John L. Landolfi

John is a partner in the Vorys Columbus office.  He is a leader of the firm's consumer products and retail law practice, and chair of the firm's privacy & data security practice.  John is also a member of the litigation group and Vorys eControl.

John has 30 years of experience representing retail clients.  In that time, he has developed a holistic approach to overcoming the constantly evolving challenges of the retail industry.  John’s unique, comprehensive strategies have a proven record of helping his clients achieve their business objectives. 

John’s practice includes defending and advising national retailers on matters related to privacy and cybersecurity, consumer protection laws, retail operations, advertising, loyalty and gift card programs, pricing, marketing, promotions, payment mechanisms, waste management, theft prevention, employment and wage issues, compliance, class actions and attorney general actions, and commercial disputes.  John makes it his business to become familiar with all legal matters relating to retail companies.  He has significant experience handling all aspects of litigation arising from these areas, including class actions throughout the country.  Additionally, John serves as general counsel for nationwide retailers, helping them with day-to-day decisions while maintaining consistency with their long-term strategic goals.

John maintains an active privacy and data security practice, advising companies regarding privacy compliance and technology, including privacy policy creation, behavioral advertising, information sharing, cybersecurity, electronic marketing, social media, compliance with state and federal laws impacting the collection and use of information, compliance with federal consumer protection laws, information and security programs, incident response and data breaches.  John has significant experience counseling clients facing data breaches, including responding to data breaches on behalf of large national retailers and grocery chains.

John is a frequent speaker on various retail topics including privacy, cybersecurity, advertising, promotions and sweepstakes.  He has also given presentations on a variety of topics related to privacy and data security to professional associations, including the Association of Corporate Counsel (Central Ohio Chapter).

Career highlights include:

• Defending a national grocery chain in class action litigation with respect to significant data breaches
• Advising and defending multiple financial institutions with respect to data breaches
• Advising and defending a national retailer with respect to a data breach
• Advising a regional grocery chain with respect to the theft of personal information
• Advising an energy company with respect to a large data breach
• Serving as a data breach coach for several large national retailers
• Defending national retailers in TCPA cases throughout the country
• Defending a national energy company in a TCPA class action
• Representing national retailers in anti-counterfeiting cases across the country
• Obtaining a preliminary injunction on behalf of a national clothing client in a trademark counterfeiting action
• Advising retail clients on national advertising campaigns and promotions
• Defending a large automobile dealership in a putative state class action involving truth in lending, retail installment sales, fair credit reporting and various state law claims
• Representing a national retail chain in investigations by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs into alleged deceptive return and exchange practices
• Representing a national retail chain in claims brought by the Ohio Attorney General arising from claims of fraud, deceptive practice and violations of various state laws
• Representing a national retail chain in a breach of lease claim resulting from damage caused by Hurricane Katrina
• Defending national retailers in putative class actions brought in courts throughout the nation arising from wage and hour claims and involving consumer protection matters

John has been recognized by the Best Lawyers in America and Ohio Super Lawyers for his legal work.  

John is a member of the American Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association and the Columbus Bar Association.

Honors & Recognitions

Columbus CEO, Best Lawyers, Intellectual Property and Patent, 2022

Columbus CEO, Top Lawyers in Columbus, 2010-2021

The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation, 2009-2023

Fellow of the Columbus Bar Foundation since 1998

Fellow of the Ohio State Bar Foundation since 2001

Ohio Super Lawyers, Business Litigation, 2004-2016, 2018-2019

Columbus Bar Association Community Service Award, 1999

Columbus Junior Chamber of Commerce 10 Outstanding Young Citizens, 1998

Columbus Junior Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award, 1998

The Ohio State University William Oxley Thompson Alumni Award, 1998

Martindale-Hubbell AV Peer Review Rated

Professional & Community Activities

The Ohio State University Alumni Association, Lifetime Member

American Cancer Society, Franklin County Advisory Board of Directors, Past President, 2006-2008

Westminister College, Board of Trustees, 2004-2009

Ohio State Bar Association, Council of Delegates, 2002-2014

Children’s Hospital, Development Board, Annual Campaign, Past Chair

The Ohio State University, Student Loan Foundation, Board of Trustees, Past Member; Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, Selection Committee, 2010-2012

Scioto Country Club, Board of Trustees, President, 2014

Upper Arlington High School Booster Club, Vice President, 2014