John B. Wetmore

John Wetmore is an attorney at Simmons Hanly Conroy in the asbestos litigation department. He joined the firm in 2020, having worked on more than 200 cases in his first seven years as an attorney.

John focuses his practice on all stages of litigation, with a particular emphasis on legal research, motions, and appellate practice.

A Zealous Advocate

From an early age, John was intrigued by the law. As he grew older, he realized it was much more than an intellectual pursuit. It allows him to collaborate with people facing real problems and help them find creative solutions so they can achieve their goals.

“I devote my best to achieving the results clients deserve,” he said. “I enjoy using my legal knowledge and training to zealously advocate on behalf of our clients.”

John has successfully briefed and argued a case in the Appellate Division, First Judicial Department, affirming a punitive damages discovery order, Maseto v. A.O. Smith Corporation, et al. This decision permitted the plaintiff to conduct a punitive damages deposition after the defendant failed to provide sufficient discovery.

John continues to take on high-stakes cases, delivering outcomes that single out his legal acumen and human empathy. In Horvath v. Ameron International Corp., he argued the appeal, helping to preserve a victory for a New York City laborer who developed mesothelioma after asbestos exposure on job sites.

John also helped secure a substantial mesothelioma settlement for a Bronx pizza maker exposed to asbestos while scraping commercial baking stones in Caligiuri v. A.O. Smith Corporation, et al. He successfully opposed a defense motion to preclude experts in the case, as well as two summary judgment motions attacking causation.

John’s strategic thinking proved critical in Seen v. Kaiser Gypsum Co., where he helped protect $10 million of a $15 million jury award for a mesothelioma victim.

A Comprehensive Approach

With experience in both private practice and government service, John brings a unique, comprehensive approach to legal research and writing.

Before joining Simmons Hanly Conroy, he worked as an associate attorney at a boutique firm in Manhattan, specializing in trust, estate, and fiduciary litigation. Previously, he was a senior appellate court attorney at the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department, in Brooklyn. During his time with the Appellate Division, he prepared more than 100 reports addressing various aspects of New York law.

John received a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Kent State University in 2008, graduating cum laude. He received his J.D. from The University of Akron School of Law in 2012, graduating summa cum laude. During law school, John received the Board of Trustees scholarship and served as both assistant and executive editor of the Akron Law Review.

Beyond his casework, John contributes to the broader legal community as a member of the New York City Bar Association’s Product Liability Committee, where he supports CLE programming and professional development initiatives for fellow practitioners.