John F. Furniss III

John is a partner in the Vorys Columbus office and a member of the probate and tax group and the estate, trust and wealth transfer subgroup.  In his practice, John represents individuals, including professionals, executives and business owners, as well as families in connection with all aspects of estate planning, charitable giving, business succession planning and estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax planning.  He also represents fiduciaries and beneficiaries in the administration of trusts and probate estates as well as in disputes involving trusts and estates, including will contests, trust contests and tax audits and controversies.  In addition, John represents tax-exempt organizations in matters related to their tax-exempt status, planned gifts from their donors and their endowments.

John is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) and is active in committees at both the national and state levels.  He currently serves as ACTEC's state chair for Ohio and region chair for the Great Lakes Region.  He is also a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, where he serves on the Executive Committee for the Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Section Council and is the immediate past chair of the Section.  In addition, John is a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for the Probate Law Journal of Ohio and is active in many other professional and civic organizations.

John regularly presents on various topics relating to estate planning, charitable giving, exempt organizations and estate and trust administration.  He has presented to the Ohio State Bar Association, the Columbus Bar Association, ACTEC Ohio and various estate planning councils and charitable foundations.  John received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he served as the managing editor of the Journal of Law & Politics.  He received his A.B. magna cum laude and with distinction from Kenyon College, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.  John also studied at St. Catherine's College of Oxford University.

Honors & Recognitions

Chambers & Partners, High Net Worth Guide, Leading Lawyer in Private Wealth, 2016-2024

The Best Lawyers in America, Trusts and Estates Law, 2013-2025

The Best Lawyers in America, Trusts and Estates "Lawyer of the Year," 2022

Ohio Super Lawyers, Estate Planning & Probate, Tax: Business, 2014–2024

Ohio Super Lawyers, Top 50 Super Lawyers in Columbus, 2023-2024

Columbus CEO, Best Lawyers, Litigation – Trust & Estates, 2023; Trusts & Estates, 2023-2024

Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2005-2006, 2009-2013

Professional & Community Activities

American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Fellow and State Chair - Ohio

Ohio State Bar Association, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Section Council, Past Chair

Probate Law Journal of Ohio, Editorial Advisory Board, Member

Columbus Estate Planning Council, Past Member

Columbus Foundation, Professional Advisors Committee, Member

Ohio State Bar Foundation, Fellow

Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, Board of Directors

Fairfield Medical Center Foundation, Board of Trustees, Member, 2014-2019

The East Wing Association, President

Jazz Arts Group, Board of Trustees, Member, 2006-2015

Fairfield Heritage Association, Board of Trustees, Member, 2009-2015

Ohioana Library Association, Board of Trustees, Member, 2008-2016

Kenyon College Regional Association of Columbus, Past President

Kenyon College Alumni Council, Past Member

Columbus Estate Planning Council, Past Member