John Wayne Horton

John embraces the role of outside general counsel by working alongside founders to oversee corporate governance, equity administration, financing, and strategic transactions, in addition to serving as a trusted first phone call when the unexpected arises. He takes pride in a direct approach to delivering business-focused practical advice, while balancing attention to detail and risk management. Clients appreciate John’s demonstrated personal interest in achieving their business goals.

For 3 consecutive years, John was nominated and recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, in Technology Law (2023, 2024 and 2025 editions).

Prior to joining Presidio Legal, John was a partner in the Palo Alto office of Lowenstein Sandler, as a member of its ECVC practice group. Before that, he was a partner in the Silicon Valley office of Goodwin Procter and a longtime member of its Technology practice group. The first 15 years of John’s legal career were spent at top 30 global law firms, including Cooley, Hogan Lovells, and Goodwin—experience which spanned nearly 1,000 venture capital transactions, aspart of a broader corporate legal practice comprising over 30,000 hours of substantive work on behalf of clients.

John has developed deep roots in the Silicon Valley ecosystem over the past 25+ years. He attended college at Stanford University, where he earned degrees in Mathematics and Music (Music, Science & Technology), and he graduated law school from Santa Clara University with a High Technology Law Certificate with Honors.  In addition to the practice of law, John serves as a Board member of the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation and is an investing limited partner in a premier VC fund. Outside of work, he can be found undertaking DIY home renovation projects, playing jazz piano, cycling, motorcycling, attending concerts with friends, and spending time with his wife and stepson.