College. He has represented families and their companies throughout the country.
Shareholder, Baker Do`nelson
John is a complex-problem solver and seasoned litigator who has successfully represented clients in a wide range of commercial litigation matters for almost 20 years. He frequently advocates for clients in cases involving contract and corporate ownership issues, real estate and eminent domain disputes, and claims of unfair competition or fraud. John regularly practices in federal and state trial and appellate courts throughout North Carolina, including the North Carolina Business Court. He has been admitted pro hac in a number of states in the South and the Midwest, and he handles binding arbitrations before the American Arbitration Association and other quasi-judicial bodies. In addition to his advocacy work, John serves as a trusted advisor for his clients, providing strategic, solution-oriented advice both before and after disputes arise.
John also maintains an active constitutional and political law practice. His clients have included multiple presidential, senatorial, and congressional campaigns; gubernatorial and other statewide candidates and campaigns; legislative, judicial, and local candidates; and national- and state-level political party committees. He has represented legislative officers in multiple states and defended state agencies' actions when challenged on constitutional or statutory grounds. John previously served as General Counsel for the North Carolina Republican Party and as both chairman and a member of the North Carolina State Board of Ethics and Election Enforcement.
John also counsels his clients on various employment and education law issues, including discrimination and wage and hour claims, as well as school choice and charter school issues.
After law school, John served as a law clerk for the Honorable Glen M. Williams, Senior U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Virginia. He has lived in Raleigh since completing his clerkship.
Vice President 2013-2014, Columbia Student Chapter
Senior Legal Fellow, Edwin Meese III Institute for the Rule of Law, Advancing American Freedom
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